2026 Best Value Child Development Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Child Development Psychology doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 329 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Child Development Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Central Michigan University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Child Development Psychology doctoral degree schools in the United States. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $27,857. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Central Michigan University
Our analysis found University Of Houston to be the best-value Child Development Psychology school in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Students borrow a median of $21,255 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Houston
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Graduate School And University Center earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Louis University Main Campus earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $26,586. Saint Louis University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $70,783 a decade after entry. Set against $26,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Louis University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
Out of the 329 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Texas Tech University landed the #5 spot. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $24,271. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Cornell University placed #6 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $15,005. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on Cornell University
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. University Of Delaware Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $24,786 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Set against $24,786 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $25,310. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Depaul University
University Of North Texas came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,817. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Loyola University Chicago ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,521. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Loyola University Chicago
University Of Nevada Reno placed #13 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Reno, NV. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $19,918 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,614. That is a strong return on a $19,918 median debt. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
Walden University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $49,361. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Walden University profile
Hofstra University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $57,660 in tuition and fees. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $24,848. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hofstra University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Hofstra University
Capella University placed #16 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400. Capella University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $35,998 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Capella University profile
Yale University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. Yale University alumni report median earnings of $100,533 a decade after entry. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Yale University
Boston College placed #17 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,101 in student loans. Median earnings reach $103,937 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Boston College report
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $10,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Stanford University
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. University Of Missouri Columbia Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
University Of Maryland Baltimore County ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Located in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,256, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. University Of Maryland Baltimore County Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $21,331 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,960 ten years out. Set against $21,331 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $20,625. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,625 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Suny At Binghamton ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $20,691. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,596. That is a strong return on a $20,691 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. More on Suny At Binghamton
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Child Development Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Pennsylvania placed #26 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $18,125 in student loans. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
George Washington University placed #26 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $25,220 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,873 ten years after entry. Set against $25,220 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. More on George Washington University
James Madison University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. James Madison University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $21,218 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,954 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on James Madison University
University Of Notre Dame came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,025. University Of Notre Dame Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $19,891 in debt. Median earnings reach $99,980 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,891 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read more about University Of Notre Dame
Princeton University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,688. Students borrow a median of $10,888 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $110,066. Set against $10,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Princeton University admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full Princeton University report
Harvard University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read more about Harvard University
Temple University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Temple University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on Temple University
California Institute Of Integral Studies placed #32 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Located in San Francisco, CA, California Institute Of Integral Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,124. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $24,177. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,848. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on California Institute Of Integral Studies
Fordham University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,470 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,643 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $85,569 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fordham University profile
Oregon State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Students borrow a median of $24,043 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Oregon State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Oregon State University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #35 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $15,754. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $15,754 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,146. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis alumni report median earnings of $55,198 a decade after entry. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $12,111. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $12,111 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Kansas State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Kansas State University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $20,035 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Kansas State University report
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $21,314. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Utah
Suny At Albany ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Albany, NY, Suny At Albany is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,601, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,521. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,979. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. More on Suny At Albany
Northeastern University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. More on Northeastern University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #43 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Kent State University At Kent came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #45 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public school based in Arlington, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,632. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,199 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,632 median debt. The University Of Texas At Arlington has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
University Of California San Diego ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $15,500. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego
University Of Kentucky placed #47 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $24,323 in debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. Read the full report on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
University At Buffalo ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. University At Buffalo is a public school based in Buffalo, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. University At Buffalo Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $22,232 in debt. University At Buffalo alumni report median earnings of $70,814 a decade after entry. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University At Buffalo has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University At Buffalo report
University Of Louisville landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Louisville, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,910. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,899 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Louisville admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Louisville
Related Child Development Psychology Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 329 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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