2026 Best Value Child Development Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Child Development Psychology master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 329 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Montclair State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Child Development Psychology master's degree schools in the United States. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $25,286. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
A rank of #2 makes The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin one of the best values in the United States. Based in Odessa, TX, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,607, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Students borrow a median of $20,052 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,073. That is a strong return on a $20,052 median debt. The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin admits about 95% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin profile
Out of the 329 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Henderson State University landed the #3 spot. Based in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, while out-of-state students pay about $10,620. Henderson State University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $23,234 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,459 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Henderson State University report
A rank of #4 makes Walden University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $49,361. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Walden University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Graduate School And University Center earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $17,921. 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 has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #6 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $14,694. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,620 ten years after entry. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
California State University Northridge came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Students borrow a median of $16,202 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $59,115 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,202 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full California State University Northridge report
Cornell University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $15,005. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about Cornell University
Texas Womans University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. This public school is set in Denton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Texas Womans University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $24,211 in debt. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Texas Tech University placed #10 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Loyola University Chicago placed #13 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,521. Loyola University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $71,530 a decade after entry. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Loyola University Chicago
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
Alliant International University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Alliant International University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,254. Students borrow a median of $21,234 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,666. Set against $21,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Alliant International University profile
University Of Delaware came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $24,786. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $24,786 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Delaware report
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Depaul University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $25,310. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Depaul University report
Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $26,586. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,783 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,586 median debt. Saint Louis University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on Saint Louis University Main Campus
Fordham University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Fordham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bronx, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,470. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $25,643. Fordham University alumni report median earnings of $85,569 a decade after entry. Set against $25,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants. More on Fordham University
Central Michigan University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,857 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Azusa Pacific University placed #22 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,458. Azusa Pacific University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $23,709 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,677 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Azusa Pacific University
Northcentral University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,594 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $42,500 in student loans. Northcentral University alumni report median earnings of $48,414 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $42,500 median debt. See the full Northcentral University profile
Boston College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $18,101 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. More on Boston College
University Of Nevada Reno placed #25 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,918 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, 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%. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
University Of Central Oklahoma came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edmond, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,818, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $23,321. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,351. That is a strong return on a $23,321 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Central Oklahoma
Duquesne University placed #27 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,986. Duquesne University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $26,297 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,742. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Duquesne University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Child Development Psychology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,533. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Get the full Yale University report
Texas Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,740. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,500. Texas Christian University alumni report median earnings of $68,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants. See the full Texas Christian University profile
California State University San Bernardino placed #30 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in San Bernardino, CA, California State University San Bernardino is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $16,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,977. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full California State University San Bernardino report
Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,592. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Illinois Institute Of Technology
University Of Utah landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $21,314. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $21,314 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Utah
University Of Maryland Baltimore County landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,331 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,960. Set against $21,331 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland Baltimore County has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County report
Ohio University Main Campus placed #32 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $24,546 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on Ohio University Main Campus
The University Of Texas At El Paso came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,819 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,923 ten years after entry. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read more about The University Of Texas At El Paso
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located 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. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Stanford University
Morgan State University placed #37 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,229, while out-of-state students pay about $19,124. Graduates carry a median of $30,309 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Morgan State University
University Of Kansas placed #38 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,608. 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. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of Central Missouri ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $20,810. University Of Central Missouri alumni report median earnings of $49,560 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,810 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Central Missouri profile
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $21,818. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Pennsylvania placed #41 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $18,125 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Western Washington University placed #42 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $20,361. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Washington University
Capella University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Get the full Capella University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,625 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $20,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Central Washington University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $21,988. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,580. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Central Washington University
St Francis College placed #46 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Brooklyn, NY, St Francis College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,775 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,966 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full St Francis College profile
University Of Notre Dame came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $19,891. Graduates go on to earn a median of $99,980 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,891 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of Notre Dame
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Harvard University
Ball State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,518 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ball State University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $15,754. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $15,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Princeton University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. Princeton University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $10,888 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $110,066. That is a strong return on a $10,888 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read the full report on Princeton University
Seton Hall University came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Based in South Orange, NJ, Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,170 in tuition and fees. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,422. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,196. That is a strong return on a $23,422 median debt. Seton Hall University has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Seton Hall University profile
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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