2026 Best Value General Psychology Schools
Looking for the best-value General Psychology programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1653 institutions 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 help you make your decision, 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 General Psychology Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Amarillo College to be the best-value General Psychology school in the United States. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,503 to complete their General Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Amarillo College
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #2 on this year's best-value General Psychology ranking in the United States. Based in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,500. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies General Psychology students take on a median of $25,230 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,230 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #3 this year. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $31,973 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Set against $31,973 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on American Public University System
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Idaho earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho General Psychology students take on a median of $14,250 in debt. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
You'll get strong value at Merced College, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Merced, CA, Merced College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,200, with out-of-state students paying around $8,520. Merced College General Psychology students take on a median of $6,849 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,815. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Merced College
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #6 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,361. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,176. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,165 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus profile
Bemidji State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Bemidji State University
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Located in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,780. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce General Psychology students take on a median of $13,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,721. Set against $13,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce admits about 34% of applicants. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
El Paso Community College placed #11 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in El Paso, TX, El Paso Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,274, while out-of-state students pay about $5,314. The median General Psychology program debt is $5,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,212. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full El Paso Community College profile
Austin Community College District ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Located in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Students borrow a median of $13,956 to complete their General Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Austin Community College District
Metropolitan State University placed #13 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Typical General Psychology student debt is $30,155. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Metropolitan State University
Granite State College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Manchester, NH. In-state tuition and fees average $7,724, while out-of-state students pay about $9,284. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $66,479 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Granite State College
South Texas College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in McAllen, TX, South Texas College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,920 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Students borrow a median of $7,743 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $36,788 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Texas College report
College Of The Canyons placed #16 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Santa Clarita, CA, College Of The Canyons is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,166, with out-of-state students paying around $10,958. College Of The Canyons General Psychology students take on a median of $7,177 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,022 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,177 median debt. Read more about College Of The Canyons
Cuny Laguardia Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Located in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,218, compared with $8,098 for out-of-state students. Cuny Laguardia Community College General Psychology students take on a median of $8,272 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,653. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cuny Laguardia Community College report
Peru State College placed #18 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,433. Graduates carry a median of $25,716 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,071 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,716 median debt. Get the full Peru State College report
Oklahoma City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,059, while out-of-state students pay about $9,810. Students borrow a median of $12,319 to complete their General Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,146. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Oklahoma City Community College
University Of Maryland University College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Typical General Psychology student debt is $23,465. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,287. That is a strong return on a $23,465 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
Tyler Junior College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Tyler Junior College General Psychology students take on a median of $17,239 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,140 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Tyler Junior College
Wayne State College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Wayne State College is a public school based in Wayne, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,171 in tuition and fees. Typical General Psychology student debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Get the full Wayne State College report
Georgia Military College Milledgeville placed #23 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Georgia Military College Milledgeville is a public school based in Milledgeville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,605. Graduates carry a median of $11,198 in student loans. Georgia Military College Milledgeville alumni report median earnings of $39,257 a decade after entry. Set against $11,198 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Georgia Military College Milledgeville profile
Grand Canyon University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,508. Students borrow a median of $30,027 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. That is a strong return on a $30,027 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Excelsior College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Albany, NY. Excelsior College General Psychology students take on a median of $28,914 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,493. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Excelsior College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Psychology Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong General Psychology students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System General Psychology students take on a median of $26,703 in debt. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,703 median debt. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Sinclair Community College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Sinclair Community College is a public school based in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Typical General Psychology student debt is $13,661. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,558. That is a strong return on a $13,661 median debt. See the full Sinclair Community College profile
Park University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Parkville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,116. The median General Psychology program debt is $29,577. Median earnings reach $56,309 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,577 median debt. Read more about Park University
Carlos Albizu University San Juan offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in San Juan, PR, Carlos Albizu University San Juan is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,120. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Carlos Albizu University San Juan has an acceptance rate of 100%. Get the full Carlos Albizu University San Juan report
Wilmington University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Wilmington University General Psychology students take on a median of $24,924 in debt. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Set against $24,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wilmington University profile
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Students borrow a median of $8,858 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $36,869 ten years out. Set against $8,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Franklin University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in Columbus, OH, Franklin University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,577 in tuition and fees. Typical General Psychology student debt is $35,890. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,892. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Franklin University profile
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,992. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez admits about 56% of applicants. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Salt Lake Community College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Salt Lake Community College is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $4,426, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. The median General Psychology program debt is $8,432. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,867. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Salt Lake Community College
Columbia College Missouri placed #36 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,276. Students borrow a median of $29,300 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $45,378 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Columbia College Missouri
Middle Georgia State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Located in Macon, GA, Middle Georgia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,038, compared with $16,390 for out-of-state students. The median General Psychology program debt is $27,585. Median earnings reach $40,863 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Middle Georgia State University admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full Middle Georgia State University report
Touro University Worldwide landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Los Alamitos, CA, Touro University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,640. Touro University Worldwide General Psychology students take on a median of $25,611 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,803 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,611 median debt. More on Touro University Worldwide
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. The median General Psychology program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Mt San Antonio College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Walnut, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. The median General Psychology program debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $46,283 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mt San Antonio College report
University Of Minnesota Morris placed #41 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Morris, MN, University Of Minnesota Morris is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,526, while out-of-state students pay about $16,710. Typical General Psychology student debt is $22,341. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,919. Set against $22,341 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Morris has an acceptance rate of 75%. See the full University Of Minnesota Morris profile
Charter Oak State College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Based in New Britain, CT, Charter Oak State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,506. Graduates carry a median of $22,779 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,209. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Charter Oak State College
Baker College Of Flint came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Owosso, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,000. The median General Psychology program debt is $41,688. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,833. Set against $41,688 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Baker College Of Flint
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Students borrow a median of $19,462 to complete their General Psychology program here. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,462 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
Fort Hays State University placed #44 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Typical General Psychology student debt is $29,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fort Hays State University
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. The median General Psychology program debt is $31,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $31,250 median debt. More on National University
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus General Psychology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Ottawa University Online ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Located in Overland Park, KS, Ottawa University Online is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,296. The median General Psychology program debt is $27,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,552 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,562 median debt. Get the full Ottawa University Online report
Ashford University placed #49 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $43,875 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ashford University profile
Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Springfield, MO, Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,054. Graduates carry a median of $27,937 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,694 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,937 median debt. More on Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies
Best Value General Psychology Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value General Psychology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 1653 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).