2026 Best Value General Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Psychology doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1653 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed 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 General Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Grand Canyon University this year in the United States. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. The median General Psychology program debt is $30,027. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. That is a strong return on a $30,027 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #2 on this year's best-value General Psychology ranking in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo General Psychology students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #3 on this year's best-value General Psychology ranking in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical General Psychology student debt is $25,000. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at University Of South Dakota, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Students borrow a median of $24,593 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,593 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Walden University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. The median General Psychology program debt is $52,781. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Set against $52,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walden University report
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. The median General Psychology program debt is $22,685. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
Carlos Albizu University San Juan landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Juan, PR, Carlos Albizu University San Juan is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,120. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 100%. See the full Carlos Albizu University San Juan profile
Northcentral University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,594. Students borrow a median of $42,500 to complete their General Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,414 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $42,500 median debt. Read more about Northcentral University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $19,462 in student loans. 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. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Typical General Psychology student debt is $21,783. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Ashford University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $43,875 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,404. That is a strong return on a $43,875 median debt. Read more about Ashford University
University Of North Dakota ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. The median General Psychology program debt is $23,905. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #13 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete their General Psychology program here. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #14 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical General Psychology student debt is $19,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Northern Illinois University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $24,194 in student loans. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $24,194 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Capella University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. Capella University General Psychology students take on a median of $40,816 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. Set against $40,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Capella University report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. The median General Psychology program debt is $21,215. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
American International College placed #18 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Springfield, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,230. American International College General Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,124 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read more about American International College
Seattle Pacific University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,407. The median General Psychology program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,506 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Seattle Pacific University profile
Iowa State University placed #20 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Iowa State University General Psychology students take on a median of $23,121 in debt. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,121 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Iowa State University
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,780. The median General Psychology program debt is $40,645. Median earnings reach $56,899 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. See the full The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #22 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. University Of South Florida Main Campus General Psychology students take on a median of $21,267 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Set against $21,267 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. More on University Of Wyoming
Claremont Graduate University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,372 ten years after entry. Get the full Claremont Graduate University report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. The median General Psychology program debt is $25,295. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Set against $25,295 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Alaska Anchorage placed #26 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Anchorage, AK. In-state tuition and fees average $7,738, compared with $21,322 for out-of-state students. University Of Alaska Anchorage General Psychology students take on a median of $16,432 in debt. University Of Alaska Anchorage alumni report median earnings of $51,871 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,432 median debt. More on University Of Alaska Anchorage
University Of Memphis placed #27 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. The median General Psychology program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Memphis report
Texas Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,740 in tuition and fees. Typical General Psychology student debt is $23,412. Texas Christian University alumni report median earnings of $68,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,412 median debt. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants. More on Texas Christian University
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #29 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. The median General Psychology program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Chatham University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Chatham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,001. Graduates carry a median of $21,853 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,410. That is a strong return on a $21,853 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on Chatham University
Carnegie Mellon University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Carnegie Mellon University General Psychology students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $114,862 ten years after entry. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. More on Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Arizona State University profile
Illinois Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. Typical General Psychology student debt is $26,774. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read the full report on Illinois Institute Of Technology
University Of Georgia placed #34 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,552 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. Get the full University Of Georgia report
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical General Psychology student debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,037. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
University Of Arkansas came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas General Psychology students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Loma Linda University placed #39 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Loma Linda, CA, Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,960. Graduates carry a median of $25,094 in student loans. Loma Linda University alumni report median earnings of $89,816 a decade after entry. Set against $25,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Loma Linda University
George Mason University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. George Mason University General Psychology students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,343. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full George Mason University report
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. The median General Psychology program debt is $23,147. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,147 median debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh General Psychology students take on a median of $22,373 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
The University Of Texas At El Paso came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based 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, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Typical General Psychology student debt is $18,195. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
Washington State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. The median General Psychology program debt is $21,500. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington State University profile
James Madison University placed #45 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Harrisonburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. 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. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full James Madison University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #47 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median General Psychology program debt is $22,151. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Temple University placed #48 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. The median General Psychology program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full Temple University profile
Montana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. The median General Psychology program debt is $22,977. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,263. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Montana State University report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #50 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,700 to complete their General Psychology program here. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Set against $21,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #51 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Related General Psychology Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value General Psychology Schools (All Levels)
- 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
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 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).
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