2026 Best Value General Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Psychology master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1653 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 reviewed schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Metropolitan State University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Metropolitan State University General Psychology students take on a median of $30,155 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. That is a strong return on a $30,155 median debt. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
A rank of #2 makes Avila University one of the best values in the United States. Avila University is a private not-for-profit school based in Kansas City, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,200. Typical General Psychology student debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,773. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Avila University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Avila University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Out of the 1653 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #4 spot. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. The median General Psychology program debt is $11,000. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at American Public University System earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. Students borrow a median of $31,973 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American Public University System
Fort Hays State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Fort Hays State University General Psychology students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
Loras College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,824. Typical General Psychology student debt is $27,000. Loras College alumni report median earnings of $58,289 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loras College admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full Loras College report
Xavier University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Xavier University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $49,425. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Xavier University alumni report median earnings of $64,873 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Xavier University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Xavier University
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Students borrow a median of $19,619 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Illinois State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Illinois State University profile
Concordia University Chicago landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Concordia University Chicago General Psychology students take on a median of $25,647 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,089 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,647 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Chicago profile
Midwestern State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Midwestern State University admits about 94% of applicants. More on Midwestern State University
Marywood University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,420. Marywood University General Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Marywood University report
Villanova University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Villanova University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Students borrow a median of $19,462 to complete their General Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $19,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Saint Josephs University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,260. Typical General Psychology student debt is $27,000. Saint Josephs University alumni report median earnings of $86,881 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint Josephs University
Northern Illinois University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $24,194 to complete their General Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $24,194 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. More on Northern Illinois University
Seattle University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Typical General Psychology student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Seattle University report
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical General Psychology student debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
University Of South Dakota placed #20 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. The median General Psychology program debt is $24,593. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. Set against $24,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
Western Illinois University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Teaneck, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,010. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus General Psychology students take on a median of $24,966 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. Set against $24,966 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus report
Walden University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $52,781 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $52,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walden University report
Liberty University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,933 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Liberty University
California State University Fresno came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Students borrow a median of $13,889 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $61,244 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,889 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University Fresno profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Psychology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median General Psychology program debt is $25,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $25,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. The median General Psychology program debt is $21,783. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. That is a strong return on a $21,783 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Carlos Albizu University Miami came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Miami, FL, Carlos Albizu University Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,818 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Carlos Albizu University Miami has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Carlos Albizu University Miami
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania placed #29 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
California State University Long Beach ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
University Of Southern Mississippi offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,685 in student loans. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Set against $22,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
University Of North Dakota placed #32 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota General Psychology students take on a median of $23,905 in debt. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $23,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
National University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. The median General Psychology program debt is $31,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about National University
University Of North Texas landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. University Of North Texas General Psychology students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Texas
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln General Psychology students take on a median of $22,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Ashford University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Typical General Psychology student debt is $43,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ashford University
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical General Psychology student debt is $19,750. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Marquette University placed #38 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Marquette University General Psychology students take on a median of $24,891 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on Marquette University
Northern Michigan University placed #39 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Marquette, MI, Northern Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,322, while out-of-state students pay about $19,944. Northern Michigan University General Psychology students take on a median of $22,727 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,107. Set against $22,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northern Michigan University report
San Jose State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Jose State University profile
Tiffin University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tiffin, OH, Tiffin University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,790. Typical General Psychology student debt is $30,977. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,942 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,977 median debt. Tiffin University has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on Tiffin University
Pittsburg State University placed #42 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pittsburg, KS. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,744 for out-of-state students. The median General Psychology program debt is $22,951. Pittsburg State University alumni report median earnings of $50,579 a decade after entry. Set against $22,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pittsburg State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Pittsburg State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo General Psychology students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Fairfield University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,400. The median General Psychology program debt is $26,000. Fairfield University alumni report median earnings of $88,794 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%. More on Fairfield University
University Of Houston came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Houston report
California State University Northridge ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. The median General Psychology program debt is $13,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Northridge has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full California State University Northridge report
Lipscomb University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Located in Nashville, TN, Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,572. The median General Psychology program debt is $25,062. Median earnings reach $55,541 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,062 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Lipscomb University
National Louis University placed #47 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $37,170 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,799 ten years after entry. Set against $37,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants. More on National Louis University
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Millersville, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $55,246 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Dayton ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Based in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. University Of Dayton General Psychology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,537. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on University Of Dayton
Related General Psychology Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 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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