2026 Best Value Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Psychology doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1829 schools 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Psychology doctoral degree schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,800. The median Psychology program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $67,416 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on La Salle University
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #2 on this year's best-value Psychology ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamsburg, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. University Of The Cumberlands Psychology students take on a median of $21,750 in debt. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of The Cumberlands
A rank of #3 makes Arizona State University Skysong one of the best values in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Out of the 1829 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Touro University Worldwide landed the #4 spot. Located in Los Alamitos, CA, Touro University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,640. Touro University Worldwide Psychology students take on a median of $25,611 in debt. Touro University Worldwide alumni report median earnings of $40,803 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Touro University Worldwide profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Psychology students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Grand Canyon University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Grand Canyon University Psychology students take on a median of $30,027 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,186 ten years out. Set against $30,027 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Get the full Grand Canyon University report
Spalding University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Louisville, KY, Spalding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,000 in tuition and fees. Typical Psychology student debt is $31,750. Median earnings reach $49,438 ten years out. Set against $31,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Spalding University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Spalding University profile
Endicott College placed #8 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Beverly, MA, Endicott College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,650 in tuition and fees. The median Psychology program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $58,336 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on Endicott College
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Psychology program here. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Psychology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Biola University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Mirada, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $48,984. The median Psychology program debt is $27,555. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,778. Set against $27,555 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Biola University
Xavier University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Xavier University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cincinnati, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,425. Xavier University Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,873 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Xavier University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. The median Psychology program debt is $27,081. Median earnings reach $58,170 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
Carlos Albizu University San Juan came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Juan, PR, Carlos Albizu University San Juan is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,120. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Carlos Albizu University San Juan admits about 100% of applicants. Read the full report on Carlos Albizu University San Juan
Fielding Graduate University placed #16 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, Fielding Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Fielding Graduate University report
Illinois State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Psychology student debt is $22,000. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Illinois State University
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #18 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, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Typical Psychology student debt is $22,685. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. That is a strong return on a $22,685 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
Walden University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Typical Psychology student debt is $55,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $55,492 median debt. Read the full report on Walden University
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. Marywood University Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,817 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. See the full Marywood University profile
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,593 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $24,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Dakota
Alaska Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Alaska Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Anchorage, AK. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,760. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,271 ten years after entry. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Alaska Pacific University profile
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,010. Typical Psychology student debt is $24,966. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,273 a decade after entry. Set against $24,966 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus admits about 91% of applicants. More on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Typical Psychology student 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. Read the full report on National University
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles placed #26 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,780. Students borrow a median of $40,645 to complete their Psychology program here. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $56,899 a decade after entry. Set against $40,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Northcentral University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,594. Typical Psychology student debt is $42,500. 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 the full report on Northcentral University
Liberty University placed #28 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. The median Psychology program debt is $31,933. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on Liberty University
Freed Hardeman University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,620. Freed Hardeman University Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,485. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Freed Hardeman University admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on Freed Hardeman University
Fuller Theological Seminary In California placed #30 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pasadena, CA. Read the full report on Fuller Theological Seminary In California
George Fox University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Newberg, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,320. George Fox University Psychology students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,761. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Fox University admits about 94% of applicants. More on George Fox University
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Washington Dc placed #32 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Washington Dc is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,899. Read more about The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Washington Dc
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,074. The median Psychology program debt is $24,620. Median earnings reach $84,131 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach has an acceptance rate of 65%. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
University Of Houston placed #34 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Psychology student debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Houston
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #34 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,783 to complete their Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Rowan University placed #36 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,988. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Rowan University profile
Central Michigan University placed #37 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Central Michigan University Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. The median Psychology program debt is $40,816. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. Set against $40,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Capella University report
Adams State College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Adams State College is a public school based in Alamosa, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,824, compared with $21,944 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,745 to complete their Psychology program here. Adams State College alumni report median earnings of $44,372 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,745 median debt. Get the full Adams State College report
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,780. Students borrow a median of $40,645 to complete their Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,899. That is a strong return on a $40,645 median debt. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago
National Louis University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,245. Students borrow a median of $37,170 to complete their Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $45,799 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $37,170 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on National Louis University
Mississippi College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Clinton, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,500. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,485. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi College admits about 29% of applicants. See the full Mississippi College profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,462 to complete their Psychology program here. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. Set against $19,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
Ashford University placed #44 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Based 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. Set against $43,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ashford University
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Metro landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Metro is a private not-for-profit school based in San Juan, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,780. Graduates carry a median of $10,999 in student loans. Median earnings reach $30,821 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,999 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Metro
Azusa Pacific University placed #46 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Azusa, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,458. Graduates carry a median of $23,406 in student loans. Median earnings reach $66,677 ten years out. Set against $23,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Azusa Pacific University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete their Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Saint Louis University Main Campus Psychology students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Louis University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on Saint Louis University Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #49 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete their Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Cornell University placed #50 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $14,157 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,157 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $40,687 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $40,687 median debt. More on University Of Phoenix Arizona
Related Psychology Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Psychology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Psychology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Psychology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Psychology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 1829 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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