2026 Best Value Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Psychology graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1829 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 analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide this year in the United States. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,097 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,787 to complete their Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,787 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
You'll get strong value at Arizona State University Skysong, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Psychology students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Psychology program debt is $24,000. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Students borrow a median of $26,703 to complete their Psychology program here. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. Set against $26,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
A rank of #5 makes Worcester State University one of the best values in the United States. Worcester State University is a public school based in Worcester, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,394 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,624. That is a strong return on a $24,394 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Worcester State University report
Fitchburg State University placed #6 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Typical Psychology student debt is $26,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,125 median debt. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead Psychology students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Fort Hays State University placed #8 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. The median Psychology program debt is $29,000. Fort Hays State University alumni report median earnings of $48,928 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Post University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Based in Waterbury, CT, Post University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,922. Graduates carry a median of $45,713 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,696 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $45,713 median debt. Get the full Post University report
Fielding Graduate University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Fielding Graduate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Barbara, CA. Read the full report on Fielding Graduate University
Avila University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Kansas City, MO, Avila University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,200 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,773. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Avila University report
Liberty University placed #13 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Typical Psychology student debt is $31,933. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $31,933 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Liberty University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical Psychology student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Saint Josephs University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,260. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $86,881 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Josephs University profile
Mount St Marys College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,564. Typical Psychology student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $72,379 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mount St Marys College profile
Concordia University Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,480. Concordia University Irvine Psychology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Get the full Concordia University Irvine report
Illinois State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median Psychology program debt is $22,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Illinois State University
Lynchburg College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Lynchburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,750 in tuition and fees. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,380. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lynchburg College
Angelo State University placed #20 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Angelo State University is a public school based in San Angelo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,116 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read more about Angelo State University
Carlos Albizu University San Juan offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Carlos Albizu University San Juan is a private not-for-profit school based in San Juan, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,120. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Carlos Albizu University San Juan report
Vanguard University Of Southern California ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Vanguard University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Costa Mesa, CA. Students from in state pay about $41,700 in tuition and fees. The median Psychology program debt is $16,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,541 ten years after entry. Set against $16,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on Vanguard University Of Southern California
National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. National Louis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full National Louis University report
Trinity Christian College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Palos Heights, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $20,605. The median Psychology program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,700 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Trinity Christian College admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Trinity Christian College profile
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Typical Psychology student debt is $31,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. Set against $31,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on National University
Grand Canyon University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $30,027 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. Set against $30,027 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Walden University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Walden University Psychology students take on a median of $55,492 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Walden University report
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus placed #28 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Teaneck, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $37,010. The median Psychology program debt is $24,966. Median earnings reach $57,273 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus profile
University Of South Dakota ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. The median Psychology program debt is $24,593. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $24,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on University Of South Dakota
Northern Illinois University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University Psychology students take on a median of $24,194 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,194 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
University Of North Texas landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Typical Psychology student debt is $19,583. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Texas
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles placed #32 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $21,780 in tuition and fees. Typical Psychology student debt is $40,645. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,899. Set against $40,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles report
John Carroll University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in University Heights, OH. Students from in state pay about $50,500 in tuition and fees. The median Psychology program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. John Carroll University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on John Carroll University
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Missouri State University Springfield Psychology students take on a median of $25,875 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,875 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Rowan University placed #35 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Rowan University Psychology students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Rowan University alumni report median earnings of $59,988 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Rowan University profile
Freed Hardeman University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Located in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,620. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years 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 Freed Hardeman University
Golden Gate University San Francisco ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,343. Graduates carry a median of $33,968 in student loans. Median earnings reach $87,434 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $33,968 median debt. Read the full report on Golden Gate University San Francisco
Rider University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lawrenceville, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,120. The median Psychology program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,208 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rider University
Northcentral University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,594. Northcentral University Psychology students take on a median of $42,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,414. Set against $42,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northcentral University
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $19,121 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $19,121 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
George Fox University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Newberg, OR, George Fox University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,320. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,761. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Fox University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on George Fox University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $21,783 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago placed #43 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $21,780 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $40,645 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,899 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $40,645 median debt. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago profile
Henderson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Henderson State University is a public school based in Arkadelphia, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,244, while out-of-state students pay about $10,620. Graduates carry a median of $19,134 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,459 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,134 median debt. See the full Henderson State University profile
Salve Regina University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Newport, RI. In-state tuition and fees average $50,100. Typical Psychology student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,975. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Salve Regina University
The Sage Colleges ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,164. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 53%. Read the full report on The Sage Colleges
Bowie State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bowie, MD, Bowie State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,218, with out-of-state students paying around $19,938. Bowie State University Psychology students take on a median of $28,375 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,537 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Bowie State University report
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Psychology students take on a median of $26,960 in debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. Set against $26,960 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Capella University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. Typical Psychology student debt is $40,816. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Capella University
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #50 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. The median Psychology program debt is $25,295. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania profile
Related Psychology Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 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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