2026 Best Value Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Psychology master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1829 schools 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Psychology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Psychology master's degree schools in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. 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%. Read the full report on La Salle University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide came in at #2 on this year's best-value Psychology ranking in the United States. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit school based in Daytona Beach, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,097. The median Psychology program debt is $20,787. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,131. Set against $20,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide admits about 58% of applicants. See the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide profile
You'll get strong value at University Of The Cumberlands, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $21,750 in student loans. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Touro University Worldwide earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Los Alamitos, CA, Touro University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,640 in tuition and fees. The median Psychology program debt is $25,611. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,803. Set against $25,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Touro University Worldwide
Out of the 1829 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #5 spot. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Typical Psychology student debt is $26,703. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $26,703 median debt. Read the full report on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Worcester State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $24,394 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Set against $24,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Worcester State University
Charleston Southern University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Charleston, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $32,520. Typical Psychology student debt is $27,000. Charleston Southern University alumni report median earnings of $45,898 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Charleston Southern University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Charleston Southern University
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Psychology student debt is $24,000. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies placed #9 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,500. Typical Psychology student debt is $25,230. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,230 median debt. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies report
Marian University Wisconsin placed #10 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Fond Du Lac, WI, Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,204. Students borrow a median of $28,468 to complete their Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,501. That is a strong return on a $28,468 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about Marian University Wisconsin
Metropolitan State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Graduates carry a median of $28,390 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,705 ten years after entry. Set against $28,390 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
Avila University placed #12 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Avila University is a private not-for-profit school based in Kansas City, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $40,200. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,773 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Avila University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Avila University
Westfield State University placed #13 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,179, with out-of-state students paying around $18,259. The median Psychology program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,346. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Westfield State University admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Westfield State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Psychology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Psychology program here. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
American Public University System came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. 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 Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,973 median debt. Read more about American Public University System
Doane College Crete landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit school based in Crete, NE. Students from in state pay about $41,985 in tuition and fees. Doane College Crete Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full Doane College Crete report
Carlos Albizu University San Juan ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Juan, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,120. Carlos Albizu University San Juan alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Carlos Albizu University San Juan admits about 100% of applicants. See the full Carlos Albizu University San Juan profile
Spalding University placed #21 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Louisville, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,000. Spalding University Psychology students take on a median of $31,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,438. That is a strong return on a $31,750 median debt. Spalding University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Spalding University
Buena Vista University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,798. Buena Vista University Psychology students take on a median of $32,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,156. Set against $32,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Buena Vista University has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Buena Vista University profile
Evangel University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $28,548. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Evangel University alumni report median earnings of $46,573 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Evangel University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Evangel University report
Fort Hays State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Set in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. The median Psychology program debt is $29,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,080. Graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Psychology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Loras College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Based in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,824. The median Psychology program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $58,289 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loras College has an acceptance rate of 100%. See the full Loras College profile
Aurora University placed #26 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,170 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Psychology program here. Aurora University alumni report median earnings of $58,709 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Aurora University profile
Seattle University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. The median Psychology program debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Seattle University
Spring Arbor University placed #29 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,014. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,732 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants. Read more about Spring Arbor University
West Texas A And M University placed #30 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $19,619 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Lubbock Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,540. Students borrow a median of $28,337 to complete their Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,787. That is a strong return on a $28,337 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Lubbock Christian University
Xavier University came in at #32 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. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,873. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Xavier University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Xavier University
Biola University placed #33 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Located in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,984. The median Psychology program debt is $27,555. Median earnings reach $56,778 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,555 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Biola University
Saint Michaels College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Colchester, VT, Saint Michaels College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,450. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Saint Michaels College alumni report median earnings of $61,317 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Saint Michaels College
Youngstown State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Alverno College placed #36 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,086. Typical Psychology student debt is $31,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Alverno College
Illinois State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Psychology program debt is $22,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Montclair State University Psychology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Montclair State University profile
Bethel University Minnesota landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Psychology students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bethel University Minnesota
University Of Scranton ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Psychology schools. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,777. Typical Psychology student debt is $26,131. Median earnings reach $74,652 ten years out. Set against $26,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Scranton has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Mount St Marys College placed #41 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,564. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Psychology program here. Mount St Marys College alumni report median earnings of $72,379 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mount St Marys College
Drake University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. The median Psychology program debt is $20,248. Drake University alumni report median earnings of $71,901 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. Get the full Drake University report
Midwestern State University placed #43 among the best-value Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,950, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. The median Psychology program debt is $25,000. Midwestern State University alumni report median earnings of $55,747 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Midwestern State University
Saint Cloud State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Typical Psychology student debt is $24,935. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $24,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Vanguard University Of Southern California ranked #45 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,700. Typical Psychology student 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. The acceptance rate is 62%. Read the full report on Vanguard University Of Southern California
Somerset Christian College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Newark, NJ, Somerset Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,900. Typical Psychology student debt is $35,853. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,577. Set against $35,853 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Somerset Christian College
Trinity Christian College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Palos Heights, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,605. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. 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. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on Trinity Christian College
The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Odessa, TX, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,607, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Students borrow a median of $21,731 to complete their Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,073. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin
Villanova University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,211 to complete their Psychology program here. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,211 median debt. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on Villanova University
Valparaiso University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. Typical Psychology student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valparaiso University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Valparaiso University
Related Psychology Value Rankings
Explore 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 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 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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