2026 Best Value Child Development Psychology Schools

#1

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS

Our analysis found Fort Hays State University to be the best-value Child Development Psychology school in the United States. Set in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $25,967. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,967 median debt. Fort Hays State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Fort Hays State University

#3

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Montclair State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $25,286 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Montclair State University

#4

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin

Odessa, TX

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin came in at #4 on this year's best-value Child Development Psychology ranking in the United States. Set in Odessa, TX, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,607, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,052 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,073 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin

#5

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Henderson State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,234. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,459. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Henderson State University

#6

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University came in at #6 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 $49,361 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. See the full Walden University profile

#7

The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,780. Students borrow a median of $32,107 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,899. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles

#8

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $24,408. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield

#9

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report

#10

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,255. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University Of Houston

#11

California State University Northridge

Northridge, CA

California State University Northridge came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $16,202. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University Northridge profile

#12

The University Of Texas Pan American

Edinburg, TX

The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas Pan American Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $14,694 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile

#13

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Cornell University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cornell University report

#14

Saint Louis University Main Campus

Saint Louis, MO

Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. Graduates carry a median of $26,586 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,783. Set against $26,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about Saint Louis University Main Campus

#15

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. More on Texas Tech University

#15

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Central Michigan University

#18

Texas Womans University

Denton, TX

Texas Womans University placed #18 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Texas Womans University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $24,211 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $24,211 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Womans University

#20

Texas State University San Marcos

San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos placed #20 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $23,659. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Texas State University San Marcos

#21

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,786 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $24,786 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware

#22

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,521. Loyola University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $71,530 a decade after entry. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago

#23

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,817 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Texas

#23

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,813. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison

#25

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $20,031. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station

#26

Depaul University

Chicago, IL

Depaul University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Depaul University

#27

Alliant International University

San Diego, CA

Alliant International University placed #27 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Alliant International University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,254. Graduates carry a median of $21,234 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,666 ten years after entry. Set against $21,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Alliant International University profile

#28

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $19,918. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,614. That is a strong return on a $19,918 median debt. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno

#29

Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY

Hofstra University placed #29 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $57,660. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $24,848. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,039 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Hofstra University report

#30

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,709. Azusa Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $66,677 a decade after entry. Set against $23,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Azusa Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Azusa Pacific University profile

#31

Fordham University

Bronx, NY

Fordham University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Fordham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bronx, NY. Students from in state pay about $64,470 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,643 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Fordham University alumni report median earnings of $85,569 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. See the full Fordham University profile

#32

Northcentral University

San Diego, CA

Northcentral University placed #32 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,594 in tuition and fees. Northcentral University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $42,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,414. Set against $42,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northcentral University

#33

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Boston College Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $18,101 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,101 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%. See the full Boston College profile

#34

University Of Central Oklahoma

Edmond, OK

University Of Central Oklahoma placed #34 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. University Of Central Oklahoma Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $23,321 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,351 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,321 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Central Oklahoma profile

#35

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA

Duquesne University placed #35 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $26,297. Duquesne University alumni report median earnings of $74,742 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,297 median debt. Duquesne University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Duquesne University

#36

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Yale University

#37

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,740. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Texas Christian University has an acceptance rate of 44%. Read more about Texas Christian University

#38

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. More on Stanford University

#39

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas placed #39 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,608. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Kansas report

#39

University Of Maryland Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD

University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. University Of Maryland Baltimore County Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $21,331 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,960 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,331 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County profile

#41

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $21,818. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report

#41

Ohio University Main Campus

Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $24,546. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on Ohio University Main Campus

#43

California State University San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA

California State University San Bernardino landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Bernardino, CA, California State University San Bernardino is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,088, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,750 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. California State University San Bernardino alumni report median earnings of $59,977 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on California State University San Bernardino

#44

Illinois Institute Of Technology

Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Students borrow a median of $26,774 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,592. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Illinois Institute Of Technology

#45

The University Of Texas At El Paso

El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Students borrow a median of $19,819 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. The University Of Texas At El Paso alumni report median earnings of $50,923 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas At El Paso

#46

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD

Morgan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,229, compared with $19,124 for out-of-state students. Morgan State University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $30,309 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,698. Set against $30,309 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Morgan State University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Morgan State University

#47

University Of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, MO

University Of Central Missouri came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $20,810. Median earnings reach $49,560 ten years out. Set against $20,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Missouri admits about 64% of applicants. Get the full University Of Central Missouri report

#48

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC

East Carolina University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $24,747. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about East Carolina University

#49

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN

Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,189 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Read more about Capella University

#50

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $20,625 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $20,625 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#51

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. This public school is set in Bellingham, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $20,361. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Washington University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Western Washington University report

#51

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #51 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,125 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $18,125 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania

#53

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville State University placed #53 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,353, with out-of-state students paying around $8,353. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $27,869. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,144 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fayetteville State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Fayetteville State University