2026 Best Value Child Development Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Child Development Psychology doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 329 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Child Development Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
University Of Houston tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Child Development Psychology doctoral degree schools in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Houston
Central Michigan University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking 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. Graduates carry a median of $27,857 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. 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
You'll get strong value at Cuny Graduate School And University Center, which ranked #3 this year. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $17,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
Saint Louis University Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Child Development Psychology ranking in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,586 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,783 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,586 median debt. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Tech University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read the full report on Cornell University
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,813. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. 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
University Of Delaware landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $24,786 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
Depaul University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $25,310. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Depaul University profile
University Of North Texas came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Texas
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #11 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. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Loyola University Chicago landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Loyola University Chicago profile
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $19,918 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,614 ten years out. Set against $19,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
Walden University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walden University profile
Hofstra University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $57,660. Students borrow a median of $24,848 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $69,039 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,848 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Hofstra University report
Capella University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,189 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Capella University profile
Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $14,357. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Yale University report
Boston College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,101 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Boston College
Stanford University placed #19 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Stanford University
University Of Kansas came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,608. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about University Of Kansas
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. 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. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Maryland Baltimore County ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. University Of Maryland Baltimore County Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $21,331 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,960. That is a strong return on a $21,331 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Athens, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $24,546 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $20,625 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Suny At Binghamton landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. Students borrow a median of $20,691 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,596. Set against $20,691 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny At Binghamton admits about 39% of applicants. More on Suny At Binghamton
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Child Development Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $18,125 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
George Washington University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $25,220. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 47%. Get the full George Washington University report
James Madison University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. James Madison University alumni report median earnings of $69,954 a decade after entry. Set against $21,218 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full James Madison University report
University Of Notre Dame landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $19,891. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $99,980. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Princeton University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $10,888. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $110,066. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Princeton University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on Princeton University
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Harvard University
California Institute Of Integral Studies landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Francisco, CA, California Institute Of Integral Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $23,124 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,177 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. California Institute Of Integral Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,848 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,177 median debt. Read the full report on California Institute Of Integral Studies
Temple University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about Temple University
Fordham University placed #34 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,470. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $25,643. Graduates go on to earn a median of $85,569 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%. More on Fordham University
Oregon State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $24,043 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Oregon State University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $15,754 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Set against $15,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $55,198 ten years out. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis report
University Of California Berkeley came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $12,111. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,111 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Kansas State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,035 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,035 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kansas State University profile
University Of Utah ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,314. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Utah
Suny At Albany landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Suny At Albany is a public school based in Albany, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,601, compared with $30,991 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,521 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Suny At Albany alumni report median earnings of $67,979 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants. Read more about Suny At Albany
Northeastern University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Read more about Northeastern University
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Kent State University At Kent came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kent, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,388. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
The University Of Texas At Arlington offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. Students borrow a median of $21,632 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,199 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,632 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
University Of California San Diego came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $15,500. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
University Of Kentucky landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. University Of Kentucky Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $24,094 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #48 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $24,323. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
University At Buffalo placed #49 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $22,232. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University At Buffalo has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University At Buffalo report
University Of Louisville came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Louisville, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $21,910. University Of Louisville alumni report median earnings of $53,899 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,910 median debt. University Of Louisville admits about 79% of applicants. See the full University Of Louisville profile
Related Child Development Psychology Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (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 329 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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