2026 Best Value Child Development Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Child Development Psychology master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 329 institutions 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, Grad Degree reviewed 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 Child Development Psychology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Montclair State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Child Development Psychology master's degree schools in the United States. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montclair State University
Out of the 329 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Odessa, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,607, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,052 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin alumni report median earnings of $56,073 a decade after entry. Set against $20,052 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin admits about 95% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin
You'll get strong value at Henderson State University, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,244, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $23,234. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,459 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Henderson State University profile
A rank of #4 makes Walden University one of the best values in the United States. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $49,361. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. Read the full report on Walden University
Out of the 329 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #5 spot. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $17,921. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. The University Of Texas Pan American is a public school based in Edinburg, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,620. That is a strong return on a $14,694 median debt. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile
California State University Northridge ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Graduates carry a median of $16,202 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Northridge has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Cornell University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cornell University report
Texas Tech University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $24,271. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Texas Womans University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Texas Womans University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $24,211 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. More on Texas Womans University
Loyola University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Loyola University Chicago
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,659. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Texas State University San Marcos
Alliant International University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, Alliant International University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,254. Alliant International University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $21,234 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,666. Set against $21,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Alliant International University profile
University Of Delaware landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $24,786 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Set against $24,786 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Depaul University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $25,310. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Depaul University
Saint Louis University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,760. Saint Louis University Main Campus Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $26,586 in debt. 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 has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
Fordham University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,470. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants. More on Fordham University
Central Michigan University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Azusa Pacific University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,458. Azusa Pacific University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $23,709 in debt. 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. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Azusa Pacific University
Northcentral University placed #23 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,594. Students borrow a median of $42,500 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $48,414 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $42,500 median debt. Read more about Northcentral University
Boston College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Students borrow a median of $18,101 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,937. That is a strong return on a $18,101 median debt. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. Read more about Boston College
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $19,918. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. Set against $19,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Central Oklahoma landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,818 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $23,321. University Of Central Oklahoma alumni report median earnings of $48,351 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,321 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about University Of Central Oklahoma
Duquesne University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,986. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $26,297. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,742. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Duquesne University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Child Development Psychology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,533. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. Yale University admits about 4% of applicants. See the full Yale University profile
Texas Christian University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,740. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,424. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Christian University has an acceptance rate of 44%. Get the full Texas Christian University report
California State University San Bernardino offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in San Bernardino, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,088, with out-of-state students paying around $20,688. Students borrow a median of $16,750 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $59,977 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University San Bernardino has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full California State University San Bernardino report
Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $26,774. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,592 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Illinois Institute Of Technology
University Of Utah placed #32 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,314. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $21,314 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Utah
The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,923. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At El Paso
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $24,546. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Maryland Baltimore County placed #32 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,331. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,960. That is a strong return on a $21,331 median debt. University Of Maryland Baltimore County has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County report
Stanford University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $10,492. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Stanford University
Morgan State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,229, with out-of-state students paying around $19,124. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $30,309. Median earnings reach $50,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,309 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Morgan State University
University Of Kansas landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,608. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Kansas
University Of Central Missouri landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. University Of Central Missouri Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $20,810 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,560 ten years out. Set against $20,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Pennsylvania placed #41 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $18,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Set against $18,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Western Washington University placed #42 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Graduates carry a median of $20,361 in student loans. Western Washington University alumni report median earnings of $62,569 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Western Washington University profile
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. Capella University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $35,998 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Capella University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #44 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $20,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Central Washington University placed #45 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ellensburg, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,988. Median earnings reach $61,580 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Washington University has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Central Washington University
St Francis College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Brooklyn, NY, St Francis College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $28,775. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $24,966. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full St Francis College profile
University Of Notre Dame came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,025. University Of Notre Dame Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $19,891 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $99,980. That is a strong return on a $19,891 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read more about University Of Notre Dame
Harvard University placed #48 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. 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. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $16,616. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Harvard University
Ball State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,518 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,833 ten years after entry. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Ball State University
Princeton University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Princeton University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $10,888 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $110,066. That is a strong return on a $10,888 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. More on Princeton University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,754 in student loans. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,754 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Seton Hall University ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Located in South Orange, NJ, Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,170. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $23,422. Median earnings reach $70,196 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Seton Hall University
Related Child Development Psychology Value Rankings
Explore 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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