2026 Best Value General Psychology Schools
Looking for the best-value General Psychology programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1653 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree evaluated 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 General Psychology Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Minnesota State University Mankato earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. 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 General Psychology student debt is $24,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
You'll get strong value at Fitchburg State University, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Fitchburg State University General Psychology students take on a median of $26,125 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Fitchburg State University
Out of the 1653 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Grand Canyon University landed the #3 spot. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Students borrow a median of $30,027 to complete their General Psychology program here. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,027 median debt. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
You'll get strong value at Metropolitan State University, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,155 to complete their General Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Avila University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Kansas City, MO, Avila University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,200. The median General Psychology program debt is $31,000. Median earnings reach $52,773 ten years out. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Avila University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Avila University profile
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #6 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. The median General Psychology program debt is $25,000. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #8 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
American Public University System landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $31,973 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $31,973 median debt. Read the full report on American Public University System
Fort Hays State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Loras College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,824. Loras College General Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Loras College admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full Loras College report
Xavier University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,425. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Xavier University alumni report median earnings of $64,873 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Xavier University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Xavier University profile
West Texas A And M University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Students borrow a median of $19,619 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $19,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Illinois State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median General Psychology program debt is $22,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Illinois State University report
Concordia University Chicago landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. The median General Psychology program debt is $25,647. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,647 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Concordia University Chicago
Midwestern State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,747 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on Midwestern State University
Angelo State University placed #17 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Angelo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. Angelo State University alumni report median earnings of $50,116 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. Angelo State University admits about 83% of applicants. See the full Angelo State University profile
Marywood University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,420. Marywood University General Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,817. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. Get the full Marywood University report
Villanova University placed #19 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their General Psychology program here. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about Villanova University
Saint Josephs University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,260. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,881. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Josephs University profile
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,593 to complete their General Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. Set against $24,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Seattle University placed #22 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Typical General Psychology student debt is $19,500. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Seattle University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #22 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. The median General Psychology program debt is $19,462. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Set against $19,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
Walden University placed #24 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Typical General Psychology student debt is $52,781. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $52,781 median debt. Read the full report on Walden University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong General Psychology students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Psychology Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Liberty University placed #26 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,933 to complete their General Psychology program here. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,933 median debt. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full Liberty University profile
Western Illinois University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. The median General Psychology program debt is $29,000. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Carlos Albizu University San Juan placed #27 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in San Juan, PR, Carlos Albizu University San Juan is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. More on Carlos Albizu University San Juan
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Teaneck, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $24,966 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. That is a strong return on a $24,966 median debt. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus admits about 91% of applicants. More on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Northern Illinois University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Northern Illinois University General Psychology students take on a median of $24,194 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
California State University Fresno ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,889 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,244. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Fresno
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. Students from in state pay about $9,998 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. University Of Southern Mississippi General Psychology students take on a median of $22,685 in debt. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Set against $22,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,875 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $25,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Missouri State University Springfield
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Typical General Psychology student debt is $21,783. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile
Carlos Albizu University Miami landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Miami, FL, Carlos Albizu University Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,818. Carlos Albizu University Miami alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Carlos Albizu University Miami
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
California State University Long Beach placed #37 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. The median General Psychology program debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
University Of North Dakota ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. The median General Psychology program debt is $23,905. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $23,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Northcentral University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in San Diego, CA, Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,594. Typical General Psychology student debt is $42,500. Northcentral University alumni report median earnings of $48,414 a decade after entry. Set against $42,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northcentral University
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Typical General Psychology student debt is $31,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. Set against $31,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National University
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical General Psychology student debt is $19,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #42 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median General Psychology program debt is $22,750. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
University Of North Texas ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Ashford University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $43,875 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,404. That is a strong return on a $43,875 median debt. See the full Ashford University profile
Marquette University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Students borrow a median of $24,891 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. Set against $24,891 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on Marquette University
Northern Michigan University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Marquette, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,322, while out-of-state students pay about $19,944. Northern Michigan University General Psychology students take on a median of $22,727 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,107 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Michigan University admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Northern Michigan University profile
San Jose State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Jose State University
Tiffin University placed #48 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Tiffin, OH, Tiffin University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,790 in tuition and fees. Tiffin University General Psychology students take on a median of $30,977 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,942 ten years after entry. Set against $30,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tiffin University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full Tiffin University report
Pittsburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Pittsburg State University is a public school based in Pittsburg, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Students borrow a median of $22,951 to complete their General Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,579 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Pittsburg State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Best Value General Psychology Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value General Psychology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1653 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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