2026 Best Value General Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Psychology doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1653 colleges 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Grand Canyon University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $30,027 in student loans. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. Set against $30,027 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Typical General Psychology student debt is $11,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
A rank of #3 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median General Psychology program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at Walden University, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. The median General Psychology program debt is $52,781. A decade after starting, 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
A rank of #4 makes University Of South Dakota one of the best values in the United States. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $24,593 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. That is a strong return on a $24,593 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of South Dakota
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,685 to complete their General Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. Set against $22,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
Carlos Albizu University San Juan came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Juan, PR, Carlos Albizu University San Juan is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,120. Carlos Albizu University San Juan alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Carlos Albizu University San Juan
Northcentral University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,594. Northcentral University General Psychology students take on a median of $42,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,414 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $42,500 median debt. More on Northcentral University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $19,462 in student loans. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. Set against $19,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Typical General Psychology student debt is $21,783. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report
Ashford University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Ashford University General Psychology students take on a median of $43,875 in debt. Ashford University alumni report median earnings of $35,404 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $43,875 median debt. Get the full Ashford University report
University Of North Dakota landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,905 to complete their General Psychology program here. 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. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of North Dakota
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median General Psychology program debt is $22,750. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin General Psychology students take on a median of $19,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Northern Illinois University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical General Psychology student debt is $24,194. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $24,194 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
Capella University placed #16 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400. Capella University General Psychology students take on a median of $40,816 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. Set against $40,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Capella University report
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. 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. The median General Psychology program debt is $21,215. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,215 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
American International College placed #18 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Springfield, MA, American International College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,230. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,124. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on American International College
Seattle Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,407. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,506 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on Seattle Pacific University
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Iowa State University General Psychology students take on a median of $23,121 in debt. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,121 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Iowa State University
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $21,780 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $40,645 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,899 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles report
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median General Psychology program debt is $21,267. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Wyoming ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their General Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
Claremont Graduate University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,372 ten years after entry. See the full Claremont Graduate University profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. The median General Psychology program debt is $25,295. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Set against $25,295 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Alaska Anchorage placed #26 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,738, with out-of-state students paying around $21,322. University Of Alaska Anchorage General Psychology students take on a median of $16,432 in debt. University Of Alaska Anchorage alumni report median earnings of $51,871 a decade after entry. Set against $16,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full University Of Alaska Anchorage report
University Of Memphis placed #27 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Texas Christian University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Texas Christian University General Psychology students take on a median of $23,412 in debt. Texas Christian University alumni report median earnings of $68,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 44%. Read the full report on Texas Christian University
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Chatham University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Chatham University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,001. The median General Psychology program debt is $21,853. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,410 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,853 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Chatham University
University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,098, with out-of-state students paying around $22,562. Typical General Psychology student debt is $27,000. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #30 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 $65,636. The median General Psychology program debt is $23,529. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,862. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. The acceptance rate is 12%. Get the full Carnegie Mellon University report
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University General Psychology students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University profile
Illinois Institute Of Technology placed #34 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. The median General Psychology program debt is $26,774. Median earnings reach $82,592 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. University Of Georgia General Psychology students take on a median of $21,552 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Set against $21,552 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Georgia report
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Typical General Psychology student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,037. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Arkansas came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete their General Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Arkansas
Loma Linda University placed #39 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit school based in Loma Linda, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,960. The median General Psychology program debt is $25,094. Median earnings reach $89,816 ten years out. Set against $25,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Loma Linda University
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. The median General Psychology program debt is $23,147. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
George Mason University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. George Mason University alumni report median earnings of $76,343 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full George Mason University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $22,373 to complete their General Psychology program here. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,373 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #43 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. The median General Psychology program debt is $18,195. The University Of Texas At El Paso alumni report median earnings of $50,923 a decade after entry. Set against $18,195 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At El Paso report
James Madison University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. James Madison University is a public school based in Harrisonburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Typical General Psychology student debt is $23,000. Median earnings reach $69,954 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full James Madison University report
Washington State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. The median General Psychology program debt is $21,500. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Washington State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Students borrow a median of $22,151 to complete their General Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,151 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Temple University placed #48 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Temple University General Psychology students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full Temple University report
Montana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,287. Typical General Psychology student debt is $22,977. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Montana State University report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical General Psychology student debt is $21,700. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Set against $21,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of Colorado Boulder placed #51 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. University Of Colorado Boulder General Psychology students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,738 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder
Related General Psychology Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value General Psychology Schools (All Levels)
- 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
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 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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