2026 Best Value General Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Psychology master’s 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree reviewed schools to compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Metropolitan State University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Metropolitan State University is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Typical General Psychology student debt is $30,155. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. Set against $30,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Avila University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $40,200. Typical General Psychology student debt is $31,000. Median earnings reach $52,773 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Avila University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Avila University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #3 on this year's best-value General Psychology ranking in the United States. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Typical General Psychology student debt is $11,000. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $31,973 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American Public University System
Fort Hays State University placed #6 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Typical General Psychology student debt is $29,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,928 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Fort Hays State University report
Loras College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dubuque, IA. Students from in state pay about $39,824 in tuition and fees. The median General Psychology program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,289. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Loras College profile
Xavier University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Xavier University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $49,425. Xavier University General Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,873 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Xavier University report
West Texas A And M University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,619 to complete their General Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Illinois State University placed #10 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Typical General Psychology student 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%. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
Midwestern State University placed #12 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,950, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Midwestern State University admits about 94% of applicants. More on Midwestern State University
Marywood University placed #13 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,817. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. More on Marywood University
Villanova University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. 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. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full Villanova University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,462 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Saint Josephs University ranked #16 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,260. Typical General Psychology student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,881. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Josephs University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Saint Josephs University
Northern Illinois University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $24,194 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,194 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Seattle University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Seattle University General Psychology students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Seattle University report
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median General Psychology program debt is $23,000. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
University Of South Dakota landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $24,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Western Illinois University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Illinois University
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Teaneck, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus General Psychology students take on a median of $24,966 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,273. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Walden University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $52,781 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $52,781 median debt. More on Walden University
Liberty University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $31,933 in student loans. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $31,933 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
California State University Fresno landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Graduates carry a median of $13,889 in student loans. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. Set against $13,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Fresno
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Psychology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Missouri State University Springfield placed #26 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical General Psychology student debt is $25,875. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Set against $25,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. More on Missouri State University Springfield
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $21,783 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,909. Set against $21,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile
Carlos Albizu University Miami offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Miami, FL, Carlos Albizu University Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,818. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Carlos Albizu University Miami report
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
California State University Long Beach ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
University Of Southern Mississippi offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. The median General Psychology program debt is $22,685. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. Set against $22,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
University Of North Dakota placed #32 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. University Of North Dakota General Psychology students take on a median of $23,905 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $23,905 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
National University placed #32 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Students borrow a median of $31,250 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about National University
University Of North Texas ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Ashford University placed #35 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Students borrow a median of $43,875 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $35,404 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ashford University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #35 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete their General Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,750 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin General Psychology students take on a median of $19,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Marquette University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,891 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,257. That is a strong return on a $24,891 median debt. Marquette University admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full Marquette University report
Northern Michigan University placed #39 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Marquette, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,322, while out-of-state students pay about $19,944. Typical General Psychology student debt is $22,727. Northern Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $47,107 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,727 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Northern Michigan University
San Jose State University placed #40 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Tiffin University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Set in Tiffin, OH, Tiffin University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,790. Graduates carry a median of $30,977 in student loans. Median earnings reach $35,942 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on Tiffin University
Pittsburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Pittsburg State University is a public school based in Pittsburg, KS. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Pittsburg State University General Psychology students take on a median of $22,951 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,579 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,951 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Pittsburg State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #43 among the best-value General Psychology schools in the United States. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
Fairfield University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,400 in tuition and fees. Fairfield University General Psychology students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $88,794 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fairfield University
University Of Houston landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Houston
California State University Northridge ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. This public school is set in Northridge, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. California State University Northridge General Psychology students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full California State University Northridge profile
National Louis University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. National Louis University General Psychology students take on a median of $37,170 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. Set against $37,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on National Louis University
Lipscomb University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Nashville, TN, Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,572. Graduates carry a median of $25,062 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,541. That is a strong return on a $25,062 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lipscomb University profile
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,246. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Dayton ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Psychology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. Typical General Psychology student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,537 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read more about University Of Dayton
Related General Psychology Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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