The best psychology programs combine strong academics, generous financial aid, and real value — but these rankings are only a starting point in your search. The right school should also fit your goals, preferences, and budget. In this guide, we rank the top 30 undergraduate psychology programs while also offering tips to help you find your best fit.
Inside This Article:
- 30 best undergraduate psychology programs
- Admissions stats at the best psychology schools
- Best psychology schools for financial aid
- Best-value colleges for psychology
- How to find your best-fit psychology program
Academics, Aid, and Value at Top Psychology Colleges
Top psychology programs offer top-quality academics with coursework in clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. Schools like Stanford and Yale emphasize faculty-led research, while Michigan and Penn provide hands-on internships and interdisciplinary opportunities. Strong faculty mentorship and smaller class sizes help prepare students for competitive graduate programs and careers.
Financial aid is key to affordability, with Harvard, Princeton, and Yale meeting 100% of demonstrated need without loans. Public schools like UNC-Chapel Hill and UC Berkeley offer generous need-based aid for in-state students (and more limited packages for out-of-state), while universities such as Florida, Georgia, and Minnesota provide substantial merit scholarships. Be aware that average aid figures can vary significantly from year to year and often depend on residency, family income, and a student’s academic profile. Always check each college’s website and net price calculator for the most accurate, up-to-date aid information.
Value comes from career success, with top programs boasting high graduate school placement, active alumni networks, and excellent job outcomes. Schools like Michigan and Penn blend academics with career support, while Texas and Illinois offer affordability alongside top-tier research and internships.
Our rankings highlight colleges that balance academics, aid, and career outcomes to help students find their best fit.
30 Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs
In ranking these psychology programs, we evaluated each college based on:
- Academic reputation: the overall rigor and prestige of the psychology department.
- Faculty expertise: qualifications, awards, and impact of psychology professors.
- Research and clinical opportunities: availability of hands-on research experiences and internships.
- Financial aid generosity: Need-based aid, merit aid, and whether colleges meet 100% of demonstrated need based on 2023-24 data from Road2College Insights. (Remember these are institutional averages and not guaranteed for every student.)
- Student-to-faculty ratios: ensuring personalized mentorship.
- Graduate outcomes: success rates in graduate program admissions and professional careers.
- Alumni network strength: quality and reach of graduate networks for career advancement.
- Student satisfaction: High approval rates and sense of community among psychology students.
We prioritized colleges that deliver exceptional value, blending strong financial aid, high graduate school placement, and promising career opportunities in psychology-related fields.
Note on selectivity: Many of the schools listed here are extremely competitive. Applicants should keep in mind that admission rates vary, and strong test scores (if required), grades, and extracurricular involvement are crucial.
1. Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
Overview: Stanford leads in psychological innovation, emphasizing interdisciplinary research, state-of-the-art facilities, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Academic Strengths: Cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, developmental psychology.
Campus Experience: Collaborative environment with numerous psychology labs, student groups and faculty mentorship.
Financial Aid: Meets 100% of demonstrated need without loans. Avg. need-based aid: $82,958. Does not offer merit aid.
Career Outcomes: Graduates achieve excellent placements in research, academia, tech industries, and healthcare.
2. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
Overview: Harvard is renowned for diverse psychology specializations and has extensive resources and outstanding faculty expertise across multiple psychology subfields.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology.
Campus Experience: Strong emphasis on undergraduate research participation, individual mentorship, and vibrant academic culture.
Financial Aid: Meets 100% of demonstrated need without loans. Average need-based aid: $70,213. Does not offer merit-based aid.
Career Outcomes: Exceptional outcomes in graduate education, healthcare professions, research, academia, and policy roles.
3. Yale University (New Haven, CT)
Overview: Yale emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and innovation in psychology, providing a strong balance of theory and clinical experiences.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology.
Campus Experience: Strong research and internship opportunities; close student-faculty collaboration in research and clinical settings.
Financial Aid: Meets 100% of demonstrated need without loans. Avg. need-based aid: $87,580. Does not offer merit-based aid.
Career Outcomes: Strong alumni network, outstanding graduate program placements, and impactful careers in academia, research, and healthcare.
4. Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
Overview: Princeton offers a close-knit academic community emphasizing undergraduate engagement in high-level psychological research and interdisciplinary inquiry.
Academic Strengths: Behavioral neuroscience, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology.
Campus Experience: Personalized mentorship, intimate research experiences, and active student-led psychology initiatives.
Financial Aid: Meets 100% of demonstrated need without loans. Avg. need-based aid: $80,140. Does not offer merit-based aid.
Career Outcomes: High success rate for graduate school admissions and careers in research institutions, academia, and related fields.
5. University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
Overview: Michigan’s psychology program is expansive and research-intensive, blending rigorous academics with abundant experiential opportunities on a large, vibrant campus.
Academic Strengths: Biopsychology, cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology.
Campus Experience: Abundant research facilities, practical internships, active student organizations, and community involvement.
Financial Aid: Meets 67% of demonstrated need. 28% of students receive merit aid, averaging $13,500.
Career Outcomes: Strong graduate school placement, excellent career opportunities in psychological research, clinical fields, and professional roles.
6. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
Overview: Combines Ivy League rigor with extensive opportunities for practical applications of psychology, especially in healthcare and community settings.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, organizational psychology.
Campus Experience: Urban environment offering diverse internships and psychology-focused community projects, complemented by student-run psychology clubs.
Financial Aid: Meets 100% of demonstrated need, no loans. Avg. need-based aid: $78,474. Does not offer merit-based aid.
Career Outcomes: High graduate school acceptance rates; graduates land careers in research, healthcare, industry and academia..
7. Columbia University (New York, NY)
Overview: Columbia emphasizes psychology research and practical community involvement, leveraging New York City’s resources for experiential learning.
Academic Strengths: Social psychology, cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology.
Campus Experience: Rich access to urban internships and research opportunities; active student involvement in citywide mental health initiatives.
Financial Aid: Meets 100% of demonstrated need without loans. Avg. need-based aid: $75,213. Does not offer merit-based aid.
Career Outcomes: Excellent graduate placement; alumni excel in clinical roles, research institutions, healthcare settings, and public policy positions.
8. University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
Overview: Known for cutting-edge psychological research, Berkeley emphasizes innovation, societal impact, and community engagement in psychology education.
Academic Strengths: Behavioral neuroscience, clinical science, cognitive psychology.
Campus Experience: Dynamic student involvement in research, community service, and psychology advocacy groups.
Financial Aid: Meets 82% of demonstrated need for in-state students; some merit aid available.
Career Outcomes: Strong graduate outcomes in research, clinical psychology programs, public service roles, and healthcare careers.
9. University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Overview: Chicago’s psychology program emphasizes theoretical depth, rigorous inquiry, and a comprehensive approach to understanding human behavior.
Academic Strengths: Cognitive psychology, behavioral economics, experimental psychology.
Campus Experience: Strong intellectual community; extensive student research opportunities and campus events focused on psychology and behavioral science.
Financial Aid: Meets 100% of demonstrated need, no loans. Avg. need-based aid: $85,700. Does not offer merit aid.
Career Outcomes: Exceptional success in academia, behavioral economics, research, healthcare, and consulting careers.
10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
Overview: Offers a strong psychology education emphasizing real-world impact, with a supportive community and extensive research and clinical opportunities.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive neuroscience.
Campus Experience: Active student engagement through community outreach, psychology clubs, and faculty mentorship programs.
Financial Aid: Meets 100% of demonstrated need for in-state students; merit aid also available.
Career Outcomes: Strong track record in graduate admissions, healthcare positions, clinical practice, and education.
11. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)
Overview: Cornell blends psychology, biology, and human development, emphasizing interdisciplinary education and research-driven approaches.
Academic Strengths: Developmental psychology, behavioral neuroscience, human development.
Campus Experience: Rich undergraduate research opportunities, close-knit academic environment, strong community engagement, and numerous collaborative projects.
Financial Aid: Meets 100% of demonstrated need, no loans. Avg. need-based aid: $65,000. Does not offer merit-based aid.
Career Outcomes: Alumni thrive in academia, healthcare, developmental research, and public service positions.
12. University of Wisconsin–Madison (Madison, WI)
Overview: UW-Madison is renowned for hands-on psychology research opportunities, emphasizing real-world applications and student-led initiatives.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology.
Campus Experience: Active campus with extensive psychology labs, student organizations, and numerous practical internship opportunities within the community.
Financial Aid: Meets 75% of demonstrated need. 30% of students receive merit aid, averaging $11,800.
Career Outcomes: Strong graduate school admissions, clinical roles, and research-oriented career placements.
13. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL)
Overview: UIUC offers a comprehensive psychology program emphasizing both theory and practical experiences.
Academic Strengths: Cognitive neuroscience, behavioral psychology, clinical training.
Campus Experience: Extensive research labs, diverse student organizations, and plentiful opportunities for internships and community engagement.
Financial Aid: Meets 70% of demonstrated need. 35% of students receive merit aid, averaging $12,300.
Career Outcomes: Excellent graduate program placements and careers in research, clinical psychology, education, and human services.
14. University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)
Overview: UT Austin emphasizes practical, community-oriented psychology programs that combine academic rigor with real-world applications and civic engagement.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience, cognitive development.
Campus Experience: Energetic, urban campus with extensive internship opportunities, community-engaged projects, and active psychology student organizations.
Financial Aid: Meets 68% of demonstrated need. 40% of students receive merit aid, averaging $13,900.
Career Outcomes: High rates of graduate school admissions; alumni excel in healthcare, clinical roles, education, and industry positions.
15. University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
Overview: UVA emphasizes a liberal arts foundation combined with rigorous psychology research and robust practical experiences in clinical and community psychology.
Academic Strengths: Cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology.
Campus Experience: Historic campus fostering strong faculty mentorship, undergraduate research, and extensive internship opportunities.
Financial Aid: Meets 100% of demonstrated need for in-state students; merit aid also available.
Career Outcomes: Excellent graduate outcomes, particularly in clinical psychology programs, research roles, and healthcare careers.
16. University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)
Overview: UMN offers an extensive psychology program recognized for research, community engagement, and practical learning opportunities.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience, counseling psychology.
Campus Experience: Active student community involved in psychology research, internships at local clinics and hospitals, and vibrant student organizations.
Financial Aid: Meets 65% of demonstrated need. 50% of students receive merit aid, averaging $11,600.
Career Outcomes: Strong outcomes in graduate school placements, clinical positions, academia, and counseling careers.
17. University of California, San Diego (La Jolla, CA)
Overview: UCSD stands out for its innovative psychological research and its integration of psychology with neuroscience and health sciences.
Academic Strengths: Cognitive neuroscience, behavioral psychology, clinical psychology.
Campus Experience: Coastal campus with significant research opportunities, strong mentoring programs, and psychology-related community service initiatives.
Financial Aid: Meets 80% of demonstrated need. 45% of students receive merit aid, averaging $21,800.
Career Outcomes: Excellent graduate placements and careers in neuroscience, clinical psychology, healthcare, and research institutions.
18. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
Overview: UF’s psychology program emphasizes accessible, high-quality education, blending research with practical training in clinical and community settings.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, developmental psychology, behavioral neuroscience.
Campus Experience: Strong school spirit and community involvement; numerous psychology research labs, internship placements, and active student groups.
Financial Aid: Meets 70% of demonstrated need. 75% of students receive merit aid, averaging $9,200.
Career Outcomes: High placement rates into graduate psychology programs, clinical practice, healthcare roles, and research positions.
19. University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
Overview: UW combines a strong research-oriented approach with practical community applications, known especially for its integration with health sciences and public health initiatives.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, developmental psychology, behavioral health.
Campus Experience: Active student involvement in research projects, clinical internships, and psychology-focused community outreach programs.
Financial Aid: Meets 72% of demonstrated need. 58% of students receive merit aid, averaging $11,500.
Career Outcomes: Graduates frequently enter advanced psychology degree programs, healthcare professions, counseling, and public service careers.
20. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
Overview: USC’s psychology department blends rigorous academic training with applied practice, leveraging its location in Los Angeles for internships and research opportunities.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology.
Campus Experience: Dynamic campus culture with numerous internships, local psychology partnerships, active student-led psychology initiatives, and diverse research opportunities.
Financial Aid: Meets 80% of demonstrated need. 45% of students receive merit aid, averaging $21,800.
Career Outcomes: Strong track record for graduate school admissions; alumni achieve success in clinical psychology, social services, academia, and healthcare.
21. University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO)
Overview: CU Boulder’s psychology program emphasizes hands-on research, interdisciplinary learning, and strong community connections, especially in mental health advocacy.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience, cognitive psychology.
Campus Experience: Energetic campus known for active student participation in psychology research, advocacy groups, and internships with local organizations.
Financial Aid: Meets 70% of demonstrated need. 60% of students receive merit aid, averaging $14,000
Career Outcomes: Strong placements in graduate programs, healthcare, counseling, and community service roles.
22. University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
Overview: UGA combines rigorous psychology academics with extensive practical experiences, prioritizing undergraduate research, clinical internships, and community service.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, developmental psychology, industrial-organizational psychology.
Campus Experience: Vibrant student life with ample research opportunities, internships in clinical and business settings, and active psychology clubs.
Financial Aid: Meets 68% of demonstrated need. 67% receive merit aid, averaging $11,200.
Career Outcomes: High graduate admissions, successful careers in counseling, clinical practice, education, and industry.
23. University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)
Overview: Iowa emphasizes psychological research, student-centered education, and practical clinical training, known especially for innovation in behavioral health.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, counseling psychology.
Campus Experience: Engaged student community; robust psychology research labs, extensive clinical internships, and active participation in psychology organizations.
Financial Aid: Meets 69% of demonstrated need. 58% of students receive merit aid, averaging $12,000
Career Outcomes: Excellent graduate program placements and careers in clinical psychology, healthcare, and academia.
24. University of Maryland, College Park (College Park, MD)
Overview: UMD’s psychology program integrates strong academics with community-focused psychological practice, emphasizing research and social engagement.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology.
Campus Experience: Diverse student body actively involved in internships, community psychology projects, and research initiatives in local organizations.
Financial Aid: Meets 72% of demonstrated need; 52% receive merit aid, averaging $13,300.
Career Outcomes: Strong record in graduate admissions, healthcare roles, research careers, and counseling.
25. University of Massachusetts Amherst (Amherst, MA)
Overview: UMass Amherst combines rigorous academic training with community involvement and practical research, particularly in clinical and cognitive psychology.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology.
Campus Experience: Engaged campus community, extensive psychology labs, local internships, student-led mental health advocacy groups, and research symposia.
Financial Aid: Meets 74% of demonstrated need; 54% of students receive merit aid, averaging $13,700.
Career Outcomes: Graduates successfully enter graduate psychology programs, clinical practice, research roles, education, and public service careers.
26. University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
Overview: Pitt’s psychology program emphasizes applied research, community engagement, and clinical experiences, closely integrated with the university’s health sciences.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, health psychology, cognitive neuroscience.
Campus Experience: Active student involvement in research labs, clinical internships at nearby hospitals and clinics, and dynamic student psychology groups.
Financial Aid: Meets 76% of demonstrated need; 55% of students receive merit aid, averaging $14,200.
Career Outcomes: Graduates excel in psychology graduate programs, healthcare roles, clinical practice, and research careers.
27. Boston University (Boston, MA)
Overview: Boston University’s psychology department offers robust research opportunities and practical experiences in clinical, social, and developmental psychology.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, social psychology, cognitive neuroscience.
Campus Experience: Vibrant urban campus with extensive internships, research at Boston-area medical centers, and active student-led initiatives.
Financial Aid: Meets 75% of demonstrated need; 48% of students receive merit aid, averaging $18,600.
Career Outcomes: Excellent graduate admissions rates, successful careers in healthcare, research institutions, and clinical settings.
28. University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)
Overview: Known for its combination of innovative research and community-based psychological practice, the University of Utah emphasizes real-world psychology applications.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience, developmental psychology.
Campus Experience: Outdoor-oriented campus culture complemented by active student engagement in research, internships, and community-service psychology programs.
Financial Aid: Meets 65% of demonstrated need; 65% of students receive merit aid, averaging $10,900.
Career Outcomes: Graduates excel in clinical psychology programs, healthcare roles, research careers, and counseling professions.
29. University of Vermont (Burlington, VT)
Overview: UVM’s psychology department emphasizes hands-on research, community involvement, and interdisciplinary learning, particularly in clinical and developmental fields.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive neuroscience.
Campus Experience: Welcoming community with extensive research opportunities, internships in local mental health facilities, and active psychology clubs and student events.
Financial Aid: Meets 68% of demonstrated need; 60% of students receive merit aid, averaging $13,500.
Career Outcomes: Strong placements in graduate schools, healthcare careers, research institutions, and clinical settings.
30. Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
Overview: Ohio State offers comprehensive psychology education with strengths in research, clinical practice, and strong ties to local healthcare and community organizations.
Academic Strengths: Clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, industrial-organizational psychology.
Campus Experience: Vibrant campus life with significant undergraduate research involvement, internships in healthcare settings, and student psychology associations.
Financial Aid: Meets 69% of demonstrated need; 62% of students receive merit aid, averaging $12,400.
Career Outcomes: Graduates consistently enter top psychology graduate programs, clinical careers, and roles within healthcare, industry, and counseling.
Top Psychology Colleges: 2023-24 Admission Stats
| Rank | College | State | Type | Avg SAT | Avg ACT | Overall Admit Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford University | CA | Private | |||
| 2 | Harvard University | MA | Private | 1550 | 35 | 3.45 |
| 3 | Yale University | CT | Private | |||
| 4 | Princeton University | NJ | Private | 1520 | 34 | 4.5 |
| 5 | University of Michigan | MI | Public | 17.94 | ||
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | PA | Private | 5.87 | ||
| 7 | Columbia University | NY | Private | 1530 | 35 | 3.74 |
| 8 | University of California, Berkeley | CA | Public | 11.65 | ||
| 9 | University of Chicago | IL | Private | |||
| 10 | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | NC | Public | 1420 | 30 | 18.74 |
| 11 | Cornell University | NY | Private | 7.9 | ||
| 12 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | WI | Public | 43.32 | ||
| 13 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | IL | Public | 1410 | 31 | 43.69 |
| 14 | The University of Texas at Austin | TX | Public | 1420 | 29.12 | |
| 15 | University of Virginia | VA | Public | 1450 | 33 | 18.66 |
| 16 | University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus | MN | Public | 1380 | 29 | 77.07 |
| 17 | University of California, San Diego | CA | Public | 24.76 | ||
| 18 | University of Florida | FL | Public | 1380 | 30 | 24.03 |
| 19 | University of Washington | WA | Public | 42.53 | ||
| 20 | University of Southern California | CA | Private | 32 | 12.02 | |
| 21 | University of Colorado Boulder | CO | Public | 1250 | 28 | 93.64 |
| 22 | University of Georgia | GA | Public | 1310 | 29 | 37.19 |
| 23 | The University of Iowa | IA | Public | 1240 | 26 | 84.67 |
| 24 | University of Maryland, College Park | MD | Public | 44.84 | ||
| 25 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | MA | Public | 1380 | 31 | 57.77 |
| 26 | University of Pittsburgh | PA | Public | 31 | ||
| 27 | Boston University | MA | Private | 1420 | 32 | |
| 28 | University of Utah | UT | Public | 1280 | 25 | 87.17 |
| 29 | University of Vermont | VT | Public | 1320 | 31 | 59.79 |
| 30 | The Ohio State University at Columbus | OH | Public | 1340 | 29 | 50.82 |
Top Psychology Programs for Financial Aid
While every college listed here provides strong academics, these schools stand out for exceptional financial generosity, making elite psychology programs more accessible for families. (Note: Financial aid figures are based on institutional averages for all undergraduates, according to Road2College Insights data for 2023-24.)
- Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
Meets 100% of demonstrated need without loans; strong financial support for low- and middle-income families. - Yale University (New Haven, CT)
Offers robust no-loan financial aid packages covering full demonstrated need for all admitted students. - Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
Comprehensive no-loan financial aid program, covering 100% of demonstrated financial need. - Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
Generous aid policies, meeting full demonstrated need without loans. - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
Exceptional affordability, especially for in-state students; meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, with 52% receiving merit scholarships. - University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
Excellent affordability with merit aid awarded to 75% of students, significantly reducing net costs. - University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
Strong merit aid provider, awarding scholarships to 67% of undergraduates, significantly reducing overall costs. - University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)
Affordability is enhanced through merit scholarships, awarded to 62% of undergraduates, averaging $11,600.
Cost and Aid at Top 30 Psychology Colleges, 2023-24
| Overall Rank | College | Public or Private | Cost of Attendance (In-State for Public Schools) | Avg Merit Award | Avg Need-Based Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford University | Private | $82,958 | $0 | $66,562 |
| 2 | Harvard University | Private | $82,866 | $5,430 | $67,898 |
| 3 | Yale University | Private | $87,580 | $0 | $66,890 |
| 4 | Princeton University | Private | $86,700 | $0 | $62,844 |
| 5 | University of Michigan | Public | $36,932 | $4,387 | $26,947 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | Private | $92,288 | $0 | $62,265 |
| 7 | Columbia University | Private | $93,417 | $0 | $71,030 |
| 8 | University of California, Berkeley | Public | $44,454 | $7,862 | $31,559 |
| 9 | University of Chicago | Private | $84,822 | $0 | $68,901 |
| 10 | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Public | $42,365 | $7,689 | $17,528 |
| 11 | Cornell University | Private | $92,150 | $0 | $59,644 |
| 12 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Public | $30,008 | $7,224 | $20,697 |
| 13 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Public | $26,028 | $6,345 | $19,449 |
| 14 | The University of Texas at Austin | Public | $31,616 | $3,406 | $19,550 |
| 15 | University of Virginia | Public | $39,494 | $5,870 | $35,442 |
| 16 | University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus | Public | $28,524 | $5,366 | $16,337 |
| 17 | University of California, San Diego | Public | $42,639 | $12,530 | $28,830 |
| 18 | University of Florida | Public | $23,530 | $3,617 | $13,302 |
| 19 | University of Washington | Public | $35,305 | $3,841 | $17,794 |
| 20 | University of Southern California | Private | $95,225 | $18,463 | $63,884 |
| 21 | University of Colorado Boulder | Public | $29,110 | $9,250 | $19,404 |
| 22 | University of Georgia | Public | $28,682 | $3,437 | $14,282 |
| 23 | The University of Iowa | Public | $23,396 | $6,027 | $14,150 |
| 24 | University of Maryland, College Park | Public | $31,730 | $6,733 | $13,412 |
| 25 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | Public | $37,121 | $9,134 | $20,333 |
| 26 | University of Pittsburgh | Public | $34,290 | $9,684 | $17,069 |
| 27 | Boston University | Private | $79,450 | $35,315 | $61,211 |
| 28 | University of Utah | Public | $22,741 | $8,196 | $14,795 |
| 29 | University of Vermont | Public | $36,802 | $17,289 | $29,671 |
| 30 | The Ohio State University at Columbus | Public | $27,982 | $6,789 | $16,449 |
Best-Value Colleges for Psychology
Value matters when selecting a psychology program. The following schools stand out by delivering a balance between academic quality, affordability, and exceptional graduate outcomes — offering students strong returns on investment in their psychology education.
(Note: Value was assessed using net cost after merit aid, financial aid generosity, low student debt, graduate school placement rates, and career outcomes, according to Road2College Insights and other data.)
- University of Florida
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of Georgia
- University of Minnesota
- University of Virginia
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
How to Find Your Best-Fit College for Psychology
Rankings offer a starting point, but the best psychology program is the one where you’ll excel both academically and personally.
Here are key steps to help you find your best-fit psychology program:
- Identify your priorities.
Consider what matters most to you: class size, campus location, specific areas of psychology that interest you, research and internship opportunities, or the strength of alumni networks. - Explore beyond rankings.
Many excellent psychology programs aren’t necessarily in the top rankings but might offer the perfect environment or specialized opportunities for your goals. Also consider honors programs or honors colleges at large public universities for added mentorship and research benefits. - Evaluate affordability and value.
Use data-driven tools (like Road2College Insights) to compare costs, merit aid, and outcomes. Be sure to check net price calculators on each college’s website to see individualized estimates based on your family’s income and residency status. - Visit virtually and in person.
Take advantage of virtual tours, info sessions, and campus visits. Connect with current students or psychology faculty to get a feel for the culture, community, and support systems. - Consider career and graduate school placement.
Research colleges’ track records for placing psychology majors into graduate programs or careers you’re interested in. - Sign up for a free Road2College Insights account.
Leverage data-driven tools like Road2College Insights to compare schools on key metrics like financial aid, net cost, merit scholarships, and career outcomes, making your search more informed and personalized.
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Use R2C Insights to help find merit aid and schools that fit the criteria most important to your student. You’ll not only save precious time, but your student will avoid the heartache of applying to schools they aren’t likely to get into or can’t afford to attend.
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