by our College Data Analytics Team
[Applied Psychology](/majors/psychology/clinical-counseling-applied-psychology/applied-psychology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value applied psychology schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the applied psychology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked University Of Phoenix Arizona the best value for a degree in applied psychology in Arizona. Set in the city of Phoenix, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,552. Students borrow a median of $40,687 to complete the applied psychology program here. Early-career applied psychology graduates make about $62,987. Set against $40,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University earned it the #2 place for applied psychology. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical student debt for applied psychology graduates is $21,842. Soon after graduation, applied psychology degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $69,344. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott earned it the #3 place for applied psychology. Set in the city of Prescott, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,974. Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $24,620 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied psychology degree recipients from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott generally make around $41,456. That is a strong return on a $24,620 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.