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2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

296 Ranked Colleges
6,569 Degrees Awarded
$44,000 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

With 183,889 degrees handed out in 2019-2020, psychology is the 7th most popular major in the United States. In 2017-2018, psychology graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $33,496 and had an average of $36,227 in loans still to pay off.

At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 6,569 psychology graduates with average earnings and debt of $72,680 and $116,043 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking analyzed 296 colleges that offered a degree in psychology. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent psychology programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the psychology program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Psychology (Income $0-$30k)

#1

Stanford University

Stanford, California
#1 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Stanford University. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k. This fairly large school is located in Stanford, California, and it awarded 12 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree psychology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Stanford has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Stanford University are $55,011.

Full Stanford Psychology Report

#2

Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut
#2 in overall quality

Out of the 296 schools in the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Yale University landed the #2 spot on the list. This fairly large school is located in New Haven, Connecticut, and it awarded 11 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

Yale also took the #2 spot in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Yale are $44,500, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Psychology at Yale University

#3

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
#5 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Duke University. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k. Located in Durham, North Carolina, this fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 11 degrees to qualified doctorate’s psychology students in 2019-2020.

Duke also took the #5 spot in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Duke University are $59,140, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Duke University Psychology Report

#4

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts
#3 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Harvard University. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and it awarded 15 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Harvard, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Harvard University are $50,654, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Psychology at Harvard

#5

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
#9 in overall quality

Out of the 296 schools in the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Northwestern University landed the #5 spot on the list. Located in Evanston, Illinois, this large private not-for-profit school awarded 20 degrees to qualified doctorate’s psychology students in 2019-2020.

Northwestern did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #9 on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Northwestern University are $56,567, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Psychology at Northwestern

#6

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
#7 in overall quality

University of Pennsylvania ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. UPenn is a large school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 9 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

UPenn not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UPenn are $41,760.

Read full report on Psychology at University of Pennsylvania

#7

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
#4 in overall quality

Washington University in St Louis ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. This fairly large school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and it awarded 14 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

WUSTL did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #4 on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at WUSTL are $56,562, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Psychology at Washington University in St Louis

#8

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#14 in overall quality

With a ranking of #8, University of Chicago did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 8 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

UChicago also made our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #14. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Chicago are $61,548, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Psychology at UChicago

#9

Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island
#23 in overall quality

Brown University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Brown is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Providence, Rhode Island. It awarded 2 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

Brown did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #23 on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Brown are $60,363, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Psychology at Brown University

#10

Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey
#18 in overall quality

Princeton University landed the #10 spot on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Princeton University is located in Princeton, New Jersey and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 8 doctorate’s psychology degrees to qualified students.

Princeton also made our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #18. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Princeton University are $56,470.

Full Princeton University Psychology Report

#11

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York
#6 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, Cornell University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Ithaca, New York is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s psychology degrees to 9 students in 2019-2020.

Cornell not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Cornell are $30,042, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Cornell Psychology Report

#12

Georgetown University

Washington, District of Columbia
#21 in overall quality

Georgetown University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Georgetown University is a fairly large school located in Washington, District of Columbia that handed out 1 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

Georgetown also took the #21 spot in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Georgetown University are $53,591, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Psychology at Georgetown

#13

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
Top 15% in overall quality

University of Florida landed the #13 spot on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Florida is a large school located in Gainesville, Florida that handed out 37 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

UF excels when it comes to psychology quality. It’s ranked in the top 15% of all schools on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Florida are $30,130, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Psychology at UF

#14

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland
#21 in overall quality

Johns Hopkins University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Baltimore, Maryland is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s psychology degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

Johns Hopkins not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #21 on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Johns Hopkins University are $59,425, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Psychology at Johns Hopkins University

#15

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan
#15 in overall quality

With a ranking of #15, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Ann Arbor, Michigan is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s psychology degrees to 30 students in 2019-2020.

U-M also made our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #15. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor are $49,548, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Psychology Report

#16

Rice University

Houston, Texas
Top 15% in overall quality

Rice University landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Houston, Texas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s psychology degrees to 6 students in 2019-2020.

Rice also claimed a top spot on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools in this category. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Rice are $47,913.

Read full report on Psychology at Rice

Top 20% in overall quality

University of Wisconsin - Madison came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. UW - Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 28 doctorate’s psychology degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, UW - Madison is also in the top of our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UW - Madison are $25,523.

Read more about Psychology at UW - Madison

#18

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana
#12 in overall quality

With a ranking of #18, University of Notre Dame did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Notre Dame is located in Notre Dame, Indiana and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 9 doctorate’s psychology degrees to qualified students.

Notre Dame not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Notre Dame are $57,522, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Psychology at University of Notre Dame

#19

University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, California
#20 in overall quality

University of California - Berkeley came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. UC Berkeley is a public institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 10 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UC Berkeley not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #20 on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UC Berkeley are $29,347.

Read full report on Psychology at UC Berkeley

#20

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 27 doctorate’s psychology degrees to qualified students.

Average graduate tuition and fees at UNC Chapel Hill are $30,248, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Psychology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Top 20% in overall quality

University of Washington - Seattle Campus did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #21. UW Seattle is a public institution located in Seattle, Washington. The school has a large population, and it awarded 18 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UW Seattle also claimed a top spot on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category. Average graduate tuition and fees at UW Seattle are $30,294, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Psychology at University of Washington - Seattle Campus

With a ranking of #22, University of South Florida - Main Campus did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Tampa, Florida, this large public school handed out 25 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s psychology students in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at USF Tampa are $21,126, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Psychology at USF Tampa

#23

University of Maryland - College Park

College Park, Maryland
Top 20% in overall quality

University of Maryland - College Park did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #23. University of Maryland - College Park is located in College Park, Maryland and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 15 doctorate’s psychology degrees to qualified students.

UMCP excels when it comes to psychology quality. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UMCP are $30,885.

Read more about Psychology at UMCP

Top 15% in overall quality

Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus landed the #24 spot on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 12 doctorate’s psychology degrees to qualified students.

Georgia Tech also claimed a top spot on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools reviewed in that analysis. Average graduate tuition and fees at Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus are $31,334, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Psychology at Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

Top 25% in overall quality

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign landed the #25 spot on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Champaign, Illinois, this large public school handed out 19 degrees to qualified doctorate’s psychology students in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UIUC are $30,083.

Read more about Psychology at UIUC

Rest of the Best 45 in Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

Not only did these schools make the top 45 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#27

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
#29

Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana
#30

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
#31

Tufts University

Medford, Massachusetts
#32

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida
#33

University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia
#34

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
#35

Purdue University - Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana
#37

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
#38

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
#39

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
#40

University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California
#41

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia
#42

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
#44

Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts
#45

San Diego State University

San Diego, California

Notes and References

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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