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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Psychology (Income $30-$48k) in California

22 Ranked Colleges
1,195 Degrees Awarded
$28,900 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking.

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.

Across California, there were 37,071 psychology graduates with average earnings and debt of $38,748 and $53,340 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 1,195 psychology graduates with average earnings and debt of $71,544 and $133,402 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking looked at 22 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in psychology. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great psychology programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the psychology program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

One Size Does Not Fit All

The psychology school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k”.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 22 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Psychology (Income $30-$48k) in California

#1

Stanford University

Stanford, California
#1 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Stanford University. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Stanford is a fairly large school located in Stanford, California that handed out 12 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

Stanford did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Stanford are $55,011, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Psychology at Stanford University

#3 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of California - Berkeley. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k. 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 also made our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #3. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UC Berkeley are $29,347.

Full UC Berkeley Psychology Report

#3

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
#6 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Los Angeles. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Los Angeles, California, and it awarded 27 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

UCLA also took the #6 spot in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Los Angeles are $28,131, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Psychology at UCLA

#4

University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California
#7 in overall quality

Out of the 22 schools in the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Santa Barbara landed the #4 spot on the list. UCSB is a large public school situated in Santa Barbara, California. It awarded 19 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

UCSB also made our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #7. Average graduate tuition and fees at UCSB are $28,670, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of California - Santa Barbara Psychology Report

#14 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of California - Irvine. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k. UC Irvine is located in Irvine, California and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 12 doctorate’s psychology degrees to qualified students.

UC Irvine also made our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #14. Average graduate tuition and fees at UC Irvine are $28,456, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Psychology at University of California - Irvine

#24 in overall quality

University of California - Riverside landed the #6 spot on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Riverside, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s psychology degrees to 12 students in 2019-2020.

UCR not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #24 on our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UCR are $28,686, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Psychology at University of California - Riverside

#7

San Diego State University

San Diego, California
#25 in overall quality

San Diego State University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. SDSU is a large public school situated in San Diego, California. It awarded 12 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at SDSU, the school also landed the #25 spot in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at SDSU are $18,658.

Read more about Psychology at SDSU

#8

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
#10 in overall quality

University of Southern California ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Southern California is a large school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 14 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at USC, the school also landed the #10 spot in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Southern California are $48,715.

Read more about Psychology at USC

#17 in overall quality

University of California - Davis did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #9. University of California - Davis is a large public school situated in Davis, California. It awarded 14 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california doctor’s degree psychology students whose families make $30-$48k list, UC Davis has also earned the #17 rank in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Davis are $28,700, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of California - Davis Psychology Report

#18 in overall quality

With a ranking of #10, University of California - San Diego did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in La Jolla, California, and it awarded 19 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

UCSD also took the #18 spot in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UCSD are $28,631.

Full University of California - San Diego Psychology Report

#11

Touro University Worldwide

Los Alamitos, California
#15 in overall quality

Touro University Worldwide came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Touro University Worldwide is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Los Alamitos, California. It awarded 17 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

TUW also made our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #15. Average graduate tuition and fees at TUW are $9,000, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Touro University Worldwide Psychology Report

#12

University of California - Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California

University of California - Santa Cruz came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. UC Santa Cruz is a public institution located in Santa Cruz, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at UC Santa Cruz are $28,952, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Psychology at University of California - Santa Cruz

University of California - Merced landed the #13 spot on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of California - Merced is a public institution located in Merced, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 4 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UC Merced are $43,854.

Read more about Psychology at UC Merced

#14

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, California

California Lutheran University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. California Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Thousand Oaks, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 12 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at CLU are $20,600, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Psychology at CLU

#15

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, California
#11 in overall quality

Azusa Pacific University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Azusa, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s psychology degrees to 25 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california doctor’s degree psychology students whose families make $30-$48k list, Azusa Pacific has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Azusa Pacific are $16,571.

Read more about Psychology at Azusa Pacific

#16

Pepperdine University

Malibu, California
#16 in overall quality

Pepperdine University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Malibu, California, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 29 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s psychology students in 2019-2020.

Pepperdine also took the #16 spot in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Pepperdine are $36,320, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Psychology at Pepperdine

#17

University of the Pacific

Stockton, California

University of the Pacific did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #17. University of the Pacific is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Stockton, California. It awarded 1 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at University of the Pacific are $49,374, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of the Pacific Psychology Report

#18

Biola University

La Mirada, California
#21 in overall quality

Biola University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #18. La Mirada, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s psychology degrees to 17 students in 2019-2020.

Biola also made our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #21. Average graduate tuition and fees at Biola University are $11,772, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Psychology at Biola

With a ranking of #19, The University of Arizona Global Campus did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in San Diego, California, and it awarded 11 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at UAGC are $14,664, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Psychology at The University of Arizona Global Campus

#20

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, California
#23 in overall quality

University of San Francisco came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in San Francisco, California, this fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 8 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s psychology students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california doctor’s degree psychology students whose families make $30-$48k list, USFCA has also earned the #23 rank in our “Best Psychology Doctor’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at USFCA are $26,710, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Psychology at University of San Francisco

#21

University of La Verne

La Verne, California

University of La Verne ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in La Verne, California, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 3 diplomas 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 ULV are $14,526.

Read full report on Psychology at ULV

#22

Chapman University

Orange, California

Chapman University ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Psychology Schools for a Doctorate in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Chapman is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Orange, California. It awarded 1 doctorate’s psychology degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Chapman University are $35,105.

Read more about Psychology at Chapman

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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