Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees

Badge for BEST FOR PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:
Updated:

The best psychology research universities are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best psychology degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding psychology faculty.

Top 10 Undergraduate Psychology Programs at Research Universities

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  1. Harvard University
  2. Stanford University
  3. Yale University
  4. University of Pennsylvania
  5. Columbia University
  6. University of Michigan
  7. Princeton University
  8. University of Chicago
  9. University of California, Berkeley
  10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  1. Harvard University
  2. University of California, Berkeley
  3. Columbia University
  4. University of Chicago
  5. Stanford University
  6. Yale University
  7. Princeton University
  8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  9. University of Michigan
  10. Cornell University
  1. University of Texas at Austin 31%
  2. University of Virginia 19%
  3. University of Michigan 18%
  4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17%
  5. New York University 12%
  6. University of Southern California 12%
  7. Washington University in St. Louis 12%
  8. University of California, Berkeley 11%
  9. Carnegie Mellon University 11%
  10. Emory University 11%
  1. University of California, Berkeley 19 to 1
  2. University of California, Los Angeles 18 to 1
  3. University of Texas at Austin 18 to 1
  4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17 to 1
  5. University of Virginia 15 to 1
  6. University of Michigan 12 to 1
  7. Tufts University 10 to 1
  8. Cornell University 9 to 1
  9. University of Southern California 9 to 1
  10. Emory University 9 to 1
  1. Columbia University $66,139
  2. Tufts University $65,222
  3. Brown University $65,146
  4. University of Southern California $64,726
  5. University of Chicago $64,260
  6. Northwestern University $63,468
  7. University of Pennsylvania $63,452
  8. Cornell University $63,200
  9. Duke University $62,688
  10. Yale University $62,250
  1. University of Chicago $65,145
  2. University of Southern California $63,468
  3. Brown University $62,680
  4. Johns Hopkins University $60,480
  5. Duke University $60,220
  6. Washington University in St. Louis $59,420
  7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology $57,590
  8. Princeton University $57,410
  9. Stanford University $56,487
  10. Tufts University $54,196
  1. Emory University
  2. Vanderbilt University
  3. Tufts University
  4. Carnegie Mellon University
  5. University of Texas at Austin
  6. University of Virginia
  7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  8. Brown University
  9. Northwestern University
  10. Washington University in St. Louis
  1. Vanderbilt University
  2. Emory University
  3. Tufts University
  4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  5. Washington University in St. Louis
  6. University of Virginia
  7. Brown University
  8. Carnegie Mellon University
  9. Northwestern University
  10. University of Texas at Austin
  1. Harvard University 3%
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4%
  3. Columbia University 4%
  4. Stanford University 4%
  5. Brown University 5%
  6. University of Chicago 5%
  7. Yale University 5%
  8. Duke University 6%
  9. Princeton University 6%
  10. Cornell University 7%
  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3 to 1
  2. Stanford University 5 to 1
  3. Princeton University 5 to 1
  4. University of Chicago 5 to 1
  5. Carnegie Mellon University 5 to 1
  6. Yale University 6 to 1
  7. Columbia University 6 to 1
  8. Duke University 6 to 1
  9. Johns Hopkins University 6 to 1
  10. Northwestern University 6 to 1
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $7,019
  2. University of California, Berkeley $11,564
  3. University of California, Los Angeles $11,564
  4. University of Texas at Austin $11,698
  5. University of Michigan $17,454
  6. University of Virginia $18,059
  7. Harvard University $57,261
  8. Princeton University $57,410
  9. Emory University $57,948
  10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology $57,986
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $10,552
  2. University of California, Berkeley $11,700
  3. University of California, Los Angeles $11,700
  4. University of Texas at Austin $12,036
  5. University of Virginia $18,382
  6. University of Michigan $25,894
  7. Cornell University $29,500
  8. New York University $37,332
  9. University of Pennsylvania $39,838
  10. Emory University $45,800

Key Takeaways

  • The best research universities for psychology degrees, such as Harvard University, Duke University, and Stanford University, are challenging to get into. These schools have low acceptance rates.
  • Psychology programs at research universities conduct cutting-edge research and provide innovative programs that bridge the gap between science and practice.
  • Research universities are for students who are comfortable studying in big crowds and can work independently.

Featured Programs

Psychology: A Common Research University Focus

Psychology schools offer undergraduate and graduate degrees. There are five psychology degree levels; associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, Ph.D., and PsyD.

Full knowledge about the different degree levels in psychology will help you determine your educational goals. For instance, if you want to work in academia, you should aim for a PhD. Conversely, not much can be achieved without at least an associate’s degree in psychology.

Associate Degree in Psychology

An associate’s degree is the quickest and easiest way to start exploring psychology, not to mention the cheapest degree path. Since associate degrees are offered in community colleges, you’ll generally find lower tuition rates. But most students interested in psychology use this degree level as a stepping stone to higher education.

There are only a few associate-level positions available. You can become a teacher’s aide, home care aide, family advocate, or social services assistant with an associate degree. An undergraduate or bachelor’s is the minimum degree requirement for most entry-level psychology careers.

Majors in an associate degree in psychology include:

  • Marriage And Family
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Abnormal Behavior

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

After completing an associate’s degree, it’s wise to pursue a bachelor’s degree to open more career opportunities. A bachelor of psychology degree usually requires four years to finish. Many colleges offer the option for students to get a bachelor’s degree in either the arts or sciences (BA or BS).

With a bachelor’s in psychology, you can pursue work as a counselor, mediator, human resource officer, market researcher, among other entry-level jobs.

Majors in a bachelor’s degree in psychology include:

  • Health Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Research in Psychology
  • Social Development
  • Personality Theories
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychological Statistics

Master’s Degree in Psychology

A master’s in psychology degree is a graduate-level degree that requires two to three years to complete. Students typically have the option of a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in psychology, similar to a bachelor’s degree.

Earning a master’s degree in psychology is the most popular educational path because there are so many more career opportunities at the master’s level than at the bachelor’s level.

Graduates with a master’s degree in psychology can quality for many jobs, including teaching positions at junior colleges and universities, a local, state, or federal government researcher, or a position in the field of mental health.

Majors in a master’s degree in psychology include:

  • Psychopharmacology
  • Learning, Cognition, and Child Psychology
  • Consumer Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Military Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Engineering Psychology

PhD in Psychology

A doctoral-level degree in psychology or a PhD can be earned after four to six years of graduate study. Although the PhD degree does contain both theoretical and applied training, it tends to take a more research-based approach than the PsyD. Most students who earn a PhD enter the field of academia and teach at four-year universities or become psychologists.

There are also many different specialization fields to choose from with a PhD in psychology. Your decision will be significantly influenced by what you decide to do after graduation.

Majors in a PhD degree in psychology include:

  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Applied Psychology
  • Behavioral Science
  • Child Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology

If you’re planning to obtain a PhD in psychology, the best research universities include Stanford University, the University of Michigan, Yale University, the University of California Los Angeles, and Harvard University

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

PsyD schools emphasize clinical applications, evaluation methodologies, and intervention techniques over research-oriented programs. They place less emphasis on qualitative and quantitative methods. The degree typically requires less time than a PhD, with most students fulfilling all requirements in 4-6 years, despite some programs including a dissertation or capstone research project.

Majors in a PsyD degree in psychology include:

  • Family and Couples Therapy
  • School Psychology
  • Counseling
  • Gerontology

These fields all call for an APA-approved internship.

Psychology Degrees are Popular and Versatile

Psychology bachelor’s degrees are the 4th most popular undergraduate degree across all student demographics. Only liberal studies, business, and nursing rank ahead of it. Psychology degrees are three times more common among women than men, and rank among the top 5 bachelor’s degrees for both Black people and Hispanics (according to degree-earner numbers reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics).

While psychology is obviously a sensible major if you’re planning on becoming a clinical psychologist, majoring in psychology is also a great starting point for a career as a school counselor, special educator, addiction specialist, criminologist, forensics expert and countless other professions. Some psychology majors will complete a double major, or a minor, in a complimentary area such as education or law enforcement. Beyond that, psychology degrees can be useful in many areas of business like marketing, human resources, conflict resolution, and business management. Our top reason to choose a psychology degree is that you learn to think about how people think, and thus the versatility of a psychology degree is practically limitless.

As a psychology major, you’ll study human development, cognition, and behavior. You’ll learn skills like counseling, behavioral therapy, and clinical treatment for mental health disorders. Students who plan to ultimately become practicing clinical psychologists will be required to earn their doctoral degree in psychology from a program that is accredited by The APA Commission on Accreditation, and subsequently qualify for and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). However, majoring in psychology as an undergraduate can provide a starting point for a wide range of careers in school counseling, substance abuse treatment, special education, and much more. The best schools for psychology are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of psychology concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees

While psychology is obviously a sensible major if you’re planning on becoming a clinical psychologist, majoring in psychology is also a great starting point for a career as a school counselor, special educator, addiction specialist, criminologist, forensics expert and countless other professions. Some psychology majors will complete a double major, or a minor, in a complimentary area such as education or law enforcement.

And if you wish to continue into a doctoral program and ultimately become a practicing psychologist or psychiatrist, this is a natural starting point. Today, top influencers in psychology are breaking new ground in Positive Psychology, the psychology of decision making, the computational theory of mind, and much more.

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This four-year undergraduate degree is extremely popular, not just among those who will go on to earn an advanced degree, but for those who will apply the concepts of psychology to a wide range of fields including education, marketing, law enforcement, child welfare, and much more. Organizations of every kind seek mental health professionals, human resource specialists, and organizational leaders with a strong understanding of motivation, behavior, and relationships. Your bachelor’s degree could qualify you to fill one of these needs.

And for those who earn a terminal degree and ascend to the top of the field, earnings are well above the average for all professions. For instance, the Bureau of Labor of Statistics (BLS) indicates that the 2019 median pay for psychologists was $80,370; for postsecondary psychology teachers, $76,620; and for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, $97,260. These salaries far exceed a national average median for all jobs that falls just under $40,000 per year.

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Psychology is a valuable major for anyone interested in learning how the human mind works and what makes people tick. A psychology major will give you insights into how people interact socially, what makes them go off the deep end (abnormal psychology), how to test for personality traits, what the brain can tell us about emotions, and much more. A bachelor’s degree in psychology can prepare you for work in fields as diverse as psychological testing, counseling, and special-needs learning. It is also a great springboard to other areas of graduate study, such as law, education, politics, sociology, and social work.

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Psychology tends to be an easy major. It is classified as a social science rather than as a natural or exact science. As such, you can major in psychology without needing to know many, if any, STEM subjects (STEM = Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics). Moreover, by focusing on less technical fields in psychology (such as social psychology or counseling), it’s possible to keep the technical demands of a psychology major to a minimum.

That said, psychology is a field of endless depth and riches, and there will be plenty to keep you challenged if you want to be challenged. Even mathematics and statistics can play a big role in psychology as in psychological assessment/measurement and in mathematical models of cognition (see, for instance, the groundbreaking work of Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman). Similarly, psychology in the form of neuroscience requires a lot of biology and can also require computer science.

Some majors have what are called “major killers,” in other words, courses designed to weed out students who don’t measure up (computer science and electrical engineering are notorious for having such courses because there is such a demand for majors in these fields). Psychology typically doesn’t have such “major killer” courses.

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Course requirements for a psychology major include an introductory course or two that give an overview of the field, and then specific courses covering a range of areas such as cognition, perception, personality theory, abnormal psychology, social psychology, psychological testing, animal learning and behavior, neuropsychology, and counseling. A research methods and statistics course are also required, though beyond that the mathematics requirement tends to be minimal.

Many of the courses that psychology majors take will either have a laboratory component or a separate lab course. These can have human subjects (as in a cognition course testing memory) or animal subjects (as in a animal learning course training rats in an operant conditioning chamber). Taking such lab courses will be especially encouraged if you are thinking of going on to graduate school in psychology.

Advanced psychology majors may also be expected to engage in original research with a professor/mentor, working at on-campus laboratories or research facilities, as well as in the field. In that case, they will work closely with faculty, laboratory support staff, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows as they explore areas in psychology that interest them.

Many colleges and universities require of their psychology majors a senior capstone project consisting of original research and presented at some meeting or conference via a poster, workshop, or other presentation.

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Once you’ve declared your major in psychology, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in a number of related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized psychology electives, there are several common courses that most psychology majors will be required to take, including:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Ethics in Psychology
  • Theories of Behaviorism
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Forensics Psychology
  • Research Methodologies in Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Statistics

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Your “concentration” refers to a specific area of focus within your major. Many undergraduates will decide their concentrations once they get more familiar with the field of study, but in some cases, whether a school has the concentration you want can be a determining factor for chosing a school. A niche field like forensic psychology simply isn’t offered at every college. Therfore, giving some thought to what concentrations excite you the most can help you choose the right college for your psycholgoy degree. According to The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the following are among the most popular psychology concentrations:

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Community Psychology
  • Counseling Psychology
  • School Psychology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Environmental Psychology
  • Family Psychology
  • Applied Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Psychopharmacology

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Truth be told, simply having a bachelor’s degree in psychology doesn’t offer you a lot of career options as a psychologist. Usually, additional graduate work or certifications are needed. Unlike engineering, where you can call yourself an “engineer” upon getting your bachelor’s degree in engineering, people tend to call themselves psychologists only when they have additional training beyond the bachelor’s level.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists seven types of professional psychologists:

  1. clinical psychologists,
  2. counseling psychologists,
  3. developmental psychologists,
  4. forensic psychologists,
  5. industrial-organizational psychologists
  6. rehabilitation psychologists, and
  7. school psychologists.

Psychology majors have a lot of career options. You’ll need to earn a doctoral degree in order to practice as a clinical psychologist, as well as a medical degree to become a practicing psychiatrist. A master’s degree can help you hone in on an area of concentration such as education, forensics, or mental health counseling. However, opportunities also abound in a wide range of work settings for undergraduates with an educational background in psychology. Depending on your degree level, a psychology major can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, including these top jobs:

On the last point, applied behavioral analysis (ABA) has become very important with the increase of people on the autism spectrum and their need for special one-on-one training (for which there are not enough psychologists with advanced degrees). Any training and certification in ABA as a psychology major is likely to do you well.

Bottom line: If you are looking to work in the field of psychology with only a bachelor’s degree, you need to have a clear job objective in mind while pursuing your psychology major and you need to acquire the skills (and perhaps certifications) needed to get that job on graduation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

If you want to major in psychology and get a bachelor’s degree in that field, you need to decide not only which school to attend but also what type of school to attend. The best school for you to major in psychology will depend on the type of school that’s best for you. When it comes to the type of school for pursuing a psychology major, you have three broad choices:

Research universities are schools whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Such institutions offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, often with tens of thousands of students.

Is a big high-powered research environment the place for you? In deciding on where to do your psychology major as an undergraduate, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

Are you good with being a face in a crowd, especially for some of the general introductory psychology classes that you’ll be taking, where you might be one among several hundred students? Are you okay with being a little fish in a big pond?

If you are serious about studying psychology and think you’ll eventually want to get a graduate degree in psychology, then a research university is probably the place for you. If you excel as an undergraduate at a research university, you’ll be able to take graduate courses your junior and senior years, and you may be invited to do research with some of your professors.

A research university can thus be a great springboard if you aspire to be a world-class player in the field of psychology.

Did you know that many psychology graduates transition into an IT career? Find out how to transition into tech with a psychology degree.

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But perhaps your interest in psychology isn’t overwhelming. Perhaps you are thinking of psychology more as a stepping stone to other things that interest you, such as a career in law or education. And perhaps you want a more intimate campus.

In that case, a liberal arts college may be just what the doctor ordered. The best liberal arts colleges offer an excellent undergraduate education. In fact, students who do well at a top liberal arts college typically have no problem getting into and thriving at a top research university if upon completing their bachelor’s they decide to go on for further study.

The best liberal arts colleges offer a broad range of subjects for students to study. They typically provide smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. Liberal arts colleges stress not only going deep in one’s major but also going broad.

Here’s another reason you might appreciate the breadth of a liberal arts education: about 80 percent of undergraduate students end up changing majors while in college and 60 percent of college grads would change majors if they had to do it again. Liberal arts colleges keep you from getting too narrowly focused.

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The verdict is in: other things being equal, a campus-based college experience is preferable to a purely online college experience. Indeed, nothing beats direct personal contact with faculty and fellow students. Body language, facial cues, voice intonation and a host of other factors like this get lost in going from “real reality” to “virtual reality.” These factors enhance the educational process and get lost in online education.

There was a key caveat in the previous paragraph: other things being equal. As it is, other things are rarely equal. You may be a second career student with a family to take care of and no way to juggle these obligations with a commute to a local campus. Online education may then be your only option.

Or it may be that you thrive on independence and solitude, working at your own pace and schedule, viewing video lectures and digital materials at your convenience. Online education gives you unmatched flexibility to pursue your education on your terms.

Life is a matter of tradeoffs. Pursuing a psychology major online will mean missing out on the benefits of campus life. Such benefits include everything from having housing and meals provided on campus to in-person office hours and counseling services. But where a campus-based education is not an option, an online education may be quite doable.

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If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in psychology. You might also be interested in our ranking of the highest paying psychology careers and degrees.

Ranking: Best Research Universities for Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $57,261
    Expenses: $26,277
    Starting Salary: $84,028
    Salary after 4 years: $121,286
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Harvard University known for?

    Harvard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Harvard University Psychology Major Tracks

    • General Psychology
    • Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology
    • Cognitive Science

    Source

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  2. #2

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 Best Universities in the World 2024 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $58,416
    Expenses: $23,746
    Starting Salary: $85,357
    Salary after 4 years: $123,204
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stanford University known for?

    Stanford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Stanford University Psychology Major Concentrations

    • Cognitive Science
    • Early Childhood Cognition Learning and Development
    • Health Psychology
    • Judgment and Decision-Making
    • Mind, Culture, and Society
    • Neuroscience

    Source

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  3. #3

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #6 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $62,250
    Expenses: $22,870
    Starting Salary: $75,148
    Salary after 4 years: $108,469
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Yale University known for?

    Yale University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Yale University Psychology Major Tracks

    • Psychology
    • Neuroscience

    Source

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $63,452
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $79,497
    Salary after 4 years: $114,747
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pennsylvania known for?

    University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Pennsylvania Psychology Major

    • Psychology Major and Minor

    Source

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  5. #5

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $65,508
    Expenses: $19,958
    Starting Salary: $69,832
    Salary after 4 years: $100,796
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbia University known for?

    Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Columbia University Psychology Major

    • Psychology

    Source

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $17,786
    Expenses: $16,820
    Starting Salary: $48,391
    Salary after 4 years: $68,339
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Michigan known for?

    University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Michigan Psychology Majors

    • Psychology
    • Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN)

    Source

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  8. #7

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    #4 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #7 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Princeton University

    Cost of Degree: $57,410
    Expenses: $23,005
    Starting Salary: $70,255
    Salary after 4 years: $101,406
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Princeton University known for?

    Princeton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Princeton University Psychology Major Concentrations

    • Neuroscience
    • Cognitive Science
    • Applications of Computing
    • Gender and Sexuality Studies
    • Language and Culture
    • Linguistics

    Source

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  9. #8

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #4 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $62,940
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $62,220
    Salary after 4 years: $89,809
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Chicago known for?

    University of Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Chicago Psychology Major

    • Psychology

    Source

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,395
    Expenses: $28,648
    Starting Salary: $48,391
    Salary after 4 years: $68,339
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Berkeley known for?

    University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of California, Berkeley Psychology Major Concentrations

    • Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience
    • Clinical Science
    • Cognition
    • Cognitive Neuroscience
    • Developmental
    • Social-Personality Psychology

    Source

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #4 Best Universities in the World 2024 #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $57,986
    Expenses: $21,864
    Starting Salary: $92,787
    Salary after 4 years: $133,929
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Massachusetts Institute of Technology known for?

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology Psychology Majors

    • Brain and Cognitive Sciences
    • Computation and Cognition

    Source

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #7 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $62,688
    Expenses: $20,061
    Starting Salary: $69,167
    Salary after 4 years: $99,836
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Duke University known for?

    Duke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Duke University Psychology Majors

    • Psychology
    • Neuroscience

    Source

    Compare school
  14. #12

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #12 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #12 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $58,168
    Expenses: $23,927
    Starting Salary: $47,481
    Salary after 4 years: $68,534
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New York University known for?

    New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    New York University Psychology Major

    • Psychology

    Source

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #9 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $63,200
    Expenses: $19,996
    Starting Salary: $61,133
    Salary after 4 years: $88,240
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cornell University known for?

    Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cornell University Psychology Major Fields of Study

    • Development
    • Cognition
    • Social and Personality
    • Neuroscience

    Source

    Compare school
  16. #14

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,401
    Expenses: $23,579
    Starting Salary: $44,838
    Salary after 4 years: $63,321
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Los Angeles known for?

    University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of California, Los Angeles Psychology Majors

    • BA Psychology
    • BS Cognitive Science
    • BS Psychobiology

    Source

    Compare school
  17. #15

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $60,480
    Expenses: $20,320
    Starting Salary: $53,944
    Salary after 4 years: $77,864
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Johns Hopkins University known for?

    Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Johns Hopkins University Psychology Major

    • Psychology

    Source

    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $64,726
    Expenses: $20,338
    Starting Salary: $53,642
    Salary after 4 years: $77,428
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Southern California known for?

    University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Southern California Psychology Major

    • Psychology

    Source

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Washington University in St. Louis

    Saint Louis , MO
    #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Washington University in St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $60,590
    Expenses: $22,886
    Starting Salary: $53,099
    Salary after 4 years: $76,643
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Washington University in St. Louis known for?

    Washington University in St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Washington University in St. Louis Psychology Majors

    • Psychological and Brain Sciences
    • Cognitive Neuroscience

    Concentrations:

    • Cognition in Children
    • Cognitive Neuroscience
    • Reading Language and Language Acquisition
    • Lifespan Development
    • Experimental Psychopathology
    • Personality and Individual Differences

    Source

    Washington University in St. Louis’s Online Degrees

    BS in Integrated Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Humanities
    • Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  21. #18

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $63,468
    Expenses: $25,926
    Starting Salary: $56,421
    Salary after 4 years: $81,439
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwestern University known for?

    Northwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwestern University Psychology Major

    • Psychology major or minor

    Source

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    #10 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #18 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $65,046
    Expenses: $18,540
    Starting Salary: $53,824
    Salary after 4 years: $77,689
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Brown University known for?

    Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Brown University Psychology Majors

    • AB Psychology
    • ScB Psychology

    Source

    Compare school
  23. #20

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #11 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #11 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $16,260
    Starting Salary: $42,143
    Salary after 4 years: $59,515
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Psychology Majors

    • BA Psychology
    • BS Psychology
    • BS Neuroscience

    Source

    Compare school
  25. #21

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #5 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #7 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $21,425
    Expenses: $17,790
    Starting Salary: $48,636
    Salary after 4 years: $68,685
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Virginia known for?

    University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Virginia Psychology Major

    • BA Psychology

    Source

    Compare school
  26. #22

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #6 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #6 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/29

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,698
    Expenses: $18,548
    Starting Salary: $45,267
    Salary after 4 years: $63,927
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas at Austin known for?

    University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Texas at Austin Psychology Major Areas of Study

    • Behavioral Neuroscience
    • Clinical Psychology
    • Cognition, Brain, and Behavior
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Individual Differences and Evolutionary Psychology
    • Perception, Brain, and Behavior
    • Social and Personality

    Source

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $60,854
    Expenses: $18,886
    Starting Salary: $62,220
    Salary after 4 years: $89,809
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carnegie Mellon University known for?

    Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Carnegie Mellon University Psychology Majors

    • Cognitive Psychology (including Cognitive Neuroscience)
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Social / Personality / Health Psychology

    Source

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Tufts University

    Medford , MA
    #24 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Tufts University

    Cost of Degree: $65,222
    Expenses: $19,378
    Starting Salary: $62,402
    Salary after 4 years: $90,071
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tufts University known for?

    Tufts University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Tufts University Psychology Majors

    • BA/BS in Psychology
    • BA/BS in Biopsychology
    • BA/BS in Clinical Psychology
    • BA/BS in Cognitive and Brain Science
    • BA/BS in Engineering Psychology

    Source

    Compare school
  29. #25

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN
    #15 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Vanderbilt University

    Cost of Degree: $60,348
    Expenses: $24,064
    Starting Salary: $52,072
    Salary after 4 years: $75,161
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Vanderbilt University known for?

    Vanderbilt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Vanderbilt University Psychology Majors

    • Psychology
    • Child Development
    • Cognitive Studies
    • Child Studies

    Source

    Compare school
  31. #26

    Emory University

    Atlanta , GA
    #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/33

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Emory University

    Cost of Degree: $57,948
    Expenses: $20,866
    Starting Salary: $50,984
    Salary after 4 years: $73,591
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Emory University known for?

    Emory University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Emory University Psychology Majors

    • BS or BA in Psychology

    Joint majors in:

    • Psychology and Linguistics
    • Interdisciplinary Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
    • Quantitative Sciences with a Psychology track

    Source

    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Psychology Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Psychology

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $29,479
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $41,631
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other3.35%$106,040
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists4.95%$103,134
Psychologists, All Other4.97%$99,205
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists11.41%$86,021
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary5.30%$77,082

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$48,517$87,335$136,511

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Ohio14% higher than average$94,262
#3 Delaware2% higher than average$108,210
#4 Texas10% higher than average$90,916
#5 New Jersey13% higher than average$114,492
#6 Alabama13% higher than average$85,873

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other$106,040
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists$103,134
Psychologists, All Other$99,205
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Go to all Research Universities for Psychology programs

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