Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025

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

The best psychology research universities in the US 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.

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.

Top 10 Undergraduate Psychology Programs at Research Universities in 2025

  1. Harvard University
  2. University of California, Berkeley
    +7
  3. Columbia University
    +2
  4. Stanford University
    –2
  5. University of Chicago
    +3
  6. Yale University
    –3
  7. Princeton University
  8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    +2
  9. University of Michigan
    –3
  10. New York University
    +2

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten undergraduate psychology programs at research universities saw a fair amount of change. The University of California, Berkeley, in particular, raised seven ranking positions as a result of the psychology department expanding its research facilities, including new labs focused on neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and behavioral studies. Berkeley has also introduced new interdisciplinary courses combining psychology with data science, artificial intelligence, and public health, reflecting emerging trends in mental health and technology. Additionally, the university has strengthened its partnerships with mental health organizations, providing more internship and practicum opportunities for students interested in clinical or applied psychology.

Featured Programs

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

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    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: $59,076
    Expenses: $27,629
    Starting Salary: $89,390
    Salary after 4 years: $121,612
    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

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    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: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    Starting Salary: $51,161
    Salary after 4 years: $68,087
    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
  3. #3

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    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: $68,171
    Expenses: $20,542
    Starting Salary: $74,288
    Salary after 4 years: $101,067
    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
  4. #4

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    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: $62,484
    Expenses: $25,349
    Starting Salary: $90,804
    Salary after 4 years: $123,536
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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

    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #4 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 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: $65,619
    Expenses: $23,421
    Starting Salary: $66,191
    Salary after 4 years: $90,051
    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
  7. #6

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    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: $64,700
    Expenses: $23,600
    Starting Salary: $79,943
    Salary after 4 years: $108,760
    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
  8. #7

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    #4 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #7 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    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: $59,710
    Expenses: $24,330
    Starting Salary: $74,738
    Salary after 4 years: $101,679
    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

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 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: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $98,708
    Salary after 4 years: $134,289
    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
  10. #9

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    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: $18,309
    Expenses: $17,554
    Starting Salary: $51,161
    Salary after 4 years: $68,087
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    Compare school
  12. #10

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    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: $60,438
    Expenses: $27,314
    Starting Salary: $50,511
    Salary after 4 years: $68,718
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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
  13. #11

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
    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: $66,014
    Expenses: $22,126
    Starting Salary: $65,034
    Salary after 4 years: $88,477
    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
  14. #12

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    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: $66,104
    Expenses: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $84,570
    Salary after 4 years: $115,055
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    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: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $47,405
    Salary after 4 years: $63,088
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  16. #14

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    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: $62,840
    Expenses: $22,725
    Starting Salary: $57,387
    Salary after 4 years: $78,073
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
  18. #15

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 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: $65,805
    Expenses: $21,267
    Starting Salary: $73,581
    Salary after 4 years: $100,105
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  19. #16

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    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: $68,237
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $57,066
    Salary after 4 years: $77,636
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    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: $11,678
    Expenses: $19,894
    Starting Salary: $47,858
    Salary after 4 years: $63,692
    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
  21. #18

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #15 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    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: $65,997
    Expenses: $25,293
    Starting Salary: $60,022
    Salary after 4 years: $81,658
    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

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #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 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 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: $63,274
    Expenses: $19,868
    Starting Salary: $66,191
    Salary after 4 years: $90,051
    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
  24. #20

    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 #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
    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: $68,230
    Expenses: $19,418
    Starting Salary: $57,258
    Salary after 4 years: $77,898
    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
  25. #21

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
    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: $22,323
    Expenses: $18,940
    Starting Salary: $51,420
    Salary after 4 years: $68,432
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

    Washington University in St. Louis

    Saint Louis , MO
    #19 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #23 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025
    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: $62,982
    Expenses: $25,506
    Starting Salary: $56,487
    Salary after 4 years: $76,849
    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
  27. #23

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    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: $17,120
    Starting Salary: $44,556
    Salary after 4 years: $59,296
    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
  28. #24

    Tufts University

    Medford , MA
    #24 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #24 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    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: $67,844
    Expenses: $20,456
    Starting Salary: $66,384
    Salary after 4 years: $90,313
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  30. #25

    Emory University

    Atlanta , GA
    #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #25 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2025
    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: $60,774
    Expenses: $22,848
    Starting Salary: $54,238
    Salary after 4 years: $73,789
    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
  31. #26

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN
    #15 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
    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: $63,946
    Expenses: $25,644
    Starting Salary: $55,395
    Salary after 4 years: $75,363
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

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*: $31,232
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $41,564
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists5.81%$147,420
Managers, All Other5.75%$133,560
Psychologists, All Other4.95%$117,750
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists13.28%$96,100
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary4.89%$82,140

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists$147,420
Managers, All Other$133,560
Psychologists, All Other$117,750
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.

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 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.

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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.

Go to all Research Universities for Psychology programs

The Best Psychology Schools in Your State

Go to the best psychology schools in Alabama! Go to the best psychology schools in Alaska! Go to the best psychology schools in Arizona! Go to the best psychology schools in Arkansas! Go to the best psychology schools in California! Go to the best psychology schools in Colorado! Go to the best psychology schools in Connecticut! Go to the best psychology schools in Delaware! Go to the best psychology schools in District Of Columbia! Go to the best psychology schools in Florida! Go to the best psychology schools in Georgia! Go to the best psychology schools in Hawaii! Go to the best psychology schools in Idaho! Go to the best psychology schools in Illinois! Go to the best psychology schools in Indiana! Go to the best psychology schools in Iowa! Go to the best psychology schools in Kansas! Go to the best psychology schools in Kentucky! Go to the best psychology schools in Louisiana! Go to the best psychology schools in Maine! Go to the best psychology schools in Maryland! Go to the best psychology schools in Massachusetts! Go to the best psychology schools in Michigan! Go to the best psychology schools in Minnesota! Go to the best psychology schools in Mississippi! Go to the best psychology schools in Missouri! Go to the best psychology schools in Montana! Go to the best psychology schools in Nebraska! Go to the best psychology schools in Nevada! Go to the best psychology schools in New Hampshire! Go to the best psychology schools in New Jersey! Go to the best psychology schools in New Mexico! Go to the best psychology schools in New York! Go to the best psychology schools in North Carolina! Go to the best psychology schools in North Dakota! Go to the best psychology schools in Ohio! Go to the best psychology schools in Oklahoma! Go to the best psychology schools in Oregon! Go to the best psychology schools in Pennsylvania! Go to the best psychology schools in Puerto Rico! Go to the best psychology schools in Rhode Island! Go to the best psychology schools in South Carolina! Go to the best psychology schools in South Dakota! Go to the best psychology schools in Tennessee! Go to the best psychology schools in Texas! Go to the best psychology schools in Utah! Go to the best psychology schools in Vermont! Go to the best psychology schools in Virginia! Go to the best psychology schools in Washington! Go to the best psychology schools in West Virginia! Go to the best psychology schools in Wisconsin! Go to the best psychology schools in Wyoming!
Back to Top

Learn More About Psychology

If you want to know more about psychology, then check out our related content:

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here