There are a number of top Public Ivies offering psychology degrees to undergraduate and graduate students considering a career in this challenging yet rewarding field. Many people have heard of Ivy League colleges and universities, but few recognize the term “Public Ivy.” The title, coined in 1985 by Richard Moll in his book Public Ivies: A Guide to America’s Best Public Undergraduate Colleges and Universities, describes schools that offer an Ivy League-caliber academic experience and education at a similar price to those offered by public universities. Students at Public Ivies have access to cutting-edge laboratories and technology, have an opportunity to learn from nationally recognized professors, and participate in ongoing research projects — all while saving money. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, check out our following list of the top 30 Public Ivies offering a degree in psychology.
Methodology
The goal of this list is to highlight the 30 best Public Ivies that offer an undergraduate or graduate degree in psychology. In order to find these universities and colleges, we conducted a search for the phrase “psychology degrees” using the College Navigator database at the National Center for Education Statistics. Our search results include a list of 40 schools, which we then narrowed down into the top 30 programs based on the following ranking factors.
Average Cost of Attendance
In order to find the average cost of attendance for every school, we consulted each program’s website as well as the National Center for Education Statistics. We awarded points based on the following tuition ranges.
Points:
Under $8,000: 3 points
$8,001 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 or more: 1 point
College Ranking
U.S. News and World Report, a nationally recognized ranking organization, compares schools based on categories such as “Best National University, “Top Public School,” “Most Innovative School,” and “Best Value School.” We assigned points to each school based on how it ranked on these lists.
Points:
U.S. News & World Report: Best National University, Top Public School Ranking
Top 10: 5 points
Top 25: 4 points
Top 50: 3 points
Top 75: 2 point
Top 100: 1 point
U.S. News & World Report: Best Value School, Most Innovative School Ranking:
Top 25: 3 points
Top 50: 2 points
Top 100: 1 point
Average Annual Tuition Assistance
Another factor to consider is how much money a school awards to its students for the cost of tuition. Since Public Ivies are generally more affordable than the Ivy League schools, students can already expect to save money for any given program. The more money that is awarded in annual tuition assistance, the more points are given.
Points:
$15,001 or more: 4 points
$10,001 to $15,000: 3 points
5,001 to $10,000: 2 points
$5,000 and under: 1 point
Percentage Receiving Need-Based Financial Aid
Students needing financial assistance may consider how likely they are to receive the funds they need to earn a degree in psychology. For this list, we awarded points based on the percentage of students who applied for, and received, need-based financial aid.
Points:
85 percent or more: 4 points
70 percent to 84 percent: 3 points
50 percent to 69 percent: 2 points
Fewer than 49 percent: 1 point
Accreditation
Accreditation indicates that a school or university has passed a voluntary peer-review process that evaluates the institution’s quality of education, faculty, programs, student learning outcomes, tuition, and more. For the purpose of this list, we awarded points for regional accreditation as well as programmatic accreditation from the American Psychological Association.
Points:
American Psychological Association (APA) Accreditation: 2 points
Regional Accreditation: 1 point
Ranking Top 30 Public Ivies Offering Degrees in Psychology
30. Miami University
Oxford, Ohio
Points: 14
Program Website
Miami University, founded in 1809, is a public research university in Oxford, Ohio. The school’s department of psychology offers both a B.A. and a Ph.D. for students seeking careers in this field. Throughout the undergraduate curriculum, students learn to write effective and engaging text, apply basic research findings, construct convincing evidence-based arguments, and summarize and synthesize existing literature. Students develop their knowledge, skills, and experiences, and there are a number of opportunities to become involved with community service, teaching, and research. Graduate students may choose from a Ph.D. in areas such as social psychology, clinical psychology, and brain, cognitive, and developmental science.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Ph.D. in Social Psychology
Ph.D. in Brain, Cognitive, and Developmental Science
Average Program Cost: $14,825
Average Tuition Assistance: $11,276
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 34 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#42 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#96 (tie) in National Universities
#142 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
HLC
29. University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Points: 14
Program Website
The University of Minnesota is the oldest and largest campus within the University of Minnesota System, enrolling more than 51,000 students each year. The school’s psychology department trains students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and the bachelor’s programs are designed for liberal arts students seeking to focus on the study of human behavior, the scientific method, and quantitative reasoning. Although both the B.A. and B.S. in Psychology programs focus on the discipline as a whole, the B.S. degree places an extra emphasis on scientific studies. A Ph.D. in Psychology is also offered as well as several graduate specialization areas.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Psychology Ph.D.
Average Program Cost: $14,693
Average Tuition Assistance: $10,444
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 48 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#30 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#76 (tie) in National Universities
#86 (tie) in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
HLC
28. Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Points: 14
Program Website
Founded in 1855, Michigan State University is a public research university and one of the first schools in the country to teach scientific agriculture. The psychology department at Michigan State offers students either a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology degree. Those considering graduate school with an interest in math and science would be a solid fit for the B.S. program, while students who enjoy learning about cultures and people with an interest in humanities would be ideal for the B.A. program. The Graduate School also offers master’s degrees as well as a Ph.D. in Psychology in six areas: cognition and cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience, social/personality psychology, organizational psychology, ecological/community psychology.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
M.A. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $14,460
Average Tuition Assistance: $10,593
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 47 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#35 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#85 (tie) in National Universities
#144 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
HLC
27. University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
Points: 14
Program Website
Founded in 1876 and located in Boulder, Colorado, the University of Colorado Boulder is the flagship university of the University of Colorado System. The department of psychology and neuroscience offers two undergraduate degrees: a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Neuroscience. Students develop the skills they need to evaluate and participate in diverse research programs that produce evidence-based, scientific results while studying the principles of social interactions, behavior, emotion, cognition, and the relationship between the brain and mind. The Department also offers Ph.D. degrees in five areas such as behavioral neuroscience, social psychology, and clinical psychology.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience
Ph.D. in Social Psychology
Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience
Ph.D. in Behavioral, Psychiatric, and Statistical Genetics
Average Program Cost: $12,534
Average Tuition Assistance: $11,091
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 35 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#42 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#96 (tie) in National Universities
#137 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
HLC
26. Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana
Points: 14
Program Website
Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Indiana University is the flagship institution of the Indiana University System and, with more than 40,000 students, its largest university. Undergraduate students may choose from either a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology as well as a B.S. in Neuroscience. The major provides a strong grounding in writing and research as well as personal mentoring through research opportunities in faculty laboratories. Undergraduates blend a liberal arts foundation with field-based experiences and knowledge. The department of psychology also offers seven graduate majors that allow students to develop a course of study and a depth of knowledge in the area most in line with their interests. These areas of study include disciplines such as cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and clinical science.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology
Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology
Bachelor of Science Degree in Neuroscience
Ph.D. in Clinical Science
Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience
Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology
Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology
Ph.D. in the Mechanisms of Behavior
Ph.D. in Molecular + Systems Neuroscience
Ph.D. in Social Psychology
Average Program Cost: $10,681
Average Tuition Assistance: $12,207
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 39 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#38 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#89 (tie) in National Universities
#120 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
HLC
25. Binghamton University (SUNY)
Vestal, New York
Points: 14
Program Website
The State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton, also known as SUNY Binghamton and Binghamton University, is a public research university that consists of six colleges and schools that enroll more than 17,800 students. The undergraduate B.A. in Psychology major at Binghamton is designed to introduce students to the science of human emotion, thought, and behavior as well as their underlying processes. A B.S. in Integrative Neuroscience is also offered. The psychology graduate programs provide basic knowledge in the major areas of psychology and intensive training in research and theory in one of three areas: cognitive and brain sciences, clinical psychology, and behavioral neuroscience.
Degree Options:
Psychology, B.A.
Integrative Neuroscience, B.S.
Behavioral Neuroscience Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology Ph.D.
Cognitive Brain Sciences Ph.D.
Average Program Cost: $9,808
Average Tuition Assistance: $9,356
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 52 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#32 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#62 in Best Value Schools
#80 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
APA
MSCHE
24. Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Points: 15
Program Website
Founded in 1855 as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, also referred to as PSU or Penn State, is a land-grant, state-related, doctoral universities with facilities and campuses across Pennsylvania. Students pursuing a psychology degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Science may choose from either a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology. The B.A. program offers generalized training in the social sciences, humanities, and arts, and while degree requirements are identical, B.A. students must take additional credits of liberal arts courses and a foreign language. A master’s degree and five Ph.D. programs are also available in several areas of psychology.
Degree Options:
Psychology, B.A.
Psychology, B.S.
Master of Professional Studies in the Psychology of Leadership
Ph.D. in Clinical (Adult and Child) Psychology
Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology
Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology
Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Ph.D. in Social Psychology
Average Program Cost: $18,454
Average Tuition Assistance: $6,377
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 46 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#20 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#55 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
#59 (tie) in National Universities
#131 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
MSCHE
23. University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Points: 15
Program Website
Founded in 1885 and located in Tucson, Arizona, the University of Arizona was the first university in the Arizona Territory. Now, UA enrolls nearly 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students across its 19 separate colleges and schools. The UA College of Science offers training in psychology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduates can choose from either a B.A. or a B.S. degree depending on their professional goals, and although a terminal master’s degree is not available, there are three graduate programs that lead to a doctoral degree. Throughout all programs, there is a strong focus on research and teaching as students have the opportunity to participate in ongoing laboratory research projects.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychological Science
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Ph.D. in Social Psychology
Ph.D. in Cognition and Neural Systems (CNS)
Average Program Cost: $11,644
Average Tuition Assistance: $10,555
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 50 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#46 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#97 in Best Value Schools
#106 (tie) In National Universities
Accreditations:
APA
HLC
22. University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Points: 15
Program Website
Founded in 1856, the University of Maryland is a public research university in College Park, Maryland. The department of psychology offers a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Psychology at the undergraduate level as well as several graduate programs in psychology. Undergraduates are prepared with the professional, collegiate, and real-world skills they need to be successful in the field, and both programs prepare students for employment after graduation as well as graduate studies. Specialty areas within the Ph.D. programs include developmental psychology, counseling psychology, and clinical, cognitive, and neural systems as well as social, decision, and organizational science.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts (B.S.) in Psychology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology
Master’s Program in Industrial Organizational Psychology (MPIO)
Master’s Program in Psychological Science (MPPS)
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)
Average Program Cost: $10,595
Average Tuition Assistance: $9,954
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 42 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#22 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#63 (tie) in National Universities
#108 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
MSCHE
21. College of William & Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia
Points: 16
Program Website
Founded in 1693 and enrolling more than 8,000 students per year, the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the country after Harvard University. Students pursuing a degree in psychology from the Psychological Sciences Department can choose from either a B.A. or a B.S. The undergraduate major covers topics such as social behavior, physiology, learning, human development, research methods, and statistics. Students may also choose to pursue a master’s degree in preparation for admission into Ph.D. programs in all research areas of psychology.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
M.S. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $21,830
Average Tuition Assistance: $17,558
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 38 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#10 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#38 (tie) in National Universities
#96 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
20. University of Illinois
Champaign, Illinois
Points: 16
Program Website
Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois System. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences confers three degrees in psychology: a B.S., an M.S., and a Ph.D. The undergraduate curriculum is founded in the air of both independent and collaborative research as students have the opportunity to investigate their individual interests throughout the program. The psychology department distinguishes itself with a top-level staff, exciting research opportunities, and nationally renowned faculty as well as some of the brightest students in the country.
Degree Options:
B.S. in Psychology
M.S. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $15,998
Average Tuition Assistance: $14,934
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 44 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#13 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#46 (tie) in National Universities
#111 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
HLC
19. University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut
Points: 16
Program Website
Founded in 1881, the University of Connecticut is a public space-, sea-, and land-grant institution in Storrs, Connecticut. The psychology department at UConn confers some of the most popular majors in the school. Undergraduate and graduate students engage in their education by participating in research from the start of their academic careers. Undergraduate students may choose from a B.A. or a B.S. in the Psychological Sciences, including standard plans, research concentrations, and honors plans. Graduate students may choose a Ph.D. from specialization areas such as neuroscience, social psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or developmental psychology.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences
Ph.D. in Social Psychology
Ph.D. in Neurosciences
Ph.D. in Language and Cognition
Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Ph.D. in Ecological Psychology
Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience
Average Program Cost: $15,730
Average Tuition Assistance: $11,306
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 53 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#22 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#63 (tie) in National Universities
#89 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
NECHE
18. University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Points: 16
Program Website
Also referred to as UGA or simply Georgia, the University of Georgia in Athens was founded in 1785 and is the flagship university of the University of Georgia System. The department of psychology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences confers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology and three doctoral programs in clinical studies, behavior and brain sciences, and industrial-organizational psychology. The undergraduate curriculum covers areas as diverse as cognition, anxiety disorders, memory, self-esteem, child development, and clinical behavior problems, and UGA faculty members study all of these types of issues — and more.
Degree Options:
Psychology Undergraduate Major
Professional I-O Psychology Master’s Program
Industrial-Organizational Doctoral Program
Behavior and Brain Sciences Doctoral Program
Clinical Graduate Doctoral Program
Average Program Cost: $11,830
Average Tuition Assistance: $9,317
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 43 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#13 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#46 (tie) in National Universities
#84 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
SACSCOC
17. Rutgers University
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Points: 17
Program Website
Founded as Queen’s College in 1766, Rutgers University is a public research university and the largest institution of higher education in New Jersey. The psychology department in the School of Arts and Sciences confers a B.A. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Psychology to students looking to pursue careers in this field. The Department’s faculty is noted for research in areas of social, health, cognitive, and clinical psychology as well as behavioral neuroscience, and students are encouraged to participate in research projects with faculty members as well as internship experiences and fieldwork.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Psychology Ph.D. Program
Average Program Cost: $14,974
Average Tuition Assistance: $11,716
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 53 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#17 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#56 (tie) in National Universities
#122 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
MSCHE
16. University of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Points: 17
Program Website
Founded in 1848 when Wisconsin achieved statehood, the University of Wisconsin in Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. Students may pursue a B.S. in Psychology from the College of Letters and Science and benefit from opportunities to prepare for graduate and professional programs, learn about multiple content areas within the field, and apply what they have learned to real-world situations. The Ph.D. in Psychology program offers six areas of concentration that are also covered in the B.S. program: social and personality, perception, developmental, cognitive and cognitive neuroscience, clinical, and biological.
Degree Options:
Psychology, B.S.
Psychology, Ph.D.
Average Program Cost: $10,555
Average Tuition Assistance: $11,806
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 37 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#15 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#49 (tie) in National Universities
#106 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
HLC
15. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
Points: 18
Program Website
Founded in 1885 as the Georgia School of Technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university and institute of technology in Atlanta, Georgia. The undergraduate program leads to a B.S. in Psychology and has a strong emphasis on mathematics and the sciences. Graduates are prepared to enter graduate school as well as fields such as human resources, training and management, computer software design, and marketing. The School of Psychology at Georgia Tech also offers five graduate programs in engineering psychology, quantitative psychology, cognitive aging, cognition and brain science, and industrial-organizational psychology.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Ph.D. in Cognition and Brain Science
Ph.D. in Cognitive Aging
Ph.D. in Engineering Psychology
Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology
Average Program Cost: $12,424
Average Tuition Assistance: $8,858
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 40 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#4 in Most Innovative Schools
#8 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#35 (tie) in National Universities
#92 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
14. University of California Irvine
Irvine, California
Points: 19
Program Website
Located in Irvine, California, the University of California Irvine is one of 10 members institutions that make up the University of California System. Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree or a Ph.D. in psychology can choose a program from two different departments depending on their interests and professional goals: the Department of Cognitive Sciences, specializing in cognitive development, cognitive robotics, and neuroscience, or the Department of Psychological Science, specializing in developmental psychology, social and personality psychology, and health psychology. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are available from both departments.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology and Social Behavior
Average Program Cost: $15,516
Average Tuition Assistance: $19,731
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 63 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#7 in Top Public Schools
#33 (tie) in National Universities
#45 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
#124 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
WASC
13. University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
Points: 19
Program Website
Located in Santa Barbara, California, the University of California enrolls 25,000 students each year. It is the third-oldest campus in the 10-campus University of California System. The focus of the department of psychological and brain sciences is on experimental research psychology, and students are prepared for graduate study or careers in any area of the discipline. All majors develop an appreciation for the scientific study of behavior. Students may choose from either a B.A. in Psychology or a B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences as well as graduate programs in social psychology, neuroscience and behavior, developmental and evolutionary psychology, and cognition, perception, and cognitive neuroscience.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences
Graduate Program in Developmental and Evolutionary Psychology
Graduate Program in Cognition, Perception, and Cognitive Neuroscience
Graduate Program in Social Psychology
Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Behavior
Average Program Cost: $14,472
Average Tuition Assistance: $20,029
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 58 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#30 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
APA
WASC
12. University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
Points: 19
Program Website
Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is a public research university in Seattle, Washington. The UW psychology department offers a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology that focus on statistical and empirical skills that help students evaluate theories, claims, and data in popular and academic publication and literature. Both majors have the opportunity to participate in supervised teaching opportunities, applied fieldwork, and research. Graduate students may also pursue a doctoral degree in areas such as animal behavior, cognition and perception, clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience, developmental psychology, quantitative psychology, and social and personality psychology. The Department also recently released a new M.A. in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment for students seeking only a master’s degree.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
M.A. in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment
Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $11,517
Average Tuition Assistance: $15,550
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 40 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#20 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#37 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
#59 (tie) in National Universities
#101 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
NWCCU
11. Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Points: 19
Program Website
The Ohio State University is a public research university in Columbus, Ohio that was originally founded as a land-grant school in 1870. The department of psychology is known for its rich history of excellence in service, teaching, and research, and it is home to 1,800 undergraduate majors, 150 graduate students, and 50 faculty members. Students can choose from a broad spectrum of course offerings and research opportunities in seven areas of study, and undergraduates may pursue either a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology. A number of doctoral graduate degrees are also offered in areas such as social, quantitative, developmental, cognitive, and clinical psychology as well as behavioral neuroscience and intellectual and developmental disabilities psychology.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $10,726
Average Tuition Assistance: $10,325
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 47 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#17 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#18 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
#56 (tie) in National Universities
#126 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
HLC
10. University of Texas Austin
Austin, Texas
Points: 19
Program Website
Founded in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas is the flagship university of the University of Texas System, enrolling more than 51,000 students annually. At the undergraduate level, the department of psychology provides students with a solid grounding in psychology by analyzing contemporary and historical research on animal and human behavior. Students may choose either a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology, and there is little difference in the course requirements between the two. Graduate students may earn a Ph.D. in Psychology and choose from specialization areas in social psychology, perceptual systems, individual differences and evolutionary psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive science, clinical psychology, and behavioral neuroscience.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $10,606
Average Tuition Assistance: $9,539
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 40 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#15 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#16 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
#49 (tie) in National Universities
#128 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
SACSCOC
9. Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
Points: 19
Program Website
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University was founded in 1869 and is the flagship campus of the Purdue University System. The College of Health and Human Sciences confers two majors for undergraduate students interested in psychology: psychological sciences and brain and behavioral sciences. Both majors consist of 120 total credit hours, including 14 psychology courses that build skills in critical areas as well as elective courses. Throughout the curriculum, students explore the human brain and mind, finding out what makes people behave the way they do. Graduate students can choose from seven research training areas such as social, industrial-organizational, clinical, or cognitive psychology.
Degree Options:
B.S. in Psychological Sciences
B.S. in Brain and Behavioral Sciences
Ph.D.
Average Program Cost: $10,002
Average Tuition Assistance: $12,782
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 41 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#6 in Most Innovative Schools
#17 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#56 (tie) in National Universities
#90 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
HLC
8. University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Points: 19
Program Website
Founded in 1853, the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida is a public space-, sea-, and land-grant university that enrolls more than 55,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Those pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology from the UF Department of Psychology receive a broad, empirically-based, liberal arts education. The B.S. in Psychology program outlines the applications and principles of psychological information, and students are encouraged to participate in research projects, paraprofessional activities, and laboratory experiences. Graduate students may earn either a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology or a Ph.D. in Psychology in four specialty areas: social psychology, neurobehavioral and cognitive sciences, developmental psychology, or behavior analysis.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
Average Program Cost: $6,381
Average Tuition Assistance: $7,805
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 49 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#8 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#35 (tie) in National Universities
#55 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
#91 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
SACSCOC
7. University of California Davis
Davis, California
Points: 21
Program Website
Also referred to as UC Davis, the University of California Davis was founded as a branch of the University of California System and became its own separate entity in 1959. The department of psychology offers majors a B.A. for those interested in the liberal arts and a B.S. for students interested in mathematics or biology. Both programs provide a broad introduction to the scope of contemporary psychology, and graduates are prepared to enter fields such as human resources, government, and business or pursue higher levels of education. Doctoral training is also available in areas such as quantitative psychology, developmental psychology, social and personality psychology, biological psychology, and perception cognitive neuroscience psychology.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $14,463
Average Tuition Assistance: $18,761
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 60 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#10 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#24 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
#38 (tie) in National Universities
#125 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
WASC
6. University of California San Diego
San Diego, California
Points: 21
Program Website
Also known as UCSD, the University of California San Diego was established in 1960, making it the seventh-oldest of the 10-school University of California System. It offers more than 200 programs to nearly 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students. UCSD’s Department of Psychology offers a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology, both of which prepare students for graduate studies or fields such as teaching, social work, human relations, and advertising. Department members have research interests across a range of topics, from cognitive and behavioral neuroscience to sensation and perception to social, developmental, and cognitive psychology. UCSD also offers a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology for interested graduate students.
Degree Options:
Psychology B.A.
Psychology B.S.
Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology
Average Program Cost: $14,060
Average Tuition Assistance: $19,929
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 55 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#12 in Top Public Schools
#41 in National Universities
#45 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
#127 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
WASC
5. University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Points: 21
Program Website
The University of North Carolina, located in Chapel Hill, is one of the oldest universities in the country and the second-largest in the state, providing degrees in more than 70 areas of study through its 14 colleges to more than 28,000 students. Depending on their specific goals, students may choose from either a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology. Both undergraduate programs emphasize a broad familiarity with the behavioral sciences rather than specific concentration areas, preparing students for careers in teaching, basic research, business, education, law, and medicine as well as the behavioral sciences. UNC also offers a Ph.D. in Psychology program that includes training in six subfields: social, quantitative, developmental, cognitive, and clinical psychology as well as behavioral and integrative neuroscience.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $8,986
Average Tuition Assistance: $18,169
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 46 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#8 in Best Value Schools
#30 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
APA
SACSCOC
4. University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Points: 22
Program Website
The University of Virginia, founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia and the flagship school of the state. The department of psychology offers a B.A. in Psychology that trains students in the subject matter and methodology of the field, including statistics and experimental methodology. Students also gain practical skills and learn how to design and conduct research projects, read and understand basic research, and apply certain psychological principles in the workplace. More than 250 students graduate each year from the program. Graduate students may choose to pursue a Ph.D. in social, quantitative, developmental, community, cognitive, or clinical psychology as well as sensory and systems neuroscience.
Degree Options:
B.A. in psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $17,350
Average Tuition Assistance: $22,129
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 34 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 in Top Public Schools
#25 (tie) in National Universities
#28 in Best Value Schools
#32 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
Accreditations:
APA
SACSCOC
3. University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Points: 22
Program Website
Founded in 1817 in Detroit, the University of Michigan is now located in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is considered to be one of the foremost research universities in the country. The school’s psychology department gives students the choice of either a B.A. or a B.S. degree, and they may further focus the program in either psychology or biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience. The goal of the psychology department is to provide students with a background in the various levels of methodological approaches and analysis techniques used in the study of human behavior. Undergraduates tailor course selections to meet their educational and professional goals, experience a wide variety of community settings, and gain research training. Graduate programs are also available at the master’s and doctoral levels.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
B.A. in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience
B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience
Master’s in Psychology
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling
Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Doctor of Psychology Degree (Psy.D.)
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Average Program Cost: $15,262
Average Tuition Assistance: $19,648
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 37 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#4 in Top Public Schools
#12 in Most Innovative Schools
#27 (tie) in National Universities
#47 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
HLC
2. University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Points: 23
Program Website
The University of California Berkeley was founded in 1868 and currently serves as the flagship institution of the 10-institution University of California System, instructing more than 40,000 students in 350 undergraduate and graduate programs. The undergraduate program in psychology at UC Berkeley is offered in the form of a Bachelor of Science. It is designed to ensure that students gain broad exposure to the field of psychology and develop a deeper understanding of at least one major content area. The psychology department also aims to cover five key areas of graduate research at the doctoral level in areas such as social-personality psychology, clinical science, behavioral neuroscience, and both cognition, brain, and behavior and change, plasticity, and development.
Degree Options:
B.S. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $14,240
Average Tuition Assistance: $20,900
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 46 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 in Top Public Schools
#22 (tie) in National Universities
#24 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
#112 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
WASC
1. University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Points: 24
Program Website
Located in Los Angeles, California, the University of California Los Angeles, also known as UCLA, offers more than 330 undergraduate and graduate degrees to more than 45,000 students. UCLA’s College of Life Sciences offers three undergraduate psychology majors: a B.A. in Psychology, a B.S. in Cognitive Science, and a B.S. in Psychobiology. Although these three programs may overlap in basic knowledge, they have differences in their focus areas. Ph.D. training is also available with emphasis areas in social, quantitative, health, developmental, cognitive, and clinical psychology as well as learning and behavior and behavioral neuroscience. No separate M.A. or Psy.D. programs are offered.
Degree Options:
Psychology (B.A.)
Cognitive Science (B.S.)
Psychobiology (B.S.)
Ph.D. Program
Average Program Cost: $13,280
Average Tuition Assistance: $20,489
Percentage Receiving Financial Aid: 54 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Top Public Schools
#19 (tie) in National Universities
#23 in Most Innovative Schools
#85 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
APA
WASC
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Degree in Psychology?
Students who major in psychology, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, are often asked whether they are going to become a psychiatrist. Although this is certainly an excellent career path, it is far from the only profession for psychology majors after graduation. Psychology is one of the most popular majors in the country and, depending on one’s level of education, there are a number of industries in which one can work. Prospective students should keep in mind that while most employers require students to hold a terminal degree in order to become licensed or certified, students with a bachelor’s degree may choose to apply what they have learned to fields such as law, medicine, social services, human resources, education, and more. Here are a few of the many exciting options open to graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in psychology:
- Counselor
- Clinical Psychologist
- Human Resources Manager
- Social Worker
- Marketing Manager
- Parole Officer
- College Admissions Counselor
- Teacher or Professor
- Writer
- Scientific Researcher
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
If you are thinking about pursuing a psychology career, you may be wondering how much psychologists make each year. Salaries vary greatly depending on practice location, years of experience in the field, specialty area, educational level, and any certifications or licensures. For instance, the amount of money one can expect might range from $30,000 a year to more than $100,000.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), general psychologists reported earnings of about $77,030 per year as of May 2017. Although the BLS does not provide specific data for each and every subfield of psychology, they do report that industrial-organizational psychologists earned $102,530 in the same year, while clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earned an average of $81,330. Although overall employment of psychologists is expected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, employment growth will vary by occupation.
What Are the Various Disciplines of Psychology?
Beyond lie detection, recovered memories, out-of-body experiences, psychics, and mind-reading, psychology is actually, by definition, the study of behavior and the mind. While the uninformed may associate psychology with a cozy couch, a hypnotic pendulum, and listening ears, the field is so vast that there are many specialties packed under its umbrella. After all, no single study can begin to cover the depths of our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Here are the 10 most widely-known disciplines of psychology:
- Developmental Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Industrial Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Clinical/Counseling Psychology
As you can see, there are a number of subfields within the broader psychology arena that one can specialize in on his or her way to a professional career. Whether you are considering a general psychology degree in the hopes of applying it to another industry or you are seeking a doctoral degree in a specialized field of study, choosing a program from the top 30 Public Ivies offering a degree in psychology can ensure you not only receive the best education money can buy but that you are not draining your bank account to do so.
OPD Staff