The top liberal arts colleges offering a degree in psychology emphasize a foundational undergraduate education. It imparts general knowledge versus a technical, vocational, or professional curriculum. Traditionally, a four-year, full-time degree at a liberal arts college leads to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in various fields of study. Liberal arts colleges emphasize interactive instruction at the undergraduate level. The best liberal arts colleges also teach research fundamentals as part of the curriculum. Despite the liberal arts focus, psychology programs also expose students to the necessary elements of empirical research. This helps prepare undergraduates for graduate training. Throughout these psychology programs, students work closely with faculty members to understand the process of psychological research in these areas:
- publishing research
- analyzing research
- conducting research
Students considering a career in psychology may begin their professional career by earning a degree from an accredited liberal arts college. To help prospective students begin their search, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 liberal arts colleges offering a degree in psychology in the U.S.
Methodology
To determine the top 10 liberal arts colleges, we developed a specific set of ranking criteria. We started by searching for the term “undergraduate psychology degrees” using the College Navigator Tool at the National Center for Education Statistics. We took the initial pool of 35 schools and narrowed it down into the top 10 liberal arts colleges based on the following methodology. We also used the U.S. News & World Report’s National Liberal Arts Colleges Ranking to further narrow down our search to liberal arts colleges.
Average Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bachelor’s program is the average cost of undergraduate attendance. For the purpose of our ranking list, we obtained current tuition information from the College Navigator Tool as well as each school’s department or program website to get the most accurate data available. We then took the cost of each program and awarded points based on the following table.
Points:
$50,000 to $53,000: 3 points
$53,001 to $56,000: 2 points
$56,001 or more: 1 point
College Ranking
In addition to the cost of the program, another important factor to consider when choosing a program is how a particular school stacks up against others across the country. To help keep our list organized, we’ve assigned points based on the following three tables for ranking factors such as Best National Liberal Arts College, Best Undergraduate Teaching, and Best Value School as reported by U.S. News & World Report.
Points:
U.S. News and World Report: Best National Liberal Arts College Ranking:
Top 10: 3 points
Top 25: 2 points
Top 50: 1 point
U.S. News & World Report: Best Undergraduate Teaching Ranking:
Top 10: 3 points
Top 25: 2 point
Top 50: 1 point
U.S. News & World Report: Best Value School Ranking:
Top 10: 3 points
Top 25: 2 points
Top 50: 1 point
Ranking Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges Offering a Psychology Degree
10. Carleton College
Northfield, Minnesota
Points: 9
Program Website
Carleton College is among the good psychology colleges. It was founded in 1866. Carleton College is in Northfield, Minnesota. It follows a trimester system and enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduates. Carleton’s Psychology Department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that provides students with a strong background in the field. It also contributes to students’ development of expression, analysis, and understanding of psychology.
The program consists of:
- coursework
- teaching experiences
- laboratory classes
- research
- fieldwork
Students may also choose to pursue one of three areas of concentration to supplement their undergraduate education such as:
- neuroscience
- educational studies
- cognitive science
Graduates are prepared to either pursue a master’s degree or entry-level positions immediately after completing the program.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $62,634
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Best Undergraduate Teaching
#5 (tie) in National Liberal Arts Colleges
#29 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
9. Middlebury College
Middlebury, Vermont
Points: 10
Program Website
Middlebury College has one of the best psychology programs. It is one of the colleges with good psychology programs. It was founded in 1800 by Congregationalists. It is a private liberal arts college in Middlebury, Vermont. Middlebury’s Psychology Department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that consists of a broad range of courses that encourage students to understand:
- behavior
- emotions,
- mental processes
These are studied from a number of different perspectives, including:
- clinical
- developmental
- neuroscientific
- cognitive
- social
Students actively engage in research as part of the curriculum. They may also take part in research projects in faculty laboratories. Teaching and research are promoted via a sophisticated collection of technological tools. Students who graduate from the program will have developed the values, skills, and knowledge consistent with the application and science of psychology.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $62,460
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 (tie) in National Liberal Arts Colleges
#9 in Best Value Schools
#18 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Teaching
Accreditations:
NEASC
8. Bowdoin College
Brunswick, Maine
Points: 10
Program Website
Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine offers one of the top psychology programs. It has more than 30 majors to undergraduate and graduate students. At the time Bowdoin was chartered in 1794, Maine was still considered a part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The school’s Department of Psychology examines the contemporary perspectives of the principles of human behavior including:
- behavioral neuroscience
- development
- language
- cognition
- psychopathology
- interpersonal relations
Courses cover topics such as:
- clinical and developmental psychology
- basic perceptual processes
- human language,
- animal neurophysiology
The curriculum also highlights the empirically-based scientific methods of interpretation and investigation. Students may choose to pursue an optional concentration in neuroscience.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $61,528
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 (tie) in National Liberal Arts Colleges
#6 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Teaching
#17 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
NEASC
7. Wellesley College
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Points: 10
Program Website
Wellesley College was founded in 1870. It is in Wellesley, Massachusetts is a private women’s liberal arts college. It offers more than 50 departmental and interdepartmental majors. The school’s undergraduate degree in psychology features a curriculum that is scientifically demanding yet diverse in its subject content.
Psychology majors learn to create questions regarding the study of human behavior. They learn to investigate and identify answers using analytical methods and techniques. Throughout the curriculum, undergraduates take what they have learned in the classroom and apply these concepts to real-world situations. Areas of study include:
- cognition
- cultural psychology
- educational psychology
- neuropsychology
- social psychology
- child development
- personality psychology
- clinical psychology
Graduates are prepared for careers immediately after completing the program, or they may choose enter graduate school.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $61,920
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 (tie) in National Liberal Arts Colleges
#6 in Best Value Schools
#22 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Teaching
Accreditations:
NECHE
6. Smith College
Northampton, Massachusetts
Points: 10
Program Website
Smith College has one of the top psychology programs. Smith is a private women’s liberal arts college in Northampton, Massachusetts. It offers coeducational certificate and graduate programs. One of the most popular majors at the school, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology features renowned faculty members and a diverse, rich curriculum.
Students are trained in a broad manner. Course offerings cover major lines of contemporary work within the field. The curriculum also strives to establish connections between psychology and other fields as well as the real world. Students will broaden their perspectives from cultural and individual points of view. Students will take courses in areas of study such as:
- clinical and abnormal psychology
- culture and development
- health and physiology of behavior
- cognitive and brain sciences
- social, personality, and gender psychology
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $58,768
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#10 in Best Value Schools
#11 (tie) in National Liberal Arts Colleges
#18 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Teaching
Accreditations:
NECHE
5. Grinnell College
Grinnell, Iowa
Points: 10
Program Website
Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, Iowa. It was founded in 1846. The school is known for its:
- commitment to social justice
- innovative pedagogy
- rigorous academics
Grinnell has one of the top psychology programs. Graduate students enrolled in Grinnell’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology develop a broad knowledge of the field of psychology as well as basic academic skills. Through the curriculum, students learn how to interpret and analyze research data and statistics, how to design and implement laboratory research, how to use related technology, and how to closely read texts. Students also evaluate the principles of behavior and natural sciences and develop the ability to apply what they have learned to help those in need. Students may choose to participate in internships, independent study programs, and the Journal Club. Psychology majors are prepared for graduate school as well as careers in:
- law
- medicine
- clinical work
- scientific research
- teaching
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $61,480
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Teaching
#11 (tie) in National Liberal Arts Colleges
#12 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
HLC
4. Williams College
Williamstown, Massachusetts
Points: 11
Program Website
Williams College was established in 1793. It is in Williamstown, Massachusetts. The school’s psychology department is comprised of 15 faculty members and subfields in:
- social psychology
- the psychology of education
- developmental psychology
- clinical psychology
- cognitive psychology
- behavioral neuroscience
Students benefit from working closely with professors, coursework, and experiential opportunities in which they learn to think critically and become involved in research. The curriculum consists of studies in:
- ethnicity
- cognitive science
- women and gender
- neuroscience
- biology
Many psychology undergraduates choose to complete a concentration or a double major.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $61,770
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
#1 in Best Value Schools
#8 in Best Undergraduate Teaching
Accreditations:
NECHE
3. Pomona College
Claremont, California
Points: 12
Program Website
Pomona’s Psychology Department offers one of the top psychology programs. It strives to help undergraduates understand the empirical findings and theories in the field of psychology in order to become experienced in human behavior. The curriculum focuses on understanding the cultural context of research, ethics, and approaches in psychology, and students begin with a broad introductory course before:
- learning about research design and statistical methods
- taking lab courses
- completing a required cultural psychology course
Majors will also learn written, oral, technological, and information presentation skills. They will be required to participate in a capstone experience during the final year of the program.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $59,238
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 in Best Value Schools
#5 (tie) in National Liberal Arts Colleges
#9 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Teaching
Accreditations:
WSCUC
2. Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Points: 12
Program Website
Swarthmore College was founded in 1864. It is in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. It is one of the earliest coeducational colleges in the country. Swarthmore’s Psychology Department has strengths in cultural, physiological, cognitive, social, developmental, and clinical aspects of the field, offering something for every student seeking to further understand human nature. The school confers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and the curriculum approaches the study of the field as a developmental unfolding of the person from infancy through his or her lifespan. Psychology students will learn to study humans as feeling, thinking beings that also depend on others through a diverse network of cultural values, relationships, and social roles in their environments. Undergraduates may choose to participate in research opportunities in areas such as:
- self-control
- perception and action
- cognitive development
- depression prevention
- psycholinguistics
- neuroscience
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $59,328
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 (tie) in National Liberal Arts Colleges
#4 in Best Value Schools
#9 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Teaching
Accreditations:
MSCHE
1. Davidson College
Davidson, College
Points: 12
Program Website
Davidson College is a producer of 23 Rhodes Scholars. It is a private liberal arts college in Davidson, North Carolina. Davidson’s Psychology Department provides an education that covers all aspects of the practice and science of psychology. The department’s committed advisers, practitioners, researchers, and professors offer a rigorous curriculum of field experiences, research opportunities, and courses as well as individualized mentoring. The curriculum combines social sciences, natural sciences, and the humanities, and psychology majors are exposed to the broad discipline of psychology as well as physiological and cognitive processes, human and animal behaviors, and empirical scientific approaches. Undergraduate psychology students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology are fully prepared to use their knowledge to flourish and reach their professional goals.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $57,340
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#6 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Teaching
#8 in Best Value Schools
#10 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree?
A Bachelor’s in Psychology degree is an ideal option for students wanting to:
- study human behavior
- master topics in the sciences and humanities
- take challenging classes
Psychology students examine why people act the way they do, and a degree in this field can prepare graduates for positions in:
- counseling
- social work
- medicine
- sales
- business
- therapy
Students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology may attain an entry-level position after graduation or choose to pursue graduate work and gain specialized training in a more focused area of psychology. Some of the most common career options for this field include:
- Marriage and Family Therapist: This professional helps others overcome stress and problems in their relationships. These therapists must earn a state license and a master’s degree. However, a bachelor’s degree provides a solid foundation for future education.
- Social Worker: A social worker usually assists disadvantaged populations, helping people cope with everyday problems as well as professional, familial, behavioral, and emotional issues. Social workers must earn a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to seek credentialing in their state.
- Mental Health Counselor: This professional addresses issues such as bipolar disorder, illness, and depression and helps clients with difficult life events such as death or divorce. All states require mental health counselors to earn a master’s degree.
- Substance Abuse Counselor: A substance abuse counselor assists clients who struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, creating treatment plans and providing emotional support. Although a bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum requirement for certification, some states may require a graduate degree.
- Psychologist: A psychologist interprets how individuals react to their environments, studies human behavior, and implements treatments for disorders. Psychologists must earn a doctoral degree in order to become licensed to practice.
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
A bachelor’s degree in psychology can benefit students who are looking to enter the workforce immediately after graduation as well as professionals hoping to pursue graduate studies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, as fast as average for all occupations. Although salary requirements vary according to experience, education level, title, and location, the median pay for psychologists in May 2021 was $81,040 per year or $38.96 per hour. In addition, by gaining the appropriate credentials and pursuing careers as licensed psychologists, graduates may also use their knowledge of human behavior to enter positions in business, sales, and other fields. Since the curriculum typically covers liberal arts classes and topics in science and statistics, psychology students gain a broad education that can be applied to many types of work environments.
Should You Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
If learning about developmental processes, abnormal behavior, neurology, and human cognition excites you, you should consider earning a Bachelor’s in Psychology. This degree teaches students the skills they need to work with a variety of people in counseling, sales, clinical, and business settings. The combination of courses in humanities and science gives students a comprehensive education that they may apply to a number of career paths.
Most liberal arts colleges offer both on-campus and online programs, each suited to different types of students. For instance, online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs often appeal to working students and professionals with family and work responsibilities. On the other hand, on-campus programs may benefit students looking for a traditional college experience right after high school. On-campus programs allow students to develop personal relationships with potential employers, local professionals, and professors.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from an accredited school can also help graduates seek meaningful employment. Many liberal arts colleges offer internships, assistance with job placement, and opportunities for networking with alumni. Even if you have not yet decided on a future career, access to these additional resources as well as a wide variety of courses may help you narrow down your interest areas and professional goals.
What Can You Expect From a Bachelor’s in Psychology Program?
Despite variations, each psychology program is responsible for educating students in the foundational aspects of the field. Below are some of the most common classes one can expect in this degree at a liberal arts college:
- Social Foundations in General Psychology
- Cognitive Development
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Abnormal Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
In terms of length to completion, students can typically earn a 120-credit bachelor’s degree in four years while taking classes on a full-time basis. However, certain factors may alter this estimate such as if a student drops or fails a class or if he or she does not enroll full-time. In these cases, the four-year psychology programs may take six years or more. On the other hand, graduate students who earn credits in high school, test out of courses, or take summer classes may graduate in a shorter time frame.
Other program-specific factors can alter the time it takes to complete the degree. For instance, some liberal arts colleges offer accelerated courses that allow students to complete the psychology programs more quickly. On the other hand, students who add a minor or double major in psychology and a related field will likely need more time. Most institutions offer classes on a part-time basis for students who want to earn an undergraduate degree at a slower pace due to outside work or family obligations.
If you want to gain a greater understanding of the human mind, help people, and challenge yourself with courses in both the sciences and arts, then you may be well-suited to pursue of the many psychology programs. The above-ranked list top liberal arts colleges offering a degree in psychology is a great place to start for students considering this challenging yet rewarding career path.
This concludes our ranking of the Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges Offering a Degree in Psychology.
By OPD Staff