Ranking Top 30 Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Psychology

Earning an on-campus or online Bachelor’s in Psychology degree can help students launch a career in complex, dynamic, and growing field. For decades, psychology has been one of the most popular undergraduate majors for students across the United States. Although there are many reasons for the field’s enduring popularity on college campuses, students may gravitate toward psychology since students can apply the broad range of topics they study to a number of environments. For instance, most psychology degree programs cover areas such as criminal deviance, mental health, biological development, social behavior, human cognition, and more. As such, graduates may find work in fields spanning from criminal justice and healthcare to marketing and public relations. Whether you want to keep your options option or you are positively interested in a career in this field, a Bachelor’s in Psychology can help you get there. Here are some of the top 30 best value bachelor’s degree programs in psychology.

Methodology

In order to compile our list of the top 30 best value bachelor’s degrees in psychology, we determined the top ranking factors students look for when choosing a program. We produced a list of schools from the College Navigator database, a tool operated by the National Center for Education Statistics. Using the search term for “Bachelor’s in Psychology,” we were able to generate an initial pool of 45 schools before finding the top 30 programs based on a number of ranking criteria as outlined below.

Average Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

When considering a bachelor’s degree, it is important to consider the quality of the program in relation to its tuition. For instance, the most expensive schools may offer subpar programs, while more affordable institutions may offer some of the best degrees in the industry. Using information obtained from each of the following school’s websites as well as the College Navigator Tool, we gathered the most up-to-date tuition information and assigned the following ranking points.

Points:
Under $20,000: 5 points
$20,001 to $34,999: 3 points
$35,000 to $49,999: 2 points
$50,000+: 1 point

College Ranking

College ranking, or how a school compares to other institutions, plays a critical role in the selection process. U.S. News & World Report and similar bodies devoted to reviewing universities and colleges develop different categories of criteria such as best value, national status, and regional status. We have outlined several of these ranking criteria below and used them as a basis for awarding points.

Points:
U.S. News & World Report: Best National School Ranking
Top 50: 4 points
Top 100: 3 points
Top 150: 2 point
Top 200: 1 point

U.S. News & World Report: Best Regional University, Best Value School, Top Public School Ranking:
Top 50: 3 points
Top 100: 2 points
Top 150: 1 point

Percentage of Students Receiving Grant or Scholarship Aid

When it comes to affording the cost of school, in addition to tuition rates, students often look at how willing a particular institution is to provide aid to those seeking a bachelor’s degree. For the purpose of this list, we have used the following point system to indicate the average percentage of undergraduate students that request and receive financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships.

50 percent or more: 4 points
41-49 percent: 3 points
31-40 precent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point

Accreditation

To ensure you are pursuing a high-quality degree program, it is vital to consider whether or not the school and the program you are considering are accredited by a national accrediting body. All institutions on this list hold regional accreditation, indicating that each school has met or exceeded the standards of quality set by each national accrediting agency depending on the location of the school.

Points:
Regional accreditation: 1 point

Ranking Top 30 Best Value Bachelor’s in Psychology Degrees

30. Dartmouth College

Hanover, New Hampshire

Points: 12
Program Website

Established in 1769, Dartmouth College is a private Ivy League research university that was founded as a school to educate Native Americans in the English way of life and Christian theology. Now, students can pursue a number of graduate and undergraduate degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Students learn about behavioral disorders, social and cognitive development, learning, cognition and cognitive neuroscience, the physiological basis of behavior, sensation and. perception, and social interaction. Students are also required to complete three electives, a laboratory course in psychological science, and a culminating experience in order to graduate.

Degree Options:
Major in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $55,035
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#10 in Best Value Schools
#12 (tie) in National Universities
Percentage of Financial Aid: 45 percent
Accreditations:
New England Commission of Higher Education

29. Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri

Points: 12
Program Website

Washington University in St. Louis was founded in 1853 and is made up of seven graduate and undergraduate schools encompassing a broad range of academic fields. WUSTL offers two undergraduate in majors in psychology and brain science, including one with a focus on cognitive neuroscience. Students focus on five core areas of study, including lifespan development, behavior and cognition, biological/neurological bases of behavior, abnormal/affective psychology, and social/personality psychology. The program requires students to apply what they have learned in their coursework to real-world settings via a 150-hour internship as well as a practicum in applied behavior analysis.

Degree Options:
Major in Psychological and Brain Sciences
Major in Psychological and Brain Sciences: Cognitive Neuroscience
Average Program Cost: $53,399
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#19 (tie) in National Universities
#20 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 46 percent
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission

28. Columbia University

New York, New York

Points: 13
Program Website

Established in 1754, Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university and the oldest institution of higher education in New York. Students may pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology as well as a major in neuroscience and behavior. The undergraduate curriculum prepares majors for graduate study and provides a relevant background for education, social work, business, law, and medicine. Areas of study include abnormal, social and personality psychology, neuroscience, abnormal psychology, psychobiology, cognition, and perception. Students must complete 30 or more points to earn their psychology degree, and all qualified students have the opportunity to participate in research opportunities.

Degree Options:
Psychology Major
Neuroscience & Behavior Major
Average Program Cost: $59,430
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 (tie) in National Universities
#6 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 52 percent
Accreditations:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education

27. University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Points: 13
Program Website

The University of Chicago is a private, non-profit research university composed of interdisciplinary committees, various graduate programs, and an undergraduate college. Psychology majors complete a curriculum that includes four classes in five subfields: sensation and perception, social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and biological psychology. The curriculum also includes six psychology electives and courses in statistics and methodology designed to provide the quantitative background for research experience in the field. Those interested in experimental research are encouraged to participate in faculty research projects, often as early as the first year, and draw upon this research to complete an optional senior research project.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $57,006
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 (tie) in National Universities
#16 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 58 percent
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission

26. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Points: 13
Program Website

Founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Mellon University operates a main campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as well as more than 12 degree-granting locations on six continents. Students interested in an undergraduate psychology degree from Carnegie Mellon benefit from opportunities to work one-on-one with a faculty mentor, gaining hands-on research experience by taking research methods courses, conducting a senior thesis, and working in faculty research laboratories. Incorporating the latest methodologies and theories into the courses, faculty members are world leaders in neuroscience, social/health, cognitive, and developmental research, and undergraduates explore other areas of study, including abnormal and biological psychology.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science
Average Program Cost: $55,465
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#25 (tie) in National Universities
#34 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 50 percent
Accreditations:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education

25. Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

Points: 13
Program Website

Founded in 1851 by John Evans, Northwestern University is a large research university in Evanston, Illinois that offers a number of graduate and undergraduate programs, including a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Psychology majors take a common core of courses that provide general instruction to the field as well as an understanding of research techniques, including Research Methods in Psychology, Statistical Methods in Psychology, and Introduction to Psychology. Courses are also provided in cognitive psychology and neuroscience as well as personality, clinical, and social psychology. Students interested in research have the option to complete an independent study or senior thesis seminar.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $54,120
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#10 (tie) in National Universities
#15 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 54 percent
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission

24. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Points: 13
Program Website

Founded in 1876 and named for its first benefactor, Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland. The school confers an undergraduate program in psychological and brain sciences that prepares majors for graduate work in psychology and related disciplines. Students take courses in experimental methods, design, and analysis as well as cognitive and developmental psychology, neuroscience learning and memory, social psychology, and research methods in experimental psychology. Undergraduates may also pursue an internship as well as research opportunities throughout the program, and the school offers a double-major in psychology and another field such as philosophy or biology.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychological and Brain Sciences
Average Program Cost:
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#10 (tie) in National Universities
#18 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 52 percent
Accreditations:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education

23. Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut

Points: 13
Program Website

Founded in 1701 and located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is a private Ivy League research university and the third-oldest postsecondary institution in the country. The Psychology Department at Yale offers research opportunities and coursework in the fields of social, neuroscientific, developmental, cognitive, and clinical psychology. Those interested in research are encouraged to take an independent study course, and students looking to pursue neuroscience may elect to follow the neuroscience track. The B.A./B.S. designation will depend on whether a student conducts a non-empirical literature review or an empirical research project during his or her senior year. Graduates with a bachelor’s in psychology are prepared for careers in public policy, public health, law, education and research, and business.

Degree Options:
B.A./B.S. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $53,430
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 (tie) in National Universities
#4 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 51 percent
Accreditations:
New England Commission of Higher Education

22. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Points: 13
Program Website

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was founded in 1861 and is traditionally known for its research and education in engineering, the physical sciences, management, economics, and biology. The undergraduate program in brain and cognitive sciences is a tiered system that builds on the expertise students gain at each preceding level. The first year includes an introduction to computation, cognitive science, and neuroscience before students move into core lecture courses, research, and laboratory requirements. The final tier consists of advanced coursework and seminars in the field of psychology. Graduates are prepared for graduate study or to pursue careers in fields such as education, medicine, and computer science, among others.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Average Program Cost: $51,832
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 (tie) in National Universities
#3 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 58 percent
Accreditations:
New England Commission of Higher Education

21. Stanford University

Stanford, California

Points: 13
Program Website

Located in Stanford, California, Stanford University is a private research university known for its proximity to Silicon Valley, wealth, academic strength, and ranking as one of the top universities in the world. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stanford are required to complete at least 70 units of coursework in psychology, 60 of which must be provided by the Department of Psychology. Students delve into statistical methods, perception, learning and memory, cognitive neuroscience, and a number of psychology disciplines such as abnormal, clinical, personality, cultural, social, and developmental psychology. Students may also choose one of four specialization tracks: Neuroscience, Health and Development, Cognitive Sciences, or Mind, Culture, and Society.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $51,354
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 in Best Value Schools
#7 in National Universities
Percentage of Financial Aid: 50 percent
Accreditations:
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

20. Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Points: 13
Program Website

Established in 1636 and named for its first benefactor, John Harvard, Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university that educates more than 6,500 undergraduates and more than 15,250 post-graduate students. The school offers an undergraduate concentration in psychology, including a number of program options such as social and cognitive neurosciences, psychology as a secondary field, a general track, and a mind, brain, and behavior track. Students begin with an introductory course, followed by foundational courses that provide a more in-depth survey of their chosen concentration track. Finally, students select advanced courses in various specialized areas. Students may be required to complete a thesis and/or laboratory work in order to earn their degree.

Degree Options:
Psychology Undergraduate Program
Average Program Cost: $50,420
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 in National Universities
#2 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 56 percent
Accreditations:
New England Commission of Higher Education

19. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

Points: 14
Program Website

Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt University is a private research university that enrolls approximately 12,800 students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 foreign countries in six graduate and four undergraduate schools. Throughout Vanderbilt’s undergraduate program in psychology, students are introduced to the major areas of contemporary psychology, including social psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, human cognition and cognitive neuroscience, and clinical science. Vanderbilt also offers an honors program as well as a variety of opportunities for undergraduates to gain research experience through active participation in faculty research projects.

Degree Options:
Undergraduate Program in Psychology
Undergraduate Majors in Child Studies, Cognitive Studies, and Child Development
Average Program Cost: $49,816
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#7 in Best Value Schools
#14 (tie) in National Universities
Percentage of Financial Aid: 65 percent
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

18. Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia

Points: 14
Program Website

Emory University is a private research university that was founded in 1836 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. The school confers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree that requires the successful completion of 12 courses in the field of psychology. Students will explore topics such as laboratory methods, statistical inference, cognition and development, neuroscience and animal behavior, and social, personality, and applied psychology. Students round out their degree with five additional psychology electives, and undergraduates are encouraged to become involved in ongoing faculty projects in clinical psychology, cognition and development, and neuroscience and animal behavior as research assistants.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $49,392
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#19 in Best Value Schools
#21 in National Universities
Percentage of Financial Aid: 53 percent
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

17. Rice University

Houston, Texas

Points: 14
Program Website

William Marsh Rice University is a private research university located on a 300-acre campus in Houston, Texas. Opened in 1912, the school now operates with an undergraduate focus and offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in psychology. To earn the degree, students must complete 47 credit hours in psychological sciences, including core courses in cognitive psychology, social psychology, statistics, and research methods. Students are encouraged to become involved in research at any point during their time at Rice, and the school has partnerships with institutions in the Texas Medical Center that are conducting psychology-based research.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $47,350
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#14 in Best Value Schools
#16 (tie) in National Universities
Percentage of Financial Aid: 59 percent
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

16. Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey

Points: 14
Program Website

Founded in 1746, Princeton University is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the country and offers graduate and undergraduate instruction in engineering, humanities, and natural and social sciences, including a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This program provides advanced and foundational undergraduate courses on social interaction, decision-making, reasoning, language, movement, perception, and sensation. Students also learn basic statistical methods and develop a foundation in neuroscience. Undergraduates have an opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge research for their independent work. Graduates must have completed at least eight courses within the psychology department in addition to three prerequisite courses.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $47,140
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in National Universities
#1 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 60 percent
Accreditations:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education

15. University of Illinois

Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

Points: 17
Program Website

Also known as U of I or simply Illinois, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in Illinois and the flagship institution of the University of Illinois System. The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program provides students with deep, broad knowledge of the study of animal and human behavior. Course offerings range from the study of the individual person to single cells, from communities to small groups. Psychology majors take a minimum of 32 hours of coursework, and the program emphasizes the acquisition of research techniques and methodologies, understanding the biological processes of behavior, and statistical analysis. Graduates are employed in fields such as community activism, law, health, social services, education, and business, to name a few.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $15,998
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#13 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#46 (tie) in National Universities
#111 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 49 percent
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission

14. University of California – Berkeley

Berkeley, California

Points: 17
Program Website

Founded in 1868, the University of California at Berkeley is a top-ranked public research university that enrolls more than 40,000 students in 350 undergraduate and graduate degree programs each year. The school offers an undergraduate degree in psychology that covers six key areas of research, including social-personality psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, clinical science, behavioral and systems neuroscience, and cognition. Despite these specialization areas, the program focuses on fostering critical thinking, statistical, and methodological skills that are not tied to any one content area but are relevant for each one. By their junior year, students are prepared to undertake an independent research project such as a thesis.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $14,240
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 in Top Public Schools
#22 (tie) in National Universities
#112 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 48 percent
Accreditations:
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

13. Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

Points: 17
Program Website

Ohio State University was founded in 1870 and has grown into the third-largest university campus in the U.S. Its College of Arts and Sciences offers a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology that consists of 36 credit hours of psychology courses as well as an introduction to psychology course. Students cover research methods in psychology, data analysis in psychology, and a core course from areas such as social psychology, brain and behavior, clinical and development psychology, cognitive psychology. Students must also take a minimum of two advanced courses, and those following the B.S. track are required to complete a statistical methods course and an advanced research laboratory course in either social or cognitive psychology.

Degree Options:
B.S., B.A. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $10,726
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#17 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#56 (tie) in National Universities
#126 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 70 percent
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission

12. Indiana University

Bloomington, Indiana

Points: 17
Program Website

Indiana University Bloomington is the flagship institution of the Indiana University System and, with more than 40,000 students, the largest university in the system. The school’s psychology major provides a foundation in writing and research as well as personal mentoring through research opportunities in faculty laboratories. Students can pursue a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology as well as a B.S. in Neuroscience. Students pursuing the bachelor’s degree in psychology have the opportunity to further focus their degree in a specialization such as social psychology, clinical psychology, animal behavior, memory and cognition, or human development. However, there are no official tracks; students work with advisors to self-select from a wide range of courses, electives, and laboratory and capstone experiences that coincide with their interests.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
Average Program Cost: $10,681
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#38 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#89 (tie) in National Universities
#120 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 62 percent
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission

11. University of Wisconsin – Madison

Madison, Wisconsin

Points: 17
Program Website

Founded in 1848 when Wisconsin achieved statehood, the University of Wisconsin Madison is the oldest and largest public university in Wisconsin, the official state university, and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. The school’s Department of Psychology offers an undergraduate degree in psychology that consists of courses in psychology, statistics, research methods, electives, and a capstone course. It is one of the largest majors in the College of Letters & Sciences, focusing on several areas in the field such as social and personality psychology, developmental psychology, perception, cognition and cognitive neuroscience, clinical, and biological psychology. Graduates are prepared for careers in public service, law, medicine, business, clinical and counseling, and science.

Degree Options:
B.A. or B.S. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $10,555
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#15 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#49 (tie) in National Universities
#106 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 48 percent
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission

10. University of Texas – Austin

Austin, Texas

Points: 17
Program Website

Founded in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin is a public research university and the flagship institution of the University of Texas System. The school offers both a B.S. and a B.A. in Psychology, and there is little difference in the major courses between the two. The B.S. track is for those planning to pursue medical school or other professional health fields such as physical therapy, dentistry, occupational therapy, or optometry and requires 25 hours of prescribed math and natural science courses. The B.A. track is designed for students planning on entering the workforce, law or graduate school, or fields such as educational psychology, social work, and public affairs. It also allows for more elective courses, which lets students develop the skills they need for postgraduate study or their desired careers.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $10,606
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#15 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#49 (tie) in National Universities
#128 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 43 percent
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

9. Brigham Young University

Provo, Utah

Points: 17
Program Website

Brigham Young University is a non-profit research university located in Provo, Utah that places its primary focus on undergraduate education but also offers more than 60 master’s and 25 doctoral degree programs. Those pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Brigham Young develop a knowledge of the discipline as well as effective writing and research skills. Students must complete 52 to 53 credit hours of coursework in areas such as research design and analysis, the psychology of gender, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, behavioral neurobiology, and clinical psychology. Students may also apply the principles of psychology in a mentored-research setting, a teaching or community service setting, or an internship setting before graduation.

Degree Options:
B.S. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $5,620
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#11 in Best Value Schools
#66 (tie) in National Universities
Percentage of Financial Aid: 52 percent
Accreditations:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

8. University of Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia

Points: 18
Program Website

Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the University of Virginia was founded in 1819 and is known for its secret societies, student-run honor code, and its historical foundations. It is a World Heritage site and the flagship university of Virginia. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UVA must complete a total of 34 credits in psychology courses, and the curriculum is broken down into four pillars: clinical and social psychology, developmental psychology, systems and behavioral neuroscience, and cognitive psychology. Students are also required to complete research methods courses, an internship, and either a seminar or thesis course.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $17,350
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 in Top Public Schools
#25 (tie) in National Universities
#28 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 35 percent
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

7. University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Points: 18
Program Website

The University of Minnesota is a public research university and the oldest and largest campus within the University of Minnesota System. Its College of Liberal Arts offers two bachelor’s degrees in psychology: a B.S. and a B.A. The B.S. program is designed for students looking to develop skills in quantitative and biological psychology complemented by fields such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, computer science, cognitive science, and neuroscience. It is intended to prepare students for graduate studies and careers in research and healthcare. The B.A. program is designed for students looking to develop a strong general background in preparation for careers and graduate studies in education, government/law, business, and counseling/therapy.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $14,693
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#30 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#76 (tie) in National Universities
#86 (tie) in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 62 percent
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission

6. University of California –  Davis

Davis, California

Points: 18
Program Website

The University of California Davis is a member of the University of California System and the third-largest school by enrollment. UC Davis offers three distinct undergraduate degrees in psychology. The general B.A. program is designed for students looking for the greatest freedom to choose which psychology courses to take, and it includes a foreign language component. The B.S. in Psychology with an emphasis in biology includes a core biological psychology component as well as a range of science courses. The B.S. degree with a math concentration is an applied quantitative program that features an emphasis on psychometrics and linear models. Students may earn units toward their major by volunteering as research assistants.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Biology Emphasis
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Math Emphasis
Average Program Cost: $14,463
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#10 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#38 (tie) in National Universities
#125 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid:63 percent
Accreditations:
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

5. University of California – San Diego

San Diego, California

Points: 18
Program Website

Established in 1960, the University of California San Diego, or UCSD, is a public research university that sits on a 2,141-acre campus in San Diego, California. The school confers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology that feature courses ranging from adaptive to maladaptive behavior, individuals to groups, and neuropsychology to lifespan development. In addition to traditional B.A. and B.S. programs, students may also choose to pursue a B.S. in Psychology with specializations in social psychology, sensation and perception, human health, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and clinical psychology as well as cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. Each program emphasizes the study of the mind as well as research in the theoretical and experimental analysis of human behavior.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $14,060
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#12 in Top Public Schools
#41 in National Universities
#127 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 52 percent
Accreditations:
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

4. University of California – Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

Points: 19
Program Website

Most commonly known as UCLA, the University of California Los Angeles was founded in 1919, making it the second-oldest undergraduate campus of the 10-campus University of California System. It offers more than 330 graduate and undergraduate degree programs, including a B.A. in Psychology, a B.S. in Cognitive Science, and a B.S. in Psychobiology. The B.A. in Psychology is the most general of the three, providing students with a strong foundation for graduate studies in psychology and preparing them for training in fields such as business, government and public policy, education, and law. Students complete courses in psychology, philosophy, physics, statistics, and life sciences as well as electives and a laboratory course.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Cognitive Science
B.S. in Psychobiology
Average Program Cost: $13,280
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Top Public Schools
#19 (tie) in National Universities
#85 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 56 percent
Accreditations:
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

3. Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas

Points: 19
Program Website

Located in College Station, Texas, Texas A&M University is a space-, sea- and land-grant institution and the state’s flagship university, enrolling the largest student body in the state and the second-largest in the country. The school confers both a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology, and the course requirements for the two programs are identical; they differ with respect to program requirements in other disciplines. The B.A. degree requires extra humanities hours and foreign language courses, while the B.S. degree requires extra hours in the biological and physical sciences. Both degrees provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue other professional fields such as medicine and law as well as graduate study in psychology.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $10,446
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#24 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#44 in Best Value Schools
#66 (tie) in National Universities
Percentage of Financial Aid: 52 percent
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

2. University of North Carolina

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Points: 19

Also known as UNC or UNC Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina is the flagship campus of the 17 campuses that make up the University of North Carolina System. The school’s undergraduate program in psychology is designed to provide students with a broad exposure to the behavioral sciences, focusing on the research and statistical tools used in contemporary psychological research. Students may choose between a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology, the latter of which requires additional coursework in biology, math, and the physical and life sciences, while the former consists of greater freedom to pursue generalized studies.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
B.S. in Neuroscience
Average Program Cost: $8,987
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#8 in Best Value Schools
#30 (tie) in National Universities
Percentage of Financial Aid: 42 percent
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

1. University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Points: 20
Program Website

Simply referred to as Michigan, the University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was founded in 1817 in Detroit, making it the oldest university in the state. The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts offers a generalized bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as a more specific major in the field: Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN). The goal of the generalized program is to enhance students’ understanding of behavioral science as well as themselves and others based on concepts developed by study. Students can expect a foundational core component as well as electives, experiential lab courses, and a thesis research sequence. Of the 40 credits required, 24 must be completed in-residence.

Degree Options:
Psychology (General Social Science)
Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience
Average Program Cost: $15,262
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#4 in Top Public Schools
#27 (tie) in National Universities
#47 in Best Value Schools
Percentage of Financial Aid: 53 percent
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission

Frequently Asked Questions

What are My Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Psychology?

Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology may be considered for some entry-level jobs as technicians, research assistants, and other support staff roles. Many psychology majors may also pursue careers in non-psychology fields such as education or business. However, most graduates continue their education with a master’s degree and, ultimately, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) as well. A Bachelor’s in Psychology program will provide the foundational education students need to succeed in specialized, advanced areas at the graduate level and expose students to current workplace considerations and conditions through practicum courses and internships.

How Much Can You Earn in This Field?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for psychologists was $77,030 in May 2017. The highest 10 percent of psychologists earned more than $124,520 per year, and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,330 per year. However, the salary one can expect will depend on the field in which one is practicing. For instance, clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earned a median annual wage of $75,090, while industrial-organizational psychologists earned $87,100. In addition, salaries will vary by industry. The following are the top-paying industries for the field of psychology:

• Government: $94,910 per year
• Private, local, and state hospitals: $83,910
• Ambulatory healthcare services: $77,030
• Private, local, and state elementary and secondary schools: $74,470

What Are the Various Disciplines of Psychology?

Due to the breadth and depth of the psychology field, a number of distinctive, unique branches of psychology have emerged to deal with specific subtopics within the study of the brain, mind, and behavior. Each field or branch looks at problems and questions from a different perspective, and while each has its own focus on psychological concerns or problems, all areas share a common goal of studying and explaining human behavior and thought. The following disciplines are among the most common in the field and represent a specific area of study focused on a particular topic.

• Abnormal
• Applied
• Behavioral
• Clinical
• Cognitive
• Counseling
• Forensic
• Industrial-Organizational
• School

Psychology is ever-evolving, and new branches and fields continue to emerge. Each area contributes to our understanding of the many psychological factors that influence how you think, how you behave, and who you are. Whether you know the discipline in which you’d like to practice or you are considering a general bachelor’s in psychology program, your education will open doors to a variety of industries and career paths.

OPD Staff

This concludes our ranking of the Top 30 Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Psychology.