by our College Data Analytics Team
[Applied Psychology](/majors/psychology/clinical-counseling-applied-psychology/applied-psychology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 4 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for applied psychology students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in applied psychology, balancing cost against outcomes.
University Of Phoenix Arizona earned the #1 spot for value among applied psychology schools in Arizona. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Typical student debt for applied psychology graduates is $40,687. Early-career applied psychology graduates make about $62,987. Set against $40,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University earned it the #2 place for applied psychology. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete the applied psychology program here. Applied Psychology graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $69,344 early in their careers. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
A rank of #3 makes Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott one of the best values for applied psychology. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Prescott. Students from in state pay about $43,974 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for applied psychology graduates is $24,620. Early-career applied psychology graduates make about $41,456. That is a strong return on a $24,620 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
1
2
3
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.