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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Applied Psychology Schools in the The Plains States Region

2 Colleges in the United States
112 Applied Psychology Degrees Awarded
$59,683 Avg Early-Career Salary

Applied Psychology degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 13 schools to find the best for applied psychology students.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Applied Psychology in the The Plains States Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the applied psychology degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Applied Psychology

1
Bellevue University crest
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in applied psychology. Located in the suburb of Bellevue, Bellevue University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Bellevue University graduates 33% of students within six years. There were roughly 11 applied psychology students who graduated with this degree at Bellevue University in the most recent data year. Applied Psychology graduates of Bellevue University earn a median of $61,548 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,846 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in applied psychology from Bellevue University

2

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best applied psychology schools. Located in the town of Winona, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. About 66% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 12 applied psychology students who graduated with this degree at Saint Marys University Of Minnesota in the most recent data year. Graduates of the applied psychology program make about $67,111 in their early career. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. See the full applied psychology program report for Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

3

Ottawa University Ottawa came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best applied psychology schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Ottawa. The six-year graduation rate is 28%. There were roughly 18 applied psychology students who graduated with this degree at Ottawa University Ottawa in the most recent data year. Applied Psychology graduates of Ottawa University Ottawa earn a median of $52,174 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $30,416 to complete this degree. See the full applied psychology program report for Ottawa University Ottawa

4
Capella University crest
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN

A rank of #4 makes Capella University one of the top schools for applied psychology. Set in the city of Minneapolis, Capella University is a very large private for-profit institution. Capella University graduates 20% of students within six years. Capella University awarded about 71 applied psychology degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the applied psychology program make about $57,897 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in applied psychology from Capella University

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 13 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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