by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Psychology](/majors/psychology/general-psychology/psychology-general/) 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 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general psychology students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general psychology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Trinity Washington University, our #1 best value for general psychology in District of Columbia. Located in the city of Washington, Trinity Washington University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,610. General Psychology graduates carry a median of $32,866 in student loans. Early-career general psychology graduates make about $26,065. That is a strong return on a $32,866 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%.
A rank of #2 makes Gallaudet University one of the best values for general psychology. Gallaudet University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,654. Typical student debt for general psychology graduates is $14,097. Early-career general psychology graduates make about $20,185. That is a strong return on a $14,097 median debt. Gallaudet University admits about 58% of applicants.
Catholic University Of America came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general psychology schools. Set in the city of Washington, Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,378 in tuition and fees. General Psychology graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career general psychology graduates make about $24,106. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Catholic University Of America admits about 83% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in general psychology will find it at University Of The District Of Columbia, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Washington, University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,662, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. General Psychology graduates carry a median of $32,751 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general psychology degree recipients from University Of The District Of Columbia generally make around $57,060. Set against $32,751 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #5 makes George Washington University one of the best values for general psychology. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete the general psychology program here. Early-career general psychology graduates make about $73,749. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted.
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Georgetown University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general psychology schools. Set in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete the general psychology program here. Early-career general psychology graduates make about $51,959. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants.
American University placed #7 among the best values for general psychology. Located in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general psychology graduates is $23,799. Early-career general psychology graduates make about $25,773. Set against $23,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%.
Howard University placed #8 among the best values for general psychology. Set in the city of Washington, Howard University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,810. General Psychology graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career general psychology graduates make about $18,934. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 41%.
The ranking above is published 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.