by our College Data Analytics Team
[Psychology](/majors/psychology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for psychology students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the psychology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Trinity Washington University earned the #1 spot for value among psychology schools in District of Columbia. Located in the city of Washington, Trinity Washington University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $26,610. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $41,316. Early-career psychology graduates make about $26,065. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
Gallaudet University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value psychology schools. Set in the city of Washington, Gallaudet University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,654 in tuition and fees. Psychology graduates carry a median of $14,097 in student loans. Psychology graduates of Gallaudet University earn a median of $20,185 early in their careers. Set against $14,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
Catholic University Of America is a great value for students pursuing a degree in psychology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Washington, Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $58,378. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from Catholic University Of America generally make around $24,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.
A rank of #4 makes University Of The District Of Columbia one of the best values for psychology. 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. Psychology graduates carry a median of $32,751 in student loans. Early-career psychology graduates make about $57,060. Set against $32,751 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in psychology will find it at George Washington University, which ranked #5. George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $25,220. Early-career psychology graduates make about $66,822. Set against $25,220 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 47%.
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Georgetown University came in at #6 for value in psychology this year. 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 psychology program here. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from Georgetown University generally make around $51,959. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 13%.
American University placed #7 among the best values for psychology. Located in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. Psychology graduates carry a median of $23,799 in student loans. Early-career psychology graduates make about $25,773. Set against $23,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.
Howard University landed the #8 spot for psychology value this year. Set in the city of Washington, Howard University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,810. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the psychology program here. Psychology graduates of Howard University earn a median of $63,373 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Howard University admits about 41% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.