Top 25 Best Psychology Schools and Colleges

1 Columbia University in the City of New York

Located in New York City, Columbia University makes the top of the list with its award-winning Department of Psychology. The department features several psychology options including a psychology minor, psychology major, neuroscience and behavior major, and PhD and post-bachelor’s programs. Along with its rigorous instruction featuring a low student/faculty ratio, these programs offer students many applied research opportunities. Graduates of Columbia University in the City of New York can expect to earn an average income of $82,000.

• Tuition:

  • In-State:$61,788

  • Out-of-State:$61,788

• Rank: #1

• Total Enrollment:31,077

• Graduation Rate:96%

• Diplomas Awarded:115

2 University of California-Los Angeles

University of California in Los Angeles is a large public college with over 44,537 students. The college gives students a choice of earning several psychology degrees including a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology, and a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science. There are also minors in Applied Developmental Psychology and Cognitive Science available. In addition, students can choose to participate in the school’s PhD program, which features emphasis in health psychology, behavioral neurosciences, and many more. Students who graduate from this college often earn an average salary of $82,000.

• Tuition:

  • In-State:$13,240

  • Out-of-State:$42,994

• Rank: #2

• Total Enrollment:44,537

• Graduation Rate:91%

• Diplomas Awarded:1015

3 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Based in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan offers many different pathways to earning a psychology degree. The school features an undergraduate program in psychology that focuses on a variety of areas including developmental, clinical, personality, and social. The college’s Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience majors are perfect for students who would like a more specific psychology major. There is also an accelerated master’s degree program for highly accomplished students who have the potential to succeed in a Master of Psychology program. Students enrolled in an undergraduate psychology program have access to student organizations, internships, and study abroad opportunities. The college also provides a PhD program in social psychology, clinical science, biopsychology, and developmental psychology. University of Michigan in Ann Arbor produces graduates who earn a yearly salary of $79,000.

• Tuition:

  • In-State:$15,558

  • Out-of-State:$51,200

• Rank: #3

• Total Enrollment:46,716

• Graduation Rate:92%

• Diplomas Awarded:633

4 Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University, which is located in Lexington, Virginia, is home to only 2,223 students, but the college still boasts an incredible psychology department despite its small size. Students who pursue the school’s cognitive and behavior science major will gain a deep understanding of mental processes and behaviors. The program can lead to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. Salaries for Washington and Lee graduates average about $76,000 a year.

• Tuition:

  • In-State:$54,830

  • Out-of-State:$54,830

• Rank: #4

• Total Enrollment:2,223

• Graduation Rate:95%

• Diplomas Awarded:12

5 University of California-San Diego

In San Diego, University of California presents its 37,887 students with over 100 degrees and programs. The college’s Department of Psychology offers a minor in psychology as well as a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Students who are interested in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology can choose one of the following specializations: human health, clinical psychology, social psychology, sensation and perception, cognitive psychology, or developmental psychology. The college also offers a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. There is even a PhD psychology program where students will participate in a year-long research project. Students who graduate from this university will earn about $78,0000 starting off.

• Tuition:

  • In-State:$14,415

  • Out-of-State:$44,169

• Rank: #5

• Total Enrollment:37,887

• Graduation Rate:86%

• Diplomas Awarded:374

6 Harvard University

Harvard University, located in Cambridge Massachusetts, is the oldest college in the country, so naturally it features an incredible psychology department. Students can earn an undergraduate degree in psychology, focusing on program options such as social and cognitive neurosciences or mind, brain, and behavior. Students enrolled in the college’s graduate program will be trained in four research areas including social, clinical science, developmental, and cognitive. The school accepts roughly 65 students into its prestigious graduate program each year, which leads to a PhD degree. Most students who graduate from Harvard start off making about $74,800 a year.

• Tuition:

  • In-State:$51,925

  • Out-of-State:$51,925

• Rank: #6

• Total Enrollment:31,566

• Graduation Rate:98%

• Diplomas Awarded:134

7 University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign

University of Illinois in Champaign is an extremely large public college that serves more than 49,702 students. At this award-winning institution, students can study a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Science in Psychological Science, or a PhD in Psychology. Students who pursue a PhD in Psychology can choose one of the following program areas: cognitive neuroscience, social personality, industrial-organizational, or attention & perception. Many of the college’s psychology programs feature a few online classes, which is a perfect option for students during winters and summer breaks. Graduates of this university often earn an average yearly income of $76,000.

• Tuition:

  • In-State:$15,122

  • Out-of-State:$32,264

• Rank: #7

• Total Enrollment:49,702

• Graduation Rate:84%

• Diplomas Awarded:478

The full top 25 Psychology Schools rankings on University Headquarters