Psychology Degrees
Understand people — and apply it across many careers.
About Psychology degrees
Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate majors because it builds skills — research, analysis, and understanding human behavior — that apply far beyond therapy. Graduates work in counseling, HR, marketing, social services, and research.
Many roles in the field require graduate study, so it helps to plan your path early. The data below shows which schools deliver strong outcomes for the cost.
Psychology by the numbers
285+
Schools offering Psychology
$102,632
Median earnings (top schools)
$27,735
Median net price (top schools)
Figures reflect the top-earning four-year schools for this field, using official U.S. Department of Education data.
Careers in Psychology
Counselor / Therapist
Help clients with mental health and life challenges (requires graduate training).
Human Resources Specialist
Apply behavioral insight to hiring, culture, and employee development.
Market / UX Researcher
Study how people think and behave to shape products and campaigns.
Social & Community Service Worker
Support individuals and families through social programs.
Degree levels
A two-year foundation, often used to transfer into a bachelor's program.
Qualifies you for many entry-level roles and is the gateway to graduate study.
Required for counseling, therapy, and many applied specializations.
Needed to become a licensed psychologist or to conduct research and teach.
Top schools for Psychology
See all →Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit
- $13,807
- Net price
- 4%
- Admit rate
- 7,554
- Enrolled
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
- $28,699
- Net price
- 5%
- Admit rate
- 10,650
- Enrolled
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
- $28,690
- Net price
- 9%
- Admit rate
- 15,995
- Enrolled
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit
- $41,704
- Net price
- 16%
- Admit rate
- 10,085
- Enrolled
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
- $40,815
- Net price
- 13%
- Admit rate
- 7,569
- Enrolled
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA · Public
- $12,116
- Net price
- 14%
- Admit rate
- 18,785
- Enrolled
Psychology — Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a psychology degree?+
A bachelor's in psychology leads to roles in human resources, social services, sales, marketing research, and case management. Clinical roles like therapist or psychologist require graduate degrees.
Can I be a therapist with a bachelor's in psychology?+
No — becoming a licensed therapist or counselor requires a master's degree and supervised clinical hours. A bachelor's is the first step on that path.
Is a psychology degree worth it?+
It can be, especially if you plan for graduate study or pair it with skills like data analysis. Undergraduate earnings are moderate, so compare net price carefully using the school data above.
What's the difference between a PhD and a PsyD in psychology?+
A PhD emphasizes research and academia, while a PsyD focuses on clinical practice. Both can lead to licensure as a psychologist; choose based on whether you want to do research or primarily treat clients.
Can I study psychology online?+
Yes — many accredited bachelor's and master's psychology programs are offered online. Programs leading to clinical licensure include supervised in-person practicum hours.
What jobs pay well with a psychology background?+
Industrial-organizational psychology, HR management, UX research, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) tend to pay more than general counseling roles, especially at the master's level.
Do I need a license to work in psychology?+
Licensing is required for clinical roles (therapist, counselor, psychologist) but not for many applied roles in business, research, or social services.
What is I/O psychology?+
Industrial-organizational psychology applies behavioral science to the workplace — hiring, training, motivation, and culture. It's one of the better-paid, business-facing branches of the field.
How competitive is graduate school in psychology?+
Clinical and counseling programs, especially funded PhDs, are competitive. Strong grades, research or clinical experience, and a clear focus improve your odds.
What can I pair with psychology to boost earnings?+
Statistics, data analytics, business, or a certification in applied behavior analysis can significantly widen your job options and pay.
Is financial aid available for psychology students?+
Yes — federal aid, scholarships, and (for many PhD programs) funded assistantships that cover tuition and provide a stipend.