Key Takeaways:
- MIT and Stanford University are top schools for psychology, offering excellent programs and research opportunities.
- Psychology is a popular degree that helps you understand human behavior and can lead to various careers.
- Psychology degrees require studying the human mind and behaviors, and they offer skills useful in many jobs.
- Getting a psychology degree can lead to high-paying jobs, such as industrial-organizational psychologists, who earn the most.
The best psychology programs for a bachelor’s degree include flexible and affordable programs recognized for their excellence in the field. Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate degrees in the United States and can prepare you for a wide range of career paths. The topics studied in psychology will give you a view into human behavior and assessment, which are attractive to future employers in a variety of careers. Additionally, an understanding of human psychology will benefit you in both professional and personal relationships.
Best Health Degrees has drilled through school websites and identified psychology degree programs to help simplify your search to find the ones that suit your ambitions. We condensed this information to give you a general sense of the program courses, admission requirements, and also cost.
This article was originally published in June 2022 and was last updated/reviewed in February 2024.
Ranking the Best Undergrad Psychology Programs
To rank the 10 Best Psychology Bachelor’s Programs, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using college data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.
The programs are all accredited and accept federal student assistance. Be certain to apply for aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®.)
| Rank | School | Undergraduate Tuition | Acceptance Rate |
| #1 | MIT | $57,986 | 4% |
| #2 | Stanford University | $58,416 | 4% |
| #3 | Princeton University | $57,410 | 6% |
| #4 | Duke University | $62,688 | 6% |
| #5 | University of Pennsylvania | $63,452 | 7% |
| #6 | Columbia University | $66,139 | 4% |
| #7 | University of Washington | $12,242 | 48% |
| #8 | UCLA | $13,401 | 9% |
| #9 | UC Berkeley | $14,395 | 11% |
| #10 | University of Virginia | $20,342 | 19% |
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Long known for its technical education programs, MIT has an outstanding curriculum, expert faculty, and commitment to research opportunities. The BS degree from the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences requires 180 credit hours.
In this program, students focus on three areas of brain studies. These include Course 9: Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Course 6-9 Computation and Cognition, and Course 6-9 Master of Engineering in Computation and Cognition (open only to those in Course 6-9.) Studies will involve broad subject matter in neural computation, probability, statistics, psycholinguistics, and genetic engineering. Furthermore, hands-on opportunities for research students let them collaborate with faculty and other psychology students.
Admission to MIT is selective and has stringent deadlines. Additionally, psychology students must submit an online application and answer several short questions in lieu of essays. Official academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation are also required.
Pros
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1
- Prestigious school and program rankings
- Research opportunities with esteemed faculty
Cons
- Highly selective admissions (4% acceptance rate)
- Rigorous courses and content
2. Stanford University
Opened in 1891, Stanford University has an international reputation for quality education. The BS in Psychology provides an understanding of psychological theory as well as training in the analysis of problems by using specific methodologies.
The curriculum includes general education studies as well as those in psychology. Some of the courses you’ll take in the major include introductory studies in Cognitive Neuroscience, Cultural Psychology, Personality and Affective Science, and also Cognitive Neuroscience. You’ll also explore topics in aging, cognitive processes, social perception, and psychopathology.
As a first-year Stanford student, admission requirements include submission of either the Common Application or Coalition Application, letters of recommendation from two teachers, official transcripts, and school report and guidance counselor recommendation.
Pros
- Psychology capstone experience
- Optional psychology honors program
- Research opportunities with industry leaders and scholars
- Top-ranked research university
Cons
- Competitive admissions process
- Highly selective institution (4% acceptance rate)
- Rigorous courses
3. Princeton University
New Jersey’s Ivy League school, Princeton University, offers a BS in Psychology through the Department of Psychology in the Division of Natural Sciences.
The program requires prerequisite studies in Social Psychology, Fundamentals of Neuroscience or Functional Neuroanatomy, and Introduction to Psychology. During your junior and senior years, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in early research alongside a faculty member as well as do empirical research through independent work.
Admission to Princeton is competitive and begins with the submission of either the Common Application, QuestBridge, or Coalition Application (you’ll complete the Princeton Supplement.) Prospective psychology students should be ready to provide academic transcripts, mid-school reports, and recommendations from teachers and guidance counselors. Princeton also asks for a copy of a Graded Written Paper.
Pros
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1
- Ranked #1 in Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked #12 in First-Year Experiences and #1 in Senior Capstone by U.S. News
- Research opportunities with industry scholars and leaders
- SAT/ACT not required, but considered
Cons
- Competitive admission process (6% acceptance rate)
- Rigorous courses and exams
4. Duke University
Duke University awards a BS or AB in Psychology. The degree focuses on human and animal behavior and the consequences, process, and also origins. This program will prepare you to enter the field of psychology in research, mental health, consulting, and more.
You’ll have a wide selection of coursework for this degree, some of which involve studies in mental health, biological foundations of behavior, research and statistical methods, child clinical psychology, and also stress and coping techniques. Classes concentrate on abnormal, biological, cognitive, and also social developmental psychology studies.
You’ll begin your admission process by submitting one of the following applications: Common Application, QuestBridge, or Coalition Application (along with the designated fee). Duke admission is test-optional and you’ll submit academic transcripts, three recommendation letters from your guidance counselor, and two references from teachers. Additionally, the school may request an applicant interview with a Duke alum.
Pros
- Extensive research opportunities for undergrads
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1
- Expansive alumni network
- Diverse selection of course offerings
Cons
- Highly selective institution (6% acceptance rate)
- No online offerings
- Rigorous courses with emphasis on research
5. University of Pennsylvania
UPenn is another Ivy League school offering a BS in Psychology. It is the oldest university with a continuously functioning psychology department in the US and North America.
The foundation of this undergraduate degree is in psychology as a science with studies in behavioral, cognitive, and also social science areas. Furthermore, this degree program provides a strong basis for graduate work and additional training. Your studies will begin with Introductory Psychology, with subsequent courses in Cognitive Neuroscience, Abnormal Psychology, and Evolution of Animal Behavior. Additionally, psychology students must conduct empirical research and take at least one statistical course.
To apply to the University of Pennsylvania, complete the Coalition Application, QuestBridge, or Common Application with the appropriate fee. Additionally, applicants need to submit letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and school reports. ACT/SAT test scores are currently optional.
Pros
- Diverse selection of courses/electives
- Honors psychology program options
- Ivy League prestige and reputation
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1
- Research opportunities with renowned psychologists and scholars
Cons
- Rigorous research requirements
- Highly selective admissions (7% acceptance rate)
6. Columbia University
We continue our ranking with another Ivy League School awarding an undergraduate degree program in psychology from New York’s Columbia University.
The Department of Psychology regularly reviews and updates the curriculum for the BS in Psychology. Studies can include Introductory Psychology, Science of Psychology, Theories of Change in Human Development, Critical Periods in Brain Development & Behavior, and Topics in Clinical Psychology. Furthermore, psychology students must take at least one required course each in statistics, seminar, and research methods. You’ll also need to take classes to satisfy the requirements in three groups. The groups include Perception & Cognition, Psychobiology & Neuroscience, and also Social, Personality, & Abnormal.
Columbia uses the Coalition Application, QuestBridge, or Common Application, academic transcripts, and teacher and guidance counselor recommendations.
Pros
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1
- Ranks #7 in Best Psychology Programs by U.S. News and World Report
- Research opportunities for undergraduates
- Unique electives and course requirements
Cons
- Competitive admissions (4% acceptance rate)
- Limited number of transfer credits accepted (between 3 and 9)
- Statistics course required for major
7. University of Washington
The Department of Psychology at the University of Washington offers both a BA or BS in Psychology and provides an excellent comparison of the two degrees to help you decide which is best for your career goals.
Both the BA and BS degrees require Introductory Psychology, Fundamentals of Psych Research, Biopsychology, and math courses. With either curriculum, you’ll also study statistics, research methods, psych labs, and three core courses. The core courses include studies in Social Psychology, Sensory Perceptual Processes, and Animal Behavior. The program calls for Independent Studies Experiences for either the BA or BS degree. The school offers study abroad as well.
Applications for admission to UW accept the Coalition Application along with the appropriate application fee. SAT/ACT test scores are not required nor are letters of recommendation.
Pros
- Fieldwork and research opportunities
- Less competitive than other Ivy League psychology programs
- Psychology Honors program available for qualifying students
- Supervised teaching opportunities
- Undergraduate advising that’s specialized and personal
Cons
- Large student body population (over 52,000 students)
- Math course requirements for psychology major
- Mean admission GPA of 3.78
8. University of California Los Angeles
UCLA’s College of Life Sciences has three of the best psychology degrees for undergraduate students in Southern California. The college offers a BS in Cognitive Science or Psychobiology and a BA in Psychology. For this ranking, we’ll look at the BA in Psychology.
Among the UCLA classes in the BA curriculum are Introductory Psychology, Introduction to Cognitive Science, Student Research Program, Psychological Statistics, Basic Processes of Motivated Behavior, Decision Making and Brain, and much more. You’ll also enroll in Seminars like Stress, Adaptation, and Coping, Variable Topics in Psychology, and Student Research Program. For program admission, psychology students need to complete five core courses and one laboratory course.
Applying for UCLA admission includes a universal school application, but not ACT or SAT test scores. Documents you need to submit include academic transcripts, information on your activities, and any awards you’ve received. Additionally, applicants may need to answer “personal insight” questions.
Pros
- Academic counseling
- Diverse psychology electives and course offerings
- Extensive research opportunities for undergraduates
- Ranked #1 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report
- Preparation for graduate psychology programs
Cons
- Higher out-of-state tuition for non-California residents
- Large student population (over 46,000 students)
9. University of California Berkeley
There’s a lot to recommend about the University of California at Berkeley’s BA in Psychology, which covers prominent areas of research.
Those areas involve studies in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, Clinical Science, Cognition, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental, and Social-Personality Psychology. This UC Berkeley major incorporates methodology, critical thinking, and statistics. Courses in General Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, Psychology of Gender, Supervised Independent Study and Research, represent a sampling of the curriculum options available to you.
To study psychology at Berkeley, you need a 3.0 GPA in your last two years of high school (or GED), AP or IB exams, and SAT test scores. Additionally, you may need to provide additional information like academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Pros
- Diverse selection of core and advanced psychology courses
- Opportunity to focus on a specific area of psychology
- Ranked in top 15 Best National Universities by U.S. News and World Report
- Research opportunities for undergrads
Cons
- Competitive admissions (11% acceptance rate)
- Large student population (over 45,000 students)
- Out-of-state tuition higher for residents outside California
10. University of Virginia
Located in Charlottesville, and designed by President Thomas Jefferson, UVA offers a BA in Psychology through the College of Arts and Sciences.
There are four pillars to the UVA psychology studies in Systems that include Behavioral Neuroscience and also Clinical and Social Psychology. You’ll choose one psychology course from each of the four pillars. Furthermore, students take Fundamentals in Psychology and Research Methods and Data Analysis, along with electives. Among courses included in the curriculum are Abnormal Psychology and Child Development. You can also complete an (sometimes paid) internship through UVAs Internship Placement Program.
Your admission steps include submission of a Common Application. You’ll also need to provide academic transcripts, achievements and honors, your personal activities, and other documents required at the time of application.
Pros
- Diverse electives and course selections
- Research opportunities for undergraduates
- Thesis projects for 4th year students
- UVA Internship Placement program (often paid positions)
Cons
- Competitive admissions process
- Higher tuition for out-of-state residents (non-Virginia residents)
Frequently Asked Questions
Psychology degrees can qualify students for a broad range of entry-level roles in related careers. The bachelor’s degree can also serve as a prerequisite for graduate programs. With a 6% projected job growth for psychologists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, getting this degree is worth it.
Yes! There are many different jobs you can get with a psychology degree. Careers to consider include:
• Community and social service professionals
• Counselors
• Educational instructors
• Industrial-organizational psychologists
• School psychologists
It depends a lot on the student and the program. Psychology involves a mix of theoretical concepts, research, and critical thinking. Success can depend on your study habits and ability to grasp psychological principles. Some programs require math and statistics, which some students find challenging.
The average pay for psychologists is $85,330/year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% make about $48,000/year, while the highest 10% make over $141,000/year. Experience and education can increase pay, but most professionals start their career by first earning a bachelor’s degree.
A bachelor’s in psychology degree usually takes four years to complete. Undergraduate students complete two years of general education before they apply to be psychology majors. Once accepted to one of the psychology schools, you complete two more years of specific coursework to gain knowledge and learn to analyze research.
A BS focuses more on science and research, while a BA offers a broader liberal arts perspective. Neither is better. The choice should relate to your personal interests and career goals.
Industrial-organizational psychologists are the highest-paid psychologists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists in this field make $139,280/year, on average. It is a specialized field, and most psychologists first earn a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s.
To determine if psychology is the right bachelor’s degree to get, consider some of these benefits:
• Get a job that’s in-demand
• Go to graduate school
• Learn about yourself and those around you
• Make a difference in people’s lives
• Prepare for diverse career settings
• Research and explore your interests
It depends on the school. The colleges and universities on our list offer some of the best psychology programs in the country. They have low acceptance rates and admit only the top students. In these schools, psychology is no joke. You’ll study statistics, math, and other quantitative courses alongside your major.
Other Psychology Schools to Consider
Not all of the top psychology programs made it to our list. So, here’s a short list of schools with bachelor’s in psychology programs for you to check out.
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Cornell University
- Indiana University-Bloomington
- Johns Hopkins University
- Rice University
- University of California, Davis
- University of California San Diego
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- University of Iowa
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- University of Minnesota
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Vanderbilt University
- Washington University in St. Louis
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