Psychology is one of the most popular college majors in the United States—appealing to students interested in understanding human behavior, mental health, and social dynamics. But before committing to a program, it’s important to ask a practical question: how much is a psychology degree?
The cost of earning a psychology degree varies widely by level—bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or PsyD—as well as by factors such as institutional type, residency status, and financial aid availability. While undergraduate tuition is usually the largest single expense, graduate-level degrees can differ dramatically in cost depending on funding opportunities and program structure.
How Much Is a Psychology Degree? A Look at National Averages
According to data from the College Board, the cost of earning a psychology degree depends greatly on your degree level, institution type, and residency status. While averages vary, these national benchmarks offer a realistic snapshot of what students can expect to pay for tuition and fees.
Average Tuition at the Bachelor’s Level
- Public universities (in-state): About $11,610 per year
- Public universities (out-of-state): Around $30,780 per year
- Private nonprofit universities: Approximately $43,350 per year
A typical bachelor’s degree in psychology requires four years of full-time study, bringing total average tuition costs to between $46,000 and $173,000, not including housing, books, or additional fees. Psychology remains one of the most popular majors at both public and private universities, often offered through departments of social sciences or liberal arts.
Average Tuition at the Graduate Level
Graduate program costs vary by degree type—master’s, PhD, or PsyD—as well as by institutional control. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition and required fees for graduate students in the United States were about $12,600 at public universities and $29,900 at private nonprofit institutions during the 2021–22 academic year.
Actual costs depend on factors such as program structure, location, and funding model. Many PhD programs in psychology, particularly those emphasizing research, provide full tuition remission and stipends through assistantships or fellowships. In contrast, PsyD programs are usually self-funded, with students covering tuition through loans, scholarships, or part-time work.
Note: NCES data typically lag by multiple academic years. The figures cited here represent the most recent verified national averages available at the time of writing in 2025.
What the Numbers Mean
When asking how much is a psychology degree, the answer depends on your academic level and financial situation. Public universities remain the most affordable option, particularly for in-state students, while private institutions often offset higher tuition with more generous financial aid packages.
| Degree Level | Average Annual Tuition (Public, In-State) | Average Annual Tuition (Private Nonprofit) | Typical Program Length | Total Estimated Tuition Range | Typical Funding Model |
| Bachelor’s (B.A. / B.S.) | $9,000–$12,000 | $35,000–$45,000 | 4 years | $40,000–$175,000 | Self-funded; scholarships and need-based aid common |
| Master’s (M.A. / M.S.) | $10,000–$25,000 | $30,000–$50,000+ | 2–3 years | $20,000–$120,000 | Tuition-based; limited institutional aid or assistantships |
| Ph.D. in Psychology | $12,000–$30,000 (nominal tuition) | $25,000–$45,000 (nominal tuition) | 5–7 years | Typically offset by tuition remission and stipends | Tuition is waived in most programs in exchange for research or teaching work; stipends help cover living costs |
| Psy.D. in Psychology | $20,000–$35,000 | $35,000–$60,000 | 4–6 years | $100,000–$250,000 | Primarily self-funded; loans and scholarships most common |
How to Read This Table
These figures represent typical tuition and fee ranges across U.S. psychology programs. They don’t include housing, textbooks, or living expenses, which can vary significantly by region. For doctoral programs, the distinction between PhD and PsyD costs is especially important:
- PhD programs in psychology usually waive tuition and offer stipends or assistantships in exchange for teaching or research work. This support reduces—but doesn’t eliminate—the financial burden.
- PsyD programs, designed for practice-focused training, charge tuition directly and rely more on loans, scholarships, or employer support.
In short, while PhD students often receive funding that offsets tuition, PsyD and master’s students should expect to pay more out of pocket. The most affordable option depends on your career goals, funding opportunities, and the type of training you seek.
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology: Average Costs
Not everyone who goes on to graduate study in psychology begins with a psychology degree—many undergraduates major in related fields such as sociology, education, or neuroscience. However, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology remains the most direct path for students planning to pursue advanced study or enter the workforce in human services, research, or organizational settings.
Average Costs and Tuition Ranges
The cost of a bachelor’s in psychology varies depending on where and how you study:
- Public universities (in-state): Typically between $9,000 and $12,000 per year in tuition and fees
- Public universities (out-of-state): Usually $25,000 to $32,000 per year
- Private nonprofit institutions: Commonly range from $35,000 to $45,000 per year
Over four years, total tuition costs generally fall between $40,000 and $175,000, not including housing, books, and additional expenses. Public universities tend to offer the lowest costs for residents, while private institutions may offset higher tuition with need-based or merit scholarships.
Program Options and Flexibility
Some students pursue an online bachelor’s in psychology to reduce costs related to housing or commuting. These programs often provide more scheduling flexibility, and while per-credit costs vary, total expenses can be lower depending on the institution’s structure and fees.
Program Types
- Public (In-State): Large universities such as the University of Florida or UCLA often provide affordable, research-oriented programs with broad course offerings.
- Private: Institutions like NYU or the University of Southern California offer strong academic reputations and access to research or internship opportunities, though at a higher overall cost.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology typically requires four years of full-time study. Some students take longer if attending part-time or pursuing dual majors, which can increase overall expenses.
Master’s Degree in Psychology: Costs and Considerations
The cost of a master’s degree in psychology can vary widely depending on your academic goals, the type of institution you attend, and the program format. Understanding how much a master’s in psychology costs helps you set realistic expectations and plan financially for graduate study.
Typical Tuition Ranges & Patterns
- For public institutions, in-state students often pay $10,000 to $25,000 per year, while out-of-state rates may approach $20,000 to $40,000.
- Private institutions commonly charge $30,000 to $50,000 or more annually.
- Online or hybrid formats sometimes offer more competitive pricing. For example, many online master’s in psychology programs demonstrate lower tuition or reduced fees for remote learners.
- Some programs marketed as affordable (e.g. affordable online master’s in psychology programs) bundle lower tuition with minimal campus requirements.
- Note that these are for tuition and required fees; additional costs (housing, travel, practicum-related expenses) can add significantly to total out-of-pocket expenses.
Program Types & Cost Implications
Master’s programs vary by their focus and structure—some aim toward clinical training, others emphasize research, counseling, or applied psychology. For an overview of program types, see types of master’s in psychology.
Research-oriented or clinical-track programs may require more resources (e.g., lab access, externships) and thus may cost more compared to general psychology master’s degrees.
Financial Realities & Funding
Unlike many PhD programs, master’s programs rarely guarantee full funding. Students often cover costs through a mix of personal finance, loans, scholarships, or part-time work.
Because master’s degrees are shorter and have less institutional subsidy, net cost can feel heavier relative to the perceived benefits—especially in clinical fields where doctoral degrees command greater credentialing power.
Do You Need a Master’s Before a PhD in Psychology?
Not necessarily. Many students go straight from a bachelor’s degree into a doctoral program, especially if their academic background includes strong research experience or psychology coursework. Most PhD programs in psychology are designed to provide comprehensive training from the ground up, often awarding a non-terminal master’s degree along the way.
That said, earning a master’s first can be valuable in certain situations:
- Building academic readiness: A master’s helps strengthen your research foundation or GPA before applying to competitive doctoral programs.
- Changing fields: Students pivoting from other disciplines—like education or business—may need a master’s to gain core psychology prerequisites.
- Career goals below the doctoral level: Some master’s programs prepare students for applied roles such as licensed professional counselor (LPC), school psychologist (in select states), or industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology specialist.
Ultimately, whether a master’s is necessary depends on your long-term goals. If your aim is to conduct research or become a licensed clinical psychologist, the doctoral path remains essential. However, for those interested in applied practice or testing the waters of graduate study, a master’s can serve as both a credential and a stepping stone toward a future PhD.
PhD in Psychology: Costs and Funding
PhD programs in psychology differ from undergraduate and master’s degrees in one major way: many offer funding packages that cover tuition and provide a living stipend. For students focused on research or academic careers, this makes the PhD one of the most cost-effective options in higher education—despite its length and competitiveness.
Typical Funding Models and Net Costs
Most research-oriented PhD programs—especially in clinical or experimental psychology—provide tuition remission plus a stipend in exchange for teaching, research, or clinical assistantships. These stipends typically range from $20,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on the institution and cost of living.
While this support can make the program’s net cost close to zero, students are often responsible for fees, health insurance, or incidental research expenses. Private universities may offer similar funding but with more variability in stipends and workload expectations.
PhD programs are highly competitive, but their funding models make them financially viable for those committed to the long academic and research training process.
PsyD in Psychology: Costlier but More Practice-Focused
While PhD programs often provide full funding, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs typically operate on a tuition-based model—making them significantly more expensive overall. However, they are designed for students who prioritize clinical practice over research, offering a more hands-on path toward licensure as a psychologist.
Average Costs and Financial Realities
The total cost of a PsyD program can range from $100,000 to $250,000, depending on the school and location. Private universities tend to be on the higher end, while public institutions may be somewhat more affordable. PsyD students often rely on federal student loans, scholarships, and part-time employment to finance their education.
In contrast to PhD programs, PsyD degrees rarely include full tuition remission or stipends, though some universities provide modest assistantships or partial scholarships. Because these programs emphasize clinical training rather than funded research, students pay for access to intensive practicum and internship experiences that prepare them for professional practice.
Finding Lower-Cost Options
Prospective students who want to pursue a PsyD without incurring overwhelming debt can explore affordable PsyD programs offered by select universities. These programs may feature lower tuition, flexible formats, or institutional scholarships that reduce total costs while maintaining accreditation and licensure eligibility.
Despite the higher price tag, PsyD graduates often move more directly into clinical careers in hospitals, private practice, or community mental health settings, making the investment worthwhile for those seeking applied rather than academic roles.
What Affects the Cost of a Psychology Degree?
The cost of earning a psychology degree can vary dramatically—from under $10,000 per year at an in-state public university to well over $60,000 annually at private graduate institutions. Understanding what drives those differences can help students plan strategically and avoid unnecessary debt.
Institutional Type
Public universities usually offer lower tuition, especially for in-state students, while private universities charge higher rates but may provide more scholarships or assistantships.
Residency Status
At the undergraduate and master’s levels, in-state tuition is often half—or even one-third—of out-of-state rates. Some online programs offer flat tuition regardless of residency.
Program Format
Online programs can be more affordable due to reduced campus fees and flexible scheduling, though they may include additional technology or practicum costs.
Financial Aid and Funding Opportunities
PhD students often receive assistantships, tuition waivers, or stipends, while PsyD and master’s students rely more on loans, grants, or scholarships. Some employers and government agencies also offer tuition reimbursement for psychology-related degrees.
Time to Completion
Programs that extend beyond their expected timeline—such as doctoral programs lasting seven or more years—naturally increase overall expenses. Staying on track academically and meeting milestones can minimize cost.
Accreditation and Licensure Pathway
Accredited programs (e.g., APA, MPCAC, CACREP) may cost more but are typically necessary for licensure. Choosing a program without recognized accreditation could limit future options and result in wasted tuition.
Smart Cost Planning for Psychology Students
Understanding how much a psychology degree costs is only the first step—smart planning helps make your investment worthwhile.
Look Beyond Sticker Price
Instead of focusing solely on tuition, review the total cost of attendance, which includes housing, books, fees, and transportation. A school with higher tuition but generous aid can sometimes cost less overall than a lower-tuition alternative.
Match Degree Level to Career Goal
Choose the degree that aligns with your professional path. For instance, you may not need a doctorate if your goal is to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or work in human services. Conversely, aspiring clinical psychologists must plan for a doctoral education.
Explore Funding Opportunities
Look for assistantships, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement programs. Many public universities and research-focused PhD programs provide funding that covers tuition and living expenses, while others offer competitive grants for master’s or PsyD students.
Compare Formats and Flexibility
Online and hybrid psychology programs may offer lower total costs and greater scheduling flexibility. This can make it easier to continue working while completing your degree.
Prioritize Fit and Outcomes
Cost matters—but it shouldn’t be the only factor. Accreditation, faculty mentorship, and career support can make a significant difference in long-term value and licensure eligibility.
In the end, the best psychology program is one that balances affordability with quality, support, and alignment with your long-term professional goals.
