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Best Value Psychology Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Swarthmore College stands out among Pennsylvania's psychology programs with graduates earning $43,426 annually despite a net cost of just $18,686, creating one of the strongest return-on-investment ratios in higher education. This small liberal arts college's 6.93% acceptance rate reflects its selectivity, yet its generous financial aid makes it surprisingly affordable for admitted students. At the other end of the spectrum, Holy Family University offers the state's lowest net cost at $12,251, though graduates earn $27,642 annually. Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, anchored by UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, creates strong demand for psychology graduates who often transition into mental health services, human resources, and research roles. The earnings range spans from $25,405 to $44,170 across these 15 programs, with public universities like East Stroudsburg and University of Pittsburgh's regional campuses providing solid value propositions. Private colleges such as Lafayette and Westminster command higher sticker prices but often deliver comparable net costs through substantial financial aid packages.
50
Programs
$12,251 – $35,487
Net Price Range
$30,733
Avg. Program Earnings
65.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,686 $43,426 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
2 $12,251 $27,642 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
3 $15,089 $29,443 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
4 $16,630 $29,833 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
5 $19,685 $34,526 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
6 $17,034 $29,833 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
7 $19,258 $33,281 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
8 $18,952 $29,833 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
9 $20,800 $31,133 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
10 $19,524 $28,816 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
11 $17,216 $25,405 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
12 $25,544 $35,954 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
13 $20,231 $27,802 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
14 $20,822 $28,598 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
15 $32,496 $44,170 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
16 $22,673 $30,535 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
17 $23,281 $31,314 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
18 $21,205 $28,443 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
19 $32,191 $42,682 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
20 $21,664 $28,236 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
21 $21,900 $28,500 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
22 $33,549 $42,682 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
23 $25,866 $32,439 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
24 $23,331 $29,141 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
25 $23,553 $29,359 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
26 $22,909 $28,443 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
27 $21,972 $26,739 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
28 $30,086 $36,560 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
29 $22,558 $27,204 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
30 $21,409 $25,658 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
31 $25,717 $30,771 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
32 $22,222 $25,774 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
33 $30,470 $34,704 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
34 $21,043 $23,840 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
35 $31,229 $35,327 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
36 $28,163 $31,839 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
37 $28,329 $31,941 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
38 $25,747 $28,598 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
39 $28,132 $31,133 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
40 $24,051 $26,519 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
41 $23,206 $25,194 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
42 $24,791 $26,353 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
43 $24,829 $26,353 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
44 $35,487 $37,568 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
45 $27,700 $28,960 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
46 $29,219 $30,368 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
47 $30,314 $31,133 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
48 $25,885 $26,585 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
49 $29,843 $29,685 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
50 $26,539 $26,353 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Swarthmore College such good value for psychology students?

Swarthmore combines a relatively low net cost of $18,686 with the highest graduate earnings at $43,426, creating strong return on investment. The college's 94.10% graduation rate shows strong student support despite its 6.93% acceptance rate. Psychology students benefit from small class sizes and research opportunities that prepare them for competitive graduate programs or immediate career entry.

How do public university costs compare to private colleges in Pennsylvania?

Public universities like East Stroudsburg charge in-state students just $11,036 in tuition, resulting in net costs around $15,089 to $20,231. Private colleges range from Holy Family's $12,251 net cost to Lafayette's $32,496, but many offer generous aid packages. The University of Pittsburgh's regional campuses provide particularly strong value with net costs under $19,000 and consistent earning potential around $29,833.

Does graduation rate significantly impact value in Pennsylvania psychology programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from Westminster's 65.90% to Lafayette's 88.10%, directly affecting program value. Schools like Swarthmore and Lafayette justify higher costs with graduation rates above 88%, while public universities like University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg show 39.60% completion rates. Students should weigh completion likelihood against debt levels when choosing programs, as unfinished degrees offer no return on investment.

Where do psychology graduates find the best career opportunities in Pennsylvania?

UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies create strong demand for psychology graduates in healthcare and research roles throughout Pennsylvania. The state's finance sector, led by companies like Comcast, also hires psychology majors for human resources and consumer research positions. Graduates earning $35,000 to $44,000 annually often work in Pittsburgh's healthcare corridor or Philadelphia's business districts where psychology skills translate to organizational consulting and mental health services.

Is student debt manageable for psychology graduates in Pennsylvania?

Average debt ranges from Lafayette's $16,000 to Carlow's $28,361, with most programs clustering around $25,000 to $27,000. Given starting salaries between $25,405 and $44,170, debt-to-income ratios remain reasonable for most graduates. The PA State Grant program helps reduce borrowing for in-state students, making public universities particularly attractive for debt-conscious families.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.