Best Colleges for Psychology in the U.S. (2024 Rankings)

Who wants to spend 40 hours per week at a job that pays a barely decent salary and offers no sense of personal fulfillment? Definitely not you. That's likely why you're considering a psychology degree after high school.

Not only does an education in human behavior help you make a world of difference in people's lives, but earning your degree at one of the best colleges for psychology opens the door to a wide range of rewarding research projects and well-paying jobs across tons of specializations.

Any accredited college can give you the basics for a psychology career you'll enjoy, but some do a better job than others. Whether you're interested in an undergraduate program, a graduate degree, or something in between, check out America's top psychology colleges below.

11 best psychology schools in 2024

Hundreds of accredited colleges offer excellent psychology programs and graduate or undergraduate degrees in the U.S. Let's look at the top 11 across America for 2024.

Stanford University

Stanford is among the most highly rated colleges in the Western United States. Here's why this private university ranks at the top of many psychology students' lists:

• Acceptance rate. Stanford only accepts 4% of applications.
• Size and location. This institution of higher education sits on roughly 8,180 acres in the suburbs between San Francisco and San Jose. It has 7,645 undergraduate students.
• Notable features. Want to gain some real-world experience before graduation? Psychology majors can work at Stanford's outpatient psychiatric clinic.
• Social life. Stanford is in the 'burbs, but it's close enough to San Fran for nights out on the town. It also has on-campus activities like Friday live student performance nights and Thursday trivia.

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley is a household name for top universities across multiple disciplines, such as social psychology, social work, and the pure sciences. Here's what makes this public university high-ranking for psychology majors:

• Acceptance rate. Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 14%. 
• Size and location. Berkeley occupies 1,232 acres of urban land on the east side of the Bay Area and has 31,814 undergraduate students.
• Notable features. Berkley has on-site psychological research facilities. Some research areas covered include social psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and clinical science.
• Social life. Berkeley is another San Fran gem with plenty of opportunities to get lit on the weekends. Campus life also has its fair share of attractions, like free sushi night and water polo.

University of California, Los Angeles

UCLA is renowned for its excellent psychology programs, particularly in areas like clinical psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Here's what makes this public university stand out:

• Acceptance rate. UCLA accepts 11% of applicants.
• Size and location. The school has 32,122 undergraduate students and occupies 419 acres of urban land in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
• Notable features. UCLA's psychology department is known for its cutting-edge research facilities, including the UCLA Brain Mapping Center. Students can gain hands-on experience at the UCLA Psychology Clinic, which provides mental health services to the community.
• Social life. Los Angeles offers endless entertainment options, from beaches to Hollywood attractions. On campus, students can participate in over 1,000 clubs and organizations, attend Division I sporting events, or enjoy annual traditions like the UCLA Bruin Bash and Spring Sing.

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt tops the list nationwide for its psychology and social sciences programs. Examples include developmental psychology, clinical psychology, and cognitive psychology. Here's what you need to know:

• Acceptance rate. It has an acceptance rate of 7%.
• Size and location. It occupies 333 acres of urban land in the west end of Nashville. It has 7,111 undergraduate students.
• Notable features. Are you interested in inpatient or outpatient experience? Psychology students can gain experience at Vanderbilt Behavioral Health. 
• Social life. Nashville is the Country Music Capital of the World, so if bluegrass is your jam, you'll be in good company. On campus, you can work out at the gym, enjoy a good bonfire, or play sports.

Harvard University

Harvard is one of the top universities for social sciences and psychology degree programs. Here's why it stands out from rival Ivy League colleges:

• Acceptance rate. Harvard has an acceptance rate of 4%.
• Size and location. Of all the Ivy League schools on this list, it occupies the greatest area of land at 5,076 acres. Harvard is northwest of Boston in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has 9,579 undergrads.
• Notable features. Why not attend school at the home of the Harvard Business Review? It's an excellent opportunity for students interested in organizational psychology. Students can also gain experience at McLean Hospital.
• Social life. The Harvard-Yale football rivalry is legendary, but if football isn't your thing, you can find everything else, from opera to comedy. Boston also has an active nightlife and great attractions for history buffs.

Princeton University

Princeton is one of the most famous universities in America and has earned its prestigious reputation. Here's why so many students set their eyes on this private university each year:

• Acceptance rate. While its 4% acceptance rate is the same as Stanford and Yale, it has a much smaller school population.
• Size and location. Princeton occupies 600 acres of suburban land in New Jersey and has 5,321 undergrad students.
• Notable features. Is real-world testing a big part of what drew you to psychology? The psychology department encourages early participation in research. This differs from other universities, where students must often wait for senior or junior independent work to learn and practice research methodologies.
• Location. Princeton is a small town in New Jersey and a haven for history nerds, golfers, and water sports enthusiasts on Lake Carnegie. On campus, you can join the foodies at the eating club or sign up for the drinking competition.

Rice University

This Houston-based university is renowned for its pure sciences and social sciences programs. Here's why the university has become such a popular choice among psychology and psychiatry students:

• Acceptance rate. It has an acceptance rate of 9%, much lower than most other colleges spread out across the big state of Texas.
• Size and location. Rice University occupies 300 acres of urban land in southern Houston, Texas, and has 4,247 undergrad students.
• Notable features. It boasts 45 research centers and maintains strong ties to NASA, making it an excellent choice for programs from bachelors' to doctoral degrees.
• Social life. Houston is one of the biggest and most diverse cities in the South. It will take you a long time to run out of stuff to do. You can club all night and then hit up the rodeos with your cowboy boots in the morning. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

This top-ranking university is best known for its medical, business, and social sciences programs. Here's why this public state university made the list:

• Acceptance rate. The University of Michigan accepts 20% of applicants.
• Size and location. This public university occupies 3,207 acres of urban land in Ann Arbor and has 32,282 undergraduate students.
• Notable features. Are you looking for real-world experience with emergency psychiatry? Psychology students can gain experience at the University of Michigan Hospital. The hospital provides emergency psychiatric services for patients of all ages.
• Social life. The University of Michigan has over 1,600 registered clubs and organizations for students. You can do everything from joining theatrical troupes to learning Cuban salsa. Ann Arbor is also well-known for its walking and food tours. 

University of Colorado - Boulder

The University of Colorado in Boulder has a strong psychology department with notable research in areas like behavioral genetics and cognitive science.

• Acceptance rate. The school accepts 80% of applicants.
• Size and location. It occupies 786 acres of urban land at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado, and has 30,886 undergraduate students.
• Notable features. CU Boulder's Institute for Behavioral Genetics is a world-renowned center for research on the genetic basis of individual differences in behavior. The university also offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary studies, combining psychology with neuroscience and cognitive science.
• Social life. Boulder is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, and skiing. On campus, students can join over 450 student organizations and attend Pac-12 sporting events.

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is renowned for its psychology program, particularly in areas like social psychology and quantitative psychology.

• Acceptance rate. The school accepts 73% of applicants.
• Size and location. It spans 1,204 acres across the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and has 36,209 undergraduate students.
• Notable features. The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research is a leading facility for studying behavioral development and genetics. The university's psychology department also houses the Center for Cognitive Sciences, promoting interdisciplinary research and education.
• Social life. The Twin Cities offer a rich cultural scene with numerous museums, theaters, and professional sports teams. On campus, students can participate in over 800 student groups and enjoy Big Ten athletics.

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is home to one of the most prestigious psychology departments in the world, with a rich history of groundbreaking research.

• Acceptance rate. The school accepts 6% of applicants.
• Size and location. It occupies 217 acres of urban land in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago and has 7,636 undergraduate students.
• Notable features. UChicago's Department of Psychology is known for its cutting-edge research across various subfields. The university's graduate school in psychology is particularly renowned, consistently ranking among the top programs nationally.
• Social life. Chicago offers world-class cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and a vibrant food scene. On campus, students can join over 400 student organizations and participate in unique traditions like the annual Scavenger Hunt. 

Which psychology jobs pay the most?

Psychology is a top-paying healthcare field that the bots won't take away anytime soon. The highest-paying position is typically that of a psychiatrist - they earn an average salary of $242,220.

How to determine the best colleges for psychology

Let's be real - not everyone is going to get into Stanford or Yale. You might prefer an in-state university to earn your bachelor's degree and set out on your career path. 

Maybe you also have a few out-of-state options or online programs. Knowing what to look for in the best colleges for psychology can help you make a good decision quickly so that you can get on with the rest of your life.

• Acceptance rate. Universities with higher enrollment numbers and acceptance rates are easier to get into. Lower acceptance rates may mean higher academic standards and more coursework. The exclusivity can significantly boost your resume.
• Size and location. Colleges occupying larger spaces have more room to grow, while favorable locations offer more amenities. Top location preferences include San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, Maryland, Durham, North Carolina, and the Twin Cities.
• Notable features. The amenities and affiliations at school provide critical opportunities outside coursework, such as clinics and early research opportunities.
• Psychology programs. The best schools provide options for bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and graduate programs. All schools listed meet this criterion.
• Social life. Colleges in the city likely have the best nightlife, but don't sleep on the 'burbs and rural colleges. Some have a lot to offer for history lovers, athletes, and outdoorsy students.

Easily compare and contrast the best psychology schools with College Rover

Choosing the best school significantly impacts your quality of life and future opportunities. Most top schools have application fees, so narrowing your options can help you stay within your budget while choosing schools that meet your needs and academic qualifications.

Manually researching each university takes time. Simplify the comparison process with College Rover. Whether you're looking for universities in Saint Louis or the District of Columbia, you can use our tools to find the best psychology program for you.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.