Editors’ Choice Best APA Accredited Psy.D. Programs for 2024
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Our mission at PsyDPrograms.org is to foster a social community for clinical psychologists around the world in which to educate, inform and share. As part of that mission, we set out to find the best Psy.D. programs in the United States and share that information with you, our community.
To do this, we surveyed dozens of our members currently searching for a top Psy.D. clinical psychology program on what they consider to be important decision-making factors. Based on the survey results, we focused on four key metrics to determine the best programs: affordability, completion time, degrees conferred and internship placement.
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To determine our rankings, we evaluated over 80 APA accredited programs and assigned points based on each metric.
Click here to see a breakdown of our methodology for calculating the scores and what to consider when choosing a program.
Best APA Accredited Psy.D. Programs
Cost Legend: $ = up to $40,000, $$ = 41k – 60k, $$$ = $61k – 80k, $$$$ = over $81k
- 1
George Washington University
Washington, DC | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 83
Nearing a quarter-century of preparing professional psychologists in the heart of our nation’s capital, George Washington University’s Psy.D. program is highly selective. Each school year’s cohort consists of only about 24 students who are immersed in a hands-on clinical experience that culminates in training in the university’s in-house clinic. The intensive, year-round educational experience at George Washington University ensures that the program’s graduates are prepared for professional practice today and well into the future. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 1
Total Score: 100.00
Online: No
Tuition: $44,800
Internship Placement: 88
Degrees Conferred: 285
- 2
Alliant International University–Los Angeles
Alhambra, CA | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 120
Alliant International University’s Los Angeles clinical Psy.D. program has a unique focus on diversity and multiculturalism that produces psychology professionals who have completed education that integrates a variety of perspectives, including issues on race, gender, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status, among others. The program has been recognized as unique not only for its focus on multiculturalism in curriculum but for representation among the student body and faculty. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 2
Total Score: 97.96
Online: No
Tuition: $48,200
Internship Placement: 77
Degrees Conferred: 505
- 3
Alliant International University–Fresno
Fresno, CA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 120
Alliant’s Fresno program offers a broad foundational education in the core principles of the clinical practice of psychology, giving all students the clinical skills and research knowledge to begin hands-on work immediately. In addition, the Fresno Psy.D. program offers a focus area unique among many other Psy.D. programs — forensic psychology, or the practice of psychology as it relates to courts and the criminal justice system. Students also are encouraged to create their own focus areas based on their personal interests and passions. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 3
Total Score: 95.89
Online: No
Tuition: $38,560
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 111
- 4
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, CA | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4.96 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 175-180
Through a partnership with medical school faculty at Stanford University, Palo Alto University’s PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium is a Psy.D. program designed to provide a generalist education in clinical psychology through evidence-based practice. Graduates of the consortium have a broad but powerful understanding of the science of human behavior and an ability to think critically about the history, theories and future applications of new understanding of psychology. The program will soon mark its 15th year of American Psychological Association accreditation. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 4
Total Score: 95.10
Online: No
Tuition: $50,451
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 259
- 5
The Wright Institute
Berkeley, CA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 170
Designed to take advantage of the cumulative effects of an immersive educational program, the Wright Institute’s Psy.D. covers the broad body of scientific understanding of human psychology while ensuring that students gain the skills necessary to develop effective clinician-client relationships. A wide range of focus areas may be possible, depending on students’ interests, including family systems, social justice and cognitive behavioral therapy. Wright recently completed its 20th year of American Psychological Association accreditation. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 5
Total Score: 94.11
Online: No
Tuition: $37,650
Internship Placement: 93
Degrees Conferred: 556
- 6
Alliant International University–San Francisco Bay
San Francisco, CA | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4.9 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 120
In its nearly 30-year history, this San Francisco clinical Psy.D. program has meshed classroom learning with hands-on clinical training, and this is a combination that starts on a student’s first day. Required courses are paired with field training placement from the beginning of each learner’s journey, giving San Francisco Bay clinical Psy.D. students a unique leg-up when it comes to boots-on-the-ground experience. The program also carries through Alliant’s focus on diversity and multiculturalism, whether that’s reflected in classroom learning, the student body or the faculty. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 6
Total Score: 92.74
Online: No
Tuition: $40,970
Internship Placement: 67
Degrees Conferred: 517
- 7
University of Denver
Denver, CO | Visit School
Tuition: $$$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4.9 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 135
The University of Denver’s clinical Psy.D. program recently marked its 40th anniversary of American Psychological Association accreditation, and it’s not hard to see why the program has remained a steadfast presence in the clinical psychology community. In addition to an education that includes the pillars of the science of human behavior, students at the University of Denver begin clinical practice almost immediately thanks to an in-house, community-based psychological center, and the program offers more than 130 hands-on practicum sites. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 7
Total Score: 92.64
Online: No
Tuition: $65,856
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 320
- 8
Alliant International University–Sacramento
Sacramento, CA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4.6 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 120
The clinical Psy.D. program in Sacramento is designed to provide hands-on training in human behavior and techniques to effectively intervene in solving issues of behavioral or emotional disorders. Alliant’s Sacramento program also has the twin goal of producing graduates who can apply research and communicate findings effectively to others. In addition to a broad generalist education, Sacramento students can choose to focus on corrections psychology, or treating emotional and behavioral health problems among incarcerated individuals. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 8
Total Score: 92.02
Online: Yes
Tuition: $36,150
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 125
- 9
Chicago School of Professional Psychology–Chicago
Chicago, IL | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 106
The Chicago School’s Chicago-based Psy.D. program is nearing its 40th year of operation in providing psychology students with important foundational knowledge in human behavior as well as the necessary hands-on clinical experience. The venerable program offers among the highest number of areas of focus for students, including child and family psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, human rights, spirituality, and sexual orientation and gender identity. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 9
Total Score: 91.58
Online: No
Tuition: $53,613
Internship Placement: 96
Degrees Conferred: 786
- 10
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 119
Nova Southeastern’s clinical PysD prepares students to embark upon careers in the practice of psychology by ensuring graduates demonstrate an understanding of the body of scientific research into human behavior as well as foundational knowledge in the practice of health service psychology, including legal and ethical standards. Nova’s graduates are well-prepared to work as generalists or, in some cases, to focus on specialty areas, such as social psychology or behavior modification. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 10
Total Score: 91.32
Online: No
Tuition: $45,390
Internship Placement: 88
Degrees Conferred: 709
- 11
Widener University
Chester, PA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 120
Widener’s clinical Psy.D. prepares students for future careers in the study and practice of human psychology. Graduates develop deep knowledge in the scientific understanding of human behavior as well as learning methods for applying their knowledge in the hands-on assessment and intervention that’s practiced by clinical psychologists in the real world. In addition to a generalist education, Widener’s students can choose to focus on areas like consulting psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or child, adolescent and family therapy. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 11
Total Score: 90.31
Online: No
Tuition: $34,246
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 1,123
- 12
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Philadelphia, PA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 89
With a unique two-stage educational process, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s clinical Psy.D. program effectively trains psychologists for real-world work with an emphasis on a holistic approach to care. The first two years of the program are devoted to course work that provides the scientific and clinical foundation for the next two years, which focus on fieldwork and practical experience. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 12
Total Score: 89.69
Online: No
Tuition: $37,913
Internship Placement: 92
Degrees Conferred: 241
- 13
Yeshiva University
Bronx, NY | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 116
Yeshiva University has been graduating clinical psychologists for more than 50 years, and the school’s general clinical Psy.D. program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since the mid-1980s. Yeshiva’s unique student-centered program provides the crucial scientific and methodological knowledge necessary for work as a clinical psychologist as well as giving students many opportunities for engagement and networking. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 13
Total Score: 89.30
Online: No
Tuition: $38,320
Internship Placement: 90
Degrees Conferred: 257
- 14
Midwestern University
Glendale, AZ | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 219.5 – 226.5
Midwestern’s Glendale campus houses a uniquely effective clinical Psy.D. program that prepares future licensed clinical psychologists within the context of a healthcare environment. This interdisciplinary approach ensures graduates have the scientific understanding of human behavior as well as the hands-on experience that comes from studying alongside practicing healthcare and medical professionals. Both coursework and clinical experience reinforce the diagnostic and therapeutic skills necessary for a thriving career in clinical psychology. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 14
Total Score: 89.21
Online: No
Tuition: $36,220
Internship Placement: 88
Degrees Conferred: 83
- 15
Adler University – Chicago
Chicago, IL | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 114
Adler University in Chicago boasts one of the few clinical Psy.D. programs that focuses on the practice of psychology as it relates to effecting positive social change. Adler’s social justice focus ensures that its Psy.D. graduates are socially responsible clinical psychologists who empower others and strengthen communities. Students are prepared to support positive mental and behavioral health outcomes among some of society’s most vulnerable members through a curriculum that is centered on evidence-based standards. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 15
Total Score: 88.83
Online: No
Tuition: $49,980
Internship Placement: 86
Degrees Conferred: 595
- 16
Chaminade University–Argosy
Honolulu, HI | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 98
The Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University prepares students for current and future roles in the practice of psychology. With a generalist-centric curriculum, Chaminade’s clinical Psy.D., accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1998, ensures that graduates develop the skills necessary to contribute to emotional and behavioral well-being of their clients, including education in psychological assessment and intervention as well as the theory and practice of psychology. A favorable student-to-faculty ratio gives Chaminade’s graduates the individualized support necessary to allow them to launch successful careers in clinical psychology. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 16
Total Score: 87.92
Online: No
Tuition: $38,384
Internship Placement: 82
Degrees Conferred: 266
- 17
Pacific University–Oregon
Hillsboro, OR | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 135
Nearing its third decade of American Psychological Association accreditation, Pacific University’s clinical Psy.D. program combines rigorous coursework, hands-on practical experience and a dissertation process that ensures its graduates have the scientific knowledge and clinical aptitude for success. While largely a generalist-focused program, Pacific’s Psy.D. students may choose from five concentration areas — adult, child, forensic, health and neuropsychology. In addition to their education in the practice of psychology, Pacific graduates also learn about the business and organizational aspects of the field. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 17
Total Score: 87.84
Online: No
Tuition: $36,644
Internship Placement: 77
Degrees Conferred: 450
- 18
Yeshiva University
Bronx, NY | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Child Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 110
Building upon its long-established tradition in preparing psychology clinicians for real-world work, Yeshiva’s child psychology Psy.D. is geared toward prospective clinical psychologists who want to work on the unique issues facing children. In this program, students receive training that includes school, child and clinical psychology, preparing graduates work with young people in a variety of settings, including schools, mental healthcare facilities, hospitals and other places. Students will spend much of their hands-on time in the program within Yeshiva’s in-house clinical settings, including year-long programs in techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 18
Total Score: 87.28
Online: No
Tuition: $35,750
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 194
- 19
Pace University
New York, NY | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: School-Clinical Child Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 110
Pace University’s Psy.D. program is focused on school, clinical and child psychology, and it’s designed to prepare graduates to provide mental and behavioral services in a variety of settings, including schools. Students are instructed in the foundations of psychology, evaluation and treatment techniques that will enable them to serve children and families with diverse concerns and across an array of settings, including educational and clinical settings. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 19
Total Score: 87.20
Online: No
Tuition: $39,928
Internship Placement: 93
Degrees Conferred: 203
- 20
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 133
Azusa Pacific University’s clinical Psy.D. provides a broad educational experience that melds theoretical and scientific understanding of psychology with the hands-on work necessary for licensure as a clinical psychologist. Azusa Pacific’s program allows for a few potential areas of focusing, including systems thinking (family therapy), diversity and the integration of spirituality and faith traditions into clinical psychology settings. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 20
Total Score: 85.38
Online: No
Tuition: $42,510
Internship Placement: 84
Degrees Conferred: 222
- 21
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology–IrvineArgosy
Irvine, CA | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 98
Students of The Chicago School’s clinical Psy.D. program in Irvine are prepared to work with a diverse array of people seeking psychological services. Through theory, research and practice, Irvine students are able to apply the skills of clinical observation, evaluation and intervention, and Irvine graduates go on to work in settings like clinics, hospitals, schools and government agencies. Concentrations are possible in child and adolescent psychology as well as forensic psychology, though the program is not currently American Psychological Association-accredited for new non-Argosy transfer students. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 21
Total Score: 85.00
Online: No
Tuition: $52,220
Internship Placement: 71
Degrees Conferred: 786
- 22
University of St. Thomas
Minneapolis, MN | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Counseling Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 82
At the University of St. Thomas, the Psy.D. program is aimed at those who wish to further their study of counseling psychology by establishing competency in several areas, including diagnosing or identifying issues relating to mental or behavioral health, ethical knowledge and decision-making, and understanding cultural and individual differences. The Psy.D. program at the university of St. Thomas has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 2000. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 22
Total Score: 84.48
Online: No
Tuition: $26,200
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 139
- 23
Wheaton College
Wheaton, IL | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 120
Wheaton College’s Psy.D. program is among only six American Psychological Association-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs in the United States that focus on graduating psychology clinicians who can serve the Christian population in a manner that’s consistent with biblical teachings. Wheaton’s Psy.D. is focused on endowing students with the necessary scientific and research-based knowledge of human behavior and providing them with the tools to practice in a way that’s shaped by Christian beliefs and practices. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 23
Total Score: 83.94
Online: No
Tuition: $40,660
Internship Placement: 93
Degrees Conferred: 152
- 24
Pepperdine University
Los Angeles, CA | Visit School
Tuition: $$$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 82
Pepperdine’s clinical psychology Psy.D. has its foundation firmly moored in the traditional teachings of psychology and human behavior while still providing students with the skills necessary to adapt to broader societal and cultural forces. The program has a clinical focus from the very start, with first-year students being trained in in-house clinics and second- and third-year students being placed in clinics and medical centers around the region, and somewhat rare among Psy.D. programs, Pepperdine students also are expected to complete a dissertation in a clinically relevant topic.. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 24
Total Score: 80.07
Online: No
Tuition: $64,200
Internship Placement: 82
Degrees Conferred: 261
- 25
Midwestern University
Downers Grove, IL | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 233.5
With small cohort sizes, Midwestern University’s clinical psychology Psy.D. in Downers Grove gives students a one-of-a-kind chance to work as part of an integrated healthcare team that provides care to diverse populations. Midwestern’s program ensures graduates have the academic and hands-on experience necessary for successful professional work in clinical psychology by taking advantage of a mentor-student model that gives each student a fully individualized educational journey. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 25
Total Score: 79.72
Online: No
Tuition: $32,547
Internship Placement: 90
Degrees Conferred: 169
- 26
Baylor University
Waco, TX | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 115
Now in its fourth decade of accreditation by the American Psychological Association, the Psy.D. program at Baylor University aims to graduate professional psychologists who have the scientific and clinical experience necessary to contribute to the study of human behavior as well as delivering necessary psychological services to general or specific populations. Baylor’s program focuses on preparing clinical psychologists to work within a broader health care ecosystem. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 26
Total Score: 79.68
Online: No
Tuition: $42,072
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 53
- 27
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 124
Regent University’s clinical Psy.D. students are equipped with the practical application of psychological theory and intervention techniques so that they can assist a range of populations in dealing with their emotional and behavioral issues from a Christian perspective. One of just a handful of clinical Psy.D. programs with a biblical perspective, Regent integrates a Christian faith tradition and worldview with evidence-based clinical psychology research and practice. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 27
Total Score: 79.54
Online: No
Tuition: $29,750
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 182
- 28
Nova Southeastern University
Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4.8 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 118
Nova Southeastern’s Psy.D. in school psychology builds on the university’s well-regarded clinical psychology program by offering a separate Psy.D. in school psychology. The unique program is designed to prepare future psychologists to serve the unique emotional and behavioral health issues of children, families, teachers and other educators they serve. In addition to rigorous coursework, Nova students have the unique opportunity to work with at-risk youth in the south Florida area. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 28
Total Score: 79.01
Online: No
Tuition: $50,030
Internship Placement: 88
Degrees Conferred: 30
- 29
Alliant International University–San Diego
San Diego, CA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5.2 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 120
Alliant’s San Diego-based Psy.D. in clinical psychology aims to help students apply the theory and science of the study of human behavior to their hands-on clinical practice. While San Diego Psy.D. students take a broad and general course of study, they also can choose to focus on a particular population, such as children and families or those in the criminal justice system. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 29
Total Score: 78.95
Online: No
Tuition: $37,355
Internship Placement: 69
Degrees Conferred: 358
- 30
Marywood University
Scranton, PA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4.92 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 117
Marywood University’s clinical psychology Psy.D. empowers graduates with the ability to deliver cutting-edge, compassionate clinical mental and behavioral health services to a diverse range of populations. Marywood’s Psy.D. program is nearing its 15th year of accreditation by the American Psychological Association, and the program was designed not only to give students the psychological background to help people in crisis but to succeed as mental health professionals by grounding them in the fundamentals of legal and business practices. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 30
Total Score: 78.25
Online: No
Tuition: $31,913
Internship Placement: 86
Degrees Conferred: 83
- 31
William James College
Newton, MA | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 134
A Psy.D. program ideal for learners who need training in the science of psychology as well as the business of practicing psychology, William James College’s psychology doctorate provides a smooth combination of both. Students learn the theory, science and practice of psychology, hands-on techniques for assessing and treating issues as well as the development of the student as a professional, inside and outside the classroom. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 31
Total Score: 77.91
Online: No
Tuition: $47,200
Internship Placement: N/A
Degrees Conferred: 665
- 32
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 123
Florida Tech’s clinical Psy.D. trains learners within a practitioner-scientist model that helps them develop clinical competencies and knowledge of the scientific basis of psychology as well as ensuring they work within the highest ethical and professional standards. With a small cohort size, Florida Tech students benefit from a colleague-in-training atmosphere while they complete a generalist clinical psychology program. Students have the option of creating an area of focus from four tracks — child and family, forensic psychology, neuropsychology and integrated behavioral healthcare. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 32
Total Score: 76.18
Online: No
Tuition: $29,430
Internship Placement: 94
Degrees Conferred: 155
- 33
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, PA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Counseling Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4.83 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 106
Chatham University boasts one of only a handful of American Psychological Association-accredited Psy.D. programs that has a stated programmatic focus on counseling psychology. Chatham’s counseling Psy.D. educates students on the practice of counseling while providing a thorough grounding in the science of human behavior. In addition to being designed for those who seek careers in counseling, Chatham’s Psy.D. has a commitment to diversity and inclusion while providing a huge range of hands-on learning opportunities both on campus and off. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 33
Total Score: 75.31
Online: No
Tuition: $31,614
Internship Placement: 90
Degrees Conferred: 28
- 34
Carlos Albizu University–Miami Campus
Miami, FL | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 6.67 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 134
Since 1991, Carlos Albizu University has offered an American Psychological Association-accredited Psy.D. in clinical psychology. Albizu’s Psy.D. program carries through the university’s foundational principle of service to a multicultural society, and the Psy.D. program aims to ensure that graduates are steeped in the science and practice of psychology but also have broad exposure to diverse populations. Students may choose to create a focus area, such as neuropsychology or forensic psychology, among others, and the university has an APA-accredited internship program housed in an on-campus clinic. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 34
Total Score: 74.81
Online: No
Tuition: $33,825
Internship Placement: 91
Degrees Conferred: 377
- 35
Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 105
Roosevelt’s Psy.D. program is designed for generalist psychologists who wish to practice clinically in a variety of settings, from private practice to veterans centers. Roosevelt’s program provides broad foundational clinical psychology training within a small cohort size as well as focusing on diversity and multiculturalism, ensuring that graduates can help have a positive impact on the lives of people from many different backgrounds. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 35
Total Score: 74.34
Online: No
Tuition: $25,925
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 158
- 36
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 6 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 120
The University of La Verne boasts tiny cohort sizes, with as few as a dozen new students entering each fall, and that collegial system boosts participation and learning of the entire group. With a generalist Psy.D. approach, La Verne graduates learn the theory and science of human behavior in addition to becoming experts at the practice of psychology. La Verne is somewhat unique in that as much as it encourages students to learn about the fundamentals and history of psychology, graduates also are required to learn something about themselves — students must complete at least 20 hours of personal psychotherapy themselves. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 36
Total Score: 72.03
Online: No
Tuition: $37,600
Internship Placement: 86
Degrees Conferred: 146
- 37
Michigan School of Psychology
Farmington Hills, MI | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4.5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 141
The Michigan School of Psychology’s clinical psychology Psy.D. instills graduates with foundational knowledge in the study and practice of psychology as well as the rigors of day-to-day clinical training and dissertation research. MSP students get to know their classmates and faculty well, which fosters relationships and connections that graduates will use for the rest of their careers. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 37
Total Score: 71.39
Online: No
Tuition: $39,852
Internship Placement: 17
Degrees Conferred: 140
- 38
Divine Mercy University
Arlington, VA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4.7 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 122
Divine Mercy University’s clinical psychology Psy.D. was designed to train the next generation of mental health professionals by instilling them with advanced skills in psychotherapy, analysis, testing and intervention in a range of pathologies from the perspective of Catholic teachings. As a generalist clinical Psy.D. program, DMU graduates will become qualified to seek employment as professional psychologists in a number of behavioral and mental health settings, from private practice to the military to non-secular consultation. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 38
Total Score: 71.37
Online: No
Tuition: $39,368
Internship Placement: 43
Degrees Conferred: 36
- 39
Chestnut Hill College
Philadelphia, PA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 6 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 117
Chestnut Hill College’s clinical psychology Psy.D. provides a solid foundational education in the science and practice of psychology while blending in-class work with hands-on training and experience. In addition to that traditional Psy.D. approach, Chestnut Hill somewhat uniquely offers optional concentrations in couples, family or child therapy, as well as offering a concentration in psychological assessment. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 39
Total Score: 71.04
Online: No
Tuition: $33,825
Internship Placement: 95
Degrees Conferred: 155
- 40
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 117
Xavier University’s clinical psychology Psy.D. aims to prepare generalist clinical psychologists for professional practice across a range of settings by educating them in the principles and science of psychology as well as requiring an aggressive hands-on training program in psychology. Xavier’s Psy.D. program has a broad focus on serving three underserved populations — children and adolescents, people interacting with the healthcare system and those who have severe emotional and behavioral health issues. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 40
Total Score: 69.90
Online: No
Tuition: $22,120
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 158
- 41
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: School Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 111
Designed for individuals who want to work within educational settings, Duquesne’s Psy.D. program focuses on school psychology, making it one of the few to have such a focus on children, families and educators. The Psy.D. has many traditional markers, such as training in evidence-based practices and understanding of human behavior, but Duquesne’s modern school psychology curriculum helps ensure graduates can serve a diverse population and navigate a changing cultural landscape. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 41
Total Score: 69.86
Online: No
Tuition: $41,088
Internship Placement: 25
Degrees Conferred: 40
- 42
Spalding University
Louisville, KY | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 6 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 120
Spalding University’s clinical Psy.D. program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1991, making Spalding among the most storied programs in the study of clinical psychology. While centered on a generalist approach that instills a foundational knowledge of the science of psychology, Spalding Psy.D. students also can choose from a few specializations, such as adult psychology, health psychology or forensic psychology. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 42
Total Score: 69.12
Online: No
Tuition: $29,250
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 194
- 43
Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology
Milwaukee, WI | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Professional Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5.95 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 121
The Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology offers a Psy.D. degree that provides a generalist education in the science of human behavior as well as training in the hands-on practice of clinical psychology. WSPP allows students to specialize in child or adult clinical psychology, and ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the modern mental health landscape, the school requires multiple courses on health psychology. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 43
Total Score: 69.11
Online: No
Tuition: $38,950
Internship Placement: 83
Degrees Conferred: 105
- 44
Long Island University–CW–Post
Brookville, NY | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 114
LIU Post’s clinical psychology Psy.D. was designed for prospective clinical psychologists who seek to work with chronically underserved populations, such as individuals with serious mental illness, high-risk families and people affected by substance abuse disorders. LIU Post faculty provide instruction in cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic methodologies, allowing students to practice in one or both orientations. In addition to in-class work taught by practicing clinicians, students have the benefit of hands-on training at a local community-based center Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 44
Total Score: 68.49
Online: No
Tuition: $49,990
Internship Placement: 89
Degrees Conferred: N/A
- 45
Wright State University
Dayton, OH | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 90
Wright State University’s clinical psychology Psy.D. has a purposeful generalist bent that gives students broad exposure to an array of theoretical models, scientific principles and clinical skills and a taste of different professional roles. While the programmatic focus is broad, students may elect to emphasize areas such as child psychology or forensic psychology during their Psy.D. journey. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 45
Total Score: 66.92
Online: No
Tuition: $18,170
Internship Placement: 96
Degrees Conferred: 205
- 46
George Fox University
Newberg, OR | Visit School
Tuition: $$$$
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 125
George Fox University’s clinical Psy.D. program is ideal for prospective clinical psychologists who seek an education not only in the fundamentals of the practice and science of psychology but who wish to work within the Christian faith tradition as professional practitioners. In addition to a generalist educational approach, it’s possible for students to specialize in a few areas — primary care psychology, child and adolescent psychology, and psychological and neurological assessment. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 46
Total Score: 65.48
Online: No
Tuition: $122,302
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 204
- 47
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 6 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 117
Immaculata University’s clinical Psy.D. was designed with professional students in mind, providing a rigorous, traditional Psy.D. education that’s offered only in the evenings. As a Catholic university, Immaculata’s foundational psychology education provides an experience that gives students what they need to work in the field of clinical psychology both from a scientific as well as spiritual standpoint. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 47
Total Score: 65.28
Online: No
Tuition: $25,470
Internship Placement: 100
Degrees Conferred: 203
- 48
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology–WashingtonDC
Washington, DC | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 106
The Chicago School’s clinical psychology Psy.D. provides students in our nation’s capital with the foundational scientific knowledge required to understand human behavior as well as the intensive hands-on training that sets the Psy.D. apart. The Chicago School Psy.D. students in Washington, D.C., may decide to narrow their training to one potential concentration area, forensic psychology. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 48
Total Score: 65.19
Online: No
Tuition: $55,062
Internship Placement: 69
Degrees Conferred: 33
- 49
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY | Visit School
Tuition: $$
Degree: School-Community Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4.5 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 100
Hofstra University’s school-community Psy.D. prepares graduates to become qualified behavioral and mental health practitioners within school or community health settings. Like other traditional Psy.D. programs, Hofstra students learn the fundamental scientific principles of psychology and augment that classroom learning with intensive hands-on training in the practice of psychology. Uniquely, though, a Psy.D. from Hofstra also means that a graduate has been trained in the issues that are unique to mental health services that are delivered within schools and other community settings. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 49
Total Score: 63.69
Online: No
Tuition: $43,008
Internship Placement: N/A
Degrees Conferred: 109
- 50
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA | Visit School
Tuition: $
Degree: Counseling Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Duration: 4 years
- Accreditation: APA
- Credit Hours: 93
Among just a handful of institutions that offer a counseling psychology Psy.D. degree is Carlow University, which has a Psy.D. program that aims to prepare professionals in counseling psychology through education focused on assessment and intervention for mental health and behavioral disorders. Carlow’s Psy.D. program was designed to produce counseling psychologists who use the broad knowledge they gain of psychological theory and science to inform ethical, compassionate counseling services. Programs, Outcomes and Other Data »
Overall Rank: 50
Total Score: 63.51
Online: No
Tuition: $24,672
Internship Placement: 50
Degrees Conferred: 45
Rankings Methodology
The four metrics below were used to calculate our rankings. The points per metric were as follows for a max total of 100: affordability (up to 30 points), completion time (up to 25), degrees conferred (up to 20) and internship placement (up to 25).
All programs in our report are accredited by the American Psychological Association. All schools were sourced directly using the data set available through the APA.org website. For prospective psychologists, the APA accreditation assures the educational and professional communities that a program meets certain basic quality levels and industry standards.
Affordability
Perhaps the biggest bottom-line issue for the average student is cost. If you can’t afford the program, then the rest of the rankings factors on this list don’t really matter. As important an issue as the cost is, it’s also one of the most individual considerations because every student has a different financial situation, and some prospective Psy.D. students can afford to spend far more or go much further into debt than others.
Generally, you’ll be looking for one or two key numbers here when exploring which school is right for you — cost per credit-hour (or unit) and total tuition cost. Some institutions focus on total tuition costs, while others spend more time promoting their credit-hour costs. It’s important that you get information about both costs, though, since your total tuition cost will likely depend largely on how many classes you end up taking and how much time you spend earning your degree.
Completion Time
While the length of your educational journey depends largely on how much time you’re able to devote to the endeavor, you’ll want to evaluate the average completion time of your PsyD programs as you consider them.
Most Psy.D. degrees are completed in 4-6 years, but you’ll find programs vary in length. Programs that lie on the outer edges should be carefully considered. For instance, if a program’s typical completion time is less than 4 years, you might want to verify that it rigorously covers all of the content that is important for your education. If the program takes longer than 5 or 6 years, find out if there is adequate support within the institution to help students progress toward successful completion.
Internship Placement
The Psy.D. is a popular alternative to a Ph.D. in psychology because it was designed specifically for learners who wanted to focus on the clinical practice of psychology rather than a traditional Ph.D. program, which has a more research-focused angle. One of the most important metrics as to how successfully a Psy.D. program prepares students for psychology fieldwork and how well-established a program is within the psychology community is its internship placement rate.
It’s important to understand before you commit to a program just how many of their students are able to secure an internship because, in most states, completion of an internship is required as part of the state licensure process.
Excellent internship placement rates generally are 90% or higher.
However, not all people who complete a Psy.D degree will go on to become a licensed clinical psychologist. Many of them will be able to have successful psychology careers in jobs or fields that don’t require licensures, such as forensic psychology, marketing or law enforcement. For these individuals, a low internship placement rate may not be a deal-breaker because they won’t need the hands-on clinical work as a counselor, psychologist or therapist in order to obtain a state license to practice.
Degrees Conferred
This metric, often referred to within universities and colleges as degrees conferred or degrees on transcript, denotes the total number of Psy.D. degrees the school has issued. Put another way, it’s the number of people who have earned this particular degree from this particular school.
Generally, higher numbers may make a school more attractive, though it’s wise to keep in mind that programs that have issued far more Psy.D’s than others may have lower admissions standards. The length of time a college or university has offered this degree is also something to take into account when deciding if the degrees conferred is too high or too low for you.
Remember also that the Psy.D. degree was developed in the 1970s, so it hasn’t been around for as long as some other degrees, such as the Doctor of Philosophy, or Ph.D. It’s also a degree that’s continually gaining in popularity, so many programs you might be considering may be relatively young and may not have conferred a large number of Psy.D. degrees.
Bottom Line
Deciding to pursue a Psy.D. is a big decision, and picking which program is right for you is an even bigger one. No doubt there are many personal factors that go into making your choice, but if you can keep in mind the areas discussed here, that may help you ensure you’re making the most of your investment of time and money.
Corrections
We strive to provide information on this website that is accurate, complete and timely. Since the information collected for this report was compiled using the APA.org website as well as the university website, there may be errors. Should you find any discrepancies with the data above, please let us know immediately and we’ll have it corrected.
Published on October 14th, 2019
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