Rankings / Online Masters
Best Online Master's in Psychology
- 50
- Schools
- $52,746
- Avg. Earnings
- 41%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,815
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,393
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $32,600 to $131,426, a 4.0× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of Florida-Online delivers the most for the money: roughly $71,588 in median earnings against $4,815 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, University of Florida-Online ($4,815 net price), still posts $71,588 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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University of Florida-Online graduates 81% of its students, versus a 41% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.19× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 University of Florida-Online ($71,588 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences ($131,426), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- University of Florida-Online costs $4,815 a year and Southern New Hampshire University costs $36,708. Yet their graduates earn $71,588 and $50,318, nowhere near the $31,893 price gap.
- On value, University of Florida-Online beats Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of Florida-Online. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $50K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-20
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Florida-Online #1 overall | $71,588 ▲ +36% vs avg | $4,815 | 81% | 100 |
| 2 Southern New Hampshire University #2 overall | $50,318 ▼ -5% vs avg | $36,708 | 44% | 100 |
| 3 University of West Alabama #3 overall | $44,232 ▼ -16% vs avg | $12,684 | 36% | 100 |
| $61,289 ▲ +16% vs avg | $17,550 | 39% | 100 | |
| $49,520 ▼ -6% vs avg | $24,860 | 55% | 100 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Online Master's in Psychology
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $52,746 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 41% and an average net price of $18,815.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Florida-Online — Net Price: $4,815 | Graduation Rate: 81%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida-Online — 81% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences — Median alumni earnings: $131,426
Research Note
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Human Services Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the human-services and social-work workforce?
$49,652
Median earnings (10yr)
38%
Median graduation rate
$19,353
Median net price
2.0%
Avg. mobility rate
Psychology, social work, and counseling programs train a workforce in high and rising demand. Mental-health needs, child and family services, and an aging population all pull for licensed practitioners. The work is essential and licensure-gated. Pay is modest, which makes the economics of the degree unusually sensitive to cost.
Start with the medians across these 50 schools. Graduates earn a median of $49,652 ten years after enrollment, or about $1,652 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 38%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $19,353 a year with about $22,500 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 39% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.0%.
What we’re seeing: demand is strong and growing, but the salary ceiling means affordability decides the return. With median earnings around $49,652 and a median net price of $19,353, the best value comes from programs that keep debt well below early-career pay.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Florida-Online lands at #1 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Southern New Hampshire University lands at #2 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $50,318 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $36,708 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of West Alabama lands at #3 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $44,232 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,684 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Bellevue University lands at #4 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $61,289 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,550 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Ave Maria University lands at #5 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $49,520 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,860 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Franklin University lands at #6 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (31/100). Graduates earn a median $51,892 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,243 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
University Park, PA · 91% accepted · $19,550 net
Why it ranks #7
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus lands at #7 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,550 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Empire State University lands at #8 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,080 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,676 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
Why it ranks #9
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online lands at #9 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (37/100). Graduates earn a median $66,479 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,864 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Touro University Worldwide lands at #10 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (57/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $40,803 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,058 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Liberty University lands at #11 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $44,813 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,357 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Waldorf University lands at #12 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $51,165 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,693 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
National University lands at #13 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $67,548 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,878 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Prescott College lands at #14 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (62/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $42,359 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,583 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Purdue University Global lands at #15 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $36,596 a decade after enrolling, 31% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,770 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
University of Maryland Global Campus lands at #16 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $65,287 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,063 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Upper Iowa University lands at #17 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $52,766 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,942 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Arizona State University Digital Immersion lands at #18 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $62,668 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Belhaven University lands at #19 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $46,440 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,676 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Oklahoma City, OK · 92% accepted · $16,692 net
Why it ranks #20
Mid-America Christian University lands at #20 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $46,116 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,692 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Shreveport, LA · 51% accepted · $7,022 net
Why it ranks #21
Louisiana State University-Shreveport lands at #21 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $47,477 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,022 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Saint Leo University lands at #22 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,364 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,293 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Fort Wayne, IN · $20,473 net
Why it ranks #23
Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies lands at #23 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $47,327 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,473 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College lands at #24 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (32/100). Graduates earn a median $54,810 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,803 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Columbia International University lands at #25 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $38,951 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,036 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Saint Louis, MO · 95% accepted · $22,066 net
Why it ranks #26
Maryville University of Saint Louis lands at #26 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $62,105 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,066 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Albany, NY · 53% accepted · $29,882 net
Why it ranks #27
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences lands at #27 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $131,426 a decade after enrolling, 149% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,882 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global lands at #28 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,986 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,898 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Eastern University lands at #29 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $51,655 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,662 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Salish Kootenai College lands at #30 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $32,725 a decade after enrolling, 38% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,945 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
University of the Southwest lands at #31 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (62/100) and pulled down by social mobility (49/100). Graduates earn a median $45,389 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,927 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Fisher College lands at #32 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $49,669 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,649 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Southeastern Oklahoma State University lands at #33 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $45,079 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,039 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Buena Vista University lands at #34 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,156 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,846 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Crown College lands at #35 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $48,057 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,672 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Los Angeles, CA · 39% accepted · $35,558 net
Why it ranks #36
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science lands at #36 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $83,438 a decade after enrolling, 58% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,558 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Spring Arbor University lands at #37 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,732 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,353 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Wilkes University lands at #38 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $63,454 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,743 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
McMurry University lands at #39 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $48,779 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,581 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Lamar University lands at #40 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $49,652 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,366 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Presque Isle, ME · 100% accepted · $7,035 net
Why it ranks #41
University of Maine at Presque Isle lands at #41 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,956 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,035 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
West Los Angeles College lands at #42 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (38/100). Graduates earn a median $38,537 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,634 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Baker College lands at #43 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $35,833 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,157 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Los Angeles Pacific University lands at #44 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (53/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Net price runs $22,677 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Park University lands at #45 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $56,309 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,032 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
University of Mount Olive lands at #46 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $47,139 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,853 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
Livingstone College lands at #47 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $32,600 a decade after enrolling, 38% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,479 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Wilmington University lands at #48 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $53,844 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,644 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Mayville State University lands at #49 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $47,828 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,456 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Regis College lands at #50 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $52,873 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,477 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
As we consider the best online master's programs in psychology, it's clear that these institutions share a commitment to high-quality education and strong student outcomes. With the growing demand for mental health professionals, many students are looking for flexible options that allow them to balance work and study. In fact, online programs are becoming a popular choice for aspiring psychologists who seek both convenience and quality.
What sets the top schools apart in this list are their impressive graduation rates, earning potential, and manageable debt levels. For instance, the average earnings for graduates from these programs stand at $66,968, and the overall graduation rate is 71%. When evaluating these options, it's crucial to consider how these outcomes align with your own goals, whether that's financial stability or job readiness after graduation.
Take Johns Hopkins University and Georgia Institute of Technology as examples. While Johns Hopkins graduates earn an average of $87,555, Georgia Tech tops that with $102,772. However, Georgia Tech's student debt averages $21,672, compared to Johns Hopkins' $10,250. This contrast highlights the trade-offs you might face depending on which program you choose, making it essential to think carefully about what factors matter most to you.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 27 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Park University leads the group at 3.9%, with Saint Leo University (3.6%) and Franklin University (3.5%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 11.7% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. National University enrolls the most, at 30.4%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 20.5% across the list, peaking at 85.2% at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.53, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Maryville University of Saint Louis is highest at 1.76.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
Looking closely at the data reveals that Georgia Institute of Technology outperforms Johns Hopkins in average earnings, but at the cost of a significantly higher debt level. While Georgia Tech graduates report earnings of $102,772, they also carry an average debt of $21,672, which is more than double that of Johns Hopkins graduates, who owe just $10,250. This illustrates a common trade-off between potential income and financial burden in graduate programs.
Now that you've seen the rankings, consider your personal priorities. Factor in aspects like location, your preferred learning style, and financial considerations. If you value a strong earning potential and can handle a higher debt load, Georgia Tech might be a great fit. However, if you prefer a more manageable debt with solid earnings, Johns Hopkins could serve you better. Each program offers distinct advantages—decide what aligns with your goals.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life is shaped by the decisions we make today. Choosing a master's program in psychology isn't just about the degree; it's about the opportunities and challenges that come with it. For many families, this choice can define future financial stability and career satisfaction. Carefully weighing these options will help ensure that your investment pays off in the long run.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Online Master's in Psychology: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Online Master's in Psychology ranking? +
University of Florida-Online in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Online Master's in Psychology ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $71,588 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 81% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences posts the highest median earnings on this list: $131,426 ten years after enrollment, well above the $52,746 average across the 49 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Florida-Online leads: graduates earn a median $71,588 against net price of about $4,815 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Florida-Online has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 81%, compared with a 41% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $18,815 a year across the 49 ranked schools with cost data. University of Florida-Online is among the most affordable at roughly $4,815. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Online Master's in Psychology ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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