Rankings / By State
Best Psychology Colleges in Pennsylvania
- 50
- Schools
- $62,680
- Avg. Earnings
- 61%
- Avg. Graduation
- $22,885
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,430
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $37,439 at the low end to $111,371 at the top. That 3.0× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Bucks County Community College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $47,324 against $6,389 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Westmoreland County Community College, at $5,167 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Pennsylvania graduates 97% of its students, well above the 61% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor University of Pennsylvania: graduates owe only 0.14× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Bryn Mawr College ($75,217 earnings), not the highest earner, University of Pennsylvania ($111,371). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Westmoreland County Community College ($5,167/yr) and Villanova University ($43,756/yr) produce graduates earning $37,439 and $100,423 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $38,589 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Bucks County Community College outperforms University of Pennsylvania: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Bucks County Community College and University of Pennsylvania. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 $62K 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 2026-07-13
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 Bryn Mawr College #1 overall | $75,217 ▲ +20% vs avg | $31,759 | 84% | 77 |
| 2 University of Pennsylvania #2 overall | $111,371 ▲ +78% vs avg | $28,699 | 97% | 77 |
| 3 Lafayette College #3 overall | $91,410 ▲ +46% vs avg | $34,433 | 88% | 75 |
| $80,257 ▲ +28% vs avg | $23,149 | 93% | 75 | |
| $79,966 ▲ +28% vs avg | $25,314 | 90% | 74 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Psychology Colleges in Pennsylvania
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $62,680 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 61% and an average net price of $22,885.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Bucks County Community College — Net Price: $6,389 | Graduation Rate: 30%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Pennsylvania — 97% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Pennsylvania — Median alumni earnings: $111,371
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Human Services Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the human-services and social-work workforce?
$61,491
Median earnings (10yr)
66%
Median graduation rate
$23,240
Median net price
1.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Demand for mental-health and social-service professionals keeps rising, driven by greater awareness of mental-health needs, an aging population, and expanding access to services. These are licensure-gated, mission-driven careers. The social return is high and the financial return is capped, which makes program cost the most important variable in the value equation.
The median graduation rate across these 50 schools is 66%. Median graduate earnings reach $61,491 ten years after enrollment, roughly $13,491 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $23,240 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $25,000. Some 29% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.4%.
In human services, the cost of the degree matters as much as the career that follows it. Median earnings of roughly $61,491 and a net price of about $23,240 leave little room for heavy borrowing. Graduates who keep debt minimal do best in a field where the rewards are primarily social rather than financial.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Bryn Mawr College lands at #1 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $75,217 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,759 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 #2
University of Pennsylvania lands at #2 with a 77/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (74/100). Graduates earn a median $111,371 a decade after enrolling, 78% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,699 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 #3
Lafayette College lands at #3 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $91,410 a decade after enrolling, 46% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,433 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 #4
Swarthmore College lands at #4 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (94/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (70/100). Graduates earn a median $80,257 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,149 a year. 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 #5
Haverford College lands at #5 with a 74/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (71/100). Graduates earn a median $79,966 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,314 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
Lehigh University lands at #6 with a 71/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $105,584 a decade after enrolling, 68% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,931 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 #7
Reading Area Community College lands at #7 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $39,082 a decade after enrolling, 38% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,228 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Bucknell University lands at #8 with a 69/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $93,807 a decade after enrolling, 50% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,766 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 #9
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania lands at #9 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $37,837 a decade after enrolling, 40% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,265 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 #10
Gettysburg College lands at #10 with a 68/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $71,517 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,490 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 #11
Villanova University lands at #11 with a 68/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $100,423 a decade after enrolling, 60% above this list's average, and net price runs $43,756 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 #12
Washington & Jefferson College lands at #12 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $67,918 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,002 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 #13
Muhlenberg College lands at #13 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $69,107 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,905 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
Manor College lands at #14 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $46,825 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,078 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 #15
Lycoming College lands at #15 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $56,210 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,140 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 #16
Montgomery County Community College lands at #16 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $46,108 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,124 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 #17
Lehigh Carbon Community College lands at #17 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,436 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,203 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 #18
Dickinson College lands at #18 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $70,204 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $37,607 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 #19
Northampton County Area Community College lands at #19 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $41,566 a decade after enrolling, 34% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,119 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 #20
Westmoreland County Community College lands at #20 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $37,439 a decade after enrolling, 40% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,167 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
West Chester, PA · 78% accepted · $23,331 net
Why it ranks #21
West Chester University of Pennsylvania lands at #21 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $61,258 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,331 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 #22
Luzerne County Community College lands at #22 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $40,437 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,433 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 #23
Immaculata University lands at #23 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $75,701 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,258 a year. 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 #24
Lancaster Bible College lands at #24 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $44,096 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,480 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 #25
Albright College lands at #25 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $58,700 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,024 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 #26
Holy Family University lands at #26 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $62,235 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,143 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 #27
Allegheny College lands at #27 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $62,069 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,940 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 #28
Community College of Beaver County lands at #28 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (34/100). Graduates earn a median $45,090 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,937 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 #29
Lincoln University lands at #29 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $43,167 a decade after enrolling, 31% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,977 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 #30
Widener University lands at #30 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $70,920 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,759 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
East Stroudsburg, PA · 92% accepted · $18,134 net
Why it ranks #31
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania lands at #31 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $56,148 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,134 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 #32
Ursinus College lands at #32 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $73,721 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,536 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 #33
Juniata College lands at #33 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $56,918 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,988 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
Shippensburg, PA · 87% accepted · $23,726 net
Why it ranks #34
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania lands at #34 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $56,351 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,726 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
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania lands at #35 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $53,775 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,331 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 #36
La Salle University lands at #36 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $67,416 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,409 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 #37
Bucks County Community College lands at #37 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $47,324 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,389 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 #38
Arcadia University lands at #38 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $58,336 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,466 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 #39
Moravian University lands at #39 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $61,860 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,670 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
Millersville, PA · 86% accepted · $20,787 net
Why it ranks #40
Millersville University of Pennsylvania lands at #40 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $55,246 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,787 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 #41
Carlow University lands at #41 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $51,051 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,786 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 #42
La Roche University lands at #42 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $52,341 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,794 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
Philadelphia, PA · 89% accepted · $29,689 net
Why it ranks #43
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia lands at #43 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $86,881 a decade after enrolling, 39% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,689 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 #44
Seton Hill University lands at #44 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $51,748 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,204 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 #45
Chatham University lands at #45 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $52,410 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,954 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 #46
Susquehanna University lands at #46 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $61,723 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,819 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
Hazleton, PA · 96% accepted · $17,597 net
Why it ranks #47
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton lands at #47 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,597 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 #48
Robert Morris University lands at #48 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $62,105 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,003 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 #49
University of Scranton lands at #49 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $74,652 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,568 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 #50
Lebanon Valley College lands at #50 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $62,621 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,979 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
Choosing a psychology program in Pennsylvania means considering schools that not only excel academically but also prepare students for successful careers. With over 50 programs in the state, prospective students face a significant decision as they weigh their options. In this context, understanding key outcomes like graduation rates, earnings, and debt can help clarify the best choices.
The strongest psychology schools stand out in several important ways. High graduation rates indicate student support and engagement, while strong earnings suggest that graduates are well-prepared for the job market. For example, the top schools in our list show impressive earnings, with the highest at $111,371. This data provides a snapshot of what to expect from each program, allowing students and families to make informed decisions.
Consider the University of Pennsylvania and Lafayette College. While the University of Pennsylvania leads with a remarkable $111,371 in earnings and a 97% graduation rate, Lafayette College, despite its solid offerings, has lower earnings at $91,410 and an 88% graduation rate. This contrast illustrates the tradeoffs students may face, emphasizing the importance of aligning school characteristics with personal goals.
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 48 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.4%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Robert Morris University leads the group at 2.5%, with Carlow University (2.5%) and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (2.3%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 6.5% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania enrolls the most, at 27.9%, 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 28.9% across the list, peaking at 58.5% at Lafayette College.
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 1.63, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and University of Pennsylvania is highest at 1.88.
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
The data reveals an interesting trend when comparing the University of Pennsylvania and Haverford College. While both schools have strong programs, the University of Pennsylvania's graduates earn $111,371, overshadowing Haverford's earnings of $79,966. This difference of nearly $31,000 may reflect the University of Pennsylvania's extensive resources and network, impacting graduate outcomes significantly.
Now that you've seen the rankings, it's time to consider how this data fits your personal situation. Are you prioritizing lower debt, like Haverford's $13,621, or higher earnings potential, as seen with the University of Pennsylvania? Each school has unique characteristics that may align with your values, whether that's financial considerations or campus culture. Keep your own priorities in mind as you explore these options further.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life hinges on informed choices. A family's decision to invest in education can shape financial futures significantly. Choosing a school with a solid graduation rate and strong earnings potential can set the foundation for a successful career, making it essential to weigh these metrics carefully during the selection process.
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 Psychology Colleges in Pennsylvania: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Psychology Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking? +
Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, PA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Psychology Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $75,217 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 84% 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? +
University of Pennsylvania posts the highest median earnings on this list: $111,371 ten years after enrollment, well above the $62,680 average across the 50 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, Bucks County Community College leads: graduates earn a median $47,324 against net price of about $6,389 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 Pennsylvania has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 97%, compared with a 61% 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 $22,885 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. Westmoreland County Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,167. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Psychology Colleges in Pennsylvania 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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