how much does a phd in psychology cost

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Getting a Ph.D. in Psychology

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

Verywell / Evan Polenghi

Ph.D. vs. Psy.D.

Job opportunities, earning a degree, specialty areas, alternatives.

Getting a Ph.D. in psychology can open up a whole new world of career opportunities. For many careers paths in psychology-related career paths, a doctoral degree is necessary to obtain work and certification. A Ph.D. is one option, but it is not the only educational path that's available to reach some of these goals.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is one of the highest level degrees you can earn in the field of psychology . If you're considering pursuing a graduate degree, you might be wondering how long it takes to earn a Ph.D. in psychology . Generally, a bachelor's degree takes four years of study. While a master's degree requires an additional two to three years of study beyond the bachelor's, a doctoral degree can take between four to six years of additional graduate study after earning your bachelor's degree.

Recently, a new degree option known as the Psy.D. , or doctor of psychology, has grown in popularity as an alternative to the Ph.D. The type of degree you decide to pursue depends on a variety of factors, including your own interests and your career aspirations.

Before deciding which is right for you, research your options and decide if graduate school in psychology is even the best choice for you. Depending on your career goals, you might need to earn a master's or doctoral degree in psychology in order to practice in your chosen field. In other instances, a degree in a similar subject such as counseling or social work may be more appropriate.

A doctorate in psychology is required if you want to open your own private practice.

If you want to become a licensed psychologist, you must earn either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology.

In most cases, you will also need a doctorate if you want to teach and conduct research at the college or university level. While there are some opportunities available for people with a master's degree in various specialty fields, such as industrial-organizational psychology and health psychology , those with a doctorate will generally find higher pay, greater job demand, and more opportunity for growth.

In order to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, you need to first begin by earning your bachelor's degree. While earning your undergraduate degree in psychology can be helpful, students with bachelor's degrees in other subjects can also apply their knowledge to psychology Ph.D. programs . Some students in doctorate programs may have a master's degree in psychology , but most doctorate programs do not require it.

After you’ve been admitted to a graduate program, it generally takes at least four years to earn a Ph.D. and another year to complete an internship. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, you can take state and national exams to become licensed to practice psychology in the state where you wish to work.

Once you enter the graduate level of psychology, you will need to choose an area of specialization, such as clinical psychology , counseling psychology, health psychology, or cognitive psychology . The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits graduate programs in three areas: clinical, counseling, and school psychology.   If you are interested in going into one of these specialty areas, it's important to choose a school that has received accreditation through the APA.

For many students, the choice may come down to a clinical psychology program versus a counseling psychology program. There are many similarities between these two Ph.D. options, but there are important distinctions that students should consider. Clinical programs may have more of a research focus while counseling programs tend to focus more on professional practice. The path you choose will depend largely on what you plan to do after you complete your degree.

Of course, the Ph.D. in psychology is not the only graduate degree option. The Psy.D. is a doctorate degree option that you might also want to consider. While there are many similarities between these two degrees, traditional Ph.D. programs tend to be more research-oriented while Psy.D. programs are often more practice-oriented.

The Ph.D. option may be your top choice if you want to mix professional practice with teaching and research, while the Psy.D. option may be preferred if you want to open your own private psychology practice.

In the book "An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology," authors John C. Norcross and Michael A. Sayette suggest that one of the key differences between the two-degree options is that the Ph.D. programs train producers of research while Psy.D. programs train consumers of research. However, professional opportunities for practice are very similar with both degree types.

Research suggests that there are few discernible differences in terms of professional recognition, employment opportunities, or clinical skills between students trained in the Ph.D. or Psy.D. models. One of the few differences is that those with a Ph.D. degree are far more likely to be employed in academic settings and medical schools.

Social work, counseling, education, and the health sciences are other graduate options that you may want to consider if you decide that a doctorate degree is not the best fit for your interests and career goals.

A Word From Verywell

If you are considering a Ph.D. in psychology, spend some time carefully researching your options and thinking about your future goals. A doctoral degree is a major commitment of time, resources, and effort, so it is worth it to take time to consider the right option for your goals. The Ph.D. in psychology can be a great choice if you are interested in being a scientist-practitioner in the field and want to combine doing research with professional practice. It's also great training if you're interested in working at a university where you would teach classes and conduct research on psychological topics.

University of Pennsylvania; School of Arts and Sciences. Information for applicants .

American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different?

U.S. Department of Labor.  Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Norcross JC, Sayette MA. An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (2020/2021 ed.) . New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 2020.

Davis SF, Giordano PJ, Licht CA. Your Career in Psychology: Putting Your Graduate Degree to Work . John Wiley & Sons; 2012. doi:10.1002/9781444315929

US Department of Education. Bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions, by sex of student and discipline division: 2016-17 .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Cost

How much does a Ph.D. in psychology cost?

UND's School of Graduate Studies is one of the best values in the nation, offering lower tuition and fees than similar Midwest four-year doctoral universities. For an affordable tuition price, our students are learning from top experts and leading research.

The work you do at UND will be worth it — in more ways than one. Depending on your field, your paycheck could jump by $1,000/month with a master's degree or more than $2,490/month with a doctoral degree. Graduate degrees can also open new career opportunities and provide personal growth.

Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Costs

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Section 5: Tuition and Fees: Doctoral Tuition

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Doctor of healthcare administration (dha), doctor of human services, doctor of information technology (dit) (quarter), doctor of nursing practice (dnp), doctor of public administration (dpa), doctor of public health (drph), doctor of social work (dsw), phd in clinical psychology, phd in counselor education and supervision, phd in criminal justice, phd developmental psychology, phd in education, phd in forensic psychology, phd in health education and promotion, phd in health services, phd human services  (previously phd in human and social services), phd in industrial/organizational psychology, phd in management, phd in nursing, phd in psychology, phd in psychology professional programs (clinical/counseling), phd public health, phd in public policy and administration, phd in social work, psyd behavioral leadership, doctor of business administration (dba) (semester), doctor of information technology (dit) (semester), doctor of business administration (dba) (quarter).

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$655 per quarter credit hour for coursework

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• PsyD vs PhD

Fully Funded Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) Programs

With potential salaries reaching into the six figures, those who have completed Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) programs can expect to have fulfilling, challenging jobs that provide for a comfortable lifestyle.

But getting the degree, which is a requirement in every state for professional psychologist licensure, can be a tall order. The programs are rigorous and challenging, and paying for the degree can mean taking out loans that can quickly add up to $150,000 or more.

Though they are few and far between, some Psy.D. programs provide full or partial tuition remission for all students admitted to the program. Let’s take a look at those schools as well as other methods of funding a psychology doctorate.

Programs With Full or Partial Funding

Finding Psy.D. programs that offer full or partial funding to all students is quite rare. In fact, there are currently only two examples of institutions where this is the case — Baylor University and Rutgers University.

Baylor University

Baylor, based in Waco, Texas, is the world’s largest Baptist university, and its Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1976.

All students admitted to the Psy.D. program at Baylor receive full funding for up to five years. Psy.D. students still are required to pay student fees for the duration of their education, and this generally ranges from $3,000 to $4,000 per year. Teaching assistant positions are also available for a small number of students, with annual awards averaging out to about $5,000 per year. Baylor’s Psy.D. program is highly selective, with only five to seven students admitted per year.

SEE ALSO:  Baylor University Psy.D. Psychology Review

Rutgers University

The Clinical Psychology Psy.D. at Rutgers, based in Piscataway, New Jersey, includes robust financial support for the limited number of students admitted each year. While some students’ Psy.D. degrees are fully funded through combinations of scholarships and work-study programs, not all students will qualify.

Still, most students in the Psy.D. program will receive at least partial financial aid that will reduce the amount of supplemental loan-based funding they’ll need to complete their degrees. The Psy.D. program at Rutgers earned APA accreditation in 1977.

SEE ALSO:  Rutgers University Psy.D. Psychology Review

Paying for a Psy.D.

According to the most recently available national data published by the APA , the median annual tuition cost for a doctoral psychology program at a private college or university was just under $34,000. Costs were considerably lower at public institutions, with in-state tuition being around $11,000 and out-of-state tuition rising to $24,000 per year.

It’s more common for public colleges and universities to provide full tuition waivers for doctoral students, though it’s quite unusual for Psy.D. programs even at public universities to cover tuition for all Psy.D. candidates. Notably, Rutgers is a public university, and not all of its Psy.D. students receive fully covered tuition.

Graduate and professional education is notoriously expensive in the United States, and few students are able to complete their degrees without incurring some debt. In the APA’s most recent study of psychology graduate debt, about 90% of Psy.D. students graduated with debt. Among those who took out loans to finance their education, the median amount of loan debt for Psy.D. students was about $200,000.

SEE ALSO: Best Accredited PsyD Programs for 2020

Funding Other Psychology Doctorates

For those who want to complete the educational steps necessary to earn state licensure as a clinical psychologist but who want to do so without incurring massive amounts of debt, considering a Ph.D. might be sensible.

A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degree will have many of the same academic aspects as Psy.D. programs, with most of the coursework being more or less identical. And Ph.D. students are much more likely to receive funding. In fact, most Clinical Psychology Ph.D. programs include at least partial funding in the form of tuition remission and paid assistantships.

SEE ALSO:   Best Online PsyD Programs

Those considering psychology doctorates in other areas like school psychology or counseling psychology may have a more difficult time getting funding. That’s because one of the main mechanisms for providing funding is the use of paid assistantships. These arrangements are more common in the clinical psychology space than in other focus areas because colleges and universities often use their doctoral clinical psychology programs to staff operational mental health clinics. Often, students’ main source of funding is working in these clinics.

Few psychology doctoral students will finish their educational journey without needing to spend down their savings or incur debt. More than 90% of Psy.D. graduates and about 77% of Ph.D. students in the field will graduate with debt. This is why it’s so important for students to consider all their options and pursue programs where they are likely to receive full or partial funding.

Ranking Top 10 Most Affordable Doctoral Programs in Psychology

• By Kristen Fescoe: BA Psychology; MS Clinical and Forensic Psychology
• Published August 2, 2016
• Last Updated November 20, 2023
• Read Time 16 mins

Earning a PhD in psychology is a significant step toward having a successful career in psychology. PhD psychology programs provide students with the advanced training, skillset, and experience needed to work in a variety of settings including:

• clinical practice

The decision to pursue a doctorate in psychology isn’t one to be taken lightly. A PhD program takes dedication and significant amount of time, often six or seven years to complete. They are often extremely competitive, and applicants may need to apply to several different programs before finding one that is a good fit. Getting accepted is the hard part, paying for it is much simpler! Fortunately, there are many great APA accredited PhD programs that don’t charge their students tuition! Tuition costs are covered by the University through assistantships or fellowships. Some schools offer students a stipend, waive the cost of health insurance, and offer other perks while the student is in good standing.

Methodology

This ranking was made possible because of the information collected from the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator database, individual school websites and the schools’ “Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data” sheets provided by each school. We were interested in highlighting clinical psychology PhD programs since clinical psychology is the most popular area of psychology. We reviewed data on the “Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data” sheets to find programs that strive to provide funding to their students during their time in the program. We reviewed admissions information, program cost, and internship placement to ensure that accepted students received financial support. To be fair, we listed schools in alphabetical order. All programs included in our list are outstanding PhD psychology programs, highly regarded in the field, and are APA accredited. They offer a wealth of professional development opportunities through:

• research experiences
• internships
• mentoring relationships

We have included program costs noted in the “Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data” sheets provided by the institution and added comments about the level of funding to provide a clearer picture.

10. Northwestern University – Evanston, Illinois

Clinical psychology phd, 2020-2021 1st year cohort cost- $74,756. students receive full funding including tuition and stipend for five academic years..

The Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University offers a high-value PhD in psychology. The clinical program is a member of the Academy for Psychological Clinical Science and is accredited by the APA. Students in the clinical program are well prepared for careers in research and teaching in clinical psychology. Northwestern also offers PhD psychology programs in other areas including:

• Personality, Development, and Health Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Brain, Behavior, and Cognition
• Social Psychology

All students are fully funded for five years and many receive additional funding through fellowships and other awards.

9. University of Illinois – Urbana, Illinois

2020-2021 1st year cohort cost- $13,176 (all students receive full financial support).

The Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois features an inexpensive PhD in psychology open to the best and brightest graduate students. Exciting research opportunities are available at the University of Illinois in areas like:

• Attention and Perception
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Social-Personality

In total, there are nine program areas within the Department and students often cross between them to enhance their skills. Clinical psychology students in good standing receive full financial support for at least six years. This award includes a nine month stipend, and a waiver for tuition and service fees.

8. Michigan State University – Lansing, Michigan

Doctor of philosophy in clinical psychology, 2020-2021 1st year cohort cost: $7,072. students with an assistantship or fellowship can expect to receive a full tuition waiver and health insurance and fees covered..

The budget-friendly PhD in psychology from Michigan State University has been accredited by the APA since 1948. In 2020, they became accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System. The program trains clinical scientists who will contribute to the understanding of mental health disorders and inform on their treatment and prevention. While students work closely with a primary advisor through the mentorship model, they are exposed to a variety of perspectives, training, and professional expertise of the entire clinical science psychology staff. Students who are awarded an assistantship or fellowship can expect to have their tuition costs, health insurance, and fees waived by the University.

7. Loyola University – Chicago, Illinois

2020-2021 1st year cohort cost: $0 (all incoming students were fully funded.).

The best-value PhD in psychology from Loyola University prepares students for a successful career in clinical, research, and academic settings. Admission is highly competitive and each year, only four to six students are selected to participate in the program. Students can choose to formally specialize in clinical child psychology. The doctoral program provides students with balanced training and practice in:

• clinical work

Loyola strives to fully fund their psychology PhD students and in 20-21, students had their tuition, health and dental insurance covered and received a stipend.

6. Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts

2020-2021 1st year cohort cost: $49,448 (students have their tuition and health fees paid in full and receive a stipend and summer research award.).

The clinical psychology PhD program at Harvard University is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. The focus of the program is on research, primarily severe psychopathology. Students can usually complete the program in five years. Required courses include:

• Cultural and Individual Diversity
• Diagnostic Interviewing
• Psychological Treatment Research

During the first and second year, students complete two research projects and must pass a general exam before moving to year three. Before beginning the fourth year, students submit their thesis prospectus and complete their thesis and oral defense by the end of the fourth year. Students complete a clinical internship during the fifth year (after completing their thesis research.) PhD students have their tuition and fees covered. They also receive a stipend.

5. Emory University – Atlanta, Georgia

2020-2021 1st year cohort cost: $65,700. all students admitted to the program get an annual stipend, tuition scholarship, and health insurance..

The College of Arts and Sciences at Emory University features an affordable PhD in psychology through their Clinical Science concentration. It’s for students who want to study the assessment, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of psychopathology across the lifespan. The concentration may be chosen as a primary or secondary area of focus and may be a great choice for students who want the option of becoming eligible for licensure. The program is accredited by the APA and the PCSAS. Students can complete a two-year APA accredited affiliated internship through the Child and Adolescent Mood Program  at the Emory School of Medicine. Doctoral clinical psychology students receive an annual:

• tuition scholarship
• health insurance

Once students complete the clinical science concentration requirements and the approved internship, they may apply for licensure as a clinical psychologist in Georgia.

4. DePaul University – Chicago, Illinois

2020-2021 1st year cohort cost: $0. all admitted students receive a full tuition waiver and stipend..

The top value PhD in clinical psychology from DePaul University is recognized by the APA for training in diversity. Students can choose from two areas of emphasis including:

• community track
• child track

The clinical psychology program is a combined MA/PhD combined degree and only admits students planning to earn their PhD. Students gain valuable hands-on experience working with individuals from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds through opportunities at the John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County and the Howard Brown Health Center. All clinical psychology PhD students receive a full tuition waiver and stipend in exchange for 20 hours of graduate assistantship work each week. DePaul reports that 92% of graduates were employed or continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

3. Catholic University of America – Washington, DC

2020-2021 1st year cohort cost: $49,680. all first year students receive a full-tuition scholarship..

The Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from The Catholic University of America has been accredited by the APA since 1948. They offer an elective focus in Children, Family, and Cultures. The program is appropriately balanced between science and practice as evidenced by the interests of the faculty. All clinical science faculty have cutting edge research practices and are engaged in clinical practice. New students are admitted for the fall semester. Students in recent years have received a financial award that covers tuition for the first three years of the program (while they are taking courses that incur full tuition.) Stipends may also be provided.

2. Auburn University – Auburn, Alabama

Clinical psychology phd program, 2020-2021 1st year cohort cost- $0. all first-year students have assistantships that pay a stipend and waive the cost of resident and non-resident tuition..

The College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University offers a cost-effective PhD in psychology featuring a specialized curriculum, research training resources and clinical practica. Students are exposed to a variety of supervised experiences, allowing them to choose a theoretical orientation that will serve them will in their professional career. Research training takes place in both laboratory and applied settings. Students work a variety of campus and community-based practicum positions to gain valuable clinical training. Most students can complete the program in about six years. All first-year students receive an assistantship that covers tuition and provides a stipend.

1. Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona

2020-2021 1st year cohort cost- $11,400. cost of tuition is covered by graduate assistantships. assistantships may also cover the cost of health insurance..

The University of Arizona was one of the first three universities in the country to have their best-value doctoral program in clinical psychology accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System. Students can develop expertise in areas like:

• psychophysiology
• clinical neuropsychology
• health psychology
• intervention research

The program follows a clinical science model of training and students can expect to experience a wide range of clinical training and research opportunities. The cost of tuition is covered by graduate assistantships and other financial award may be available to provide additional support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the career options for affordable doctoral programs in psychology.

• Clinical Psychologist
• Addictions Counselor
• Forensic Behavioral Analyst
• Play Therapist
• Counseling Psychologist
• Professor at a University
• Mental Health Clinician
• Occupational Therapist
• Neuropsychologist
• Educational Psychologist
• Vocational Rehabilitation Provider
• Applied Researcher
• Social Service Manager
• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Industrial and Organizational Psychologist

How Much Can You Earn in this Field?

Psychology is a vast field that can be found in nearly every sector in the world. Because they can be found in various settings, the actual salary of a psychology professional may vary. However, at this time, the current starting salary for a doctoral graduate in psychology with no previous work experience is roughly $55,000. It is possible to make up to $250,000 a year with time and experience as well as qualifications and endorsements.

It is important for students to remember that the above figures are the national average. This means that salaries will vary based on the city as well as the demand for their particular specialty in psychology. More importantly, wages are determined by cost-of-living in a certain area, including bonus forms of compensation and state minimum wages.

Highly specialized professionals will find that their wages are higher. Professionals who work in neuropsychology, neuropsychiatry, industrial and organizational psychology, or engineering psychology tend to make more than professionals who work in addiction, rehabilitation, mental health counseling, and more. In fact, the difference between wages can be up to $150,000 or more, depending on the professional’s qualifications and endorsements.

What are the Various Disciplines of Psychology?

Psychology is a wide-ranging field that encapsulates philosophy, religion, sociology, and more. It is a field that impacts –and is impacted by– a variety of different disciplines. Depending on a student’s chosen specialty, they will have access to disciplines that may serve a general good or the specific needs for their career.

In general, psychology is informed by:

• public health

When deciding the correct path forward for their clients, professionals tend to look at these disciplines, along with:

• social justice
• humanitarian issues and more

Most psychologists and psychiatrists at this level have a discernible specialty. This can form as early as undergraduate education, although most students figure out their emphasis during graduate school. This specialty will have a hand in what students learn and how important that education is to them.

For example, industrial and organizational psychologists focus on psychology in the workplace. This means they focus on the performance of professionals as well as their ability to:

• work in teams
• take critiques
• learn new modes of leadership

So it would make sense that professionals in this area would have some sense of education in business, management, and leadership.

Alternatively, a professional may choose to focus in neuropsychology or neuropsychiatry. This would denote an education in medicine and specific medication to stabilize mental disorders. This is also known as pharmacology. Their education in medicine would supersede their education in psychology, meaning they are more apt to discuss mental disorders in a way that medication could calm the symptoms or even reverse some outlying issues that a client may have.

Why Do Some Doctoral Programs in Psychology Require Internships?

Doctoral programs in psychology are professional degrees. This means that graduates of the program engage with clients every day who may be in need of severe treatment or even medication. They may also be tasked with providing the court system with reliable assessments of their clients.

Because this is required of psychologists, internships are put in place in some doctoral programs to ensure that they can keep up with the workload. Working with a variety of clients can be daunting, but undertaking a work experience will prepare students for a challenging career. It will also ensure that students can demonstrate knowledge in the field before graduation, making it possible for potential employers to see their depth and breadth in the field before accepting them into their ranks.

Internships can range between two weeks for an international or national trip to a full semester in a community setting. The point of the internship is to ensure a student is well aware of and comfortable with the requirements of the degree. The time period also gives the supervisor overseeing the internship, a chance to see what the student needs help with in terms of their degree.

Are Qualifications and Endorsements Required at the Doctoral Level?

Yes, qualifications and endorsements are definitely required at the doctoral level. This is because the doctoral level is the terminal degree for this field. Post-doctoral degrees do exist but are rare, and most professionals tend to earn an additional graduate or doctoral degree in the field.

However, professionals in the field will need some kind of endorsement starting at the undergraduate level if they wish to practice psychology. The American Psychological Association, known as the APA, is the most prominent association that delivers qualifications, provides these endorsements at the undergraduate level for students who wish to practice in their state.

Every psychologist, regardless of their workplace setting and their career goals, will need some sort of qualification in order to advance in their career. This is a requirement put into place by the United States government, meaning that all psychologists must be licensed or endorsed at the federal level. The requirement ensures that clients from all over the country will receive the same level of professionalism from their psychologists.

Licensure, qualification, and endorsements refer to qualifications that can be earned from various prestigious associations. Earning the qualification is a prestige accomplishment that can be put on resumes and CVs to earn better jobs. It may also help a professional earn promotion into mid-level or senior-level positions.

Earning a qualification generally means following a certain educational and work experience pathway. It differs with each specialty, but most professionals complete either a specialization or graduate certificate in the field while also completing internships. They then sit for an exam that covers the field. When they pass, they can add the qualification to their formal name.

Are Online Doctoral Programs in Psychology Just as Good as On-campus Degrees?

These days, there is very little difference between an online and on-campus degree program. In fact, most programs, regardless of delivery, are offered by the same faculty and staff, on the same schedule, with the same graduation program requirements. This means that apart from being physically on-campus, there are few differences between the programs.

However, online programs are a little more convenient for working adults. Not only are they more affordable, but they are also more flexible. Courses can be complete asynchronously or synchronously, ensuring that students still get credit for completing courses when they have time. Additionally, courses with no live participation requirements do better than those that require live participation.

Online programs are also modular, meaning that students can choose to take as many or as few courses as they like. Traditional doctoral students are often stuck with a full-time schedule while online students can be part-time students, so long as they meet the minimum credit hour requirement every term.

Perhaps the biggest difference between online and on-campus students is that online courses are more affordable. Not only are course fees lower for online students, they often don’t have to pay on-campus fees for parking on textbooks. This makes online degrees much more seductive for students, especially if they are making an investment into their career. That investment needs to pay off, so students looking for an online degree may be better served than those who aren’t.

Professionals in the psychology field work in most sectors in the world. From work settings to hospitals, correctional facilities to schools, psychologists use their expertise and experience to provide services to people of all backgrounds, religions, and cultures. But many working adults feel like investing in a doctoral program isn’t worth it. Now that many doctoral programs in psychology are affordable, professionals need only to do their research to find the program that will fit their needs.

This concludes our ranking of the Top 10 Most Affordable Doctoral Programs in Psychology.

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• Tuition, Funding, & Living Costs
• PhD/Master's Application Process

All PhD students at Yale are fully funded. On average, doctoral students at Yale receive more than $500,000 in tuition fellowships, stipends, and health care benefits over the course of their enrollment. Some terminal Master's degree students also receive funding.

Tuition for full-time study at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in the academic year 2023-2024 is $48,300.

More information on Tuition & Fees is available in our Programs & Policies handbook. Please note that we do not charge many of the fees common to other schools (e.g., technology fee, library fee, gym fee, student activities fee).

See Student Accounts for billing and payment inquiries.

For PhD Degree Applicants

All PhD students at Yale receive the following financial award, typically for a minimum of five years:

• a fellowship that covers the full cost of tuition ($48,300 for 2023-2024)
• a 12-month stipend (minimum of $40,530 for 2023-2024)
• comprehensive health insurance, including hospitalization coverage and specialty care for students, their legal spouse, and their children
• a family support subsidy for graduate students with children under the age of 18

Additionally, a Dean's Emergency Fund is available to help students with eligible, unanticipated emergency expenses. In some cases, the Continuing Registration Fee for advanced PhD students is also covered by the Graduate School.

Most PhD students complete their degrees without incurring debt.

For Master's Degree Applicants

Most students pursuing Master's degrees do not receive financial support from the Graduate School and are responsible for paying tuition, but some programs offer limited funding. Please check with the program that interests you for more information.

All Master's students registered at least half time receive Student Basic Coverage at Yale Health. You are also eligible to purchase Hospitalization and Specialty Care coverage at a group rate through the university.

Other Sources of Funding

Many of our students win external fellowships and grants. See our External Fellowships & Awards page for more information on how an external award will affect your Yale funding.

Some students choose to take loans, participate in work-study programs, or engage in part-time employment to supplement their funding while in Graduate School. More information is available on Other Means of Financing Graduate Education .

Living Cost Estimates

To ensure that our financial aid package provides enough support to enable you to live in New Haven and study full time, we developed a cost-of-living guide (see below). The Office of Financial Aid also uses these calculations to determine financial need as required by certain funding sources and for immigration processes.

Estimated average living expenses include housing and food, transportation, personal and academic expenses (excluding tuition), and hospitalization coverage and specialty care. Expenses for doctoral students may actually be less than the estimate below, since PhD financial packages cover the full cost of single-student hospitalization and specialty care coverage in the Yale Health Plan, as well as half the cost of two-person coverage (for spouses and partners), and the full cost to cover children.

2023-2024 Academic Year Living Cost Estimate:

9-month living cost (master's students):.

• Single Student: $29,778

12-MONTH LIVING COST (PhD Students):

• Single Student: $38,260  

Graduate Financial Aid

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• 246 Church Street, 2nd Floor

Tuition, Fees, and Ph.D. Stipends

NOTE: All numbers below require annual approval by the Board of Trustees

Last updated April 17,2024

PDF version

View full cost to attend . 

  * - Projected rates for tuition, fees, and stipends are tentative and subject to change.

** - For longer term projections, the tuition remission rate can be assumed to increase 0.7% per year.

*** - Teaching assistant and grader rates are established by the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences.

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• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in Behavioral Psychology

Behavior Analysis Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Advance your knowledge with an online PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology from Capella University. This program is designed to give a deep understanding of how people grow and change.

Learn ways to encourage well-being and psychological health as a teacher, researcher, or policy and care advocate.

Relevant, real-world learning

Your psychology coursework allows you to conduct research in consultation with Capella faculty.

Complementary coursework approach

Get direct, intensive experience with virtual residencies that enhance your online coursework and help you complete your program successfully.

Scholar-practitioner faculty

Learn the latest in theory and practice from experienced doctoral faculty actively engaged in their professions.

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

• 3 Doctoral Project Development Seminars

Comprehensive exam

• 25 Max transfer credits

Reduce your tuition by $20,000

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.

Courses and skills

Explore developmental psychology courses.

• This degree requires a total of 101 program credits
• You’ll need to complete seven core courses, nine specialization courses, three doctoral project development seminars and one comprehensive exam

View All Courses

What you'll learn

This degree is designed to provide relevant expertise and help advance your career. Graduates of this specialization pursue careers in teaching and instruction; higher education; child, adolescent, and adult development; policy and advocacy; or research.

On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:

• Apply critical thinking skills in response to challenges in developmental psychology
• Design, plan, and conduct research and/or evaluation to advance knowledge and practice in developmental psychology
• Communicate professionally in the discipline of developmental psychology
• Apply scientifically established principles and knowledge from the study of human development and policy development in relation to individuals and society
• Discern and evaluate policy and advocacy processes regarding issues across the life span with the goal of affecting change
• Evaluate developmental processes and theories related to meeting the needs of individuals and diverse populations
• Promote ethical standards and guidelines in professional interactions

Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.

Tuition and learning format

How much does the phd in psychology cost.

The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

• Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
• 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
• Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$555  per credit, 78  coursework credits, 15 max transfer credits

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$555 Per quarter credit

78 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

$2,780 Per quarter

Per quarter

Dissertation

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials

Application fee

$50 One-time fee

One-time fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:

• Academic performance
• Complexity of your dissertation
• Number of quarters spent working on practicum
• Prior coursework
• Scholarships and finances
• Unexpected life events
• Employer and/or military benefits

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Cost Scenarios

*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

Your education is an investment in your future. And it may be well within reach – with more ways to save  than you might think.

$20K toward your doctorate

Apply for a $20K scholarship Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Apply now

Employer & association discounts

If your employer or organization is a Capella network partner, you may be eligible for a discount. Ask your employer what offers are available.

10% military discount

If you’re an active-duty military service member, spouse, dependent, or veteran, you may be eligible for discounts on tuition at Capella. Get details

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.  See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

How to apply

What are the phd in psychology admission requirements.

Applicants must provide the following information for  admission  to Capella programs and specializations:

• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
•  Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International Student Requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.

Doctoral faculty

Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.

Enrollment counselors

These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree program and answer all your questions about Capella.

Academic coaches

Through quarterly appointments and as-needed counseling sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

Developmental Psychology: Making a Difference through Advocacy

Faculty member Jessica Emick, PhD, discusses the field and her own experience in advocacy.

What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.

Career exploration

What can you do with a phd in psychology degree.

Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a doctoral degree in developmental psychology.

Related job titles to explore*

• Adjunct or part-time psychology faculty
• Full-time psychology faculty
• Developmental psychologist
• Policy consultant/advocate
• Program administrator/ director

Employment settings to explore

• Land-based or online college or university
• Community college
• Nonprofit organization
• Health care/medical center
• Consulting firm
• Government—local, state, federal
• Social service agency
• Early childhood education program
• Child and family service agency
• Research and assessment organization
• Advocacy organization

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

Take the first step toward earning your degree and achieving your goals. {page-tel}

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Getting a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology – Everything You Need to Know in 2024

What’s in this guide, at a glance, why get a phd in organizational psychology, what do you cover in a phd in organizational psychology, how much does a phd in organizational psychology cost.

• What jobs can you do with a PhD in Organizational Psychology?

How much can you earn with a PhD in Organizational Psychology?

By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

A PhD in Organizational Psychology is an advanced,  doctorate degree  that focuses on the study of human behavior in organizational settings.

It involves the application of psychological theories and research methods to help organizations improve their functioning, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Students pursuing a PhD in Organizational Psychology typically cover topics such as organizational behavior, leadership, motivation, job satisfaction, decision-making, and group dynamics. They also gain expertise in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and data interpretation, which enables them to design and conduct empirical research to address important organizational issues.

Most PhD programs in Organizational Psychology take between 4 to 6 years to complete.

Learn more about  psychology PhD programs Learn about  master’s degrees in organizational psychology

Expertise and employability

A PhD in Organizational Psychology provides individuals with a deep understanding of human behavior and how it relates to organizational dynamics. This expertise can be applied to a wide range of settings, including business, government, healthcare, and education.

Research opportunities and the chance to make an impact

Earning a PhD in Organizational Psychology enables individuals to conduct original research in the field, which can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of new theories and practices.

Organizational Psychology has the potential to make a significant impact on the workplace, including improving employee satisfaction, productivity, and organizational effectiveness.  You can make a positive difference in the lives of hundreds, thousands or even millions of employees around the world.

Career advancement and earning potential

A PhD in Organizational Psychology can lead to career advancement opportunities in a variety of fields, including academia, consulting, research, and human resources management. Individuals with a PhD in Organizational Psychology command higher salaries and take on more senior leadership roles.

Here is an example of a sample curriculum for a PhD program in Organizational Psychology:

• Foundations of Organizational Psychology
• Research Methods and Statistics I
• Psychology of Work and Organizations
• Leadership Theory and Practice
• Seminar in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Second Year

• Research Methods and Statistics II
• Motivation and Performance
• Organizational Culture and Climate
• Job Analysis and Evaluation
• Seminar in Organizational Theory and Change
• Seminar in Personnel Selection and Assessment
• Training and Development
• Group Dynamics and Team Effectiveness
• Advanced Topics in Organizational Psychology
• Elective Course

Fourth Year

• Seminar in Performance Management
• Occupational Health Psychology
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Dissertation Research and Proposal Preparation
• Dissertation Research and Writing
• Dissertation Defense and Completion

The cost of a PhD program in Organizational Psychology will vary considerably.

Generally, PhD programs are funded through a combination of scholarships, grants, and assistantships that cover tuition and provide a stipend for living expenses.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition and fees for graduate programs in Psychology in the US were around $12,500 per year for the 2020-2021 academic year. However, this figure does not include living expenses or other costs associated with pursuing a PhD.

The amount of funding and the requirements for receiving it can vary widely by program, so it’s important to research individual programs to understand their funding opportunities.

What jobs can you do with a PhD in Organizational Psychology?

The obvious answer is that you can go on to become an organizational psychologist. Read our guide to  becoming an industrial organizational psychologist  or  search our job board for available IO psychology jobs .

When many students think of organizational psychology, they think of Wendy Rhoades. Rhoades, played by Maggie Siff, is the psychologist character in the TV show “Billions”. Wendy is a performance coach and in-house therapist at Axe Capital. Wendy has a PhD in Psychology and is a licensed therapist. Her role in the show is to provide advice, support, and counseling to the traders and executives at Axe Capital, helping them to manage the intense pressure and high-stakes environment of the finance industry.

It’s not explicitly stated whether she is an organizational psychologist or not. However, given her role as a performance coach and in-house therapist at a hedge fund, it can be inferred that she has knowledge and expertise in the area of organizational psychology. Her work involves addressing issues such as leadership, communication, teamwork, motivation, and decision-making, which are central topics within organizational psychology. Therefore her work aligns with the principles and practices of organizational psychology.

There are a wealth of career opportunities available to you when you complete your PhD outside of becoming an organizational psychologist.

Here are some potential jobs to consider:

• Organizational Development Consultant
• Human Resources Director
• Talent Management Specialist
• Training and Development Manager
• Executive Coach
• Research Scientist

If you hold a PhD in organizational psychology, there is a good chance you can command a high salary and your earning potential over the course of your career will be significantly improved by completing the PhD.

Let’s examine average salaries in the US for some of the job roles above (based on BLS data):

• Organizational Development Consultant – $95,000
• Human Resources Director – $125,000
• Talent Management Specialist – $115,640
• Training and Development Manager – $115,640
• Executive Coach – $87,000
• Research Scientist – $84,000
• Professor – $80,370

Organizational psychologists are some of the top earners in the field. The top 10 percent of experienced Industrial Psychologists make more than $192,000 per year.  Read our IO Psychologist salary guide for more insights

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How much does a PhD cost?

Study tips Published 29 Jan, 2024  ·  5-minute read

A PhD is a big commitment – you've heard it before. It’s a commitment of time, energy and (yep, you guessed it) money. But financial help is available. So, realistically, how much does it cost to do a PhD?

There’s how much a PhD costs, and then there’s how much a PhD costs after you factor in tuition scholarships . It’s also important to note that the cost of the program itself is only one component of how much you will actually spend doing your PhD.

You also need to consider:

• general living expenses and how you will afford these during the 3-4 years you’ll be studying your Doctor of Philosophy
• student services and amenities fees
• travel and accommodation expenses for non-essential workshops or conferences, should you wish to attend.

Scholarships and financial assistance programs can give you a leg up financially. After all, deciding whether or not to do a PhD shouldn’t just be about if you can afford it.

What is the cost of a PhD?

Let’s tackle this systematically and break down each of the main costs associated with a PhD.

How much do PhD programs cost?

There are 2 key factors that affect the cost of your PhD program:

• the field in which you’re studying
• whether you’re studying full time or part time.

UQ annual PhD tuition fees (based on 2024 figures)

For the most up-to-date tuition fees, visit the HDR tuition fees page .

Of course, everyone’s PhD journey differs, and students can take anywhere between 3 and 4 years to complete their PhD full time, and 6 to sometimes 8 years to complete it part time. This is why we’ve broken down fees per year, even though they’re actually charged per research quarter at UQ.

With this in mind, we’ve also included the below table, to outline how much an average PhD at UQ would cost, based on our findings that students typically finish their PhD in 3 years and 9 months .

UQ total PhD tuition fees (based on a PhD duration of 3.75 years and 2022 figures)

These figures can look super daunting at first, but it’s important to note that most students in Australia don’t undertake a PhD without securing a scholarship that will cover all of their tuition fees.

Browse PhD scholarships

Student services and amenities fees (SSAF)

Another key cost of doing a PhD is the student services and amenities fee, which is also charged per research quarter. It’s typically the same amount per quarter, but the cost does differ depending on whether you’re studying full time or part time, and if you’re away for a short period on field work (remote).

UQ student services and amenities fee for HDR students (based on 2022 figures)

*UQ does not offer fully remote PhDs.

You can apply for an SA-HELP loan to defer your SSAF. There’s no limit to the amount you can charge to the loan; however, you will need to start paying it back once you begin earning a salary over the compulsory repayment threshold ($51,550 as of 1 July 2023).

For the most up-to-date SSAF details, visit the student services and amenities page .

What’s the cost of living during a PhD?

This expense isn’t quite as straightforward to calculate as tuition costs and is largely dependent on your lifestyle and where you live. If you’ve been a student for some time already, you probably have pretty strong budgeting game – but here are a few essential expenses that you can break down to better assess your weekly cost of living while doing your PhD:

• bills (utilities, internet, phone)
• transport (public or fuel)
• recreation.

Explore the cost of living in Brisbane .

You can apply for a living stipend scholarship while you do your PhD to assist with the cost of living while studying. This scholarship provides  $33,641 a year  (for 3.5 years with the possibility of extension), so that’s about $647 a week to cover all the costs listed above. If that doesn’t quite fund your living expenses, you can look at a range of other scholarships that may provide further financial support.

Find out more about how to secure a living stipend scholarship while you complete your PhD.

What kind of travel and accommodation expenses are associated with a PhD?

Some PhD projects require you to travel outside the area in which you live to conduct research. Any travel that’s essential for your research should be factored in by your supervisor and school or institute at the time of application. However, sometimes there are conferences or workshops that you may wish to attend, that aren’t ‘essential’, but would be beneficial to your professional development. There may be scholarships available to you that include travel and accommodation allowances for these additional, non-essential research-related activities.

PhDs obviously don’t come cheap. But the upside is that there’s accessible funding and scholarship support for both tuition and living expenses. And unlike undergrad student loans, you don’t have to defer fees and pay them back down the track (except for your SSAF).

At UQ, you’ll apply for tuition and living stipend scholarships offered by UQ at the same time as your PhD application. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, evidence of research capability and the quality of your research project – much the same as the criteria for having your PhD proposal approved (if required).

The important thing is to go into your PhD with a realistic outlook and a backup plan when it comes to finances. You want to know that you can carry your research through to completion, and that means having a financial plan, as well as the academic drive, to make this possible.

To find out more about the PhD application process, read our comprehensive guide on how to get a PhD .

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