Psychology Bachelor's Degrees in Pennsylvania
A guide to Pennsylvania’s top undergraduate psychology programs in 2024.
With its historic cities, low cost of living, natural beauty, and mouthwatering cheesesteaks, Pennsylvania is an excellent place to live, work, and pursue an education. The Keystone State boasts top-tier public and private options for an undergraduate psychology degree. The best psychology schools in Pennsylvania include Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Penn State in University Park, UPenn in Philadelphia, and the University of Pittsburgh.
This page will highlight the best psychology bachelor's degrees in Pennsylvania. We'll also explore state-specific scholarships and financial aid programs, potential psychology jobs and salaries for Pennsylvanians, and more.
What makes our rankings valuable?
Most degree rankings rely heavily on National Center for Education Statistics data, measuring school-wide rates for student retention, graduation, acceptance, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too; however, we go further to analyze the current and future demand for the skills and credentials gained. We also list actual tuition costs and delve deep into value and flexibility to consider dual-degree, accelerated, and distance learning options.
| The Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania | ||
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Penn State | University Park, PA |
| 2 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA |
| 3 | University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA |
Psychology Jobs & Salaries in Pennsylvania
Earning a psychology bachelor’s degree can pave the way to various careers. Here are some popular jobs for psychology graduates, along with average salaries and typical education requirements in Pennsylvania:
| Psychology Job | Salary in PA | Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Aide | $44,690 | Associate Degree or Certificate |
| Clinical Psychologist | $73,700 | Doctoral Degree |
| Social Worker | $73,800 | Bachelor's Degree |
| School Psychologist | $86,220 | Master's or Specialist Degree |
| Psychology Professor | $86,520 | Doctoral Degree |
| Family Psychologist | $107,190 | Doctoral Degree |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (PA)
Top 3 Psychology Bachelor Degrees in PA
We chose Pennsylvania’s best psychology bachelor's based on seven factors: curriculum relevance, school reputation, program benefits, institutional stats, flexibility, affordability, and value.
Here are the best undergraduate psychology degrees in Pennsylvania for 2024:
1. Penn State
Penn State’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology (PSYBS) has four specialization options: life sciences, neuroscience, business, and quantitative skills. Each major has its merits and career applications. Still, we favored the business option for its enhanced customizability and career-ready coursework in finance, management, law, diversity, labor relations, and technology. This program aligns with lucrative careers in I-O psychology, marketing, and human resources, as well as advanced psychology programs. This degree can be earned on-campus, online through the Penn State World Campus, or as a hybrid.
- Format: On-campus or Online
- Locations: University Park, PA
- Tuition Cost:
- PA Resident: $19,672 per year
- Out-of-State: $39,626 per year
- International: $41,126 per year
- Online: $632 per credit
- Related Programs at Penn State:
- Graduate Psychology Program
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
2. Carnegie Mellon University
CMU’s Undergraduate Psychology Program focuses on three sought-after psychology domains: cognitive, developmental, and social/personality/health psychology. This program features multiple well-designed degrees, including a B.S. and B.A. in Psychology, a B.S. in Cognitive Science, a dual Biology/Psychology major, and a Psychology minor. Renowned for innovations in artificial intelligence, health neuroscience, and psychology education, CMU’s Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences is a true leader.
- Format: On-campus
- Locations: Pittsburgh, PA
- Tuition Cost: $62,260 per year
- Related Programs at CMU:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
- Double Major in Psychology & Biological Sciences
- Minor in Psychology
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
3. University of Pittsburgh
Pitt's Undergraduate Psychology Major emphasizes the scientific method and offers a deep exploration of psychology as a discipline and a profession. This program focuses on developing robust research and analytical skills across various domains, such as clinical, cognitive, and social psychology. Additionally, students enrich their college education through experiential learning programs in directed research, supervised field placements, honors programs, or as teaching assistants, providing the skills and credentials for diverse careers and advanced study.
- Format: On-campus
- Locations: Pittsburgh, PA
- Tuition Cost:
- PA Resident: $20,154 per year
- Out-of-State: $38,520 per year
- Related Programs at Pitt:
- Psychology Graduate Degree
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Financial Aid & Scholarships in Pennsylvania
These are some of the most helpful grants and scholarships available to undergraduate psychology students in Pennsylvania:
PA State Grant Program
This grant is offered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and does not need to be repaid if eligibility requirements are satisfied. The maximum annual award for PA residents in 2024 is $5,750.
Chafee Education and Training Grant (Chafee ETG) Program
This program assists Pennsylvania undergraduate students aging out of foster care who attend an approved postsecondary institution. The award amount for the 2024 school year is $5,000.
PA Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant (BDBG) Program
This program provides financial assistance to deaf or blind students attending a postsecondary institution in Pennsylvania. The maximum grant amount is $500 per academic year.
PA Partnerships for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Grant Program
for this grant, PHEAA partners with non-profit, community-based Pennsylvania organizations to match scholarship funds for PA students up to $3,500 per academic year.
Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program
Administered by PHEAA and the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, this program provides tuition assistance to students who commit to serve six years with the Pennsylvania National Guard. Recipients can get 100% of their tuition paid at a PA university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Education insiders answer FAQs from undergraduate psychology degree candidates in Pennsylvania.