Psychology Schools in Virginia
The following guide to psychology schools in Virginia provides you with essential information on the undergraduate and graduate psychology programs offered in the state.
Table of Contents
- Virginia Psychology School Facts
- Top-Ranked Psychology Programs
- Top 25 Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs
- Graduate Psychology Program Comparison
- Related Articles
- Student Reviews
Virginia Psychology School Facts
- There are 41 not-for-profit colleges and universities with psychology degree programs in Virginia.1
- 4 schools offer an associate degree in psychology.1
- 38 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in psychology.1
- 18 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in psychology.1
- 7 schools ranked in College Factual’s Best General Psychology Schools 2024.2
- 2 schools ranked in Psychology Degree 411’s Top Schools with Online Psychology Programs.3
- 6 schools ranked in The Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Psychology Majors 2024.4
- 1 school ranked in Times Higher Education’s Best Universities for Psychology 2023.5
- 10 schools ranked in Lowest-Priced Schools With a Bachelor’s in Psychology.
Nationally Ranked Top Psychology Programs in Virginia
Our curated list of third-party and proprietary rankings can be useful in measuring the overall value and reputation of a program. Generally, schools and programs ranked on multiple lists tend to be stronger in academic quality.
Schools Ranked on Multiple Lists
Lists include College Factual, Psychology Degree 411, The Princeton Review, and Times Higher Education.
- George Mason University
- James Madison University
- Old Dominion University
- University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Virginia Tech
College Factual’s Best Psychology Schools 2024
- University of Virginia-Main Campus (#14)
- George Mason University (#36)
- Virginia Tech (#41)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (#49)
- James Madison University (#59)
- William & Mary (#71)
- Old Dominion University (#168)2
Psychology Degree 411’s Top Schools With Online Psychology Programs
- Regent University (#6)
- Old Dominion University (#15)3
The Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Psychology Majors 2024
- Christopher Newport University
- George Mason University
- Hampton University
- James Madison University
- Randolph College
- Roanoke College4
Times Higher Education’s Best Universities for Psychology 2023
- University of Virginia-Main campus (#35)5
Lowest-Priced Schools With a Bachelor’s in Psychology
The following Virginia schools with bachelor’s degrees in psychology have the lowest average net prices. We have included each school’s graduation rate, a key quality metric.
- Norfolk State University ($14,652 / Grad rate: 40%)
- Virginia State University ($15,773 / Grad rate: 38%)
- Old Dominion University ($16,098 / Grad rate: 48%)
- Radford University ($17,105 / Grad rate: 54%)
- Regent University ($17,341 / Grad rate: 55%)
- Virginia Military Institute ($18,129 / Grad rate: 77%)
- James Madison University ($18,274 / Grad rate: 81%)
- George Mason University ($18,479 / Grad rate: 71%)
- Mary Baldwin University ($18,746 / Grad rate: 45%)
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($19,301 / Grad rate: 86%)
Top 25 Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs in Virginia
This table compares the top 25 bachelor’s in psychology programs from not-for-profit schools in Virginia based on a graduation rate of 55% or above and an annual net price below $30,000 or below. High graduation rate is a top indicator of student success, and affordability is a key consideration for prospective undergrad students. Programs in bold text offer hybrid or online options.
| School | Grad Rate*1 | Accept Rate1 | Median Debt*6 | Median Earnings*6 | Full Price In State1 | Full Price Out of State1 | Net Price*1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regent University | 55% | 32% | $24,534 | $44,160 | $26,854 | $26,854 | $17,341 |
| Virginia Military Institute | 77% | 71% | $22,996 | $76,984 | $30,588 | $60,396 | $18,129 |
| James Madison University | 81% | 78% | $20,093 | $65,172 | $25,132 | $42,192 | $18,274 |
| George Mason University | 71% | 90% | $19,500 | $69,958 | $26,521 | $52,103 | $18,479 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | 86% | 57% | $21,500 | $77,621 | $27,266 | $47,518 | $19,301 |
| Bridgewater College | 58% | 90% | $26,000 | $50,510 | $53,630 | $53,630 | $19,332 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | 95% | 19% | $17,500 | $80,584 | $33,232 | $68,804 | $19,469 |
| Emory & Henry College | 58% | 97% | $26,332 | $46,471 | $48,955 | $48,955 | $20,834 |
| Hollins University | 66% | 72% | $27,000 | $39,313 | $56,170 | $56,170 | $21,207 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | 65% | 91% | $21,500 | $54,300 | $28,107 | $50,065 | $21,294 |
| Longwood University | 67% | 88% | $25,000 | $49,069 | $29,158 | $42,098 | $21,772 |
| University of Mary Washington | 69% | 86% | $20,500 | $60,281 | $26,324 | $43,244 | $21,863 |
| University of Lynchburg | 60% | 96% | $27,000 | $50,248 | $47,560 | $47,560 | $23,256 |
| Christopher Newport University | 76% | 85% | $25,000 | $57,364 | $27,415 | $41,053 | $23,287 |
| Eastern Mennonite University | 63% | 99% | $24,813 | $47,702 | $53,230 | $53,230 | $23,783 |
| Marymount University | 61% | 81% | $25,000 | $62,704 | $53,297 | $53,297 | $24,664 |
| Washington and Lee University | 95% | 17% | $19,500 | $84,232 | $78,670 | $78,670 | $24,733 |
| William & Mary | 91% | 33% | $18,500 | $69,897 | $37,798 | $61,024 | $25,688 |
| Shenandoah University | 63% | 80% | $25,000 | $55,196 | $46,400 | $46,400 | $26,143 |
| Randolph-Macon College | 74% | 85% | $27,000 | $58,576 | $59,970 | $59,970 | $28,389 |
| Sweet Briar College | 61% | 76% | $27,000 | $50,618 | $37,840 | $37,840 | $28,408 |
| Roanoke College | 71% | 80% | $27,000 | $55,411 | $50,716 | $50,716 | $29,169 |
| University of Richmond | 88% | 24% | $21,000 | $80,715 | $75,200 | $75,200 | $29,248 |
| Hampden-Sydney College | 75% | 40% | $26,000 | $70,692 | $65,374 | $65,374 | $29,899 |
| Liberty University | 66% | 99% | $24,500 | $45,115 | $34,861 | $34,861 | $29,913 |
*See Table Notes at bottom of page.
Comparison of All Graduate Psychology Programs in Virginia
This table compares all of Virginia’s graduate-level psychology programs from not-for-profit schools on multiple factors.
We’ve included accreditation status by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). We also highlight the percentage of tenured faculty, 2020-2022 pass rates for the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP), and tuition information. Note EPPP scores are reported by degree type (clinical, counseling, or school psychology) and level (PhD or PsyD), so some schools may be listed more than once to include all pass rates. Schools in bold text offer hybrid or online options. Tuition per credit hour is more relevant for master’s and PsyD programs due to the fact that PhD students typically receive more program-awarded funding.
| School | Accreditation7-10 | Levels Offered | % Tenured Faculty*11 | EPPP Pass Rate 2020-2212 | EPPP # Taking 2020-2212 | Grad Tuition Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater College | — | MS | 44% | — | — | $640 |
| Divine Mercy University | APA | MS, PsyD | 0% | 82% | 22 | $850 |
| Ferrum College | — | MS | 57% | — | — | $475 |
| George Mason University | APA, NASP | MA, MPS | 26% | 88% | 16 | $572 |
| James Madison University | APA, NASP | MA, M.Ed. EdS, PhD, PsyD | 48% | 88% | 17 | $545 |
| Liberty University | — | MA, MS, PsyD | 4% | — | — | $545 |
| Mary Baldwin University | — | MS | 9% | — | — | $495 |
| Marymount University | — | MA | 22% | — | — | $500 |
| Norfolk State University | — | MS, PhD | 41% | — | — | $505 |
| Old Dominion University | — | MS, PhD | 46% | — | — | $599 |
| Radford University | APA, NASP | MA, MS, EdS, PsyD | 34% | 83% | 6 | $525 |
| Regent University | APA | MS, PhD | 38% | 70% | 37 | $599 |
| Shenandoah University | — | MS | 0% | — | — | $579 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus (Clinical PhD) | APA, NASP | MA, PhD | 53% | 100% | 8 | $860 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus (Clinical and School PhD) | APA, NASP | MA, PhD | 53% | 82% | 17 | $860 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (Clinical PhD) | APA | PhD | 26% | 95% | 21 | N.Av. |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (Counseling PhD) | APA | PhD | 26% | 91% | 11 | N.Av. |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | APA | PhD | 49% | 100% | 16 | $846 |
| Virginia State University | — | MS, PhD | 31% | — | — | $583 |
| William & Mary | NASP | MS | 49% | — | — | $606 |
*% Tenured faculty is a signal of institutional quality.
Related Articles
- Degree Levels Overview: Associate to PhD
- Virginia Licensure Guide
- Top Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking
- Psychology Careers by Degree Level
Virginia Schools With Psychology Programs
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and not everyone has the same results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews, and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Germanna Community College
10000 Germanna Point Dr
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
(540) 891-3000
https://germanna.edu/
Student Review: ” I thoroughly enjoyed the college’s psychology program. Being a community college, I felt that it would be average and I would not be challenged. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when some of my professors had PhD degrees, and the class sizes were small, so the professor was able to be more personal with the students. I enjoyed the forensic psychology class and was able to examine why people commit the crimes they do and how to reform these individuals. The professors were outstanding and the classes were very active. For example, in my basic psychology class (and this went for almost all of my psychology classes) the professor was there to teach and oversee the class, but he would introduce a topic to start a class discussion. The program was a terrific value that will always benefit me and I was more than pleased with the results of the program.” – Student at Germanna Community College
Liberty University
1971 University Blvd
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 582-2000
https://www.liberty.edu/
Student Review: “In my opinion, Liberty University is a very good school. Their psychology program is excellent. Liberty University differs from most colleges because it is a Christian-based University. Because of this fact, biblical knowledge and use are required throughout one’s entire school career. Every class requires Christianity-based thinking and wording. If one can get past that, one will excel. I think that their psychology program, when stripped of the biblical approach, will still hold firm when compared to any other university’s psychology program. If anything, the biblical approach adds on more work, rather than taking away anything from the psychology work. They also have this program available online, for long-distance learners. This is great because it allows one to live anywhere in the world, while still attending their classes. I would recommend Liberty University to anyone.” – Student at Liberty University
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-6000
https://www.vt.edu/
Student Review: “The psychology program at Virginia Tech is top notch. While my first two years at Virginia Tech included larger classes as general education requirements typically do, my next two years I was in much smaller classroom settings. As a psychology major, I had the opportunity to intern with the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program in the summer. This opportunity gave me experience conducting undergraduate research, which in turn, helped to better prepare me for both the workforce and graduate school experiences. Furthermore, the one on one opportunity to work with a faculty member in conducting undergraduate research is truly one of a kind. Many students don’t get this in undergraduate programs, but in my program, I used SPSS data collection software to present quantitative research.” – Student at Virginia Tech
Student Review: “What I really enjoyed about the psychology program at Virginia Tech was that it was as flexible as I wanted it to be. In other words, I was able to change direction at any time I felt the need. Using this degree as my admission into an accelerated nursing program, I had to take many biology and anatomy courses as pre-requisites. Psychology allowed me the freedom in my schedule to not only take the required core study classes in the psychology department, it allowed me to focus a lot of my energy in filling my schedule with these science-based courses I needed for later schooling. The flexibility of the program, looking back on it, allowed me to be in nursing school I am today.” – Student at Virginia Tech
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
(434) 924-0311
https://www.virginia.edu/
Student Review: “The University of Virginia provided a wonderful learning environment as I pursued a bachelor’s of arts degree in psychology. I attended classes taught by published authors; in fact, I even participated in a study by one of my instructors that was later published. The college of arts within the University offered a wide variety of psychology courses including those in the specific areas of social, child, abnormal, industrial, and clinical. After graduation, I went on to obtain a master’s degree in counseling and guidance.” – Student at University of Virginia
Washington and Lee University
204 W Washington St
Lexington, VA 24450
(540) 458-8400
https://www.wlu.edu/
Student Review: “Washington and Lee University strives to give its students a first-class education with its small classes, knowledgeable professors, and unique honor system which creates an atmosphere of trust within the community. Although I am a biochemistry major I have taken many psychology courses. The professors had high expectations for their students and moved at a fast pace, but due to the small class size, there was always a chance to ask questions and seek extra help if needed. My personal favorite psychology class was titled, “Brain and Behavior.” It may have been one of the most challenging courses I took at Washington and Lee but it was by far the most interesting. It connected neuroscience and behavioral psychology and the professor, Tyler Lorig, was absolutely fantastic. His classes were not lectures. Rather, he taught by telling stories which aided us in remembering the material without doing brute memorization. Overall, I enjoyed my time at Washington and Lee and feel like I am prepared to enter medical school.” – Student at Washington and Lee University
Student Review: “Washington and Lee University allowed me to experience a liberal arts education while a pursuing a degree in psychology. Although the material was very challenging, the professors made themselves readily available to talk and work with students. I was often invited to my professors’ homes for dinner and was given the opportunity to spend a summer researching in the psychology department on campus. While I was able to spend a lot of time studying psychology, I also was allowed to take courses in many other fields of study, a testament to the liberal arts experience. For instance, for four weeks in the spring, I was invited to study art history in the Netherlands. Washington and Lee University has been an amazing experience for me to grow as an individual and prepare myself for a career in psychology.” – Student at Washington and Lee University
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual, Best Colleges Offering Degrees in Psychology (Nationwide): https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/psychology/rankings/top-ranked/#
3. Psychology Degree 411 Top Schools With Online Psychology Programs: https://www.psychologydegree411.com/degrees/online/
4. The Princeton Review. The Best 388 Colleges, 2023 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2022.
5. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 – Psychology: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/subject-ranking/psychology
6. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data
7. American Psychological Association Accredited Programs: https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs
8. Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, Directory: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
9. Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council Accredited Programs: http://mpcacaccreditation.org/accredited-programs/
10. National Association for School Psychologists, Approved Programs: https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/graduate-program-approval-and-accreditation/program-approval/approved-programs
11. The Association of Virginia and Provincial Psychology Boards, 2023 Psychology Licensing Exam Scores by Doctoral Program: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.asppb.net/resource/resmgr/eppp_/doctoralreport2023_forpublic.pdf
12. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/rankings/