Unlock Your Psychology Career Potential: Compare the Best Psychology Degree Programs in District of Columbia for 2025
$24,492
Avg. Net Price
58%
Avg. Admitted
31%
Avg. Enrolled
67%
Avg. Graduation Rate
11/1
Avg. Student / Faculty
Psychology Degree Programs in District of Columbia
Find and compare the best psychology degree programs by state.
Number of Schools
In District of Columbia, there are 8 4-year schools that offer psychology degrees
Number of Programs
With 8 schools offering psychology programs, the total number of programs offered in District of Columbia is 54
Number of Graduates
The 54 psychology programs in District of Columbia produced 1,219 psychology graduates in 2021

District of Columbia Psychology Degrees Programs
Top (8) Psychology Programs in District of Columbia
Georgetown University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 85
Average Cost to Attend: $81,342
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $2,898
Average Net Price: $23,049
Average Admitted: 12%
Average Enrolled: 48%
Average Graduation Rate: 95%
Student / Faculty: 11 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 40%
District of Columbia Ranking: #1
National Ranking: #32
Gallaudet University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 69
Average Cost to Attend: $38,338
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $874
Average Net Price: $25,465
Average Admitted: 62%
Average Enrolled: 61%
Average Graduation Rate: 58%
Student / Faculty: 6 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 97%
District of Columbia Ranking: #2
National Ranking: #107
George Washington University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 460
Average Cost to Attend: $76,359
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $7,549
Average Net Price: $31,240
Average Admitted: 50%
Average Enrolled: 19%
Average Graduation Rate: 84%
Student / Faculty: 12 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 48%
District of Columbia Ranking: #3
National Ranking: #169
American University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 93
Average Cost to Attend: $67,720
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $3,521
Average Net Price: $28,622
Average Admitted: 64%
Average Enrolled: 19%
Average Graduation Rate: 79%
Student / Faculty: 12 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 50%
District of Columbia Ranking: #4
National Ranking: #288
Howard University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 204
Average Cost to Attend: $47,748
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $6,949
Average Net Price: $26,870
Average Admitted: 35%
Average Enrolled: 27%
Average Graduation Rate: 64%
Student / Faculty: 13 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 65%
District of Columbia Ranking: #5
National Ranking: #470
Trinity Washington University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 61
Average Cost to Attend: $39,530
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,350
Average Net Price: $12,815
Average Admitted: 97%
Average Enrolled: 31%
Average Graduation Rate: 41%
Student / Faculty: 11 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 26%
District of Columbia Ranking: #6
National Ranking: #794
The Catholic University of America
2021 Psychology Graduates: 221
Average Cost to Attend: $71,210
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $2,831
Average Net Price: $35,520
Average Admitted: 86%
Average Enrolled: 14%
Average Graduation Rate: 74%
Student / Faculty: 11 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 44%
District of Columbia Ranking: #7
National Ranking: #605
University of the District of Columbia
2021 Psychology Graduates: 26
Average Cost to Attend: $29,166
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $2,274
Average Net Price: $12,354
Average Admitted: %
Average Enrolled: %
Average Graduation Rate: 44%
Student / Faculty: 8 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 32%
District of Columbia Ranking: #8
National Ranking: #1172
Psychology Programs Offered in District of Columbia
There are 54 undergraduate psychology programs offered by 8 different 4-year colleges, comprising 1 public and 7 private schools.
Additionally, psychology programs in District of Columbia produced 631 bachelor’s graduates, 456 master’s graduates and 124 doctorate graduates.
The table below details the programs offered and the total number of graduates in District of Columbia.
Psychology Graduates | BS | MA | PMC | PhD |
Clinical Psychology | – | 22 | – | 35 |
Cognitive Psychology | 10 | – | – | 2 |
Counseling and Applied Psychology | – | 81 | 4 | 45 |
Counseling Psychology | – | – | – | 2 |
Developmental Psychology | – | – | – | 1 |
Experimental Psychology | 98 | 11 | – | 1 |
Forensic Psychology | – | 54 | – | – |
General Psychology | 339 | 48 | – | 13 |
Industrial Organizational Psychology | – | – | – | 1 |
Mental Health Counseling | – | 19 | – | – |
Research Psychology | 132 | 11 | – | 14 |
School Psychology | – | 5 | 4 | 7 |
Social Psychology | 24 | – | – | 3 |
Social Work | 28 | 205 | – | – |
Total Graduates | 631 | 456 | 8 | 124 |
Credits Accepted for District of Columbia Schools
The types of academic credits available to District of Columbia students are varied and include:
- Dual enrollment
- Credit for life experiences
- Advanced placement (AP) credits
Psychology Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation in District of Columbia
On average, District of Columbia schools admitted 58% of students who applied to 4-year institutions. Of those who were offered admission, 31% enrolled.
The average freshman retention rate for District of Columbia schools is 84%, compared to 71% for all universities nationwide.
The overall graduation rate for 4-year colleges and universities in District of Columbia is 67%, compared to 56% for all universities nationwide.
The top three schools in District of Columbia for highest graduation rate are Georgetown University (95%), George Washington University (84%), and American University (79%).
The top three schools with the highest number of psychology graduates in District of Columbia are George Washington University (460), The Catholic University of America (221), and Howard University (204).
Region | District of Columbia | U.S. |
Applied | 15,849 | 8,766 |
Admitted | 58% | 73% |
Enrolled | 31% | 26% |
1st Year Return | 84% | 71% |
Graduation | 67% | 56% |
Student & Faculty Information in District of Columbia
In the fall of 2021, District of Columbia schools that offered psychology programs had an average of 61% full-time instructional or research faculty members and 38% part-time instructional faculty members.
The average student-to-faculty ratio for District of Columbia schools offering psychology programs is 11:1.
The table below shows a comparison of the percentage of full-time instructional and research faculty members and the student-to-faculty ratio between District of Columbia and the United States as a whole:
Region | District of Columbia | U.S. |
Full-Time Instructional | 54% | 56% |
Full-Time Research | 6% | 6% |
Part-Time Instructional | 38% | 35% |
Student Faculty Ratio | 11:1 | 15:1 |
Tuition and Student Expenses in District of Columbia
If you’re an undergraduate psychology student in District of Columbia, the average tuition you’ll pay depends on the institution you choose. Typically, tuition costs range from $5,292 to $59,784 per year, with an average of $38,502. In addition to tuition, you’ll also need to budget for books and supplies, which can cost between $800 and $1,426 annually, with an average of $1,209.
The three most affordable undergraduate psychology schools in District of Columbia are University of the District of Columbia ($29,166), Gallaudet University ($38,338), and Howard University ($47,748). Meanwhile, the three most expensive institutions are the Georgetown University ($81,342), George Washington University ($76,359), and The Catholic University of America ($71,210).
As for prospective graduate psychology students, the average cost of tuition and fees for graduate programs varies widely based on the school and program chosen. Graduate tuition costs between $9,234 and $54,672 per year, with an average of $33,845. However, most graduate programs also require additional fees, such as application fees, technology fees, and library fees, which can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In-state graduate fees typically range from $54 to $1,200, with an average of $715.
The three most affordable graduate psychology schools in District of Columbia are University of the District of Columbia ($10,094), Gallaudet University ($19,380), and George Washington University ($32,904). Meanwhile, the three most expensive graduate programs are Georgetown University ($55,128), The Catholic University of America ($51,630), and American University ($38,456).
If you’re curious about how District of Columbia schools stack up against national averages, you can compare average total expenses in the table below. Note that these figures don’t take into account financial aid, grants, loans, or scholarships. If you’re interested in that information, you can find it in the sections below.
Average Expenses for Psychology Schools | District of Columbia | U.S. |
On Campus Room & Board | $15,864 | $11,729 |
On-Campus Living Expenses | $3,265 | $3,474 |
Total Living Expenses | $19,129 | $15,203 |
Tuition for In-State, Undergraduate | $38,502 | $21,301 |
Books and Supplies, Undergraduate | $1,209 | $1,254 |
Total Undergraduate Expenses | $58,840 | $37,758 |
In-State, Graduate Tuition | $33,845 | $14,479 |
In-State, Graduate Fees | $715 | $1,155 |
Total Graduate Expenses | $34,560 | $15,634 |
Cost to Attend, Financial Aid, Net Price in District of Columbia
Average Net Price
In District of Columbia, the cost to attend a college or university that offers psychology programs is a significant financial investment. The key term to know for college affordability is the net price.
The average net price for a college or university in District of Columbia that offers psychology programs is $24,492. This figure is calculated based on the most recent data provided by each institution to the US Department of Education.
Net price is determined by adding up the costs of tuition, room and board, living expenses, books, and supplies and then subtracting the average financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and loans, received by federal financial aid recipients.
Financial | District of Columbia | U.S. |
Cost to Attend | $58,840 | $37,758 |
Average Financial Aid | $23,647 | $13,984 |
Percent Receiving Aid | 83% | 90% |
Net Price | $24,492 | $17,524 |
Net Price by Family Income
Depending on the federal, state, or institutional grant aid available, the table below shows the average amount students pay to attend District of Columbia universities shown by family income bracket.
Students may pay more or less depending on their individual circumstances; however, these are the average costs as tracked by the university and reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Average Net Price by Income | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
$0 – $30,000 | $15,313 | $14,434 |
$30,001 – $48,000 | $14,455 | $16,196 |
$48,001 – $75,000 | $19,049 | $19,268 |
$75,001 – $110,000 | $22,091 | $20,889 |
$110,001 and more | $16,288 | $21,405 |
Psychology Salary Reports for District of Columbia
We use annual surveys of 100,000 psychologists to compile data on salary, employment projections, cost-of-living adjustments, comparisons to related professions, salary based on years of experience, and rankings by city.
- Industrial Organizational Psychologists
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Psychology Teachers
- Forensic Psychologists
- School Psychologists
- Health Care Social Workers
- Social Workers
- Substance Abuse Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
in addition to school websites, our Career, Salary and Program Source Data Comes from