Top Master’s Degree Programs in Clinical Psychology for 2025

A master’s in clinical psychology can lead to an impactful career in psychology. Explore our ranking of top clinical psychology master’s programs.
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Published February 11, 2025

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Choosing the right clinical psychology master’s program is the first step toward a successful career. This guide ranks the top master’s degree programs in 2024 and details what to look for in a program. Learn about accreditation, program format, admission requirements, financial aid, and cost.

Start your journey toward a career in clinical psychology today.

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Top Master’s Degree Programs in Clinical Psychology

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1

New York University

  • New York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

31%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

9%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$37,332

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,332

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

57,335

Institution Type

Private

#2

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

9%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

43%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

68,842

Institution Type

Public

#3

Northwestern University

  • Evanston, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

12%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

7%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$51,869

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$51,869

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

22,801

Institution Type

Private

#4

DePaul University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

60%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

74%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,719

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,719

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

21,348

Institution Type

Private

#5

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

  • Edinburg, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

68%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

87%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,002

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,562

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

31,559

Institution Type

Public

#6

University of Houston-Clear Lake

  • Houston, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

50%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

83%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,316

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

8,876

Institution Type

Public

#7

California State University-San Bernardino

  • San Bernardino, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

72%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

90%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

18,510

Institution Type

Public

#8

University of South Carolina-Columbia

  • Columbia, SC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

61%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

61%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,374

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,760

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

36,579

Institution Type

Public

#9

Murray State University

  • Murray, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

49%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

86%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,144

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,144

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

9,857

Institution Type

Public

#10

Ball State University

  • Muncie, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

59%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

72%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,884

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,222

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

20,440

Institution Type

Public

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How We Rank Schools

What to Look for in a Master’s Degree Program in Clinical Psychology

The best master’s program in clinical psychology for you depends on factors, such as your career interests, the program format, and your background. Other important things to consider are a program’s accreditation status, admission requirements, and cost.

Accreditation

Accreditation matters in determining the value of a program. A degree from an unaccredited school can have negative consequences in the long term. Most employers do not consider candidates from unaccredited programs. States require licensure candidates to have graduated from an accredited program.

Before enrolling in a master’s in clinical psychology program, be sure the institution offering the program is accredited, so you can transfer credits, earn a valid degree, and receive financial aid. Institutions and schools are accredited by agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements help you determine a school’s selectiveness and how likely you are to be accepted. For example, many schools require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and recommendation letters.

Cost and Financial Aid

The average graduate tuition was $20,513 for the 2021-22 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, you can typically pay less if you attend an in-state public school, which cost an average of $12,596 for that same year.

Carefully consider financial aid options, especially if you plan to continue your education and earn a Ph.D. Also, think about potential travel expenses, book costs, and if you can work while studying.

Hybrid and Online Options

You may take some or all of your courses in an online or hybrid format. Choosing an online or hybrid program means more access to programs across the country, less time spent commuting, and more choice on where to live. However, you need to ensure you can find a local placement for practicum requirements. Keep in mind that it can be harder to get to know and network with students and staff in an online program.

The Benefits of Earning an Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology

Most states require a doctorate in clinical psychology for psychology licensure and practice. A master’s degree can prepare you for a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program. Online study allows you to attend class at a time that fits your schedule. Some programs charge in-state tuition to online students regardless of residency.

A master’s in clinical psychology can lead to positions that don’t require a psychologist license. For example, some government jobs do not require licensing. Positions in research, school psychology, and counseling may be open to graduates of master’s programs. Other benefits of earning an online master’s include:

  • check Preparation for a doctoral program and state licensure
  • check Flexibility to attend class online
  • check Cost savings on commuting and parking
  • check Potentially lower tuition costs
  • check Fewer credits required for graduation
  • check Job opportunities that do not require a doctoral degree

How to Apply to a Master’s Program in Clinical Psychology

Give yourself plenty of time when applying to your top master’s in clinical psychology programs. Ask a trusted teacher or mentor to review your graduate application to make sure it reflects your strengths and abilities.

Most schools require or prefer a 3.0 or higher GPA and a bachelor’s degree. An undergraduate degree in psychology is not typically required. You may need to submit GRE scores, though some schools require it only for students below a certain GPA level.

You must include your undergraduate transcript, though many schools accept an unofficial transcript for application and require the official copy only after acceptance, and at least two references. Schools have different procedures for sending reference letters, so be sure to contact the program’s admissions office for more information.

How to Pay for a Master’s in Clinical Psychology Program

You can pay for your master’s in clinical psychology program with financial aid resources, including:

While researching clinical psychology master’s programs, explore the financial aid sections of the schools’ websites. Colleges and universities, along with psychology departments, often list school-based scholarships and provide links to private scholarship offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s Degree Programs in Clinical Psychology

A master’s in clinical psychology can be worth it for students interested in improving their understanding of mental health. It also trains them for jobs that assist people with these issues.