Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, and it’s one of the most versatile fields you can pursue in higher education. From exploring how people think and learn to helping individuals manage mental health challenges, psychology touches nearly every part of society.
Graduates in this field often go on to careers in counseling, clinical practice, education, research, organizational consulting, and even emerging areas like user experience design. With the demand for mental health and behavioral experts growing every year, psychology remains one of the most impactful and rewarding career paths.
California, in particular, is a hub for psychology education and practice. The state is home to world-class universities, diverse industries, and a large population that creates opportunities for research, clinical training, and employment.
Of course, where you study makes a huge difference. Attending a top-ranked psychology program not only gives you access to excellent professors and research facilities but also helps you build the foundation you need to succeed in a competitive field. That’s why it’s important to choose a school that’s recognized for its strength in psychology.
To help you with this decision, we reviewed and compared multiple national and state ranking sources, including U.S. News & World Report, Niche, College Factual, and Psychology.org, and created a comprehensive list of the Top 10 Best Colleges for Psychology in California 2026.
Best Colleges for Psychology in California
Want to explore your options? Check out our full list of the Top 10 Best schools for Psychology in California below.
1. Stanford University
Stanford University stands out as one of the top colleges for psychology in California. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology that lets students explore areas like cognitive science, neuroscience, and social behavior.
The program is flexible; you don’t have to declare psychology right away, and electives make it easy to shape the degree around your interests. To graduate, you’ll complete about 70 credits, including core courses like Introduction to Psychology and Statistical Methods.
Stanford also runs graduate programs, including a PhD in Psychology, though the degree isn’t available online. Tuition is about $61,731 per year, and the university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA is easily one of the best schools for psychology in California, with a program known for its research strength and broad course options. The university offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, as well as graduate programs leading to master’s and PhDs in different psychology fields.
The undergraduate degree requires about 60 upper-division units in psychology, alongside general education courses. Students can dive into areas like clinical psychology, cognitive science, behavioral neuroscience, and social psychology.
UCLA’s psychology program is not offered online; it’s fully campus-based. Tuition for California residents is about $14,478 per year, while non-residents pay more. UCLA is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
3. University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley ranks among the best colleges for psychology in California, offering a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a strong research focus. Students can explore fields such as cognitive neuroscience, clinical science, social-personality psychology, and development.
The major requires around 32 upper-division units in psychology, plus general education coursework. Berkeley also offers highly respected graduate and PhD programs in psychology, but no online degree option.
For California residents, tuition is about $15,891 per year, while non-residents pay more. Like other UC schools, Berkeley is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
4. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
UC San Diego is another excellent institution on our list of the best psychology colleges in California. The Department of Psychology offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, giving students flexibility depending on whether they want a broader liberal arts focus or a science-heavy path.
To graduate, students complete about 60 upper-division units in psychology, choosing from areas like cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, social psychology, and sensation & perception. UCSD also offers graduate and PhD programs in psychology, but like most UC schools, the degree is not available online.
Tuition for California residents is around $15,348 per year, while non-residents pay more. UCSD is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
5. University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
UC Davis consistently ranks among the best colleges for psychology in California, with one of the largest psychology departments in the UC system. Students can choose between two majors: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, depending on whether they want a broader liberal arts approach or a science-focused path.
The major requires about 52–56 upper-division units in psychology, covering areas like biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social-personality psychology. UC Davis also offers a highly regarded PhD program in Psychology, but the degree is not available online.
Tuition for California residents is roughly $15,886 per year, while out-of-state students pay more. Like other UC schools, UC Davis is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
6. University of Southern California (USC)
USC is a top private institution and one of the best colleges for psychology in California. The university offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, blending theory, research, and hands-on opportunities. Students can also pursue advanced degrees, including a Master’s and a PhD in Psychology.
The undergraduate major requires about 32–36 upper-division units in psychology, with courses spanning clinical psychology, social psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. USC’s program emphasizes research involvement, and students often join faculty labs early in their studies.
Tuition is higher than at UC schools, averaging about $66,640 per year, and USC is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
7. University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
UCSB offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychological and Brain Sciences. The BA is broader and flexible, while the BS has a stronger science and research focus.
Students complete around 52 upper-division units, including courses in perception, learning, cognitive neuroscience, and abnormal psychology. The program is known for giving students early research opportunities in labs, especially in areas like brain sciences and behavior.
Tuition is about $14,436 per year for California residents and $47,034 for non-residents. UCSB is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
8. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
CSULB is one of the most affordable and accessible options among the best colleges for psychology in California. The university offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology designed to give students a strong foundation in research methods, statistics, and applied psychology.
Students need to complete about 48 upper-division units in psychology, covering topics like cognitive processes, personality, clinical psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology. For advanced learners, CSULB offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology and a Master of Science (MS) in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, giving students flexibility to specialize.
When it comes to cost, CSULB is far more budget-friendly than private schools. California residents pay around $7,500 per year, while non-residents pay about $18,000–$19,000.
9. Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is another top choice among the best schools for psychology in California, especially for students who prefer a private, faith-based learning environment. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, where students complete about 128 units, including core psychology courses, general education, and electives.
The program focuses on areas like human behavior, statistics, and research methods, while also allowing students to explore applied fields such as clinical and social psychology.
Pepperdine also provides graduate options, including online and on-campus Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology and MA in Clinical Psychology, which require between 48 and 68 units, depending on the track.
Tuition is on the higher end, with undergraduate costs averaging about $71,860 per year (including housing), while graduate psychology programs charge around $2,030 per unit.
10. Alliant International University / California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) – Psychology Program
Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) offers a psychology program for those interested in applied careers.
The school offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, along with several graduate degrees such as the Master of Arts (MA), Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), and PhD in specialized areas like clinical psychology, counseling, and organizational psychology.
CSPP is most recognized for its graduate-level training, which often includes hands-on practicum and internship hours. Some programs are available in online or hybrid formats, giving students added flexibility.
CSPP’s doctoral programs in clinical psychology are APA-accredited, and the university as a whole is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Career Opportunities with a Psychology Degree
Earning a degree from one of the best colleges for psychology in California doesn’t just give you classroom knowledge; it opens up real career paths.
Many graduates step into roles like counseling, human resources, education, or healthcare support. Others use psychology as a foundation for fields like law, marketing, or even tech, where understanding human behavior is a major advantage.
If you go further into graduate studies, you can pursue advanced careers in clinical psychology, organizational consulting, or research.
Job Outlook for Psychology Graduates
The job market for psychology graduates in California is promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in psychology-related fields over the next decade, with especially high demand for school psychologists, mental health counselors, and industrial-organizational specialists.
In California, where healthcare and education are expanding, employers are looking for graduates who can blend scientific knowledge with real-world problem-solving. That makes choosing the right school even more important.
Why California is a Great Place to Study Psychology
There’s a reason California stands out when it comes to psychology programs. Not only is the state home to some of the nation’s most respected universities, but it also offers plenty of opportunities to apply what you’ve learned.
From hospitals and schools to tech companies in Silicon Valley, psychology graduates can find work across a wide range of industries. Studying here means you’re not only learning theory, you’re in a state where those skills are actively needed.
Conclusion
Psychology is a versatile degree that can take you in many directions, and choosing the right college is the first step toward building that future. California has some of the best schools in the country to help you achieve your goals. Be sure to explore our full list of the top colleges for Psychology in California and see which one matches your vision for the future.