PhD in Psychology in USA is a 4-7 years full-time program available across the top ranked universities. International applicants need a bachelor’s, master’s or equivalent degree with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) for admission to the PhD universities in USA. Although GRE score is optional across majority of the universities, it is recommended to boast a GRE score of 161+ in both verbal and quantitative.
PhD in Psychology in USA is a fully-funded program across most of the universities in USA. Additionally, students get their USA health insurance fee covered and a stipend of 25,000 to 38,000 USD. PhD in Psychology graduates in USA earn an average salary of 92,000 USD per annum. Common professions pursued by these graduates include research scientist, professor, education advisor, clinical psychologist, and lecturer among others.
Check: Post Study Work Opportunities in USA
PhD in Psychology in USA Highlights
Programs Offered | PhD in Psychology, PhD in Clinical Psychology, PhD in Developmental Psychology and others |
Course Type | Full time |
Course Duration | 4-7 years |
Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s, masters or equivalent degree, SOP, 3 LORs |
Minimum GPA | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) |
English Proficiency Requirements | TOEFL score: 80+ |
Entrance Exams | Avg. GRE verbal: 161Avg. GRE quant: 161Minimum GRE Psychology Subject Test (if submitted): 70th percentile and above |
Annual Tuition Fee Range | 4.80 to 46.39 lakhs INR |
Funding Options | Full tuition and health insurance covered, stipend of up to 38,000 USD |
Average Salary | 92,000 USD (75.75 lakhs INR) |
Top Universities for PhD in Psychology in USA
A list of the top universities offering PhD in Psychology in USA is provided below:
University | Program | Application Deadline |
---|---|---|
Stanford University | PhD in Psychology | November 30, 2022 |
Harvard University | PhD in Psychology | December 1, 2022 |
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | PhD in Psychology | December 1, 2022 |
Yale University | PhD in Psychology | December 1, 2022 |
University of California - Los Angeles | PhD in Psychology | Clinical: November 1, 2022All Other Areas: December 1, 2022 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | PhD in Psychology | Clinical Community: November 15, 2022All Other Areas: December 1, 2022 |
University of Pennsylvania | PhD in Psychology | December 15, 2022 |
University of California-Berkeley | PhD in Psychology | December 1, 2022 |
University of Washington | PhD in Psychology | December 1, 2022 |
Princeton University | PhD in Psychology | November 21, 2022 |
Cornell University | PhD in Developmental Psychology | December 1, 2022 |
Columbia University | MPhil in Psychology | December 1, 2022 |
University of Chicago | PhD in Psychology and Business | December 1, 2022 |
University of Texas at Austin | PhD in Psychology | December 1, 2022 |
Table of Contents |
Why Study PhD in Psychology in USA?
- A PhD from USA provides global exposure to the students.
- USA is home to some of the top ranked universities in the world offering PhD in Psychology programs. A degree from these universities not only provides respect and recognition academically but also lets you perform in depth research in the subject.
- According to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), less than 7,000 people earn a PhD in Psychology in USA, making it a high-demand degree.
- With average salary being 95,000 USD per annum, USA ensures a balanced professional career with lucrative earning potential after completing PhD in Psychology.
Know: What Makes USA a Preferred Study Destination?
PhD in Psychology in USA Admissions
Admission to PhD in Psychology in USA is available through the winter session. You will need a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%), and a minimum GRE score of 161 in both verbal and quants. International applicants must have an IELTS score of 80+. An appealing SOP, 3 LORs and updated CV are some of the general requirements for admission to the program.
Also Check: US Student Visa
PhD in Psychology in USA Eligibility Criteria
The admission requirements for PhD in Psychology in USA are distinct for each institution. Check the following university-specific admission requirements for the program:
University | Admission Requirements | Additional Requirements |
---|---|---|
Stanford University | US Bachelor's degree or equivalent | SOP | 3 LORs | TOEFL score of 100+ |
Harvard University | SOP | 3 LOR | GRE score (optional) | TOEFL iBT score of 80+ or equivalent |
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | 4-year bachelor’s degree | admission recommendation from Department of Psychology | TOEFL score of 84 (GRE is not required) |
Yale University | 3 LORs | Sample of research work | Unofficial transcript | GRE Aptitude Test and GRE Psychology Subject Test are optional |
University of California - Los Angeles | SOP | Personal Statement | Additional essay of 1000 words (for Quantitative area only) | 3 LORs | GRE General Test and GRE Psychology Subject Test are not required (if submitted, 70th percentile or above can partially fulfil Discipline-Specific Knowledge requirements |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Background in Mathematics and research | 3 LORs | Personal statement of goals and interests | CV/resume | unofficial transcripts | 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 (83-86%) | Average GRE score - verbal: 161, quantitative: 161 |
University of Pennsylvania | 3 LORs | Personal statement | transcript | CV | GRE score optional but recommended | TOEFL iBT score: 100 or equivalent |
University of California-Berkeley | Academic transcripts | 3 LORs (2 from Psychology faculty members) | SOP (1.5-2 pages) | Personal history statement (1.5-2 pages) | CV without picture | Program of research interest | TOEFL score of 90 | GRE is not required |
University of Washington | Uploaded unofficial transcripts | SOP | Personal Statement | CV | 3 LORs submitted online | Few brief questions and answers (some are optional) | GRE is not required |
Princeton University | Personal statement (500 words) | TOEFL iBT speaking: 27 and above | GRE score is optional |
Cornell University | Undergraduate or graduate degree equivalent | Academic SOP | 3 LORs | TOEFL iBT score of Speaking: 22, Reading: 20, Listening: 15, Writing: 20 or above, GRE is optional |
Columbia University | Transcripts and/or course-by-course evaluation | 2 LORs | GRE General Test, TOEFL iBT score of 100 |
University of Chicago | Academic transcripts | Candidate statement | 3-5 LORs | Resume/CV | Writing sample | TOEFL score (average TOEFL iBT speaking: 23-24), GRE score optional but recommended |
University of Texas at Austin | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent | SOP | 3 LORs | Resume or CV | 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 (83-86%) | TOEFL iBT score: 79 | GRE score is optional |
Know More: PhD in USA
PhD in Psychology in USA Fees
The tuition fees for PhD in Psychology in USA are different in some universities for each year of study and residence type. A range of the annual tuition fee for PhD in Psychology in USA is provided in the following table:
University | Tuition Fee Per Year (USD) | Fee Equivalent (INR) |
---|---|---|
Stanford University | 11,016 to 56,487 | 9.04 to 46.39 lakhs |
Harvard University | 13,638 to 52,456 | 11.20 to 43.08 lakhs |
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | 26,542 | 21.80 lakhs |
Yale University | 46,900 | 38.51 lakhs |
University of California - Los Angeles | 33,245 | 27.30 lakhs |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 28,464 | 23.37 lakhs |
University of Pennsylvania | Fully funded | - |
University of California-Berkeley | 5,850 (funded after 1st year) | 4.80 lakhs |
University of Washington | 30,036 (funded for at least first 4 years) | 24.66 lakhs |
Princeton University | Tuition supported for 10-month academic year | - |
Cornell University | 29,500 | 24.22 lakhs |
Columbia University | Fully funded | - |
University of Chicago | 12,561 | 10.31 lakhs |
University of Texas at Austin | 8,684 to 19,786 | 7.13 to 16.24 lakhs |
Cost of Living in USA
The cost of living in USA depends on factors like university type, location, student residence type, transportation, and lifestyle. The average monthly cost of living in USA is provided in the following table:
Expense Type | Average Cost (USD) | Cost Equivalent (INR) |
---|---|---|
Accommodation | 867 | 70,410 |
Food | 500 | 40,950 |
Transport | 500 | 40,950 |
Internet | 50 | 4,090 |
Miscellaneous | 355 | 28,828 |

PhD in Psychology in USA Scholarships
Majority of students pursuing PhD in USA get financial aid waiving off the tuition fee and providing regular stipends for personal expenses. A brief details of the financial assistance provided to all PhD students across some of the top universities in USA are as follows:
University | Financial Aid |
---|---|
Stanford University | Living stipend, tuition, and health insurance through spring quarter of fifth year, assistantships, fellowships and grants |
Harvard University | Tuition and health fee for year 1 to 5,Summer research awards in year 1 to 4,Financial support via guaranteed teaching in year 3 and 4,Dissertation Completion Fellowships |
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Financial package funding 5 years through combination of Research Fellowships and Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions, includes tuition funding, health insurance and stipend/salary |
Yale University | Fellowship covering full-tuition (46,900 USD),12 month stipend (minimum 38,300 USD,free comprehensive health insurance,family support subsidy for graduate students with children below 18 years of age |
University of California - Los Angeles | Departmental Awards including registration fees, non-California tuition, stipend of 27,000 USD, commitment of 4 additional years of support through teaching or research assistantships, private funds and donors |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 6 years of support through teaching or research assistantship, traineeship, or fellowship, stipend for 9-months appointment, tuition and service fee waiver |
University of Pennsylvania | Fully funded, tuition fee covered and annual stipend of 32,000 USD |
University of California-Berkeley | Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST) can be covered for first 2 years, and next 3 years, subject to advancement of Ph.D. degree candidacy |
University of Washington | Financial assistance available through assistantships, fellowships, work-study and loans |
Princeton University | Full funding |
Cornell University | Around 97% PhD students are fully funded through fellowships, assistantships, and generous supplements for external funding,covers tuition, fees, student health plan and provides stipend |
Columbia University | Tuition + 25,000 USD monthly stipend for 3 years, only 25,000 USD stipend from 4th year after course completion |
University of Chicago | Norman H. Anderson Grants: Full consideration |
University of Texas at Austin | Full tuition assistance (4,464 USD per semester), minimum stipend of 24,000 USD per month |
Check Out: Popular Scholarships to Study in USA
PhD in Psychology in USA Jobs
The popular professions after PhD in Psychology in USA are teacher/professor, clinical psychologist, academic coach, clinical school psychologist, lecturer, researcher among others. Some of the common professions after PhD in Psychology in USA according to Salary Explorer are as follows:

Job Roles | Average Salary Per Year (USD) | Equivalent Salary (INR) |
---|---|---|
Professor | 139,000 | 1.14 crore |
Academic Manager | 115,000 | 94.68 lakhs |
Academic Advisor | 101,000 | 83.15 lakhs |
Academic Coach | 130,000 | 1.07 lakhs |
Education Researcher | 119,000 | 97.97 lakhs |
Educational Psychologist | 128,000 | 1.05 lakhs |
High School Teacher | 83,300 | 68.58 lakhs |
Explore: High Paying Jobs in USA for International Students
The average salary of PhD in Psychology graduates across some of the significant cities in USA is provided below:

Also Explore: Post Study Work Visa in USA
PhD in Psychology in USA v/s PhD in Psychology in Canada
Parameter | PhD in Psychology in USA | PhD in Psychology in Canada |
---|---|---|
Duration | 4-7 years | 2-5 years |
Average Tuition Fees | 5,828-56,333 USD (4.80 to 46.39 lakhs INR) | 2,783-60,609 CAD (1.71 to 37.24 lakhs INR) |
Cost of Living | 2,280 USD (1.85 lakhs INR) | 1,987 CAD (1.19 lakhs INR) |
Percentage Required | 83-86% | 80% or more |
English Language Proficiency Tests | TOEFL score: 80+ | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 89 |
Accepted Entrance Exam | Avg. GRE verbal: 161| Avg GRE quant: 161 | Minimum GRE Psychology Subject Test (if submitted): 70th percentile and above | GMAT/GRE Scores |
Average Salary | 92,000 USD (75.75 lakhs INR) | 81,000 CAD (49.76 lakhs INR) |
A doctoral degree from USA is appreciated around the world. More than 50% PhD in Psychology graduates in USA tend to earn monetary bonuses. With exceptional research infrastructures, USA is currently one of the most fruitful places to study PhD is Psychology.
FAQs
Ques. Is PhD in Psychology in USA fully funded?
Ans. PhD in Psychology in USA is fully funded across a majority of the top universities. Students also get their health insurance covered and monthly stipend of various amounts for personal use. Student unable to avail university grants for PhD can look for assistantships, fellowships or apply for external grants, and/or loans.
Ques. How long is PhD in Psychology in USA?
Ans. PhD in Psychology in USA is a 4-6 years program. Generally students complete their PhD in USA within 4-5 years.
Ques. How much does PhD in Psychology cost in USA?
Ans. The tuition cost of PhD in Psychology in USA can range anywhere between 4 to 47 lakhs INR. This cost depends on the university and the year of study. Students can get this cost covered with total or partial financial support from the university or external donors.
Ques. What are the requirements for PhD in psychology in USA?
Ans. You must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) for the PhD program in USA. Supplementary documents required for the program includes SOP (1000 words), 3 LORs, updated CV/resume, IELTS score of 80+ and GRE score of 161+ in verbal & quants.
Ques. Which country is best for PhD in Psychology?
Ans. USA is the best country for PhD in Psychology considering the variety of career opportunities and lucrative salaries. Besides, PhD in Psychology students get the best infrastructures to perform research and development in USA.
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