Looking for the best Doctorate Degree in Psychology in Illinois? You should consider these top-tier PhD programs and jobs in the psychology field.
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The best degrees in Illinois for psychology can be obtained from institutions that offer many top-tier programs. It is possible to pursue a doctorate in a variety of fields. Doctoral degree-holders possess the skills needed to move forward in their field.
With a doctorate, individuals typically earn $1,909 per week. This amounts to $7,636 per month or $99,268 annually. Graduates of a doctoral program are more likely to be employed than those who hold a high school diploma.
Psychology PhD Programs for You
Working and Living in Illinois in the Psychology Profession
Studying psychology can improve your communication, problem solving, and reasoning skills. Psychology degree-holders are sought after by employers for many jobs that require critical thinking. This is because the discipline of psychology offers a broad education in terms of critical thinking, research, and data analysis skills that can be put to use in many different careers. Some psychology graduates go into psychology-specific careers, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology.
The median salary in Illinois is $46,630 a year, or $22.42 an hour. This fact applies to all of the state's 5,618,830 employees. The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of earners bring in $24,470 annually, while the highest 10% earn $103,490. See below for a comparison of salaries for Illinois psychologists.
Key
Psychologists in Illinois
Psychologists Nationally
All Occupations in Illinois
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Psychologists in Illinois and Nationwide
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Among 51 states (including Washington, D.C.), Illinois is ranked number 13 on the cost of living index. It measures the national average cost of living against specific states. U.S. averages are based on 100, and all locations are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) that average. On a 100-point scale, Illinois has a cost of living index of 91.4, which is -8.6% lower than the national average. Check out how the cost of living here compares to other states.
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Jobs for psychologists are projected to grow by 2% in the next decade. Based on BLS projections, the total employment in the occupation will change from 55,200 in 2020 to 56,300 by 2030. Typically, the average education for these positions is a doctorate.
Psychologists
Developmental Psychologist
Experimental Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Psychometrist
Psychotherapist
Rehabilitation Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
Doctoral Degrees in Psychology in Illinois
#1 Doctoral Degrees in Psychology in Illinois
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
The PhD in psychology program at Northwestern University offers a doctorate through an online learning platform. With its flexible format, the private university makes a doctorate more accessible. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present at academic conferences.
In the psychology program, learners take advanced doctoral coursework. Candidates in the program then must pass comprehensive exams and write an original dissertation. As the terminal degree in psychology, the program leads to career opportunities in academia, research, and industry.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students can use fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to pay for their degrees. Contact the psychology program for more information about doctoral admissions.
Northwestern University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 418
Online Master's Programs: 4
Online Doctoral Programs: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $56,067
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$58,227
Out-of-state
$58,227
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
22,603
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
1%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Doctoral Degrees in Psychology in Illinois
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
The psychology PhD program at the University of Illinois at Chicago ranks among the best in its field. Thanks to a flexible format, the public institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students also receive library access, research support, and career services.
In the psychology program, learners take advanced doctoral coursework. Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing original dissertations. Graduates with a psychology doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students who attend the accredited institution in an online format qualify for several types of financial aid. Contact the psychology program for more information about doctoral admissions.
University of Illinois at Chicago at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,719
Online Master's Programs: 8
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,276
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$12,105
Out-of-state
$26,726
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
33,518
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Doctoral Degrees in Psychology in Illinois
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
The psychology PhD program at Loyola University Chicago offers an online option for doctoral students. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students also participate in career advising and gain research skills.
Learners complete credits of doctoral coursework in the psychology program. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates choose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. With a doctorate in psychology, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students can use fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to pay for their degrees. Contact the psychology program to learn more about financial aid, enrollment options, and start dates.
Loyola University Chicago at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,521
Online Master's Programs: Data not available
Online Doctoral Programs: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $18,594
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$45,500
Out-of-state
$45,500
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
16,893
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Doctoral Degrees in Psychology in Illinois
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
The doctorate in psychology program at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers the terminal degree in an online learning format. At the public university, degree-seekers engage in online classes to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students participate in career counseling and benefit from research support.
The psychology program requires a minimum of credits of doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertations. As the terminal degree in psychology, the program prepares graduates for academic, research, and industry positions.
Doctoral students qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid programs at the accredited institution. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,417
Online Master's Programs: 10
Online Doctoral Programs: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,268
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,591
Out-of-state
$9,591
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
11,366
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Doctoral Degrees in Psychology in Illinois
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
The psychology PhD program at Northern Illinois University appeals to learners seeking an online doctorate. At the public university, degree-seekers engage in online classes to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students receive research support throughout the program.
The psychology program requires students to earn a sufficient number of credits of doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. Graduates with a doctorate in psychology work in academic, research, and industry positions.
Doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid at the accredited institution. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.
Northern Illinois University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,260
Online Master's Programs: Data not available
Online Doctoral Programs: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,922
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,466
Out-of-state
$9,466
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
16,769
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Financing a Doctoral Degree in Psychology
You can find a variety of financial aid programs to help pay for college. Options may include scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. It is common for students to pay for their education with federal and private loans. The colleges you are interested in may also offer their own scholarships. Check to see what kind of financial aid might be available.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid
Apply for federal student aid by completing the FAFSA.
Find out what scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loans are available through your school's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Illinois
There are a variety of costs to attending college in Illinois. Are there any differences between the private and public sectors? Review the information below to help determine whether attending a public institution is right for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Illinois vs. National Average
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Illinois
National Average
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What is it like to attend a private college or university? Tuition generally costs more at private colleges. The following graph shows information about attending private colleges in Illinois.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Illinois vs. National Average
Key
Illinois
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Have you ever considered taking out student loans to pay for your degree? You should keep a few things in mind before committing to a loan.
Make sure you can repay the loan in full and on time.
You should consider whether or not a degree from your chosen school will advance your career goals.
You should understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply to your loan in order to avoid undue hardship once you have entered the workforce.
Review this data to learn what students typically borrow.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
An online program and an on-campus one differ in cost and class sizes. Flexibility, affordability, and convenience are just some of the advantages of online programs. As a result of student fees, on-campus programs typically cost more. There are several benefits to attending classes on a regular basis.
Private colleges and public colleges differ in a few ways. There are several factors that determine how much it will cost for you to attend either a public or private school. A public school often uses grants and scholarships to lower the cost of education. Merit scholarships at private schools are often available to students who demonstrate superior academic performance.
Students attending private colleges often benefit from more one-on-one time with professors. Here are some benefits and disadvantages of attending a private institution as opposed to a public one.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
As a psychologist, how much do you make in Illinois?
Psychologists make a mean salary of $99,740 in Illinois.
Are psychology majors in high demand or not?
The total number of psychologists is projected to change by 2% from 2020 to 2030.
How can I study for a doctorate in psychology online?
There are many options for earning an online doctorate in psychology. Almost all schools today offer a form of online education.
How long does it take for you to complete a doctorate?
Students who wish to complete a doctoral degree within 4-6 years are typically able to do so. It varies from student to student how long it takes to complete the program.
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