10 Top APA-Accredited PsyD Programs with No GRE 2026

Standardized testing has become a smaller part of graduate admissions in psychology, and clinical doctoral programs are no exception. A growing number of APA-accredited PsyD programs have dropped the GRE requirement entirely, which opens the door to strong applicants who might otherwise be held back by a single test score.

This article highlights 10 PsyD programs that combine full APA accreditation with a GRE-optional or GRE-free admissions process, along with what that change actually means for your application. You'll also find details on cost, financial aid, and career outlook, so you can weigh these programs against the rest of your doctoral search.

What Is a PsyD, and Why Do Some Programs Waive the GRE?

A PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology, trains graduates primarily for clinical practice rather than the research-heavy path of a traditional PhD, with coursework and practicum experience centered on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Because PsyD programs prioritize applied clinical skill over independent research production, many admissions committees have shifted toward evaluating candidates through clinical experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements rather than a standardized test score.

Programs that have dropped the GRE often point to research suggesting the test doesn't strongly predict clinical competence or program completion, especially compared to factors like prior fieldwork or interview performance. It's worth noting that no PsyD program currently holds full APA accreditation as an entirely online degree, since the accrediting body requires substantial in-person clinical training, so every program on this list involves either a campus-based or hybrid format with in-person components.

Top APA-Accredited PsyD Programs With No GRE

Applying to a PsyD program without the GRE can remove one hurdle, but these schools still expect strong academic preparation and evidence that you are ready for clinical training. Each program below holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA-CoA) and does not require the general GRE under its published admissions requirements, although some schools will consider optional scores.

1. Wright State University

Wright State University offers an on-campus clinical psychology PsyD that combines broad generalist preparation with optional emphasis areas in child psychology, forensic psychology, and health, rehabilitation, and neuropsychology. The GRE is not required for admission, but you will need a bachelor’s degree, at least a 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite courses in psychology, statistics, behavioral neuroscience, and research methods.

The program has maintained APA-CoA accreditation since 1982 and reports strong recent internship placement results, giving you a long track record to consider alongside its practitioner-focused curriculum. As a public university, Wright State may provide a more accessible cost structure than many private PsyD schools, while scholarships, certain practicum stipends and federal financial aid can help you manage expenses.

2. George Fox University

George Fox University’s 125-credit clinical psychology PsyD is a five-year, in-person program that incorporates faith-informed training and offers tracks in primary care psychology, child and adolescent psychology, psychological assessment and spiritual integration. You do not need GRE scores to apply, although applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA and 18 semester credits of psychology coursework.

The APA-CoA-accredited program reports a 98% match rate to accredited internships, and students receive practical experience through clinical placements throughout the curriculum. Graduate assistantships, paid training-related positions, institutional scholarships, and federal loans are among the funding resources available to qualifying students.

3. Spalding University

Spalding University offers a 120-credit clinical psychology PsyD with emphasis areas such as forensic psychology, neuropsychology, clinical health psychology, geropsychology and advanced clinical psychology. The program accepts students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, requires 18 undergraduate psychology credits, and does not require the GRE.

The program has held APA-CoA accreditation continuously since 1989 and has reported internship match rates between 96% and 100% each year since the 2013-2014 academic year. Spalding states that about 40% of its PsyD students receive a graduate assistantship at some point in the program, while federal financial aid offers another way to cover eligible costs.

4. University of La Verne

The University of La Verne offers a full-time, five-year clinical psychology PsyD that admits a small cohort of approximately 12 to 14 students each year. The GRE is recommended rather than required, while applicants generally need a psychology-related bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and specified prerequisite courses.

The APA-CoA-accredited curriculum includes substantial practicum training followed by a full-time clinical internship, helping you build supervised experience before graduation. The university reports that first-year students receive graduate assistantships with tuition remission, and additional support may be available through scholarships, teaching assistantships, and federal aid.

5. Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University offers an in-person clinical psychology PsyD in downtown Chicago, with specialization opportunities in clinical neuropsychology or child and family psychology. The five- to six-year program does not require GRE scores, although successful applicants often have GPAs of 3.4 or higher and prior coursework in abnormal psychology, research methods, and statistics.

The program holds APA-CoA accreditation and reports a 99% internship match rate over the past decade, making its student outcomes an important strength to consider. Qualified students may receive graduate scholarships or limited first-year assistantships, while federal loans and work-study opportunities can provide additional financial support.

6. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers a five-year, campus-based clinical psychology PsyD that requires at least 119 credits and provides training through numerous university-operated clinics. You can choose from concentrations such as clinical forensic psychology, neuropsychology, health psychology, multicultural psychology, and child, adolescent, and family psychology.

The APA-CoA-accredited program does not require the general GRE, although Nova may consider optional scores that strengthen an application. Applicants can pursue university scholarships and federal financial aid, and eligible military-affiliated students may also qualify for veterans education benefits.

7. University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis offers a 111-credit clinical psychology PsyD that students typically complete in five years, including the required internship. Its concentration options cover areas such as psychological assessment, neuropsychology, health psychology, child and adolescent psychology, and adult psychopathology and psychotherapy.

GRE scores are encouraged but not required, while applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably with at least a 3.0 GPA and 18 credits of psychology coursework. The APA-CoA-accredited program provides access to dozens of practicum placements, and qualifying students can explore assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid.

8. Adler University

Adler University offers a 114-credit clinical psychology PsyD at its Chicago campus that can be completed in approximately five years of full-time study. The practitioner-scholar curriculum includes sequenced practica, dissertation research and optional emphasis areas such as neuropsychology, traumatic stress and military clinical psychology.

The program does not require the GRE, although applicants may submit scores as optional evidence of their academic readiness. Along with APA-CoA accreditation, Adler offers government financial aid, university scholarships, and part-time student employment opportunities that may make the program more financially manageable.

9. Marywood University

Marywood University’s 117-credit clinical psychology PsyD emphasizes evidence-based practice, culturally responsive care and approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. GRE scores are no longer required, but you should have at least 18 undergraduate psychology credits, including statistics, research design, and abnormal psychology, along with an expected GPA of approximately 3.3 or higher.

The program holds APA-CoA accreditation and incorporates hands-on experience through an on-campus psychological services center and community practicum placements. Federal financial aid is available to eligible graduate students, and you can also explore institutional scholarships, grants, and other university funding opportunities.

10. William James College

William James College offers a 134-credit clinical psychology PsyD that students typically complete in five years at its campus in Newton, Massachusetts. The program provides 12 concentration options, including forensic psychology, neuropsychology, clinical health psychology, and several tracks centered on specific communities or populations.

The GRE is optional, although applicants are expected to have completed relevant psychology prerequisites and generally present a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The program holds APA-CoA accreditation, and qualifying students may receive merit scholarships, grant-supported training stipends, federal work-study, or federal student loans.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with admissions and accreditation details published directly by each program.

Because this list combines two specific criteria, APA accreditation and a GRE-optional policy, our approach leaned heavily on verifying both directly against each program's current admissions requirements. Here's a closer look at how we approached it.

• Accreditation: Every clinical psychology PsyD on this list holds direct accreditation from the American Psychological Association, in addition to the institution's own regional accreditation.
• GRE policy: We confirmed that each program either doesn't require GRE scores at all or lists them as fully optional rather than recommended in practice.
• Program outcomes: We considered internship placement rates and licensure outcomes where programs made that information available.
• Application requirements: We looked at the rest of each program's admissions criteria, including prerequisite coursework and minimum GPA standards, to round out the full picture beyond just the GRE policy.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Are PsyD Programs Without the GRE Still Rigorous?

Dropping the GRE doesn't lower a program's academic standards, since APA accreditation itself requires a specific curriculum, faculty qualifications, and clinical training hours regardless of how a program screens applicants. Admissions committees at these schools have simply shifted their evaluation toward other measures, including undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated clinical or research experience.

If anything, a holistic admissions process can surface strong candidates who might not test well but who bring meaningful clinical experience or research background to the table. Accreditation, not testing policy, remains the most reliable signal of a program's rigor, since it reflects an independent review of the curriculum and training a student actually receives.

How Competitive Are These Programs?

APA-accredited PsyD programs remain competitive even without a GRE requirement, since applicant pools tend to be strong and cohort sizes are limited by faculty supervision capacity and available practicum placements. Removing the GRE can actually widen the applicant pool in some cases, since it removes a barrier for otherwise qualified candidates, which can make these programs just as selective, if not more so, than ones that still require the test.

Strong prior clinical or research experience tends to matter more in a GRE-optional admissions process, since committees lean more heavily on those factors to differentiate between applicants. A compelling personal statement that ties your background directly to your career goals in clinical psychology also carries real weight in this kind of holistic review.

How Much Does a PsyD Program Cost?

Tuition for a PsyD program typically runs higher than a PhD, often between $100,000 and $150,000 for the full program, since PsyD students are less likely to receive the kind of full funding that's common in research-focused doctoral tracks. Private universities, which make up most of the programs on this list, tend to fall on the higher end of that range compared to public universities with PsyD offerings.

Costs vary considerably based on program length and whether a student needs to relocate for practicum or internship placements. Comparing total cost of attendance, including the unpaid or low-paid clinical hours most programs require, gives a more complete financial picture than tuition figures alone.

Financial Aid for PsyD Programs

Financial aid for a PsyD looks different than funding for a typical funded PhD program, since most PsyD students rely more heavily on loans than on full tuition waivers. Here's a breakdown of the most common funding sources.

• Federal student loans: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans remain the primary funding source for most PsyD students, and completing the FAFSA each year keeps this option open throughout the program.
• Institutional scholarships: Many of the schools on this list offer merit-based or need-based scholarships specifically for PsyD students, which can meaningfully offset the higher tuition typical of this degree.
• Graduate assistantships: Some programs offer a limited number of teaching or research assistantships, though these are less common and less comprehensive than the funding packages typical of PhD programs.
• Practicum stipends: A number of practicum and internship placements offer a modest stipend, which can help offset living expenses during the clinical training years of the program.

How To Choose the Right APA-Accredited PsyD Program

Picking the right PsyD program means looking well beyond GRE policy alone, especially since tuition and program structure vary considerably even among GRE-optional schools. Keep these factors in mind as you compare programs.

• Internship match rates: Ask about a program's APA-accredited internship placement rate, since a strong track record here matters significantly for your eventual licensure and career prospects.
• Licensure exam pass rates: Look into a program's EPPP pass rates where available, since this reflects how well the curriculum prepares graduates for licensure.
• Total cost and funding options: Compare tuition, available scholarships, and assistantship opportunities across programs, since PsyD funding varies more widely than funding for many PhD tracks.
• Training model and specialization: Consider whether a program's clinical focus, whether that's neuropsychology, forensic work, or a particular therapeutic model, aligns with the career direction you have in mind.

Career Outlook With a PsyD in Clinical Psychology

A PsyD in clinical psychology leads to the same licensure path and career opportunities as a PhD in clinical psychology, since both degrees qualify graduates to sit for state licensing exams. Clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median annual wage of $95,830, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment of psychologists to grow 6% over the next decade. Additionally, a PsyD degree opens the door to several other high-paying psychology career paths.

Graduates can work in private practice, hospitals, community mental health centers, or academic settings, with a PsyD's applied training model often appealing to students who know they want to prioritize clinical work over an academic research career. The degree keeps that career path fully open, since licensing boards evaluate PsyD and PhD graduates by the same standards once both have completed an APA-accredited program and internship.

FAQs About APA-Accredited PsyD Programs With No GRE

Students exploring GRE-optional PsyD programs tend to ask a similar set of questions once they start comparing schools. Here are answers to the ones that come up most.

Is the GRE Really Not Considered At All in These Programs?

Most of the programs on this list treat the GRE as fully optional rather than banning it outright, which means you can still submit scores if you believe they'll strengthen your application. In practice, admissions committees at these schools weigh factors like GPA, clinical experience, and letters of recommendation more heavily than test scores either way.

Can You Get Into a PsyD Program Without a Master's Degree?

Yes, most APA-accredited PsyD programs admit students directly from a bachelor's degree rather than requiring a master's first. Some programs award a master's degree partway through the doctoral sequence, which means you don't need to apply to a separate program to receive that credential along the way.

Is a PsyD the Same as a PhD in Clinical Psychology?

A PsyD and a PhD both lead to licensure as a clinical psychologist, but they differ in emphasis, with a PsyD focused on applied clinical training and a PhD built around original research alongside clinical coursework. Licensing boards treat graduates of both degree types the same way, provided the program holds APA accreditation and includes an accredited internship.

Do Any of These Programs Offer a Fully Online Option?

No APA-accredited PsyD program is currently available in a fully online format, since APA accreditation standards require substantial in-person clinical training and supervision. Some programs offer a hybrid low-residency structure that reduces time on campus, but all still require in-person components to maintain accreditation.

What Happens If I Submit GRE Scores to a GRE-Optional Program Anyway?

Submitting GRE scores to a GRE-optional program typically adds another data point to your file without penalizing you if the scores aren't especially strong, since these programs generally use test scores as supplementary information rather than a screening tool. It's usually worth submitting scores only if you believe they'll strengthen an otherwise solid application, particularly if your undergraduate GPA falls below a program's stated benchmark.

Explore APA-Accredited PsyD Programs

These programs show that a rigorous, accredited path to clinical licensure doesn't have to include a GRE requirement. Browse program listings on Learn.org and contact admissions offices directly to confirm current testing policies and prerequisite requirements before you apply.