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Psychology Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Psychology programs across the country show remarkable cost variation, with net prices spanning from just $1,113 at Texas A&M University-Central Texas to $5,458 at top-tier options. The CUNY system dominates affordable psychology education, claiming six spots in this collection with programs averaging under $3,500 annually. New York City alone houses multiple sub-$4,000 options, reflecting the region's concentration of mental health services and research facilities that employ psychology graduates. Baruch College stands out with the highest post-graduation earnings at $35,546, nearly $7,000 above the next closest program. Public universities drive most affordable options, though Berea College breaks the pattern as a private institution offering competitive aid. The national job market for psychology graduates continues expanding, with healthcare systems, schools, and social services creating steady demand. California State schools and Texas A&M campuses provide West Coast and Southwest access to quality programs under $4,700. These programs prepare students for roles in counseling, research, human resources, and graduate study, with many graduates entering master's programs in clinical or counseling psychology.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $7,563
Net Price Range
$27,490
Avg. Program Earnings
42.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
3 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
5 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
6 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
7 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
8 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
9 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
10 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
11 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
12 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
13 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
14 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
15 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
16 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
17 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
18 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
19 $5,455 $14,180
20 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
21 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
22 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
23 $5,804 $24,820 34.1%
24 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
25 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
26 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
27 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
28 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
29 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
30 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
31 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
32 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
33 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
34 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
35 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
36 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
37 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
38 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
39 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
40 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
41 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
42 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
43 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
44 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
45 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
46 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
47 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
48 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
49 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
50 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for psychology students?

Six CUNY campuses offer psychology programs with net costs between $2,446 and $3,830 annually. These schools benefit from New York State funding and serve primarily in-state residents who qualify for reduced tuition. Hunter College graduates earn $29,482 on average while maintaining just $11,386 in debt. The system's urban location provides internship opportunities at hospitals, clinics, and research centers throughout New York City.

How do earnings vary among affordable psychology programs?

Graduate earnings range from $21,508 at Dalton State College to $35,546 at CUNY Baruch College, a $14,000 spread. Most programs produce graduates earning between $24,000 and $30,000 annually. Baruch's business-focused environment likely contributes to higher salaries through corporate psychology and human resources roles. Location plays a key role, with urban schools typically showing stronger earning potential than rural campuses.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in psychology?

Acceptance rates span from 24.58% at Berea College to 95.71% at Texas A&M-Central Texas, yet both produce similar graduate earnings around $24,000 to $25,000. CUNY Hunter College accepts just 47.86% of applicants while maintaining a 61% graduation rate. More selective programs often show higher completion rates, but affordable psychology education remains accessible at schools with varying admission standards.

What debt levels should psychology students expect at these schools?

Student debt ranges from $8,500 at CUNY Lehman College to $23,258 at Ohio University-Eastern Campus. Most CUNY schools keep debt below $12,000, making them particularly attractive for students concerned about loan burdens. California State universities average around $16,000 in debt. Lower debt levels at public institutions help psychology graduates pursue graduate school or lower-paying entry-level positions in social services.

Where do psychology graduates from these programs typically work?

Psychology graduates enter varied fields including healthcare, education, social services, and business. Urban schools like CUNY campuses connect students with hospitals, mental health clinics, and research institutions in major metropolitan areas. Texas programs feed into growing healthcare systems and school districts across the Southwest. Many graduates pursue master's degrees in clinical or counseling psychology, with affordable undergraduate costs reducing financial barriers to graduate education.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.