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Psychology Colleges Under $20,000

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

University of California-San Diego breaks the mold for affordable psychology programs, charging a net price of just $11,750 despite its 23.71% acceptance rate and 87.60% graduation rate. This outlier demonstrates how California's public university system creates access to high-quality education in specialized psychology fields. The state's tech industry increasingly values psychology professionals for user experience research and data analysis roles. Net costs across these 15 programs span from California State University-Dominguez Hills at $3,659 to Shawnee State University at $15,389, with UC schools claiming three spots in the affordable range. Psychology, Other encompasses emerging specializations like environmental psychology and consumer behavior analysis. Graduates earning $30,409 to $33,993 find opportunities with research firms, consulting companies, and government agencies nationwide. Rhode Island College and Kean University both maintain acceptance rates above 80% while keeping costs under $13,000. The two Puerto Rico campuses offer the lowest debt loads at $5,200 to $5,500, making them attractive for students avoiding heavy borrowing.
29
Programs
$3,659 – $19,983
Net Price Range
$32,400
Avg. Program Earnings
55.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Psychology, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
3 $7,455 $5,354 50.6% 54.0%
4 $9,148 $5,354 48.6% 49.3%
5 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
6 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
7 $12,168 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
8 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
9 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
10 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
11 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
12 $14,173 $9,776 31.6% 99.2%
13 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
14 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
15 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
16 $15,608 $64,862 87.5% 10.8%
17 $16,664 $19,680 35.3% 63.9%
18 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
19 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
20 $17,980 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%
21 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
22 $18,362 $15,236 68.0% 77.3%
23 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
24 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
25 $19,313 $11,640 27.8% 46.1%
26 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
27 $19,428 $31,270 36.6% 75.3%
28 $19,969 $16,670 26.7%
29 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UC-San Diego's psychology program so affordable compared to its selectivity?

UC-San Diego admits only 23.71% of applicants yet charges just $11,750 net price, creating strong value in specialized psychology education. The university's research focus attracts federal funding that helps subsidize student costs. California's public university system prioritizes keeping education accessible even at highly selective institutions. This combination produces 87.60% graduation rates while maintaining affordability.

How do graduation rates vary among these affordable psychology programs?

Graduation rates span from 25.60% at Coppin State University to 87.60% at UC-San Diego, showing significant variation within affordable options. The UC system schools (San Diego, Riverside, Davis) all exceed 76% graduation rates despite low costs. Puerto Rico campuses maintain solid 48-50% rates with minimal debt. Adams State University graduates only 31.60% of students despite accepting 99.18% of applicants.

Where do graduates with Psychology, Other degrees typically find employment?

Psychology, Other graduates earning $30,409 to $33,993 work in market research, human resources consulting, and government social services. Tech companies hire these graduates for user experience research and behavioral analysis roles. Healthcare organizations value their skills in patient advocacy and program evaluation. The broad training prepares graduates for emerging fields like environmental psychology and digital wellness consulting.

Is borrowing necessary for these psychology programs?

Many students complete these programs with minimal debt, particularly at University of Puerto Rico campuses where debt averages just $5,200-$5,500. California State University-Dominguez Hills costs only $3,659 net price, often eliminating borrowing needs entirely. However, UC-Davis graduates average $14,059 in debt despite the program's $15,288 cost. Coppin State offers a $6,007 net price with no reported debt data.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in affordable psychology education?

Adams State University accepts 99.18% of applicants but graduates only 31.60%, while UC-San Diego's 23.71% acceptance rate yields 87.60% graduation. University of Washington balances selectivity and success with 47.52% acceptance and 83.70% graduation rates. Rhode Island College proves selective admissions aren't required, accepting 87.53% while maintaining 46.20% graduation rates. These patterns show admission standards don't guarantee affordability or outcomes.

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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.