Skip to main content

Best Value Psychology Colleges in Alabama

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Auburn University stands out among Alabama's psychology programs with the highest earnings at $28,327 despite charging $23,897 in net costs. This creates an interesting contrast with Troy University, which offers the lowest net cost at $13,869 but generates earnings of $27,812. The gap between highest and lowest net costs spans nearly $20,000, yet earnings remain surprisingly compressed within a $9,000 range across all programs. Alabama's growing aerospace sector, anchored by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and major manufacturers like Airbus, creates unique opportunities for psychology graduates in human factors research and organizational psychology. Public universities dominate the value proposition here, with seven of the top eight most affordable options coming from state institutions.
23
Programs
$11,024 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$25,772
Avg. Program Earnings
51.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,869 $27,812 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
2 $13,832 $26,739 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
3 $13,889 $25,194 $11,248 30.2% 96.6%
4 $14,596 $25,194 $9,436 35.7% 92.2%
5 $14,850 $24,615 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
6 $15,142 $24,615 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
7 $17,727 $28,547 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
8 $17,053 $25,194 $13,710 49.4% 59.8%
9 $14,559 $19,227 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
10 $22,150 $26,421 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
11 $23,897 $28,327 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
12 $23,351 $26,933 $22,750 64.2% 57.2%
13 $25,157 $26,836 $18,238 15.4%
14 $30,795 $26,896 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
15 $32,977 $24,035 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%
16 $21,401 $28,650 46.9% 66.0%
17 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
18 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
19 $23,384 $21,838 49.9% 68.1%
20 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
21 $19,514 $23,270 56.1% 72.6%
22 $12,272 $11,392 41.0% 64.5%
23 $13,461 $15,650 65.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Troy University such a strong value for psychology students?

Troy University combines the lowest net cost at $13,869 with strong earnings potential of $27,812, creating one of the best return-on-investment ratios in the state. The university maintains a 46.8% graduation rate while accepting 94.84% of applicants. Students graduate with $26,000 in debt, which aligns well with their earning potential.

How do graduation rates vary across Alabama's psychology programs?

Auburn University leads with a 79.2% graduation rate, followed closely by Samford University at 79.9%. At the other end, Alabama A&M University has a 28.7% graduation rate and South University-Montgomery shows just 15.4%. The University of Alabama at Birmingham achieves a solid 62.4% rate while maintaining strong earnings of $28,547.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private psychology programs?

Public universities average around $15,000-17,000 in net costs, while private institutions like Samford University charge $30,795. Birmingham-Southern College offers a middle ground at $23,351 net cost with a 64.2% graduation rate. Private schools don't necessarily guarantee higher earnings, as several public universities match or exceed their salary outcomes.

Does student debt burden vary significantly across Alabama psychology programs?

Auburn University psychology graduates carry the lowest debt at $19,085 despite being among the more expensive public options. South University-Montgomery students face the highest burden at $44,548 in debt with only 15.4% completing their programs. Most public universities keep debt between $20,000-26,000, making them more manageable for psychology graduates.

Where do psychology graduates find the best earning potential in Alabama?

The University of Alabama at Birmingham leads with $28,547 in graduate earnings, followed closely by Auburn University at $28,327. Both universities benefit from connections to major research institutions and Alabama's growing technology sector. Troy University also performs well at $27,812, demonstrating that high earnings aren't limited to the state's flagship institutions.

More Psychology, General Rankings

Cheapest Psychology, General in Alabama Psychology, General Under $20,000 in Alabama

Related

All Psychology, General Programs Best Colleges in Alabama Best Psychology, General in Alabama

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