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Best Value Psychology Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College offers Kentucky's most affordable psychology program at just $4,483 net cost, making it nearly $3,000 cheaper than the next option. This creates an unusual gap where the state's cheapest program also maintains a strong 62% graduation rate and produces graduates earning $25,658 annually. Kentucky psychology students benefit from the state's growing healthcare sector, with Humana employing thousands in behavioral health roles across Louisville. The earnings spread across programs ranges from $20,140 to $30,554, while costs vary dramatically from Berea's sub-$5,000 price to private schools exceeding $20,000. Public universities like Murray State and Northern Kentucky deliver solid value propositions, combining reasonable costs under $10,000 with above-average career outcomes. The state's 15 psychology programs serve students across different price points, though the data reveals that higher costs don't always translate to better career preparation in this field.
24
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$26,614
Avg. Program Earnings
52.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $25,658 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $28,989 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $9,121 $30,228 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
4 $9,962 $26,669 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
5 $11,286 $29,685 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
6 $10,089 $22,613 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
7 $10,916 $24,035 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
8 $13,485 $27,048 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
9 $13,591 $26,353 $24,150 39.1%
10 $17,634 $30,554 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
11 $17,218 $26,658 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
12 $23,863 $28,236 $26,080 46.4% 93.8%
13 $23,560 $27,439 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
14 $18,246 $20,140 $26,990 47.1%
15 $23,587 $24,904 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
16 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
17 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%
18 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
19 $21,497 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
20 $24,264 $27,850 57.3% 97.6%
21 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
22 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
23 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
24 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College's psychology program such an strong value?

Berea charges just $4,483 net cost while maintaining a 62% graduation rate, significantly higher than many programs costing twice as much. The college's work-study model helps students graduate with minimal debt while earning practical experience. Graduates earn $25,658 annually, placing them in the middle range of Kentucky psychology programs despite paying the lowest tuition.

How do Kentucky's public universities compare for psychology value?

Murray State leads public options with a $9,121 net cost, 59.5% graduation rate, and graduates earning $30,228 annually. Northern Kentucky University offers the second-best public value at $7,168 net cost with strong earnings of $28,989. Eastern Kentucky and Morehead State provide similar costs around $10,000 but with lower graduation rates near 48%.

Is the University of Louisville worth the higher cost for psychology students?

Louisville charges $17,634 net cost but produces the highest-earning graduates at $30,554 annually. The program maintains a solid 60.7% graduation rate and connects students to major employers like Humana in the healthcare sector. Students graduate with $22,008 in debt, which is manageable given the strong earning potential.

Does choosing a private college improve psychology career outcomes in Kentucky?

Private colleges show mixed results, with costs ranging from $11,286 at University of the Cumberlands to $23,863 at Midway University. Transylvania University charges $23,560 but achieves a 69.8% graduation rate, nearly matching UK's performance. However, several private options produce graduates earning less than public university counterparts while charging significantly more.

Where do Kentucky psychology graduates find the best job opportunities?

Louisville and Lexington offer the strongest job markets, with major healthcare employers like Humana and UK HealthCare hiring psychology graduates for behavioral health roles. The state's growing senior care industry also creates opportunities in geriatric psychology and mental health services. Programs near these metropolitan areas typically report stronger alumni networks and internship connections.

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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.