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Best Value Psychology Colleges in South Carolina

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

The Citadel Military College stands apart among South Carolina psychology programs with graduates earning $39,009 annually, nearly $11,000 more than the next highest earner despite charging $21,002 net price. This military structure produces a remarkable 72.80% graduation rate while accepting 98.58% of applicants. At the opposite end, University of South Carolina Aiken offers the most affordable path at $11,611 net cost, though graduates earn $24,035. South Carolina's growing healthcare and social services sectors create demand for psychology graduates, particularly as the state's aging population and military presence expand mental health needs. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with eight of the top ten most affordable options charging under $17,000 annually. The state's LIFE Scholarship reduces costs further for qualifying residents. Francis Marion University delivers strong value at $13,451 net price with reasonable debt loads of $29,000, while Coastal Carolina combines affordability with a solid 50.80% graduation rate.
29
Programs
$11,611 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$27,043
Avg. Program Earnings
52.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,611 $24,035 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
2 $13,725 $28,236 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
3 $13,742 $26,142 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
4 $21,002 $39,009 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%
5 $14,501 $26,739 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
6 $15,309 $28,055 $10,730 38.6% 80.0%
7 $13,451 $24,267 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
8 $20,415 $34,847 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
9 $17,781 $29,685 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
10 $18,268 $27,822 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
11 $16,353 $23,411 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
12 $19,518 $27,657 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
13 $21,232 $28,960 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
14 $19,712 $25,194 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
15 $22,112 $27,667 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
16 $18,045 $22,329 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
17 $28,183 $33,637 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
18 $21,955 $26,063 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
19 $20,612 $24,421 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
20 $22,886 $26,836 $18,238
21 $20,899 $22,824 $43,300 61.9% 59.4%
22 $21,660 $21,964 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
23 $23,650 $22,192 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
24 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
25 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%
26 $22,018 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
27 $15,411 $12,630 37.8%
28 $28,984 $54,100 80.8% 60.2%
29 $19,968 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains The Citadel's unusually high psychology graduate earnings of $39,009?

The Citadel's military structure and leadership training create psychology graduates who often pursue careers in military counseling, organizational psychology, and federal positions that command higher salaries. The school's 72.80% graduation rate reflects this disciplined environment. Many graduates leverage their military connections and leadership skills to secure positions in government agencies, veterans' affairs, or corporate leadership roles that value both psychological training and military experience.

How do public university costs compare to private schools for psychology in South Carolina?

Public universities average around $15,000 in net costs compared to private schools ranging from $17,781 to $21,232. University of South Carolina Aiken leads affordability at $11,611, while most public options stay under $16,000. Private schools like Benedict College at $17,781 and Limestone University at $20,415 cost significantly more. The LIFE Scholarship can reduce public school costs by up to $5,000 for qualifying South Carolina residents.

Is there a correlation between graduation rates and net costs in these programs?

Higher-cost schools generally show better graduation rates, with The Citadel at 72.80% and Clemson at 87.90% leading the pack despite higher costs. However, Coastal Carolina breaks this pattern with a solid 50.80% graduation rate at just $13,742 net cost. The most affordable option, USC Aiken at $11,611, maintains a respectable 40.10% graduation rate, proving that cost alone doesn't determine student success.

Does student debt vary significantly between South Carolina psychology programs?

Student debt ranges from $20,500 at Clemson to $31,000 at Claflin University, with most programs falling between $23,000-$29,000. Interestingly, some of the most affordable schools like Francis Marion carry higher debt loads at $29,000, while expensive Clemson keeps debt lower at $20,500. USC Beaufort offers an excellent combination of low net cost at $15,309 and manageable debt at $23,250.

Where do South Carolina psychology graduates typically find employment opportunities?

South Carolina's healthcare systems, military installations like Fort Jackson, and growing tourism industry create varied opportunities for psychology graduates. The state's automotive plants (BMW, Volvo) increasingly value industrial psychology expertise for workplace wellness programs. Veterans' affairs positions are abundant given the state's large military population, while the tourism sector in Charleston and Myrtle Beach needs counselors and organizational psychologists. Many graduates also find work in the expanding healthcare networks serving the state's growing retiree population.

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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.