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Best Value Psychology Colleges in Virginia

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

Virginia's psychology programs reveal sharp contrasts in value propositions across the state's higher education system. The University of Virginia's College at Wise delivers the lowest net cost at $11,180 while Virginia Military Institute graduates earn $38,649 annually, creating a $16,562 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-earning programs. Public institutions dominate the affordability market, with nine of the ten most affordable options being state schools. This pricing advantage matters in Virginia's competitive job market, where psychology graduates often pursue careers with federal agencies, defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton, or healthcare systems such as Inova Health. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities for psychology majors in government consulting, veteran services, and behavioral health research. Net costs range from $11,180 to $22,881 across the 15 programs analyzed, while graduation rates span from 40.7% at Virginia State University to 95.3% at the University of Virginia's main campus.
41
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$29,841
Avg. Program Earnings
58.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

41 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,170 $30,119 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
2 $18,849 $38,649 $20,484 81.8% 71.1%
3 $11,180 $22,087 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
4 $14,553 $25,967 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
5 $18,287 $32,546 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
6 $16,640 $28,849 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
7 $22,881 $37,028 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
8 $19,452 $30,926 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
9 $17,833 $28,055 $33,157 55.7%
10 $20,173 $30,771 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
11 $21,108 $30,771 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
12 $18,749 $26,739 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
13 $22,529 $31,616 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
14 $22,197 $31,133 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
15 $21,816 $30,336 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
16 $27,759 $36,848 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
17 $20,814 $27,346 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
18 $20,583 $26,643 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
19 $19,580 $24,730 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
20 $20,591 $25,967 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
21 $23,790 $28,960 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
22 $33,417 $40,281 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%
23 $22,263 $26,739 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
24 $27,786 $33,281 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
25 $22,085 $25,194 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
26 $25,153 $28,598 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
27 $24,372 $26,836 $18,238 13.6%
28 $30,055 $32,391 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
29 $26,205 $26,836 $18,238 20.7%
30 $32,145 $31,133 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
31 $29,552 $27,684 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
32 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
33 $23,911 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
34 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
35 $24,014 $20,040 38.3% 99.5%
36 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
37 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
38 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
39 $24,668 $52,388 65.3% 39.8%
40 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
41 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $27,462 earnings difference between Virginia Military Institute and UVA-Wise psychology graduates?

Virginia Military Institute psychology graduates earn $38,649 annually compared to $22,087 at UVA-Wise, reflecting different career pathways and regional job markets. VMI's military focus and leadership training attracts defense contractors and federal agencies that pay premium salaries. The institute's 81.8% graduation rate and $19,250 average debt also indicate stronger student outcomes. UVA-Wise serves rural Appalachian Virginia where entry-level psychology positions typically offer lower starting salaries.

How do Virginia's public universities compare to private colleges for psychology value?

Public universities deliver superior value with net costs averaging $18,500 compared to private institutions at $18,900, while offering comparable earnings potential. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates earn $30,926 with a net cost of $19,452, outperforming Regent University's $26,739 earnings at $18,749 net cost. The VTAG grant helps private college students, but public institutions maintain advantages through state funding. Eight of the top ten value programs are public universities.

Is the University of Virginia worth the $22,881 net cost for psychology majors?

UVA delivers strong long-term value despite higher upfront costs, with graduates earning $37,028 annually and maintaining a 95.3% graduation rate. The $19,268 average debt load remains manageable relative to earnings potential. UVA's psychology program benefits from research opportunities and alumni networks in Virginia's government and healthcare sectors. The 18.66% acceptance rate indicates highly selective admissions that correlate with career success.

Does Virginia State University provide good value despite lower graduation rates?

Virginia State University offers mixed value with the second-lowest in-state cost at $9,755 but concerning outcomes including a 40.7% graduation rate. Psychology graduates earn $25,967 annually while carrying $26,000 in average debt, creating potential repayment challenges. The 89.72% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, but students should carefully consider support services and academic preparation. The $14,553 net cost reflects significant financial aid but may not offset completion risks.

Where do psychology graduates find the best career opportunities in Virginia?

Northern Virginia and the Richmond area offer the strongest psychology career markets due to federal government proximity and major employers like Booz Allen Hamilton and Inova Health System. George Mason University graduates earn $32,546 annually, benefiting from internship opportunities with defense contractors and consulting firms. Virginia Commonwealth University's Richmond location provides access to state government positions and healthcare systems. Rural programs like UVA-Wise face geographic constraints but serve important community mental health needs.

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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.