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Best Value Psychology Colleges in Wisconsin

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

The psychology job market in Wisconsin reflects the state's healthcare-heavy economy, where major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare create demand for behavioral health professionals. Among the state's 20 psychology programs, University of Wisconsin-Parkside delivers strong affordability at just $10,044 net cost while maintaining reasonable graduation outcomes. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans nearly $10,000, with UW-Madison psychology graduates earning $32,514 compared to $26,585 at UW-Stevens Point. Wisconsin's public university system dominates the value market, offering in-state tuition as low as $7,855 at UW-Parkside. Private options like Alverno College command higher prices at $32,794 sticker price but provide competitive post-graduation earnings of $32,925. The state's manufacturing base and growing healthcare sector particularly value psychology graduates for human resources, employee assistance programs, and patient care coordination roles.
29
Programs
$10,044 – $29,237
Net Price Range
$30,130
Avg. Program Earnings
60.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,044 $28,236 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
2 $13,405 $30,771 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
3 $12,878 $29,163 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
4 $14,754 $31,547 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
5 $14,785 $31,495 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
6 $16,722 $32,925 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
7 $13,726 $26,585 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
8 $15,374 $29,594 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
9 $16,928 $32,514 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
10 $16,177 $29,876 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
11 $14,714 $27,155 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
12 $16,948 $31,081 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
13 $14,761 $26,850 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
14 $18,295 $32,711 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
15 $17,365 $28,598 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
16 $24,362 $36,083 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
17 $23,341 $34,420 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
18 $21,315 $30,984 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
19 $22,092 $30,771 $32,286 55.7% 99.5%
20 $21,924 $28,133 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%
21 $29,237 $36,803 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%
22 $26,067 $32,569 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
23 $25,634 $30,616 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
24 $22,633 $26,896 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
25 $24,813 $28,055 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
26 $25,674 $26,739 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
27 $24,563 $22,329 $55,461 76.4% 72.3%
28 $21,176 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
29 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Parkside stand out for psychology value?

UW-Parkside offers the lowest net cost at $10,044 while delivering graduates who earn $28,236 annually. The 72.83% acceptance rate provides accessible entry, though the 39.80% graduation rate requires careful academic planning. Students benefit from proximity to Chicago-area healthcare systems and manufacturing companies seeking psychology professionals.

How do Wisconsin's public and private psychology programs compare in cost?

Public programs range from $10,044 to $17,365 in net cost, while private institutions like Alverno College and Mount Mary University charge $16,722 to $18,295. However, private programs often deliver higher earnings, with Alverno graduates earning $32,925 compared to the public average. The cost difference narrows when considering net price versus sticker price for private schools.

Does University of Wisconsin-Madison justify its higher cost for psychology?

UW-Madison charges $16,928 net cost but delivers the highest graduation rate at 89.30% and strong earnings of $32,514. The competitive 49.06% acceptance rate reflects academic selectivity that translates to better outcomes. Students also access research opportunities and connections to Wisconsin's major healthcare employers like Epic Systems.

Where do psychology graduates find the best job opportunities in Wisconsin?

Milwaukee and Madison offer the strongest psychology job markets, with major healthcare systems and technology companies like Epic Systems hiring behavioral health professionals. The state's manufacturing sector also employs psychology graduates for human resources and workplace safety roles. Rural areas provide opportunities in community mental health, particularly given Wisconsin's agricultural economy.

What debt levels should Wisconsin psychology students expect?

Student debt ranges from $19,750 at UW-Stout to $28,638 at Alverno College across these programs. Most public universities keep debt below $24,000, while private institutions average around $27,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable, with most graduates earning enough to handle standard repayment plans within typical career progression timelines.

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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.