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CUNY Bernard M Baruch College delivers Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology education at just $2,978 net cost while producing graduates earning $38,289 annually. This makes it the most affordable option among psychology programs nationally, with earnings that surpass many competitors charging ten times more. The stark contrast becomes apparent when comparing Baruch's costs to private alternatives like Christian Brothers University at $10,896 net price. New York's mental health sector employs over 150,000 professionals across hospitals, clinics, and private practice settings, creating steady demand for psychology graduates. California dominates the affordable public options with four Cal State campuses offering programs under $7,000 net cost. Puerto Rican institutions provide another budget pathway, though graduates face different regional salary expectations. The 20 most affordable programs span from $2,978 to $12,267, proving that quality psychology education doesn't require massive debt loads.
50
Programs
$2,978 – $15,001
Net Price Range
$29,766
Avg. Program Earnings
54.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
2 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
3 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
4 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
5 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
6 $7,455 $5,354 50.6% 54.0%
7 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
8 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
9 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
10 $10,145 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
11 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
12 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
13 $10,888 $9,068 60.7%
14 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
15 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
16 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
17 $11,759 $5,324 50.7% 60.0%
18 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
19 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
20 $12,267 $10,110 47.6%
21 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
22 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
23 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
24 $12,514 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
25 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
26 $12,820 $27,150 70.0% 55.7%
27 $12,904 $20,000 81.7% 100.0%
28 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
29 $13,091 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
30 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
31 $13,289 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
32 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
33 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
34 $13,571 $9,552 19.5%
35 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
36 $13,824 $7,278 24.5%
37 $13,953 $7,392 25.4%
38 $14,072 $7,986 40.2% 55.4%
39 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
40 $14,454 $7,935 40.3% 71.2%
41 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
42 $14,528 $27,650 60.6% 66.8%
43 $14,590 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
44 $14,760 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
45 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
46 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
47 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
48 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
49 $14,986 $23,340 59.4% 64.6%
50 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Baruch College the best value for Clinical Psychology programs?

Baruch College combines the lowest net cost at $2,978 with the highest graduate earnings at $38,289 among affordable psychology programs. The 72.10% graduation rate exceeds many competitors, while the 49.53% acceptance rate maintains selectivity. Students benefit from New York City's concentrated mental health infrastructure and internship opportunities.

How do California State University psychology programs compare on affordability?

Four Cal State campuses rank among the 15 most affordable psychology programs, with net costs ranging from $4,113 at Los Angeles to $6,480 at Fresno. San Bernardino offers the lowest debt burden at $11,158, while all four maintain acceptance rates above 86%. Graduation rates hover around 53-55% across the Cal State psychology programs.

Is University of Central Florida worth the higher cost for psychology students?

UCF charges $10,650 net cost but delivers a 75.10% graduation rate, the second-highest among these affordable programs. Graduates earn $32,711 annually, placing UCF in the top tier for post-graduation income. The 41.04% acceptance rate reflects greater selectivity than most budget options, suggesting stronger academic preparation.

Does location affect psychology graduate earnings significantly?

Geographic salary differences are substantial, with New York programs producing graduates earning $30,771 to $38,289 compared to Puerto Rico's $12,776. Washington state graduates from UW-Bothell earn $33,726 despite the rural location. Regional mental health job markets and cost of living create these earning disparities among psychology graduates.

Where can students find the lowest debt burden for psychology degrees?

University of Puerto Rico at Ponce offers the minimal debt load at just $5,000, though graduates face lower regional salaries. Among mainland options, Cal State San Bernardino maintains $11,158 average debt while UW-Bothell keeps debt at $11,557. CUNY programs typically generate less debt due to lower tuition structures for state residents.

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