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Cheapest Clinical Colleges in North Carolina

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Chowan University offers the state's most affordable Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology program at $16,189 net cost, while St. Andrews University charges more than double at $33,756. This $17,567 gap reflects North Carolina's mix of small private colleges competing for students in a state where mental health services are increasingly needed across the Research Triangle's tech workers and Charlotte's financial sector. Gardner-Webb University graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $28,779, though the field typically starts modestly with some programs showing earnings as low as $21,850.
7
Programs
$16,189 – $33,756
Net Price Range
$25,315
Avg. Program Earnings
40.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
2 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
3 $18,866 $16,000 29.2% 52.0%
4 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
5 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
6 $25,876 $17,280 42.6% 63.3%
7 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The $17,567 gap between Chowan University ($16,189) and St. Andrews University ($33,756) reflects different institutional priorities and financial aid strategies. Chowan's high 86.68% acceptance rate and focus on accessibility contrasts with more selective programs that may offer fewer discounts.

How do graduation rates compare across these affordable psychology programs?

Gardner-Webb University leads with a 61.70% graduation rate despite charging $24,137 net cost. University of Mount Olive follows at 47.50%, while several programs including Chowan (28.50%) and St. Andrews (27.10%) struggle with retention despite their different price points.

Does starting salary justify the cost differences in these programs?

Gardner-Webb graduates earn $28,779 starting salary with $25,886 average debt, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. Chowan graduates earn $21,850 but with much lower net costs, while the limited earnings data suggests most programs prepare students for entry-level counseling positions rather than high-paying clinical roles.

More Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Rankings

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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.