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Cheapest Psychology Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College stands apart with a net cost of just $4,483 for psychology students, despite a sticker price of $49,326. This work-study program model creates an extraordinary value gap compared to other Kentucky options that range up to $23,587 annually. The state's 20 psychology programs show striking cost variations, with public universities like Northern Kentucky University offering solid value at $7,168 net cost and 48.3% graduation rates. Kentucky's healthcare sector, anchored by major employers like Humana, creates growing demand for psychology graduates who understand behavioral health and human services. Psychology students here benefit from the state's KEES scholarship program, which rewards academic achievement and can significantly reduce college costs. Earnings for Kentucky psychology graduates span from $20,140 to $30,554, with University of Louisville graduates commanding the highest salaries at $30,554 annually. The state's mix of urban centers like Louisville and Lexington alongside rural communities provides psychology students with exposure to varied populations and mental health challenges.
24
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$26,614
Avg. Program Earnings
52.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
4 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
5 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
6 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
7 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
8 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
9 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
10 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
11 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
12 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
13 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
14 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
15 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
16 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
17 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
18 $21,497 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
19 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
20 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
21 $23,863 $26,080 46.4% 93.8%
22 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
23 $24,264 $27,850 57.3% 97.6%
24 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College so affordable for psychology students?

Berea College operates on a unique work-study model where all students work 10-15 hours per week on campus in exchange for free tuition. This reduces the net cost to just $4,483 despite a published price of $49,326. The college accepts only 24.58% of applicants and maintains a 62% graduation rate. Students graduate with practical work experience alongside their psychology degree.

How do public university psychology programs compare in Kentucky?

Kentucky's public universities offer net costs between $7,168 and $17,634 for psychology programs. Northern Kentucky University provides the lowest public option at $7,168 with decent employment outcomes of $28,989 average earnings. University of Louisville commands the highest earnings at $30,554 but costs $17,634 net. Murray State offers a middle ground with $9,121 net cost and strong 59.5% graduation rates.

Is the University of Kentucky worth the higher cost for psychology?

UK charges $17,218 net cost but delivers the highest graduation rate at 69.9% among major state universities. Psychology graduates earn $26,658 annually with manageable debt of $23,500. The university's research opportunities and connections to Kentucky's healthcare industry, including partnerships with UK HealthCare, provide valuable internship and career pathways. The 94.89% acceptance rate makes admission accessible.

Does Kentucky State University offer good value despite low graduation rates?

Kentucky State's $8,900 net cost ranks among the lowest, but the 27.1% graduation rate raises concerns about program completion. The university accepts 91.5% of applicants, making admission easy for students seeking affordable options. However, students should carefully consider support services and academic preparedness given the completion challenges. The low cost may appeal to students planning to transfer after completing prerequisites.

Where do Kentucky psychology graduates find employment opportunities?

Kentucky's healthcare sector offers strong prospects, with Humana employing behavioral health specialists and UK HealthCare hiring psychology graduates for patient care roles. The state's aging population creates demand for geriatric psychology services, while Louisville and Lexington provide urban mental health opportunities. Graduates earning $30,554 at University of Louisville often work in these metropolitan markets. Rural areas also need community mental health workers, though salaries tend toward the lower $20,000s range.

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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.