Cheapest Psychology Colleges in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota-Morris delivers strong value for psychology students with net costs reaching just $9,110 despite a competitive 77.66% acceptance rate. This dramatic affordability gap exists even within Minnesota's public university system, where costs range from Morris's bargain pricing to $19,181 at Metropolitan State University. Private institutions like Hamline University charge net prices exceeding $21,000, creating a $12,000 annual difference between the most and least expensive options. Psychology graduates in Minnesota benefit from the state's healthcare sector leadership, anchored by Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group, which regularly recruit mental health professionals and behavioral researchers. The earning potential varies significantly across programs, from $25,194 for Morris graduates to $36,401 for Saint Mary's University alumni. Public universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with eight of the ten least expensive programs offered through the Minnesota State system or University of Minnesota campuses.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$32,876

Avg. Program Earnings

64.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, Minnesota	$9,110	$14,288	61.9%	77.7%
2	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
3	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
4	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
5	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
6	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566	$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
7	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
8	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
9	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
10	Capella University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$18,305	$14,436	33.3%
11	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
12	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
13	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
14	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
15	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
16	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
17	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
18	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574	$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
19	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
20	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949	$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
21	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
22	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
23	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
24	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
25	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
26	Crown College Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota	$27,324	$30,200	64.3%	66.6%
27	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
28	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
29	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
30	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Morris so affordable for psychology students?

Morris achieves its $9,110 net cost through substantial need-based aid that reduces the $14,288 sticker price by over 35%. The campus operates as a public liberal arts college within the University of Minnesota system, allowing it to combine small college benefits with state funding support. Students also benefit from Minnesota State Grant eligibility, which provides additional tuition assistance based on family income. The 61.90% graduation rate reflects solid academic outcomes despite the low cost.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive psychology programs?

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities achieves the highest graduation rate at 84.80% despite moderate net costs of $17,139. Several affordable public options like Bemidji State (53.40%) and Minnesota State Moorhead (54.60%) maintain respectable completion rates. Private institutions generally show stronger graduation performance, with Saint Mary's University reaching 67.70% despite its $21,034 net cost. The data reveals that higher costs don't automatically guarantee better retention outcomes.

Is the earnings gap between psychology programs worth the cost difference?

Saint Mary's University graduates earn $36,401 annually despite the program's $21,034 net cost, while Morris graduates earn $25,194 with just $9,110 in expenses. This creates an $11,207 earnings difference that may justify the additional investment over time. Minnesota State Mankato offers a middle ground with $36,129 graduate earnings and $18,609 net costs. The state's healthcare sector provides ample opportunities for psychology graduates across all salary ranges.

Does attending a private psychology program in Minnesota provide better job prospects?

Private institutions like Saint Mary's University and Hamline University do show higher average earnings, reaching $36,401 and $34,450 respectively. However, public universities like Minnesota State Mankato produce graduates earning $36,129, demonstrating that employer value doesn't always correlate with private school attendance. The 95.28% acceptance rate at Saint Cloud State suggests that motivated students can access quality public psychology education. Minnesota's healthcare industry, led by Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth, recruits from both public and private programs.

Where do psychology graduates find the best debt-to-earnings ratios in Minnesota?

Concordia University-Saint Paul offers the lowest debt burden at $15,393 with $32,569 graduate earnings, creating favorable financial outcomes. Metropolitan State University graduates carry $17,750 in debt while earning $35,157, another strong ratio for career starters. In contrast, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates face $25,125 in debt against $34,526 earnings, requiring longer payoff periods. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities balances $19,012 debt with $35,432 earnings while maintaining the state's highest graduation rate.

More Psychology, General Rankings

Best Value Psychology, General in Minnesota Psychology, General Under $20,000 in Minnesota

All Psychology, General Programs Best Colleges in Minnesota Best Psychology, General in Minnesota

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