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Cheapest Psychology Colleges in North Carolina

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

Elizabeth City State University offers psychology students an strong value at just $7,237 net cost annually, making it North Carolina's most affordable option for this field. The state's 20 psychology programs span a remarkable price range from $7,237 to $18,127, with public universities claiming the top six most affordable spots. Psychology graduates in North Carolina earn between $21,508 and $30,047, positioning them well for the state's expanding healthcare sector and the Research Triangle's behavioral health research facilities. UNC Chapel Hill stands out with a 92.10% graduation rate despite charging $12,983 net cost, while private institutions like Shaw University struggle with only a 20.20% completion rate. The state's public university system clearly dominates affordability, with in-state tuition ranging from $3,412 to $8,989 across the top programs. North Carolina's growing emphasis on mental health services, particularly in Charlotte's banking sector and the tech corridor, creates steady demand for psychology professionals at various educational levels.
50
Programs
$7,237 – $40,721
Net Price Range
$26,413
Avg. Program Earnings
51.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
2 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
3 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
4 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
5 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
6 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
7 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
8 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
9 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
10 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
11 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
12 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
13 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
14 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
15 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
16 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
17 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
18 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
19 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
20 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
21 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
22 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
23 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
24 $18,866 $16,000 29.2% 52.0%
25 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
26 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
27 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
28 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
29 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
30 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
31 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
32 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
33 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
34 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
35 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
36 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
37 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
38 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
39 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
40 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
41 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
42 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
43 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
44 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
45 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
46 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
47 $28,901 $40,408 52.1% 73.3%
48 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
49 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
50 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Elizabeth City State University the cheapest psychology program in North Carolina?

Elizabeth City State University charges just $7,237 in net costs annually, with in-state tuition of only $3,412. The school maintains a 74.15% acceptance rate while graduates earn $23,649 after completion. This combination of low costs and reasonable earnings makes it the most affordable psychology option in the state.

How much do private psychology programs cost compared to public universities in North Carolina?

Private institutions like Shaw University charge $17,176 in tuition compared to public schools averaging $3,412 to $8,989 for in-state students. Shaw University shows concerning outcomes with only a 20.20% graduation rate. Chowan University charges $27,110 in tuition with a 28.50% graduation rate, demonstrating the value gap between sectors.

Does UNC Chapel Hill justify its higher costs for psychology students?

UNC Chapel Hill charges $12,983 net cost but delivers a 92.10% graduation rate, the highest among all programs. Graduates earn $29,363 annually with just $13,999 in debt, the lowest debt burden on the list. The 17.11% acceptance rate reflects its competitive nature and strong outcomes.

Where do psychology graduates earn the most in North Carolina programs?

UNC Chapel Hill graduates top earnings at $29,363, followed by North Carolina Central University at $28,770. North Carolina A&T State University graduates earn $27,484 despite the school's $10,980 net cost. These three programs produce graduates earning above the state average of $26,000 for psychology majors.

Is there a correlation between program cost and graduation rates in North Carolina psychology programs?

Public universities generally show stronger graduation rates despite lower costs. UNC Chapel Hill leads at 92.10%, while Appalachian State achieves 73.10% graduation rates. Private schools struggle significantly, with Livingstone College at 27.10% and Shaw University at 20.20%, despite charging much higher tuition.

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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.