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Cheapest Psychology Colleges in South Carolina

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

University of South Carolina Aiken stands out among South Carolina's psychology programs with a net cost of just $11,611, making it the most affordable option by over $1,800. This significant gap exists even among public universities, where costs range from $11,611 to $19,518 after aid. Private institutions like Coker University charge $18,045 net despite accepting 94% of applicants, while graduates earn only $22,329 annually. The state's growing automotive and aerospace sectors, anchored by BMW and Volvo manufacturing facilities, create demand for industrial psychologists who understand workplace dynamics and employee behavior. South Carolina's LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for qualifying residents, which helps explain why in-state tuition at public universities averages around $11,500. However, graduation rates vary dramatically, from Winthrop University's solid 61% to South Carolina State's concerning 29%. Students considering psychology careers should note that median earnings range from $22,329 to $39,009, with debt loads typically between $23,000 and $30,000.
29
Programs
$11,611 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$27,043
Avg. Program Earnings
52.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,611 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
2 $13,451 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
3 $13,725 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
4 $13,742 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
5 $14,501 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
6 $15,309 $10,730 38.6% 80.0%
7 $15,411 $12,630 37.8%
8 $16,353 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
9 $17,781 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
10 $18,045 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
11 $18,268 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
12 $19,518 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
13 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
14 $19,968 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
15 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
16 $20,415 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
17 $20,612 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
18 $20,899 $43,300 61.9% 59.4%
19 $21,002 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%
20 $21,232 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
21 $21,660 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
22 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
23 $22,018 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
24 $22,112 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
25 $22,886 $18,238
26 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
27 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
28 $28,984 $54,100 80.8% 60.2%
29 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of South Carolina Aiken the cheapest psychology program?

USC Aiken charges just $11,611 net annually, nearly $2,000 less than the next cheapest option at Francis Marion University. The school maintains an in-state tuition of $10,760 before aid, and accepts 76% of applicants. Graduates earn $24,035 on average with $26,000 in debt, making it both affordable upfront and manageable long-term.

How do public and private psychology programs compare in cost?

Public universities dominate the affordable end, with net costs ranging from $11,611 to $19,518. Private schools like Coker University and Benedict College charge $17,781 to $18,045 despite offering substantial aid from sticker prices exceeding $30,000. The most expensive public option, College of Charleston at $19,518, still costs less than most private alternatives while maintaining a strong 65% graduation rate.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in South Carolina?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, though exceptions exist. College of Charleston commands $19,518 annually but delivers a 65% graduation rate, while Winthrop University achieves 61% at $16,353. However, South Carolina State University charges $18,268 but graduates only 29% of students, showing cost alone doesn't guarantee outcomes.

What earning potential do psychology graduates have in South Carolina?

Psychology graduates earn between $22,329 and $39,009 annually, with most programs producing earners in the $24,000 to $28,000 range. Benedict College graduates command the highest salaries at $29,685 despite the school's 21% graduation rate. The state's automotive and aerospace industries offer opportunities for organizational psychologists, particularly near BMW's Spartanburg facility and Boeing's Charleston operations.

Where should students focus their applications for the best value?

USC Aiken offers the lowest net cost at $11,611 with reasonable outcomes, while USC Upstate provides better earnings potential at $28,236 for just $13,725 annually. College of Charleston represents the premium option with a 65% graduation rate and $27,657 average earnings for $19,518. Students should avoid programs with graduation rates below 35% regardless of cost.

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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.