Skip to main content

Cheapest Psychology Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee State University offers psychology students the state's most affordable path with net costs starting at $10,026, while private options like Christian Brothers University reach $10,896 despite their $37,300 sticker price through substantial aid packages. The $20,000 cost gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs reflects Tennessee's mix of accessible public universities and well-funded private institutions. Psychology graduates in Tennessee find opportunities across the state's expanding healthcare sector, where HCA Healthcare alone employs thousands of mental health professionals, behavioral specialists, and patient care coordinators. Earnings for psychology graduates range from $24,550 to $31,133, with Tennessee State University graduates earning the highest median salaries at $31,133. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville commands the highest net price at $18,109 but delivers a 73.5% graduation rate, significantly above the state average. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means psychology graduates keep more of their starting salaries compared to other states.
34
Programs
$10,026 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$26,919
Avg. Program Earnings
55.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
2 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
3 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
4 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
5 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
6 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
7 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
8 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
9 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
10 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
11 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
12 $15,794 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
13 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
14 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
15 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
16 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
17 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
18 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
19 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
20 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
21 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
22 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
23 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
24 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
25 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
26 $22,874 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
27 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
28 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
29 $25,060 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
30 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
31 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
32 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
33 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
34 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee State University the most affordable option for psychology students?

Tennessee State University offers the lowest net cost at $10,026 with an in-state tuition of just $8,568. The university provides substantial financial aid that brings costs well below the sticker price. Despite being the most affordable option, TSU psychology graduates earn the highest median salary in the state at $31,133. The combination of low costs and strong earning potential creates strong value for psychology students.

How do private college costs compare to public universities for psychology programs?

Christian Brothers University demonstrates how private college aid can compete with public pricing, offering net costs of $10,896 despite a $37,300 sticker price. This represents a $26,404 discount through scholarships and grants. Most public universities like UT-Martin and MTSU maintain net costs between $10,299 and $12,599. Private institutions often provide more personalized financial packages that can make them surprisingly affordable for psychology students.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Tennessee psychology programs?

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville shows the strongest graduation rate at 73.5% while charging $18,109 net cost. Mid-tier pricing often produces solid outcomes, with UT-Chattanooga achieving 53.1% graduation rates at $12,817 net cost. Tennessee State University maintains a 33% graduation rate despite offering the lowest costs. Higher-cost programs generally deliver better completion rates, though individual student preparation matters significantly.

Where do psychology graduates find the best earning opportunities in Tennessee?

Tennessee State University graduates earn the highest median salary at $31,133, followed by UT-Martin graduates at $28,598. Tennessee's healthcare industry, anchored by HCA Healthcare, creates numerous opportunities for psychology graduates in patient care coordination and behavioral health. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings compared to other states. Music industry connections in Nashville also provide unique opportunities in music therapy and artist support services.

Is student debt manageable for psychology graduates in Tennessee?

Tennessee Tech graduates carry the lowest debt burden at $13,625, while maintaining strong earning potential. Most public universities keep debt levels between $16,387 and $25,189, which aligns well with starting salaries in the psychology field. The highest debt levels appear at Tennessee State University ($26,000) and Christian Brothers University ($25,625). Tennessee's relatively low cost of living helps graduates manage debt payments while building their careers in mental health services.

More Psychology, General Rankings

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

Related

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

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