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Lincoln University delivers Pennsylvania's most affordable Research and Experimental Psychology education at $12,912 net cost, while elite programs like Swarthmore and University of Pennsylvania charge significantly more despite similar degree outcomes. The state's major healthcare systems including UPMC create strong demand for psychology researchers who understand experimental design and data analysis. Pennsylvania students benefit from both highly selective programs with 96% graduation rates and accessible options that cost less than $25,000 annually. The $32,000 gap between cheapest and most expensive programs reflects the state's mix of public universities, small liberal arts colleges, and Ivy League institutions serving different student populations.
14
Programs
$12,912 – $44,876
Net Price Range
75.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Research and Experimental Psychology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
2 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
3 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
4 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
5 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
6 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
7 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
8 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
9 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
10 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
11 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
12 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
13 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
14 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lincoln University's psychology program so affordable compared to other Pennsylvania schools?

Lincoln University's public status and historical mission keep costs low at $12,912 net price, nearly $6,000 less than the next cheapest option. The 80% acceptance rate means accessible admission standards while maintaining a legitimate psychology curriculum.

How do graduation rates vary between cheap and expensive psychology programs in Pennsylvania?

The most affordable schools show graduation rates from 42% to 69%, while programs costing over $40,000 achieve 85% to 96% completion rates. University of Pennsylvania combines high cost ($31,229 net) with the state's highest psychology graduation rate at 96.8%.

Is financial aid significant enough to make expensive Pennsylvania psychology programs affordable?

Swarthmore College reduces its $62,412 sticker price to $18,686 through generous aid, making it the second-cheapest option despite being a highly selective liberal arts college. Several schools offer net prices under $30,000 even with tuition exceeding $50,000.

Where do Pennsylvania psychology graduates find research opportunities after college?

UPMC's extensive hospital network employs psychology researchers for clinical studies, while pharmaceutical companies throughout the state need experimental psychologists for drug trials and behavioral research. The state's finance sector in Philadelphia also values psychology graduates for consumer behavior analysis.

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