University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights affordable programs in psychology.

Prospective college students who are considering majoring in psychology should take the time to examine a variety of degree programs from several universities and colleges. After all, you want to make the best decision for your money and future. Reading college ranking reports may help you do this; by looking at the percentages and statistics reported by each school, you may be able to narrow your final choice down to the school that has the most advantages for you, from the financial considerations to the benefits of earning a psychology degree.

A degree in psychology is one of the more popular options for students. Responding to this interest, universities and colleges across the U.S. offer both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in psychology. Graduate degree programs in psychology are also popular - this is because, to practice clinical psychology, graduates must hold advanced degrees, master’s or doctoral, to meet licensure requirements.

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Top 50 Affordable Psychology Colleges and Universities


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,464
    • Out-of-State:$15,414
  • Net Price: $4,991
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 19,854
  • Undergrad Students: 15,896
  • Graduate Students: 3,958
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
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2

Berea College

Score: 79.08

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $49,326
    • Out-of-State:$49,326
  • Net Price: $2,020
  • Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,433
  • Undergrad Students: 1,433
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Berea College
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3
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,989
    • Out-of-State:$39,330
  • Net Price: $10,614
  • Acceptance Rate: 17%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,705
  • Undergrad Students: 20,029
  • Graduate Students: 11,676
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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4
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,643
    • Out-of-State:$41,997
  • Net Price: $10,603
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 52,319
  • Undergrad Students: 36,213
  • Graduate Students: 16,106
  • Grads Salary: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • University of Washington
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
5
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,382
    • Out-of-State:$15,332
  • Net Price: $4,848
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,970
  • Undergrad Students: 17,256
  • Graduate Students: 5,714
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • CUNY Hunter College
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6
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,846
    • Out-of-State:$19,382
  • Net Price: $5,383
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,505
  • Undergrad Students: 6,979
  • Graduate Students: 1,526
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Texas A&M International University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
7
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,410
    • Out-of-State:$15,360
  • Net Price: $4,974
  • Acceptance Rate: 55%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,015
  • Undergrad Students: 11,211
  • Graduate Students: 1,804
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • CUNY Lehman College
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8
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,506
    • Out-of-State:$8,506
  • Net Price: $10,191
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 100%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,602
  • Undergrad Students: 1,501
  • Graduate Students: 101
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Charter Oak State College
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
9

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Score: 67.09

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,058
    • Out-of-State:$26,312
  • Net Price: $10,429
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,689
  • Undergrad Students: 1,218
  • Graduate Students: 471
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
10
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,818
    • Out-of-State:$18,698
  • Net Price: $5,801
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 51%
  • Total Enrollment: 26,460
  • Undergrad Students: 22,737
  • Graduate Students: 3,723
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • California State University-Los Angeles
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
11
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,748
    • Out-of-State:$20,408
  • Net Price: $9,189
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,487
  • Undergrad Students: 11,833
  • Graduate Students: 1,654
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • North Carolina A&T State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
12
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,064
    • Out-of-State:$18,944
  • Net Price: $5,068
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Total Enrollment: 16,426
  • Undergrad Students: 13,969
  • Graduate Students: 2,457
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • California State University-Dominguez Hills
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
13

University of Illinois Chicago

Score: 64.23

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,338
    • Out-of-State:$29,360
  • Net Price: $10,384
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,747
  • Undergrad Students: 21,807
  • Graduate Students: 11,940
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Illinois Chicago
14
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,980
    • Out-of-State:$18,860
  • Net Price: $7,507
  • Acceptance Rate: 95%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 23,999
  • Undergrad Students: 21,354
  • Graduate Students: 2,645
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • California State University-Fresno
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
15

Millikin University

Score: 63.84

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $43,670
    • Out-of-State:$43,670
  • Net Price: $10,492
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 58%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,807
  • Undergrad Students: 1,708
  • Graduate Students: 99
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Millikin University
16
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,412
    • Out-of-State:$7,412
  • Net Price: $4,120
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,149
  • Undergrad Students: 2,033
  • Graduate Students: 116
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Elizabeth City State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
17
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,565
    • Out-of-State:$18,963
  • Net Price: $9,881
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 55,609
  • Undergrad Students: 45,688
  • Graduate Students: 9,921
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • Florida International University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
18
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,896
    • Out-of-State:$21,480
  • Net Price: $7,259
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 15,801
  • Undergrad Students: 10,776
  • Graduate Students: 5,025
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Northern Kentucky University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
19

West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Score: 61.09

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,064
    • Out-of-State:$20,120
  • Net Price: $9,529
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 56%
  • Graduation Rate: 34%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,481
  • Undergrad Students: 1,481
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $86,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • West Virginia University Institute of Technology
20

Chicago State University

Score: 61.05

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,754
    • Out-of-State:$12,754
  • Net Price: $6,446
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 55%
  • Graduation Rate: 28%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,317
  • Undergrad Students: 1,450
  • Graduate Students: 867
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Chicago State University
21
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,360
    • Out-of-State:$19,241
  • Net Price: $8,609
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,521
  • Undergrad Students: 9,291
  • Graduate Students: 4,230
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • The University of West Florida
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
22
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,640
    • Out-of-State:$22,752
  • Net Price: $9,450
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 39%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,607
  • Undergrad Students: 5,636
  • Graduate Students: 971
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • University of Alaska Fairbanks
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
23
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,879
    • Out-of-State:$17,324
  • Net Price: $9,711
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 29,592
  • Undergrad Students: 24,191
  • Graduate Students: 5,401
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • Florida Atlantic University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
24
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,817
    • Out-of-State:$42,171
  • Net Price: $10,680
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,794
  • Undergrad Students: 4,083
  • Graduate Students: 711
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • University of Washington-Tacoma
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
25
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,147
    • Out-of-State:$25,271
  • Net Price: $10,407
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 51%
  • Total Enrollment: 14,268
  • Undergrad Students: 11,591
  • Graduate Students: 2,677
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • New Mexico State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
26

University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Score: 59.14

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,000
    • Out-of-State:$20,190
  • Net Price: $8,390
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 60%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 825
  • Undergrad Students: 825
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
27
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,656
    • Out-of-State:$4,656
  • Net Price: $7,899
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 43,023
  • Undergrad Students: 43,023
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Brigham Young University-Idaho
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
28
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,863
    • Out-of-State:$8,843
  • Net Price: $8,702
  • Acceptance Rate: 28%
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,106
  • Undergrad Students: 3,833
  • Graduate Students: 1,273
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Eastern New Mexico University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
29
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,969
    • Out-of-State:$7,969
  • Net Price: $6,355
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 44%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,787
  • Undergrad Students: 5,748
  • Graduate Students: 1,039
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Fayetteville State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
30
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $19,920
    • Out-of-State:$19,920
  • Net Price: $7,841
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 853
  • Undergrad Students: 796
  • Graduate Students: 57
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Heritage University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
31

University of North Texas at Dallas

Score: 58.47

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,590
    • Out-of-State:$22,189
  • Net Price: $10,351
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 44%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,685
  • Undergrad Students: 3,001
  • Graduate Students: 684
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of North Texas at Dallas
32
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,859
    • Out-of-State:$19,939
  • Net Price: $8,105
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,559
  • Undergrad Students: 26,434
  • Graduate Students: 5,125
  • Grads Salary: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
33

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Score: 58.38

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,930
    • Out-of-State:$20,947
  • Net Price: $10,646
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 30%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,110
  • Undergrad Students: 1,761
  • Graduate Students: 349
  • Grads Salary: $90,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Texas A&M University-Texarkana
34

Shepherd University

Score: 57.74

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,642
    • Out-of-State:$19,082
  • Net Price: $9,827
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,235
  • Undergrad Students: 2,718
  • Graduate Students: 517
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Shepherd University
35
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,942
    • Out-of-State:$20,294
  • Net Price: $8,756
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,691
  • Undergrad Students: 7,952
  • Graduate Students: 2,739
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Marshall University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
36

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Score: 57.38

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,855
    • Out-of-State:$16,497
  • Net Price: $8,510
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,947
  • Undergrad Students: 3,236
  • Graduate Students: 711
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of Wisconsin-Parkside
37
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,460
    • Out-of-State:$9,960
  • Net Price: $10,154
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,230
  • Undergrad Students: 5,696
  • Graduate Students: 534
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • McNeese State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
38

Indiana University-Northwest

Score: 57.14

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,179
    • Out-of-State:$22,043
  • Net Price: $6,553
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 37%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,198
  • Undergrad Students: 2,860
  • Graduate Students: 338
  • Grads Salary: $63,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Indiana University-Northwest
39
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,115
    • Out-of-State:$26,450
  • Net Price: $10,633
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Total Enrollment: 21,953
  • Undergrad Students: 16,375
  • Graduate Students: 5,578
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of New Mexico
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
40
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,739
    • Out-of-State:$19,619
  • Net Price: $10,463
  • Acceptance Rate: 95%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 15,109
  • Undergrad Students: 13,914
  • Graduate Students: 1,195
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 23:1
  • California State University-San Marcos
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
41
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,419
    • Out-of-State:$15,620
  • Net Price: $9,162
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 64%
  • Graduation Rate: 44%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,911
  • Undergrad Students: 8,176
  • Graduate Students: 735
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Purdue University Northwest
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
42
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,744
    • Out-of-State:$25,512
  • Net Price: $9,563
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 47%
  • Total Enrollment: 23,880
  • Undergrad Students: 20,165
  • Graduate Students: 3,715
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • The University of Texas at El Paso
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
43

Concord University

Score: 56.36

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,700
    • Out-of-State:$20,600
  • Net Price: $8,464
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 56%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,748
  • Undergrad Students: 1,399
  • Graduate Students: 349
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Concord University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
44
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,904
    • Out-of-State:$23,212
  • Net Price: $10,370
  • Acceptance Rate: 95%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,848
  • Undergrad Students: 4,640
  • Graduate Students: 1,208
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • The University of Texas Permian Basin
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
45
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,001
    • Out-of-State:$13,789
  • Net Price: $8,562
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Graduation Rate: 24%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,006
  • Undergrad Students: 1,757
  • Graduate Students: 249
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Coppin State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
46
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,391
    • Out-of-State:$17,084
  • Net Price: $10,525
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 29,914
  • Undergrad Students: 28,903
  • Graduate Students: 1,011
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • Weber State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
47
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $5,068
    • Out-of-State:$15,790
  • Net Price: $9,792
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 60%
  • Graduation Rate: 34%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,847
  • Undergrad Students: 5,283
  • Graduate Students: 564
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Clayton State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
48
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,571
    • Out-of-State:$7,571
  • Net Price: $8,208
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,666
  • Undergrad Students: 5,643
  • Graduate Students: 2,023
  • Grads Salary: $56,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of North Carolina at Pembroke
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49

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Score: 52.25

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,019
    • Out-of-State:$17,029
  • Net Price: $9,959
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,387
  • Undergrad Students: 2,182
  • Graduate Students: 205
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
50

Cameron University

Score: 51.05

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,900
    • Out-of-State:$16,320
  • Net Price: $9,674
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,418
  • Undergrad Students: 3,133
  • Graduate Students: 285
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Cameron University
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Affordable Psychology Schools


As future psychology majors explore their options, they’ll find that a psychology degree from an affordable college is highly valuable. Over three million psychologists are employed in the US, compared to around 55 million in all other fields. All psychologists must hold a graduate degree, unlike many other occupations where a bachelor's is enough education.

While attending a dream or Ivy League school may be appealing, it may not be financially realistic for many students. Choosing a more affordable college allows them to focus on their degree without accumulating significant debt, especially since a master’s degree is required for counseling practice. By attending less expensive schools, students can prioritize securing valuable internships over worrying about financial burdens. This can increase future earning potential and provide quicker access to sought-after careers in counseling or research.


Choosing a College


Future psychology students have several factors to consider when looking for affordable college degrees, with some being more important than others. The availability of majors and minors is a key consideration. Even if students haven't decided on psychology as a major, it's best to choose a school that offers various options for exploration across fields.

Tuition cost is another major factor. Many students are aware that Ivy League schools may be out of their financial reach, so they’ll need to consider costs along with other factors. Researching schools and speaking with financial aid offices can help narrow down choices, especially if grants or scholarships are available that can reduce tuition costs. With tuition rising over the years, many students take on student loan debt. To avoid this, it’s important to understand the full costs of attending each school, including hidden fees.

Location is also a consideration. Will students attend a school out-of-state with higher tuition or find an affordable program in-state? Proximity to home and travel costs for breaks can affect overall expenses. Students should also think about nearby recreational activities, like parks or hiking, which may enhance their college experience without additional costs.

Finally, campus visits are essential. Touring the campus, exploring academic buildings, and getting a feel for the environment can help students decide if the school feels like the right fit. The campus setting, whether rural or urban, and access to cultural activities and public transportation should also be taken into account.


Online Options


Online degree programs are essential for some students, especially those balancing work or family obligations that make on-campus classes difficult. For psychology programs, students should choose a university or college that aligns with their career goals and offers accredited education in the field.

The level of the psychology degree matters as well. Online programs are suitable for associate or bachelor’s degrees, though some courses may require in-person components, such as in physiology or counseling classes. After completing an associate or bachelor’s degree, students can pursue entry-level positions. For master’s or doctoral degrees, students should ensure that online programs are properly accredited. Accreditation is crucial for federal student aid and meeting state licensure requirements. Regional accreditation is preferred.

Students should also investigate whether online psychology programs offer concentrations and if in-person or hybrid attendance is required, especially for clinical or internship requirements at higher degree levels. Students interested in research may want to check if they can collaborate with faculty virtually or complete research closer to home, depending on the school.

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Are These Programs in High Demand?


Psychologists must earn college degrees, with those holding master’s or doctoral degrees able to counsel clients and conduct research. Those with lower-level degrees can work as psychiatric technicians or addiction support counselors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 3% job growth for psychologists from 2019 to 2029, about the same as other occupations. Those with a doctorate in an applied specialty have the best job prospects.

The demand for psychologists is expected to rise due to greater need for psychological services in social service agencies, hospitals, schools, and mental health centers. Additionally, veterans returning from deployment may need psychological support for trauma, a growing concern within the military.

Psychologists will also be needed for trauma survivors and those with developmental disorders. School psychologists will be in high demand, especially as educators recognize the link between mental health and learning. These professionals will help develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.

Industrial-organizational psychologists will continue to be needed to enhance employee selection, productivity, and morale. The fastest-growing roles in psychology include substance abuse counselors, mental health counselors, training and development specialists, marriage and family counselors, and social workers.

Graduates Earn More After College


A community college graduate who has earned their psychology degree earn around $47,000 with this degree. And, if they return to school and earn a post-graduate diploma in psychology, their annual pay may increase slightly to $48,000.

College graduates who have earned their bachelor’s degree in psychology earn an average of $64,000. With this degree, they may also be able to transition into a human resources role or another business role. However, should a psychology graduate want to advance into the role of human resources manager, they may have to return to school to earn a business degree specializing in human resources.

Someone graduating with their master’s degree in psychology earns $47,000 to $60,000. After working in a counseling position, they may be promoted to a behavioral health director’s position, which pays $101,000. They will also have access to well-paid counseling positions assuming they earn their license and find a group to practice with.

A graduate of a master’s in counseling psychology earns around $47,000. They may want to begin working directly as a counselor, or as a mental health clinician. This career move may allow them to increase their annual pay to $53,000.

Someone who has earned a master’s degree in psychology (non-MBA) may expect to earn $62,000. Depending on the courses and specialties they took, they may be qualified to work as a human resources consultant, where they may earn $83,000.

FAQs


  • What are the admission requirements for psychology students?
    For incoming baccalaureate students, the requirements include completing specific high school coursework: math, English, lab sciences, social sciences, second language, and fine arts OR career and technical education. Aptitude requirements for more inclusive schools might include things such as graduating in the top 25% of their class, earning a 3.00 GPA, and earning a 22 on the ACT or 1120 on the SAT.
  • What are the requirements of psychology programs?
    To be admitted to the psychology program, students must meet all general education course requirements. There are also usually prerequisites for psychology courses, though many of them are also within the psychology major track. Most students can’t join the Psychology major until they are at least a year into their bachelor’s degree and have already completed an Intro. to Psychology course. Students may be required to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA on every major credit taken, including transfer work.
  • What type of accreditation should psychology students be looking for?
    Psychology majors should look for programmatic accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA). A clinical psychopathology research program should also have accreditation from the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System. Some programs are members of a coalition of doctoral training programs—this coalition is the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. Barring high-level programmatic accreditation, you should be looking for regional accreditation for your school when you are completing a degree at the baccalaureate level.
  • How long will it take to complete a psychology degree?
    Students in a bachelor of psychology program are required to earn at least 120-180 credits to complete their degree. This usually takes between four and five years, though the quarterly course load a student chooses to take will affect this.

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