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# Best Psychology Colleges in North Carolina (2026)

Updated October 1, 2026

This page lists 37 colleges in North Carolina with a reported Psychology earnings cohort. Schools are ordered by the median earnings of their Psychology graduates four years after completing, or two years for programs that report only a two-year figure, highest first.

Elon University ranks 1st on this list, with $69,856 in median earnings for its Psychology graduates after completing. For 6 of the 37 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one.

Across the 34 schools with a reported completion median, median earnings after completing range from $69,856 to $17,624, with a median of $44,579.

Public institutions account for 14 of the 37 schools, or 38%, and private nonprofits for 23. Duke University reports the highest six-year completion rate on the list at 97%.

Elizabeth City State University reports the lowest average net price on the list at $6,364.

## The ranked list

37 schools in list order

| Rank | School | Median Psychology Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Elon University · Elon, NC | $69,856 | $41,555 | $26,523 | 66.4% |
|  | Elon University reports $69,856 in median earnings for its Psychology graduates four years after completing, the highest figure on this list. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (111 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($69,856) |
| 2 | Wake Forest University · Winston-Salem, NC | $64,814 | $28,719 | $6,525 | 21.7% |
|  | With a [six-year completion rate of 89%](/school/wake-forest-university/outcomes/), [Wake Forest University](/school/wake-forest-university/majors/) graduates 89% of its students within six years and posts median earnings of $64,814 for its Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (115 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($64,814) |
| 3 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh · Raleigh, NC | $62,032 | $17,303 | $6,382 | 41.7% |
|  | [North Carolina State University at Raleigh](/school/north-carolina-state-university-at-raleigh/majors/) [admits 42% of applicants](/school/north-carolina-state-university-at-raleigh/admissions/) and its Psychology graduates earn a median of $62,032 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (305 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($62,032) |
| 4 | High Point University · High Point, NC | $56,712 | $38,707 | $32,763 | 75.3% |
|  | High Point University ranks 4th on this list and shows an average net price of $38,707 alongside a six-year completion rate of 74%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (73 graduates) |
| 5 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte, NC | $50,507 | $15,435 | $10,357 | 79.6% |
|  | A public university in Charlotte, [University of North Carolina at Charlotte](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-charlotte/majors/) reports [median earnings of $50,507](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-charlotte/outcomes/) for its Psychology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $15,435. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (396 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($50,507) |
| 6 | East Carolina University · Greenville, NC | $50,270 | $15,739 | $10,046 | 89.2% |
|  | [East Carolina University](/school/east-carolina-university/majors/) posts a [six-year completion rate of 63%](/school/east-carolina-university/outcomes/) and its Psychology graduates earn a median of $50,270 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (236 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($50,270) |
| 7 | Guilford College · Greensboro, NC | $49,921 | $22,270 | $18,367 | 80.0% |
|  | With an admission rate of 80%, Guilford College reports median earnings of $49,921 for its Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (17 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($49,921) |
| 8 | University of North Carolina Wilmington · Wilmington, NC | $49,609 | $20,109 | $10,778 | 64.2% |
|  | [University of North Carolina Wilmington](/school/university-of-north-carolina-wilmington/majors/) ranks 8th on this list and its Psychology graduates earn a [median of $49,609](/school/university-of-north-carolina-wilmington/outcomes/) four years after completing, above the list median of $44,579. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (208 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($49,609) |
| 9 | Salem College · Winston-Salem, NC | $49,464 | $18,277 | $19,074 | 76.7% |
|  | Salem College shows an average net price of $18,277 and its Psychology graduates earn a median of $49,464 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (7 graduates) |
| 10 | Meredith College · Raleigh, NC | $49,124 | $22,488 | $17,207 | 74.2% |
|  | Meredith College admits 74% of applicants and reports median earnings of $49,124 for its Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($49,124) |
| 11 | Western Carolina University · Cullowhee, NC | $48,350 | $13,315 | $8,816 | 81.8% |
|  | A public university in Cullowhee, [Western Carolina University](/school/western-carolina-university/majors/) posts a [six-year completion rate of 60%](/school/western-carolina-university/outcomes/) and an average net price of $13,315. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (128 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($48,350) |
| 12 | Appalachian State University · Boone, NC | $47,720 | $16,836 | $9,325 | 90.1% |
|  | [Appalachian State University](/school/appalachian-state-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $47,720](/school/appalachian-state-university/outcomes/) for its Psychology graduates four years after completing and an admission rate of 90%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (309 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($47,720) |
| 13 | Campbell University · Buies Creek, NC | $46,246 | $24,516 | $20,751 | 87.2% |
|  | Campbell University reports median earnings of $46,246 for its Psychology graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 61%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (69 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($46,246) |
| 14 | Belmont Abbey College · Belmont, NC | $45,824 | $24,639 | $20,610 | 74.7% |
|  | A private nonprofit institution in Belmont, Belmont Abbey College admits 75% of applicants and carries an average net price of $24,639. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (20 graduates) |
| 15 | Wingate University · Wingate, NC | $45,795 | $20,748 | $18,772 | 91.1% |
|  | Wingate University ranks 15th on this list, with an admission rate of 91% and an average net price of $18,772 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (52 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($45,795) |
| 16 | Lenoir-Rhyne University · Hickory, NC | $45,642 | $20,689 | $18,669 | 84.6% |
|  | Lenoir-Rhyne University shows a six-year completion rate of 48% and an average net price of $18,669 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (14 graduates) |
| 17 | Gardner-Webb University · Boiling Springs, NC | $45,501 | $17,674 | $15,304 | 77.2% |
|  | With median earnings of $45,501 four years after completing, Gardner-Webb University also posts an average net price of $17,674. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (43 graduates), Psychology, General (27 graduates) |
| 18 | North Carolina A & T State University · Greensboro, NC | $45,215 | $10,846 | $8,223 | 49.9% |
|  | [North Carolina A & T State University](/school/north-carolina-a-t-state-university/majors/) [ranks 141st on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/north-carolina-a-t-state-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $10,846. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (157 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($45,215) |
| 19 | William Peace University · Raleigh, NC | $44,997 | $21,649 | $15,779 | 94.3% |
|  | William Peace University admits 94% of applicants and its Psychology graduates earn a median of $44,997 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($44,997) |
| 20 | Lees-McRae College · Banner Elk, NC | $44,161 | $28,340 | $23,030 | 76.8% |
|  | Lees-McRae College reports median earnings of $44,161 for its Psychology graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 42%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (14 graduates) |
| 21 | North Carolina Central University · Durham, NC | $44,053 | $15,359 | $13,032 | 87.0% |
|  | A public university in Durham, [North Carolina Central University](/school/north-carolina-central-university/majors/) has an [average net price of $13,032](/school/north-carolina-central-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 42%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (84 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($44,053) |
| 22 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Greensboro, NC | $43,825 | $10,965 | $7,305 | 88.5% |
|  | [University of North Carolina at Greensboro](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-greensboro/majors/) [ranks 160th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-greensboro/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $43,825 for its Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (244 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($43,825) |
| 23 | Fayetteville State University · Fayetteville, NC | $43,358 | $7,892 | $6,233 | 82.2% |
|  | [Fayetteville State University](/school/fayetteville-state-university/majors/) posts an [average net price of $7,892](/school/fayetteville-state-university/cost/) and its Psychology graduates earn a median of $43,358 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (163 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($43,358) |
| 24 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke · Pembroke, NC | $42,947 | $10,260 | $7,919 | 93.3% |
|  | [University of North Carolina at Pembroke](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-pembroke/majors/) [admits 93% of applicants](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-pembroke/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $7,919 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (67 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($42,947) |
| 25 | North Carolina Wesleyan University · Rocky Mount, NC | $41,976 | $17,432 | $16,114 | 80.2% |
|  | North Carolina Wesleyan University reports median earnings of $41,976 for its Psychology graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $17,432. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (55 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($41,976) |
| 26 | Winston-Salem State University · Winston-Salem, NC | $40,797 | $13,479 | $11,463 | 78.3% |
|  | A public university in Winston-Salem, [Winston-Salem State University](/school/winston-salem-state-university/majors/) ranks 26th on this list and shows a [six-year completion rate of 47%](/school/winston-salem-state-university/outcomes/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (53 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($40,797) |
| 27 | University of North Carolina Asheville · Asheville, NC | $40,673 | $12,250 | $8,219 | 91.9% |
|  | University of North Carolina Asheville admits 92% of applicants and posts median earnings of $40,673 for its Psychology graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (108 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, General ($40,673) |
| 28 | Montreat College · Montreat, NC | $39,845 | $27,061 | $23,261 | 69.2% |
|  | With an average net price of $23,261 for families earning under $30,000, Montreat College ranks 28th on this page. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, Other (28 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Psychology, Other ($39,845) |
| 29 | Duke University · Durham, NC | $39,359 | $29,612 | $735 | 5.7% |
|  | [Duke University](/school/duke-university/majors/) posts a [six-year completion rate of 97%](/school/duke-university/outcomes/) and ranks 78th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Research and Experimental Psychology (151 graduates) |
| 30 | University of Mount Olive · Mount Olive, NC | $39,248 | $18,853 | $18,227 | 75.8% |
|  | University of Mount Olive reports median earnings of $39,248 for its Psychology graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 52%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (12 graduates), Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (12 graduates) |
| 31 | Chowan University · Murfreesboro, NC | $33,143 | $14,086 | $13,726 | 68.8% |
|  | Ranking 31st on this list, Chowan University has an admission rate of 69% and an average net price of $14,086. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (26 graduates) |
| 32 | Mars Hill University · Mars Hill, NC | $25,194 | $19,910 | $17,021 | 67.9% |
|  | Mars Hill University reports median earnings of $25,194 for its Psychology graduates two years after completing, and its average net price is $19,910. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (25 graduates) |
| 33 | Saint Augustine's University · Raleigh, NC | $25,194 | $24,313 | $27,815 | 33.8% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Raleigh, Saint Augustine's University ranks 33rd on this list and shows a six-year completion rate of 25%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (8 graduates) |
| 34 | Johnson C Smith University · Charlotte, NC | $24,421 | $20,894 | $19,940 | 45.2% |
|  | Johnson C Smith University admits 45% of applicants and posts median earnings of $24,421 for its Psychology graduates two years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (7 graduates) |
| 35 | Elizabeth City State University · Elizabeth City, NC | $23,649 | $6,364 | $4,246 | 64.2% |
|  | With an average net price of $4,246 for families earning under $30,000, Elizabeth City State University ranks 35th on this page. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (12 graduates) |
| 36 | Queens University of Charlotte · Charlotte, NC | $20,140 | $30,857 | $22,792 | 62.1% |
|  | Queens University of Charlotte reports median earnings of $20,140 for its Psychology graduates two years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 61%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (19 graduates) |
| 37 | Warren Wilson College · Swannanoa, NC | $17,624 | $21,249 | $13,566 | 71.3% |
|  | Warren Wilson College ranks 37th on this list, reporting median earnings of $17,624 for its Psychology graduates two years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Psychology, General (21 graduates) |

## How this list is ordered

Schools are ordered by the median earnings of their Psychology graduates four years after completing, or two years for programs that report only a two-year figure, highest first. The figures are medians for federally aided Psychology completers who were working and not enrolled, measured after completing. For 6 of the 37 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. The metric does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The figures cited on this page cover the 34 schools with a reported completion median. Elon University leads Wake Forest University by $5,042, and the spread from the top to the bottom of the list is $52,232.

## Related rankings

-   [Best Psychology Colleges in the United States](/rankings/best-psychology-colleges/)
-   [Best Colleges in North Carolina](/rankings/best-colleges-in-north-carolina/)
-   [Best Psychology Colleges in Florida](/rankings/best-psychology-colleges-in-florida/)
-   [Best Psychology Colleges in Georgia](/rankings/best-psychology-colleges-in-georgia/)
-   [Best Psychology Colleges in New York](/rankings/best-psychology-colleges-in-new-york/)
-   [Best Psychology Colleges in California](/rankings/best-psychology-colleges-in-california/)