Best Online Psychology Programs in Shelby, NC (2026)
Shelby, North Carolina has a population of about 21,868. The city’s median household income is $50,705 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 26.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited psychology programs within 100 miles of Shelby. In North Carolina, the top-earning psychology-related role is Clinical and Counseling Psychologist at a median $91,840 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Psychology Schools to Shelby
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer psychology programs. Distances are calculated from Shelby city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardner-Webb University | Boiling Springs, NC | 7.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Limestone University | Gaffney, SC | 17.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Belmont Abbey College | Belmont, NC | 28.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Converse University | Spartanburg, SC | 31.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate | Spartanburg, SC | 31.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all North Carolina schools on the North Carolina psychology page.
Psychology Wages Near Shelby
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (North Carolina, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist | $91,840 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | N/A |
| School Psychologist | $70,090 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $57,100 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $53,910 |
| Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor | $56,470 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $65,140 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $56,730 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Shelby at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,868 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $50,705 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 26.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Psychology-related employment in Cleveland County | 1,321 workers, 140 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Shelby-Area Cities With Psychology Programs
- Gaffney, SC – 16.2 mi away (21,692 pop)
- Forest City, NC – 18.8 mi away (25,817 pop)
- Gastonia, NC – 20.3 mi away (178,477 pop)
- Lincolnton, NC – 21.4 mi away (23,264 pop)
- Spartanburg, SC – 32.3 mi away (185,031 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited psychology programs are near Shelby, NC?
Our directory lists 5 psychology programs within 100 miles of Shelby. The closest is Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC (7.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of South Carolina-Upstate (31.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying psychology roles in North Carolina?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying psychology-related roles in North Carolina are: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist ($91,840), School Psychologist ($70,090), Healthcare Social Worker ($65,140). Wages for Shelby workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Gaffney instead of Shelby?
Gaffney, SC is 16.2 miles from Shelby and has its own set of local psychology programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Shelby an affordable place to study psychology?
Shelby’s median household income of $50,705 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Shelby while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and North Carolina public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Psychology Programs in North Carolina
- Main Psychology Degree Guide
- Psychology Programs by State
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