Most Affordable Online Psychology Programs of 2025
A bachelor’s in psychology qualifies you for jobs after college or you can go to grad school. We’ve ranked cheap online psychology programs.
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2025If you are passionate about understanding the human mind and want to positively impact people’s mental health, an bachelor’s in psychology program may be for you. With an online program, you can save money by taking courses at home and earning the same education as an on campus program.
According to the 2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, on-campus tuition and fees for psychology bachelor’s degrees cost $12,000. By attending online, students paid $9,300 — saving well over two grand before financial aid.
Discover the most affordable online psychology degrees and see where your education can take you.
Affordable Online Psychology Degree Highlights
- You can enter the workforce with just a bachelor’s degree — but you’ll have more career options within psychology, counseling, and other popular mental health fields with a master’s.
- A bachelor’s typically takes four years, but if you choose an accelerated program and come in with college credit from classes or life experiences, you can complete it faster.
- 100% of online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates we surveyed for our BestColleges Online Education Trends Report say they would recommend online learning to others.
Cheapest Online Psychology Degrees of 2025
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This list is from 2025. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,477
$25,694
23%
57%
Why We Chose This School
UF Online's bachelor's in psychology program is designed to approach psychology from both a natural and social science perspective. You'll take classes like comparative psychology, principles of behavior analysis, laboratory methods, and abnormal psychology.
As an online psychology student at UF, you'll also be encouraged to participate in research or internship work and choose electives to further tailor your degree. At UF Online, you can still find community and support via the UF Online Plaza, dedicated academic advisors, and virtual career fairs.
Pros
- Affordable tuition
- 91% graduation rate
- Flexible online program
Cons
- Limited access to professors
- Fewer electives
- Requires self-discipline
$10,770
$27,335
97%
54,442
Public
Yes
$4,477
$25,694
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,477
$25,694
23%
57%
$10,770
$27,335
97%
54,442
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UF Online's bachelor's in psychology program is designed to approach psychology from both a natural and social science perspective. You'll take classes like comparative psychology, principles of behavior analysis, laboratory methods, and abnormal psychology.
As an online psychology student at UF, you'll also be encouraged to participate in research or internship work and choose electives to further tailor your degree. At UF Online, you can still find community and support via the UF Online Plaza, dedicated academic advisors, and virtual career fairs.
Pros
- Affordable tuition
- 91% graduation rate
- Flexible online program
Cons
- Limited access to professors
- Fewer electives
- Requires self-discipline
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$9,645
$19,410
84%
83%
Why We Chose This School
UIS' online psychology BA requires an individualized concentration, designed to provide you with a comprehensive background in psychology. This concentration includes courses in principles of psychology, lifespan development psychology, and abnormal psychology.
You'll enjoy opportunities to tailor your degree to your career interests through elective coursework and an independent study module, empirical research project, and senior seminar and capstone requirement.
The online bachelor's in psychology at UIS also follows the five goals set by the American Psychology Association (APA) for successful learning outcomes.
Pros
- Access to academic advisors before and during enrollment
- Offers conditional admission for low GPAs
- Provides a broad foundation in psychology
Cons
- Requires entrance assessment
- Limited to an individualized concentration (for online programs)
- Focuses on introductory curriculum
$8,858
$16,408
81%
4,661
Public
Yes
$9,645
$19,410
Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$9,645
$19,410
84%
83%
$8,858
$16,408
81%
4,661
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UIS' online psychology BA requires an individualized concentration, designed to provide you with a comprehensive background in psychology. This concentration includes courses in principles of psychology, lifespan development psychology, and abnormal psychology.
You'll enjoy opportunities to tailor your degree to your career interests through elective coursework and an independent study module, empirical research project, and senior seminar and capstone requirement.
The online bachelor's in psychology at UIS also follows the five goals set by the American Psychology Association (APA) for successful learning outcomes.
Pros
- Access to academic advisors before and during enrollment
- Offers conditional admission for low GPAs
- Provides a broad foundation in psychology
Cons
- Requires entrance assessment
- Limited to an individualized concentration (for online programs)
- Focuses on introductory curriculum
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,440
$33,432
57%
42%
Why We Chose This School
UMSL's online bachelor's in psychology takes a research-intensive approach, emphasizing critical thinking, applied statistics, and qualitative and quantitative methods. You'll learn to analyze and interpret the data from research projects of your own design.
As an online psychology student, you can choose from courses offered by both UMSL and the University of Missouri–Columbia. You'll receive an overview of subfields like trauma/mental health and lifespan/child psychology.
UMSL offers flexible course schedules and degree completion for online undergraduate students and personalized academic advising options.
Pros
- Collaborative online program
- Leads to diverse career paths
- Builds applied psychology/research skills
Cons
- Requires some psychology prerequisites
- Focuses on research-based careers
- Must complete research sequence at either UMSL or Mizzou
$13,154
$32,294
68%
14,815
Public
Yes
$13,440
$33,432
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,440
$33,432
57%
42%
$13,154
$32,294
68%
14,815
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UMSL's online bachelor's in psychology takes a research-intensive approach, emphasizing critical thinking, applied statistics, and qualitative and quantitative methods. You'll learn to analyze and interpret the data from research projects of your own design.
As an online psychology student, you can choose from courses offered by both UMSL and the University of Missouri–Columbia. You'll receive an overview of subfields like trauma/mental health and lifespan/child psychology.
UMSL offers flexible course schedules and degree completion for online undergraduate students and personalized academic advising options.
Pros
- Collaborative online program
- Leads to diverse career paths
- Builds applied psychology/research skills
Cons
- Requires some psychology prerequisites
- Focuses on research-based careers
- Must complete research sequence at either UMSL or Mizzou
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online
$9,103
$31,861
87%
55%
Why We Chose This School
The online bachelor's in psychology at UOnline builds critical thinking, research, data analysis, and leadership skills. You'll take classes in four primary areas: clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
UOnline's bachelor's in psychology includes a human factors certificate, which examines how humans interact with technology and how this process might be made easier to improve our daily lives.
At UOnline, you can access virtual resources including academic coaching, free counseling, and financial wellness services.
Pros
- Universal tuition rate
- Multiple start terms per year
- Online and on-campus programs taught by the same professors
Cons
- Can only take UOnline courses
- Requires time-management
- Not eligible for on-campus resources
$7,353
$25,961
85%
35,262
Public
Yes
$9,103
$31,861
Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online
$9,103
$31,861
87%
55%
$7,353
$25,961
85%
35,262
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The online bachelor's in psychology at UOnline builds critical thinking, research, data analysis, and leadership skills. You'll take classes in four primary areas: clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
UOnline's bachelor's in psychology includes a human factors certificate, which examines how humans interact with technology and how this process might be made easier to improve our daily lives.
At UOnline, you can access virtual resources including academic coaching, free counseling, and financial wellness services.
Pros
- Universal tuition rate
- Multiple start terms per year
- Online and on-campus programs taught by the same professors
Cons
- Can only take UOnline courses
- Requires time-management
- Not eligible for on-campus resources
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO2 yearCampus + Online
$8,151
$8,151
79%
63%
Why We Chose This School
Southeast Online's BS in psychology offers a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles, human behavior, and mental processes. Specifically, the curriculum covers developmental, social, and cognitive psychology concepts.
In addition to completing the core psychology course requirements, you must either declare a minor area of study or complete the optional pre-counseling track. You may also opt to complete an internship as an elective course.
Pros
- Diverse elective course options
- Year-round courses for flexibility
- 88% post-graduation employment rate
Cons
- Must declare a minor
- Multi-disciplinary general education requirements
- Minimum senior-division course requirements
$6,205
$11,186
75%
9,686
Public
Yes
$8,151
$8,151
Cape Girardeau, MO2 yearCampus + Online
$8,151
$8,151
79%
63%
$6,205
$11,186
75%
9,686
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Southeast Online's BS in psychology offers a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles, human behavior, and mental processes. Specifically, the curriculum covers developmental, social, and cognitive psychology concepts.
In addition to completing the core psychology course requirements, you must either declare a minor area of study or complete the optional pre-counseling track. You may also opt to complete an internship as an elective course.
Pros
- Diverse elective course options
- Year-round courses for flexibility
- 88% post-graduation employment rate
Cons
- Must declare a minor
- Multi-disciplinary general education requirements
- Minimum senior-division course requirements
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$9,237
$13,856
77%
68%
Why We Chose This School
UND's online bachelor's in psychology combines foundational psychology coursework, field research, and hands-on learning opportunities. Courses cover subjects including introduction to psychology, history and systems of psychology, and professional development ethics.
The online BA in psychology is the counterpart to the on-campus BS psychology degree. You may further customize your online BA in psychology with a certificate in forensic psychology or behavioral health.
UND offers support for online students through personal academic advisors, targeted online networking opportunities, and open access to peers and professors.
Pros
- Asynchronous online learning format
- Universal tuition rate
- Full- or part-time enrollment options
Cons
- BS program not available online
- Some courses not eligible for financial aid
- Requires self-discipline
$11,963
$17,944
83%
14,172
Public
Yes
$9,237
$13,856
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$9,237
$13,856
77%
68%
$11,963
$17,944
83%
14,172
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UND's online bachelor's in psychology combines foundational psychology coursework, field research, and hands-on learning opportunities. Courses cover subjects including introduction to psychology, history and systems of psychology, and professional development ethics.
The online BA in psychology is the counterpart to the on-campus BS psychology degree. You may further customize your online BA in psychology with a certificate in forensic psychology or behavioral health.
UND offers support for online students through personal academic advisors, targeted online networking opportunities, and open access to peers and professors.
Pros
- Asynchronous online learning format
- Universal tuition rate
- Full- or part-time enrollment options
Cons
- BS program not available online
- Some courses not eligible for financial aid
- Requires self-discipline
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE2 yearCampus + Online
$6,270
$13,650
86%
71%
Why We Chose This School
UNK offers an online bachelor's in psychology through a BA, BS, or psychology comprehensive program. You'll explore core concepts, including orientation to psychology, research methods, and behavioral statistics.
As an online psychology student, you can choose from electives such as human development, abnormal behavior and society, and cross-cultural psychology.
Students planning to matriculate to a master's degree may participate in the BHECN Scholars program, providing mentorship, professional development, and tuition support through the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska.
Pros
- Practical experience opportunities
- Diverse career preparation
- Customizable program
Cons
- Residency-based tuition rates
- Fewer electives
- Must select a minor or second major
$6,216
$13,656
77%
6,017
Public
Yes
$6,270
$13,650
Kearney, NE2 yearCampus + Online
$6,270
$13,650
86%
71%
$6,216
$13,656
77%
6,017
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UNK offers an online bachelor's in psychology through a BA, BS, or psychology comprehensive program. You'll explore core concepts, including orientation to psychology, research methods, and behavioral statistics.
As an online psychology student, you can choose from electives such as human development, abnormal behavior and society, and cross-cultural psychology.
Students planning to matriculate to a master's degree may participate in the BHECN Scholars program, providing mentorship, professional development, and tuition support through the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska.
Pros
- Practical experience opportunities
- Diverse career preparation
- Customizable program
Cons
- Residency-based tuition rates
- Fewer electives
- Must select a minor or second major
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID4 yearCampus + Online
$8,816
$28,052
79%
48%
Why We Chose This School
U of I's online bachelor's in psychology allows you to choose a humanities-focused (BA) or science-focused (BS) program. Required core courses include a survey of contemporary psychology, introduction to sociology, and research in the behavioral sciences. You'll be able to enjoy opportunities to participate in field research projects and internships.
The university also offers degree prep for math and science prerequisites, and personal academic advising and tutoring services.
Pros
- In-state tuition rate for online students
- Transfer pathway options for associate degree holders
- Flexible online program
Cons
- Limited access to professors, according to some students
- Limited access to course descriptions
- Requires self-discipline
$8,272
$27,508
75%
11,849
Public
Yes
$8,816
$28,052
Moscow, ID4 yearCampus + Online
$8,816
$28,052
79%
48%
$8,272
$27,508
75%
11,849
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
U of I's online bachelor's in psychology allows you to choose a humanities-focused (BA) or science-focused (BS) program. Required core courses include a survey of contemporary psychology, introduction to sociology, and research in the behavioral sciences. You'll be able to enjoy opportunities to participate in field research projects and internships.
The university also offers degree prep for math and science prerequisites, and personal academic advising and tutoring services.
Pros
- In-state tuition rate for online students
- Transfer pathway options for associate degree holders
- Flexible online program
Cons
- Limited access to professors, according to some students
- Limited access to course descriptions
- Requires self-discipline
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,850
$34,676
85%
39%
Why We Chose This School
UML Online's bachelor's in psychology focuses on preparing you for a career in counseling, research, or education. You'll build foundational skills in clinical, developmental, and experimental psychology.
The online psychology program at UML offers an optional concentration in behavior analysis, developmental disabilities, community social psychology, clinical psychology, or health psychology.
UML Online offers multiple start dates throughout the year and a bachelor's-to-master's pathway for students in good standing with a strong academic record.
Pros
- In-state tuition rate for online students
- Generous transfer policy
- Flexible online program
Cons
- Includes a foreign-language prerequisite
- Limited hands-on learning opportunities
- Limited access to professors, according to some students
$14,956
$27,030
82%
16,959
Public
Yes
$15,850
$34,676
Lowell, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,850
$34,676
85%
39%
$14,956
$27,030
82%
16,959
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UML Online's bachelor's in psychology focuses on preparing you for a career in counseling, research, or education. You'll build foundational skills in clinical, developmental, and experimental psychology.
The online psychology program at UML offers an optional concentration in behavior analysis, developmental disabilities, community social psychology, clinical psychology, or health psychology.
UML Online offers multiple start dates throughout the year and a bachelor's-to-master's pathway for students in good standing with a strong academic record.
Pros
- In-state tuition rate for online students
- Generous transfer policy
- Flexible online program
Cons
- Includes a foreign-language prerequisite
- Limited hands-on learning opportunities
- Limited access to professors, according to some students
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,040
$26,520
87%
68%
Why We Chose This School
UAB's online psychology program trains you to apply scientific psychological and behavioral analysis principles to a variety of social problems. You'll take classes like introduction to psychology, neuroscience of creativity, and statistics for the behavioral sciences.
As an online psychology student at UAB, you'll also complete a series of specialized practicums, including community service, research, and psychology honors. You may also earn an undergraduate certificate in mental health along with your bachelor's in psychology degree.
Pros
- Asynchronous and synchronous learning modes
- Emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities
- Three- and four-year completion options
Cons
- Requires self-discipline
- Limited transparency regarding online support resources
- Requires extensive practicums
$8,424
$34,260
82%
21,639
Public
Yes
$11,040
$26,520
Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,040
$26,520
87%
68%
$8,424
$34,260
82%
21,639
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UAB's online psychology program trains you to apply scientific psychological and behavioral analysis principles to a variety of social problems. You'll take classes like introduction to psychology, neuroscience of creativity, and statistics for the behavioral sciences.
As an online psychology student at UAB, you'll also complete a series of specialized practicums, including community service, research, and psychology honors. You may also earn an undergraduate certificate in mental health along with your bachelor's in psychology degree.
Pros
- Asynchronous and synchronous learning modes
- Emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities
- Three- and four-year completion options
Cons
- Requires self-discipline
- Limited transparency regarding online support resources
- Requires extensive practicums
Why You Should Get a Psychology Degree
You want to enter a rapidly growing field. Substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling jobs are projected to grow 19% from 2023-2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).- You’re interested in applying knowledge of human behavior to in-demand careers. With a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue careers in human resources, teaching, and social services or more advanced degrees from master’s programs to medical school.
- You’re passionate about helping people. Particularly those with intellectual disabilities and mental conditions, accelerating research, and developing and implementing treatments.
Benefits of Getting an Affordable Online Psychology Degree
- According to the BestColleges 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 92% of online students and grads in psychology and related fields we surveyed think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- Over half (51%) of these students say their classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
- Almost half (49%) also say their online classes included assignments they could relate to their future jobs.
- 100% of the more than 100 online psychology, education, and social sciences students and grads we surveyed say they would recommend online education to others.
How to Choose the Best Affordable Online Psychology Program for You
Finding the right program starts with determining its accreditation status and cost. Other factors to consider include the amount of financial aid you’ll receive, the program’s length, and the types of careers you’ll qualify for.
How Much Does an Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
In-State
Median Tuition & Fees
$8,780
Avg. Net Price
$6,164
Out-of-State
Median Tuition & Fees
$10,678
Avg. Net Price
$9,052
Bachelor’s in online psychology tuition and fees after aid was an average of $6,000 if you live in state and about $3,000 for out-of-state students in 2020. Online programs are typically cheaper than in-person programs since you can avoid some transportation, housing, and facility fees.
Federal financial aid can lower the cost even further. You might also qualify for some grants and scholarships at your college.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you’re eligible for grants, scholarships, and/or loans based on your financial need.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online Psychology Program
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Typically, an online bachelor’s in psychology requires 120 credits and takes four years of full-time study.
That said, you may complete it more quickly if you have transfer credits or can earn credits for work and life experience, exams, military training, and/or licenses.
If you’re working, consider a part-time program that can help you balance your responsibilities.
If you want to earn your degree faster, accelerated programs can reduce the length by a few years. Accelerated programs can also be more intense than traditional programs since they compress the same material into a shorter time frame.
Accreditation for Online Psychology Bachelor’s Programs
Choosing an affordable program is important, but your degree might not be recognized by employers and graduate schools if the college or university you attend isn’t accredited.
Accreditation entails an independent review of a school’s academic quality. To be eligible for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited institution.
Most employers won’t consider hiring graduates of unaccredited schools. What’s more, credits from unaccredited schools rarely transfer to accredited schools.
All psychology programs we ranked above are offered by accredited institutions.
Online Psychology Program Application Requirements
Some of the most common requirements for an online psychology bachelor’s program application are similar to in-person programs, including:
High school transcripts- Personal statement
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT scores (sometimes optional)
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Psychology?
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you have a few options: either continue through a master’s, enter the workforce, or do both. Psychology is a vast major that doesn’t always lead to mental health counseling or psychology careers.
Some of the most common professions are interpersonal — serving the community, youth, other employees, and people with intellectual disabilities.
Explore how some common psychology bachelor’s degree careers pay and what the roles entail.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Promotions, or Marketing Manager | $159,660 | Create marketing campaigns to promote a product to consumers. |
| Human Resources Specialist | $72,910 | Bridge employers and employees to resolve issues and interview and hire applicants. |
| K-12 Teacher | $62,310–$64,580 | Educate youth in public, charter, or private schools. |
| Psychiatric Technician | $42,200 | Aid people with intellectual or emotional conditions or developmental disabilities. |
| Social or Community Service Manager | $78,240 | Work in the social services field and supervise social workers. |
Source: BLS
Learn More About Psychology Jobs
Are the Cheapest Online Psychology Degrees Worth It?
If you’re trying to balance life, family, work, and a degree, an online psychology degree program on a budget may be worthwhile.
Balancing responsibilities was one of the biggest concerns for students that we surveyed; however, 100% of those students who took online psychology, education, and social sciences courses recommend the virtual format.
The majority of surveyed students didn’t miss out on the on-campus experience: 85% feel the online environment was the same as or better than in-person learning.
Before enrolling in an online degree, consider your career goals. If you want to pursue undergraduate research, which is almost always in person, an online degree might not fit your needs or requirements for higher-level programs.
Education Beyond Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees
Beyond a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can advance your education by getting a master’s or even a doctoral degree.
Some common degrees, like a master’s in clinical mental health counseling and a master’s in school counseling, prepare you for general and K-12-specific counseling.
A doctorate in psychology or a related field allows you to dig further into research and prepares you for a career as a licensed psychologist. You can opt for either a Ph.D. in psychology or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.).
Typically, Ph.D. in psychology candidates conduct research, with the goal of teaching at the university level. Psy.D. students, in contrast, focus more on clinical practice and hands-on practicums with patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Online Psychology Degrees
Yes, online psychology bachelor’s degrees are respected. Online degrees from accredited universities hold the same weight as in-person degrees. Your degree will be the same as an on-campus student’s, with no indication you earned your psychology degree online.
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