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.
At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, "What information is vital to students right now?" Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our Editorial Policy and Standards and Advertising Disclosure.
At a Glance: BestColleges’ Most Affordable Online Psychology Programs
- #1: University of Florida — UF Online has the most affordable in-state tuition per credit hour on our list by far.
- #2: University of Illinois Springfield — According to UIS, 98% of students receive financial aid.
- #3: University of Missouri-St. Louis — This research-focused psychology program also has many opportunities for online student involvement.
If you are passionate about understanding the human mind and want to positively impact people’s mental health, a bachelor’s in psychology program may be for you. You can save money with an online program and earn 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.
Cheapest Online Psychology Degrees of 2025
We use trusted sources like Peterson’s Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
1. University of Florida
$4,477
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$10,770
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$25,694
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$27,335
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Online Enrollment: 57%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UF Online Made Our List
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.
Why Attend UF Online
- Community and Support: The UF Online Plaza has virtual career fairs, academic advisors, and community support for all online students.
- High Graduation and Retention Rates: An impressive 97% of first-year students returned for their second year, and 91% of students graduated.
- Affordable Tuition Per Credit: The cost of tuition per credit for in-state UF Online students is $129, including fees.
Know Before You Go
- Higher Out-of-State Tuition: While UF Online’s in-state tuition is by far the lowest on the list, out-of-state students will need to pay a higher $553 per credit hour.
- Standardized Test Requirements: Students who graduated high school less than 5 years ago need to submit the SAT, ACT, and/or CLT scores.
2. University of Illinois Springfield
$9,645
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$8,858
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$19,410
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$16,408
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Online Enrollment: 83%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UIS Online Made Our List
The online BA in psychology at UIS requires you to choose a concentration in clinical/counseling, developmental, educational, or experimental psychology. You can also create an individualized concentration, where you’ll enjoy opportunities to tailor your degree to your career interests through elective coursework and an independent study module, an empirical research project, and a senior seminar and capstone requirement.
Why Attend UIS Online
- High Financial Aid: According to UIS, 98% of students receive financial aid.
- Psychology Club: This club, which aims to advance your development as a psychology professional, is open to all UIS students — including online learners.
- High Acceptance and Retention Rates: Both the acceptance rate and retention rate at UIS are above 80%, meaning that you’re likely to get in to the program and stay there.
Know Before You Go
- Customizable Study Option: UIS’ online psychology degree requires students to specialize their degree by combining coursework from various areas of psychology. This is great for students who are laser-focused on a specific psychology career.
- Same In-State and Out-of-State Tuition Rates: Students taking fully online courses pay the same $379 per credit hour, regardless of their state residency status.
3. University of Missouri-St Louis
$13,440
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$13,154
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$33,432
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$32,294
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Online Enrollment: 42%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UMSL Online Made Our List
In UMSL’s online bachelor’s in psychology program, you’ll learn to analyze and interpret the data from your own research projects. As an online psychology student, you can choose from courses offered by both UMSL and the University of Missouri–Columbia. The curriculum covers an overview of subfields like trauma/mental health and lifespan/child psychology.
Why Attend UMSL Online
- Honors College: You have the opportunity to join the honors college as an online student.
- Diverse Topics in Psychology: Learn about applications and subfields like mental health/trauma, child/lifespan development, and biological psychology.
- Online Clubs: Join clubs like the Student Government Association and over 100 other groups at the university, all from the comfort of your home.
Know Before You Go
- Research Requirements: You must complete a fully online research sequence at either UMSL or Mizzou.
- Research-Focused Degree: This degree is perfect for students looking to continue their education after undergrad to go into research.
4. University of Utah
$9,103
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$7,353
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$31,861
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$25,961
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Online Enrollment: 55%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UOnline Made Our List
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.
Why Attend UOnline
- Resources for Online Students: You can access virtual resources at UOnline, like academic coaching, free counseling, and financial wellness services.
- Community Opportunities: As an online student, you’ll still be able to join the Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society and be a teaching assistant or an academic peer advisor.
- Online Learning Tutorial: If you’re new to online learning, Utah provides a tutorial before you start classes to get you acclimated to the learning environment.
Know Before You Go
- Tuition per Credit: It will cost you $538 per credit to attend UOnline.
- Degree Type Restrictions: The BS program is available fully online, while the BA program requires a few on-campus language courses.
5. Southeast Missouri State University
$8,151
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$6,205
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$8,151
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$11,186
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Online Enrollment: 63%
- Institution Type: Public
Why SEMO Online Made Our List
SEMO Online’s BS in psychology offers a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles, human behavior, and mental processes. 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.
Why Attend SEMO Online
- Asynchronous Courses: SEMO Online courses don’t have scheduled meeting times, so you’ll be able to complete classwork on your own schedule.
- Online Program Specialist: You’ll be assigned an academic advisor specifically for online learning.
- Affordable Tuition per Credit Hour: Online students pay $340 per credit at SEMO, regardless of their state residency status.
Know Before You Go
- Degree Requirements: You’ll need to complete a minor in order to graduate.
6. University of North Dakota
$9,237
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$11,963
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$13,856
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$17,944
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Online Enrollment: 68%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UND Made Our List
UND’s online BA in psychology covers subjects like introduction to psychology, history and systems of psychology, and professional development ethics. You may further customize your online BA in psychology with a certificate in forensic psychology or behavioral health.
Why Attend UND Online
- Certificate Options: You can choose to earn a certificate in either forensic psychology or behavioral health.
- Community Opportunities: Join the Student Psychological Association and the Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society.
- Online Student Support: You’ll have unlimited academic coaching, a personal academic advisor, full access to UND’s libraries and writing center, and networking opportunities.
Know Before You Go
- BS Program Unavailable Online: The BS in psychology program is only available on campus.
- Two Types of Courses: Self-paced courses are not eligible for financial aid. Semester-based online courses qualify for financial aid.
- Class Delivery: Courses at UND online may use both asynchronous and synchronous teaching methods.
7. University of Nebraska at Kearney
$6,270
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$6,216
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$13,650
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$13,656
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Online Enrollment: 71%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UNK Made Our List
As an online psychology student at UNK, you can choose from electives like human development, abnormal behavior and society, and cross-cultural psychology. If you’re planning on getting a master’s degree, the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) Scholars program helps students pursue a behavioral health program after undergrad. As a scholar, you can enjoy mentorship, professional development opportunities, and tuition support.
Why Attend UNK Online
- Free Tuition for Eligible Students: Students who qualify for the Nebraska Promise can complete their online degree tuition-free.
- Lower General Studies Requirements: You only need to complete 30 hours of general studies courses to complete the degree.
- Support for Students Pursuing Master’s: The BHECN Scholars program provides financial and personal support for those pursuing a master’s in a behavioral health program.
Know Before You Go
- Tuition per Credit Hour: In-state online students pay a very affordable $277 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay $424, which is also relatively inexpensive for out-of-state tuition.
- Three Degree Options: Online students can choose between a BA or a BS in psychology or a psychology comprehensive BS.
8. University of Idaho
$8,816
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$8,272
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$28,052
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$27,508
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Online Enrollment: 48%
- Institution Type: Public
Why Idaho Made Our List
The core courses in the psychology program 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, as well as personal academic advising and tutoring services.
Why Attend Idaho Online
- Local Associate Degree Transfer: Idaho Online offers transfer pathways for students who have completed an associate degree at a local community college.
- Research and Internship Opportunities: You’ll have research opportunities within the classroom and internship opportunities with university partners.
- Multiple Psychology Scholarships: Psychology students have access to two scholarships totaling up to $1,350.
Know Before You Go
- In-State Tuition for Online Students: All online students, regardless of residency status, pay the same $470 per credit hour.
9. University of Massachusetts Lowell
$15,850
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$14,956
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$34,676
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$27,030
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Online Enrollment: 39%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UMass Lowell Made Our List
The online psychology program at UMass Lowell offers an optional concentration in behavior analysis, developmental disabilities, community social psychology, clinical psychology, or health psychology. UMass Lowell Online offers multiple start dates throughout the year and a bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway for students who want to apply their credits toward two degrees.
Why Attend UMass Lowell
- Accelerated Option: You can complete your degree in as little as 12-36 months.
- Generous Transfer Policy: You can transfer up to 90 college credits to the program.
- Tuition Per Credit: You’ll pay $385 per credit hour whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student.
Know Before You Go
- Test Scores May Be Required: UMass Lowell might request your SAT or ACT scores if you’ve been out of high school for less than three years.
- Higher Application Fee: UMass Lowell’s application fee is $60, which is more expensive than that of other schools on this list.
10. University of Alabama at Birmingham
$11,040
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$8,424
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$26,520
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$34,260
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Online Enrollment: 68%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UAB Online Made Our List
At UAB’s online psychology program, you’ll take classes like introduction to psychology, neuroscience of creativity, and statistics for the behavioral sciences. As an online psychology student, 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 degree in psychology.
Why Attend UAB Online
- High Acceptance and Retention Rates: Over 80% of students at UAB were admitted to the school, and over 80% of students stayed after their first year. Online acceptance could be even higher.
- Award-Winning Online Delivery: UAB was one of 100 organizations Foundry’s CIO recognized for its online innovations in 2021.
- Affordable Tuition: Regardless of residency status, UAB Online College of Arts and Sciences students pay $472 per semester hour.
Know Before You Go
- Class Delivery: Courses can be delivered through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous teaching method, depending on the professor’s teaching style.
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.
Explore More College Resources

The Difference Between a BA and a BS in Psychology
Understanding the differences between a BA vs. BS degree in psychology can help you make a better choice in working toward your future goals.

by Laura Bengs
Updated November 15, 2023
Other Psychology Resources
Psychology
programs
careers