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.
Evan Castillo
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Updated April 28, 2025
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If 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.
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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.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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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.

#1

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,694

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

23%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

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
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

54,442

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

54,442

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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
#2

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,645

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,410

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

84%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

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
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,408

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

4,661

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,645

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,410

Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,645

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,410

Acceptance Rate

84%

Online Enrollment

83%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,408

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

4,661

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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
#3

University of Missouri-St Louis

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$13,440

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,432

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

57%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Online Enrollment

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
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,154

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,294

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

14,815

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,440

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,432

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,440

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,432

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

42%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,154

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,294

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

14,815

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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
#4

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

$9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,861

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment

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
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,353

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,961

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

35,262

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,861

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,861

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

55%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,353

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,961

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

35,262

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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
#5

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MO2 yearCampus + Online

$8,151

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,151

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

79%

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment

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 
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,205

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,186

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

9,686

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,151

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,151

Cape Girardeau, MO2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,151

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,151

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

63%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,205

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,186

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

9,686

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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 
#6

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online

$9,237

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,856

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

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
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,963

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,944

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

14,172

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,237

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,856

Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,237

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,856

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,963

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,944

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

14,172

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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
#7

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kearney, NE2 yearCampus + Online

$6,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,650

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment

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
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,216

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,656

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

6,017

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,650

Kearney, NE2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,650

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

71%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,216

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,656

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

6,017

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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
#8

University of Idaho

Moscow, ID4 yearCampus + Online

$8,816

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$28,052

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

79%

Acceptance Rate

48%

Online Enrollment

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
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,272

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,508

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

11,849

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,816

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,052

Moscow, ID4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,816

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,052

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

48%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,272

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,508

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

11,849

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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
#9

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$15,850

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,676

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Online Enrollment

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
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,956

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,030

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

16,959

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,850

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,676

Lowell, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,850

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,676

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

39%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,956

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,030

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

16,959

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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
#10

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$11,040

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

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
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,424

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,260

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

21,639

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,040

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,520

Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,040

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,520

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,424

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,260

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

21,639

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

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

  • minusYou 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).
  • minusYou’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.
  • minusYou’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

  • minus92% 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.
  • minusOver half (51%) of these students say their classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
  • minusAlmost half (49%) also say their online classes included assignments they could relate to their future jobs.
  • minus100% 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

Source: NCES 2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study

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.

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:

  • check-circleHigh school transcripts
  • check-circlePersonal statement
  • check-circleHigh school diploma or equivalent
  • check-circleLetters of recommendation
  • check-circleSAT 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.

Popular Psychology Jobs
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2024)Description
Advertising, Promotions, or Marketing Manager$159,660Create marketing campaigns to promote a product to consumers.
Human Resources Specialist$72,910Bridge employers and employees to resolve issues and interview and hire applicants.
K-12 Teacher$62,310$64,580Educate youth in public, charter, or private schools.
Psychiatric Technician$42,200Aid people with intellectual or emotional conditions or developmental disabilities.
Social or Community Service Manager$78,240Work in the social services field and supervise social workers.

Source: BLS

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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