The Most Affordable Online Psychology Programs and Schools of 2024
Editor, Health Education
Editor & Writer
Reviewer & Writer
Editor, Health Education
Editor & Writer
Reviewer & Writer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
Psychology is a versatile major. You can become a psychologist, counselor, therapist, game designer, user experience professional, marketer, or executive leader with a psychology degree. Whatever your career goals might be, this guide introduces the most affordable online psychology programs.
Featured Online Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Cheapest Online Psychology Degree Programs of 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Browse programs Discover matches Request info
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553
Credits to Graduate: 120
The affordable online bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Florida offers students a broad, science-based liberal arts curriculum. Foundation-level core courses cover abnormal, comparative, cognitive, and developmental psychology. Qualified students can conduct individual research or write a senior thesis.
First-year and lower-division transfer applicants need a high school diploma or GED certificate and a 2.5 GPA. Students who graduate within five years of applying submit ACT, SAT, or CLT scores. Upper-division transfers need 60 transferable credits and a 2.75 GPA.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $180
Out-of-State | $716
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Central Florida's online BS in psychology features a general psychology major and program tracks in clinical, experimental, human factors, industrial/organizational, and neuroscience psychology. Students can complete a capstone project, fieldwork, and internships.
First-time college students can apply with a self-provided academic record or transcript for high school graduates and SAT or ACT scores. Those with 12 transferable college credits need transcripts showing a 2.0 GPA. Applicants with fewer than 60 transfer credits submit high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649
Credits to Graduate: 120
Florida International University's psychology bachelor's degree is offered fully online. The curriculum focuses on five key psychology areas: applied, developmental, experimental, personality/abnormal, and social. Distance learners can conduct ongoing research or studies in the university's research labs.
First-year students apply with high school transcripts and SAT, ACT, or CLT scores. Transfer students with less than 60 transferable credits provide high school and college transcripts and test scores. Those with 60 or more transferable credits submit college transcripts.
Indiana University-East
Richmond, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $242
Out-of-State | $353
Credits to Graduate: 120
Indiana University East's online bachelor's degree in psychology offers courses in behavioral neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, sensation and perception, and the psychology of learning. The curriculum also includes a capstone, diversity and general education coursework, and readings and research in psychology or a senior seminar.
Admission requires a high school transcript for applicants with fewer than 12 transferable credits. Transfer students can cut costs by applying up to 64 community college-level credits or an associate degree toward their degrees and up to 90 credits from four-year colleges or universities.
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $315
Credits to Graduate: 120
The online BS in psychology at John Brown University emphasizes effective communication, understanding human behavior, and psychology's relationship with biblical principles. Students can submit their capstone research for publication in the department's online undergraduate research journal. Field placements allow on-site observation of psychology professionals.
The university also offers a six-year accelerated track that awards both psychology bachelor's and master's degrees, with many online classes.
First-time student admission requires a high school transcript and entrance exam scores. Transfer students provide college transcripts.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $234
Out-of-State | $800
Credits to Graduate: 120
The online psychology program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks awards a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science. Both degrees offer the same psychology courses, but the BS emphasizes math and science.
Distance learners can participate in on-site field practicums, internships, volunteer experiences, research projects, and undergraduate teaching assistantships. Each student pairs with an advisor for one-on-one support.
First-time students and transfers with fewer than 30 transferable credits submit high school transcripts showing a 2.5 GPA.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $292
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's BA in psychology features fully online, asynchronous coursework. The low-cost program focuses on approaching psychological problems from a scientific perspective and developing effective communication skills. Students take courses in cognitive, developmental, industrial/organizational, physiological, and social psychology.
Admission requirements for first-timers include high school transcripts and ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer scores. Transfer students need at least 12 transferable credits and a 2.0 GPA or an associate degree. Online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit: $370
Credits to Graduate: 180
The online bachelor's degree in psychology at National University offers year-round enrollment and four-week courses that enable students to start and finish earlier. The curriculum includes topics in biological psychology, global psychology, personality theory, and psychopathology. The program culminates with a senior project.
National accepts transfer credit for prior learning and life experiences and offers Transfer to Success Scholarships for residents of California and Nevada. First-time college students need high school transcripts with a 2.0 GPA and Accuplacer math and English scores.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit: $550
Credits to Graduate: 50-53
Fresno Pacific University's BA in psychology online students complete their bachelor's degrees in an average of 24 months. The curriculum approaches psychology from religious, scientific, philosophical, physiological, and sociocultural perspectives. Distance learners complete supervised practicums at approved organizations.
Admitted students join cohorts of 12-22 adult learners and can participate in career development opportunities, internships, and research projects. Psychology program applicants need two years of post-secondary education, 60 transferable college credits, and a minimum 2.4 GPA.
Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit: $329
Credits to Graduate: 39
The 100% online bachelor's degree in psychology at Charter Oak State College emphasizes the science of human behaviors, both normal and abnormal, across the lifespan. Students select one of four concentrations: cognition and learning, general psychology, lifespan, or social/behavioral. The curriculum includes a psychology major capstone.
Charter Oak offers six start dates per year and offers credit for prior learning, helping to reduce educational costs. Transfer students from Connecticut community colleges with associate degrees and 2.0 GPAs can qualify for tuition match discounts.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
What to Look for in an Online Psychology Program
The right psychology degree for you depends on your background and goals. But, when looking for a good psychology program, consider the curriculum, accreditation, and online learning format before making a decision.
Our ranking of the most affordable online psychology programs focuses on objective measures such as reputation, cost, and graduation rates.
Program Curriculum
Choose a program that has curriculum electives that relate to your goals. For example, if you plan a career in user experience design, a curriculum that includes more electives in design and cognition may match your needs better than one with electives focusing more on developmental and child psychology.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an independent review of a school’s academic quality and the most important factor in evaluating a program. Most employers will not even consider hiring graduates of unaccredited programs, and unaccredited program credits rarely transfer to accredited programs. Note that all programs on this list are accredited.
Program Length
The right program length and pace depend on your situation. A part-time program may be better if you plan to work while studying. Many of the most affordable online psychology programs offer part-time options or structure their programs around working students' needs.
School Graduation Rate
A school’s graduation rate, especially in the context of its admission rate, can indicate how successful students are in the program. A school with a high admission rate but low graduation rate might focus more on student volume than student success.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Ensure that the online format and structure meet your needs, especially if this is your first online learning experience. Do the classes meet in real-time (synchronously), or do you attend by viewing lectures and participating in online discussions when convenient (asynchronously)?
What Can I Do With an Online Psychology Degree?
What you can do with your psychology degree depends on whether you have a license to practice clinical psychology, your specialty area, and the level of the degree.
For example, to become a counselor, social worker, or therapist, most states require you to have a master’s degree. Becoming a licensed psychologist requires a doctorate. Other careers — in business, for example — use psychology skills but do not have licensing requirements.
Where Can I Work With a Psychology Degree?
- Human Resources: Psychology helps human resources staff foster organizational culture, support effective teamwork, and address other workplace needs. You can begin a human resources career with a bachelor’s degree, or pursue a master’s in human resources management, industrial-organizational psychology, or business administration.
- Counseling: Most states require counselors to have a master’s degree, pass a national examination, and complete supervised work experience. Counselors work in private offices, government agencies, schools, and other settings.
- Social Work: While most states require you to earn a master’s in social work, pass a national examination, and complete supervised work experience to become a social worker. You can work in the social work field with a psychology degree as a case manager or similar role.
How Much Can I Make With an Online Psychology Degree?
As in other fields, your salary varies based on your degree level, experience, other certifications or qualifications, and organizational role. An American Psychological Association (APA) study in 2019 found that workers with a bachelor’s in psychology earned a median salary of $50,000, $60,000 with a master’s degree, and $90,000 with a doctorate.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% job growth for psychologists between 2023 and 2033, approximately the same growth rate for all jobs. The BLS also projects job growth of 19% for mental health, substance use disorder, or behavioral disorder counselors due to a growing need for these services.
What Can I Expect From an Online Psychology Program
Full-time bachelor’s programs usually require four years, but if you have existing college credit, you may be able to finish sooner.
In addition to online classes, psychology students participate in fieldwork under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or counselor. At the bachelor’s level, fieldwork is mostly observation, while at the doctorate level, you can expect much more active work and independence.
If you live in a different geographic area than the program, you may need to find your own fieldwork placement. Some schools provide extensive support, especially for undergraduates, while other programs require students to make their own arrangements.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Psychology Program?
Admission requirements vary widely among schools and programs. Generally, the most affordable online psychology programs require a high school diploma or GED certificate, transcripts, references, and an essay. Some schools require standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT.
Admission Materials
Typically, you need to have official test scores, transcripts. and references sent directly to the school’s admission office. You complete the rest of the application online. While most schools charge an application fee, some schools waive this for students with an income below a certain level.
Education
Your high school will send your official high school transcript, or you can send your GRE exam results. If you completed other education, such as summer programs or other online classes, most school applications let you list these separately.
GPA
The most affordable online psychology programs usually require a GPA between 2.0 and 3.5. If your GPA does not reflect your abilities, many schools allow you to explain any mitigating circumstances, such as serious illness or other disruptions. Most schools also weigh the relative difficulty of coursework, especially AP courses.
Entrance Exam
Many schools are reconsidering the use and importance of standardized examinations like the SAT and ACT, but some may still require them. However, SAT and ACT scores are rarely used as cutoffs.
How Much Does an Online Psychology Degree Cost?
Tuition and costs vary significantly by school, and most schools will not indicate how much financial aid you are eligible for until you are admitted. In general, you can expect tuition to cost between $3,000-$10,000 per year for in-state tuition at public schools.
Private schools and out-of-state tuition typically cost between $7,000-$21,000 per year. However, scholarships can greatly reduce your costs. Attending school online means a significant saving on transportation and room and board, although you will still need to pay fees and buy or rent textbooks.
Average Annual Cost of a Bachelor's Degree
In-State Tuition
$9,374
In-State Tuition, Room, and Board
$21,337
Everything Else You Need to Know About Affordable Online Psychology Programs
Are online psychology degrees respected?
Online psychology degrees are respected just as much as on-campus degrees. In fact, online graduates receive the same diploma. The school's overall reputation and accreditation factor into how respected their degrees are.
How much money can I make with a bachelor's in psychology?
The median salary of somebody with a bachelor's in psychology is $50,000, according to the APA. Half of all graduates with a bachelor of psychology earn $36,000-$76,000. Experience level, geographic location, and career choice are all important factors in determining how much you can earn.
Is a bachelor's in psychology worth it?
Whether a bachelor's in psychology is worth it depends on your personal and financial goals, career interests, and how much time and money you want to spend on your degree.
A psychology degree is a versatile choice to help you pursue careers in various fields, such as counseling and business. Attending an affordable online psychology program can help make the decision more cost-effective.
