The Most Affordable Online Psychology Programs or Schools
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- You can use a psychology degree in various fields, like counseling and social work.
- Online programs help you save money on on-campus fees, room and board, and transportation.
- With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can make a median salary of $53,000 per year.
Psychology is a versatile major. With a psychology degree, you can become a psychologist, counselor, therapist, game designer, user experience professional, marketer, or executive leader. Whatever your career goals might be, this guide introduces the most affordable online psychology programs.
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 and counseling, for example, use psychology 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 6% job growth for psychologists between 2022 and 2032, approximately the same growth rate for all jobs. The BLS also projects 18% job growth for mental health, substance use disorder, or behavioral disorder counselors, due to a growing need for these services.
Featured Online Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Most Affordable Online Psychology Programs
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University of Florida
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $129
Out of State | $552
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
UF offers an online bachelor's in psychology program featuring science-based liberal arts coursework. Degree-seekers also complete coursework in foundational psychology topics and laboratory methods. Psychology students take classes in psychology, biology, and statistics.
UF offers virtual information sessions for prospective students. Applicants need a high school diploma or the equivalent and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Prerequisites include courses in English, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. Applicants who graduated high school within the last five years submit SAT or ACT scores.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $229
Out of State | $346
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
FIU's online bachelor's in psychology focuses on scientific research, interpersonal relationships, and human behavior. Learners choose from concentrations in applied, developmental, experimental, personality/abnormal, and social psychology. Major coursework explores psychology career development and psychology methods and analysis. Students take a senior seminar.
Distance learners work with a personal success coach. Students can begin in the spring, fall, or summer term. Applicants submit official high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $400
Out of State | N/A
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
ULM's bachelor of arts in psychology emphasizes graduate study preparation. Coursework covers research-based evolutionary psychology and clinical-focused positive psychology. Degree-seekers complete eight-week classes, including core liberal arts courses.
Distance learners can access online advising, computer help, bookstore and library materials, and a writing and career center. Applicants need a minimum 2.35 high school GPA and submit ACT or SAT scores.
Regis University
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $485
Out of State | N/A
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Regis offers a hybrid bachelor of science in applied psychology program. Working professionals often benefit from the flexible learning schedule. Course topics include brain and behavior, lifespan development, positive psychology, social psychology, and stress and well-being. Learners complete asynchronous online coursework and attend evening sessions on campus.
Applicants need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Application materials include official transcripts and a resume. Transfer students can apply up to 81 credits toward the degree. Admission counselors provide individual advising.
Park University
Parkville, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $453
Out of State | $453
Credits to Graduate
122
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Park's bachelor's in psychology program emphasizes independent study and field experiences. Learners prepare for graduate study, clinical practice, and research careers. Enrollees complete a supervised field placement and online capstone seminar.
Core courses explore experimental psychology, history and systems of psychology, research methods, statistics for social sciences, and theories of personality.
Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate. Park offers financial aid. Active military members and veterans receive tuition discounts.
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $124
Out of State | $311
Credits to Graduate
59
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | N/A
FSU's affordable online bachelor's in psychology features a liberal arts curriculum exploring the biological, cultural, and social aspects of behavior. Learners complete asynchronous classes covering subfields including abnormal psychology, biopsychology, counseling and clinical psychology, forensic psychology, and school psychology.
Program admission requires completion of FSU's core curriculum and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Online student resources include tutoring, academic advising, and library access.
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $452
Out of State | $452
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
NKU's online bachelor's in psychology offers domestic and study-abroad remote learning options. The curriculum emphasizes research methods, theory and science of memory and information processing, and abnormal psychology. NKU delivers seven-week courses and offers six annual start dates.
Admission requires official transcripts and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 must submit ACT or SAT scores. NKU offers a scholarship and locked tuition rates to first-time online learners.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $234-$289
Out of State | $800-$855
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
UAF offers an online bachelor's in psychology program focusing on cultural diversity and its effect on mental health. The curriculum features practicums, community service, and supervised research. Degree-seekers can access individual advising and professional conference opportunities.
Course topics include brain and behavior, culture and psychology, drugs and behavior, and psychology of women across cultures. Learners can pursue the degree in fully online and hybrid formats.
Applicants need a high school diploma and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD - 4 years
- Online
100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $312
Out of State | $499
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Students can complete UMGC's bachelor's in psychology online or in hybrid format. Course topics include biological basis of behavior, lifespan development, memory and cognition, and sensation and perception. A capstone seminar incorporates case study review, reflective essays, and portfolio development.
Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate. Transfer students can apply up to 90 credits toward the degree. Military members receive a tuition discount.
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $435
Out of State | $435
Credits to Graduate
127
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
BU offers online bachelor of arts and bachelor of science in psychology programs. The BA program emphasizes communication, culture, and language. Graduates often pursue counseling and therapy careers. The BS requires more laboratory science and math courses. Degree-seekers interested in research careers and graduate study often pursue the bachelor of science.
Applicants need a high school diploma or the equivalent and must submit transcripts. Military members pay discounted tuition rates. BU counselors help students apply for financial aid.
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 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 are not in the same geographic area as 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
$9,375
In-State Tuition, Room, and Board
$21,337
Everything Else You Need to Know About Affordable Online Psychology Programs
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counseling psychologist?
Clinical psychologists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, while counseling psychologists specialize in assisting people through challenges in their life circumstances.
For example, a clinical psychologist might see a patient experiencing depressive symptoms, diagnose major depression, and provide cognitive behavioral therapy. In contrast, a counseling psychologist would see a patient who is having a difficult time with a life transition or other personal situation, and provide advice and support.
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 that can help you pursue careers in various fields, such as counseling and business. Attending one of the most affordable online psychology programs can help make the decision more cost-effective.