10 Cheapest Psychology Degree Online

The cheapest Psychology degree online is a program students can complete and have a rewarding career without being bogged down with college loan debt. Psychology is pervasive in all areas of the human experience and the scientific examination of the discipline began in the mid-19th century.

Psychology majors study human behavior. You’ve heard the famous names in the field: Darwin, Freud, Skinner, Pavlov, and also Watson. Today, psychology studies are based on research, assessment, and evidence-based strategies designed to improve people’s lives. An affordable college degree can set you up for a career in psychology without a lot of student debt.

Best Health Degrees has researched some of the best and, most affordable, online psychology degree programs for this ranking. We reviewed programs based on classes offered, program length, institutional accreditation, as well as the estimated cost. All these affordable online psychology degrees are regionally accredited, and many follow the American Psychology Association’s (APA) recommendations, even though the APA doesn’t accredit undergraduate programs.

Our Method: Ranking the 10 Most Affordable Online Psychology Bachelor’s Programs

To rank the 10 Most Affordable Online Psychology Bachelor’s Programs, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted academic programs of all kinds. From our initial pool of colleges and universities, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential. For our cheapest online psychology degrees school ranking, we used data and education statistics from IPEDS, Niche, U.S. News and World Report, The National Center for Education Statistics, and other higher education rating publications.

Our list of college rankings contains only accredited schools. So, online learners know these regionally accredited degrees in psychology qualify for financial aid. Additionally, these school rankings are also some of the cheapest online degree programs for distance learners!

1. Fayetteville State University

The degree completion Bachelor of Science in Psychology is one of the most popular majors at this North Carolina university. Additionally, students can complete this bachelor’s in psychology fully online at this top HBCU for psychology.

This affordable psychology degree requires online learners to complete core education classes to meet the university requirements offered through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. In the curriculum, students take online courses in Social Psychology, Research Methodology, Professional and Career Development in Psychology, Statistics for Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology, and also a Senior Seminar. In addition, this program offers a wide selection of electives to augment your studies and meet your career goals.

This affordable online bachelor’s program has three admission options: Under Age 21, Age 21 and Over, or finished your Associate Degree. Students for this online program complete an application (with a $50 processing fee) and supply documentation as requested, such as official high school transcripts.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $125-$311 per credit hour

Fast Fact: FSU ranks #24 in U.S. News and World Report’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Interested: Click to learn more about this affordable online bachelor’s in Psychology!

2. Indiana University East

IU East’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This affordable online psychology degree requires 120 credit hours. But, the university accepts up to 64 from an accredited two-year community college or up to 90 hours from a four-year college or university.

Among the core courses in this psychology major are Life Span Development, Methods of Experimental Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Readings and Research in Psychology or Senior Seminar, Capstone Project, and more. The curriculum improves your communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

Admission requires you to file an application and depending on your admission status, you’ll need to provide official transcripts. First-year students need to submit high school and transfer students need to also submit college academic transcripts. However, ACT scores and SAT test scores are optional at IU East.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $239-$347 per credit hour

Fast Fact: Niche ranks IU-East #65 in its Best Online Colleges in America

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Interested: Click to learn more about this affordable online bachelor’s in Psychology program!

3. University of Michigan-Dearborn

The University of Michigan-Dearborn offers either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Psychology online. This affordable psychology degree program develops critical thinking skills.

The courses in this online psychology degree program cover various disciplines such as natural science, developmental, clinical abnormal, industrial-organizational, social, and cognitive areas. Your choices in topics include Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Developmental Psychology,  Introduction to Mental Health and Adjustment, Careers in Psychology, Psychology of Prejudice, Adolescent and Child Development, and many more. Psychology students complete core coursework as well.

You can apply for admission to this bachelor’s in psychology program as either a first-year or transfer student, depending on which describes you best. ACT or SAT test scores are optional, and you’ll need to provide academic transcripts from all schools you attended. The UM-Dearborn application is free to submit, but you will need to pay a $50 enrollment fee.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $559-$1152 per credit hour

Fast Fact: The University of Michigan-Dearborn rates #4 in U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Schools

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Interested: Click to learn more about these 2 affordable online bachelor’s in Psychology degree programs!

4. University of Maine-Presque Isle

You probably won’t have to travel to Maine to earn this hybrid Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UMPI. But in this online psychology program, you’ll earn the same degree on-campus psychology students receive.

The affordable psychology degree program requires core classes and psychology courses in Abnormal Psychology, Lifespan Development, Research Methods in Psychology, Animal Behavior, Personality, Sex and Gender, Psychobiology, and also Cognitive Psychology. A practicum experience may be required under the supervision of a qualified proctor or a capstone project. This 120-credit hour degree requires general classes in addition to 42 hours in your major. You won’t have to navigate your UMPI experience alone, since all students are assigned a full-time advisor. The school also offers concentrations in business psychology or biopsychology (it’s unclear, however, if these concentrations are available online.)

UMPI accepts either the Common Application or the ApplyMaine Application for admission. First-year students may need to supply academic transcripts and a letter of recommendation. Transfer students will complete the application and provide academic transcripts.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $245-$392 per credit hour

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks UMPI #17 in its Top Public Schools ranking

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Interested: Click to learn more about this affordable online bachelor’s in Psychology!

5. NC Central University

NCCU Online offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology which requires 120 credit hours in basic education and the psychology major. NCCU is a Historically Black College and University established in 1789 and is part of the University of North Carolina system.

This best online psychology bachelor’s degree curriculum has departmentally required psychology classes. Among the foundational courses in the online BA in psychology are General or Basic Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to Statistics, and Introduction to Black Psychology, among others. Online classes in this psychology program are clustered, and students choose one course from each segment. The clusters include classes covering Clinical & Developmental Psychology, Applied Social Psychology, Applied Psychology for Experiential Learning, and Behavior, Brain, and Cognition. The program also requires non-departmental courses in ethics, sociology, and health behavior.

Admission for this bachelor’s in psychology uses a rolling process and offers several categories. You can request additional information on applying through the Office of Extended Studies.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $184-$584 per credit hour

Fast Fact: This state university ranks #42 in Best Value Schools and #21 in Top Public Schools

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Interested: Click to learn more about this affordable online bachelor’s in Psychology!

6. Fort Hays State University

Long known for its quality online programs, Fort Hays State University offers both an online BA in Psychology and a BS in Psychology. This affordable psychology degree requires 120 total credit hours, 42 hours of which are in the major and the remainder in general studies. This program prepares graduates for entry-level jobs or to continue their education and earn a master’s degree.

Psychology online core courses apply to both the BA and BS degrees. Courses in the online bachelor’s degree in psychology include General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Child and Developmental Psychology, Science of Psychology, Neuropsychology, and Social Psychology. Students choose from elective classes, and if in the BS program, they must take additional math and science classes. Also, the BA requires a foreign language.

Admission is open to first-time and transfer students. It is relatively simple in its requirements using the MyStripes Application for Admission Portal, which requires a $30 fee, academic transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. The school offers free transcript evaluation for transfer students.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $227 per credit hour

Fast Fact: Both Niche and U.S. News and World Report place FHSU #53 and #107, respectively, in their best online undergraduate colleges

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Interested: Click to learn more about this affordable online bachelor’s in Psychology!

7. University of Maryland Global Campus

Here’s another highly reputable school offering a BS in Psychology online. As with most undergraduate degrees, students in this online program need 120 credit hours, including general classes and those in your psychology major.

This online psychology degree requires core classes in research methods, biological behavior, social psychology, abnormal psychology, lifespan development, and statistics. Seniors also take a seminar which serves as a capstone project for the degree. You can follow the department’s recommended course sequence. Some select courses may be available only in a hybrid format.

The admission process to UMGC is simple, free, and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Have your academic transcripts ready.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $306-$499/per credit hour

Fast Fact: This university ranks #9 in Most Innovative Schools as determined by U.S. News and World Report

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Interested: Click to learn more about this affordable online bachelor’s in Psychology!

8. Arizona State University

ASU is a school known for its online degree programs and the Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology is one of those degrees. This program prepares students with foundational knowledge for entry-level jobs, or to pursue an advanced degree.

The academic road map for this bachelor’s degree covers core classes and upper-division electives in psychology. ASU offers a robust catalog of pertinent courses in psychology topics in development, social, abnormal, human sexual behavior, aging, organizational behavior, addiction, substance abuse, and many others. You’ll also be required to take research methods and introductory statistics. You can opt for an accelerated BA/MA degree in ASU’s 4+1 program. Also offered online is a BA and BS in forensic psychology.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Admission requires completing the online ASU admission application with a $70 fee and filing a FAFSA for financial aid and scholarship consideration. Prospective students must also submit academic transcripts and provide ACT or SAT scores. If you’re a transfer student, you’ll start your admission process by talking with a student support enrollment counselor, and filing a FAFSA. Prospective students should also provide academic transcripts from other schools and complete the online application. The admission application for all online students takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Estimated Tuition Cost: students pay around $608 per credit hour

Fast Fact: ASU is ranked #2 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs and #6 Best Bachelor’s Program online by U.S. News and World Report

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Interested: Click to learn more about this online Psychology degree!

9. Utah State University

You can earn a BS or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology entirely online from this Logan, Utah university. A review of the university’s catalog shows this bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours which includes general education courses.

Your bachelor’s in psychology degree studies will include Analysis of Behavior: Basic Principles, Psychological Statistics, Introduction to Statistics, Neuroscience, and Cognitive Psychology. The Psychology electives require 9 credit hours and you won’t be hard-pressed to find classes to meet your interests in topics such as abnormal, social, health, lifespan development, and others. You’ll complete a Capstone Project to finish your program.

You’ll begin your admission process for this psychology bachelor’s degree by talking with one of USU’s admission advisors and creating an online account. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and provide official transcripts of prior education. This university is dedicated to your success and provides a wide range of student resources for its online students.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $332-$369 per credit hour

Fast Fact: USU ranks #8 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs and #21 in the publication’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs

Accreditation: the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Interested: Click to learn more about this affordable online psychology degree!

10. University of Memphis Global

Finally, this is a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology awarded from the well-regarded University of Memphis. Students complete general education requirements in biology, sociology, history, and mathematics. In addition, this affordable psychology degree covers core classes in General Psychology, Careers in Psychology, and Research and Statistics.

This bachelor’s degree in psychology program offers three content areas in Cognitive and Neuroscientific Bases of Behavior, Applications of Behavior, and Social and Developmental Bases of Behavior. You’ll enroll in classes to meet those areas in topics such as Thinking Cognitive Processes, Child Psychology, and Industrial Organizational Psychology. The department offers three bachelor’s degree psychology concentrations in General Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and also Cognitive Science.

The same admission application is used for both first-time and transfer students. You’ll need to provide academic transcripts, SAT scores or ACT scores, and other documents as requested.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $597 per credit hour

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report considers this school to offer one of its Best Online Bachelor’s Programs

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Interested: Click to learn more about this affordable Bachelor of Arts in Psychology online psychology degree!

How do You Choose Online Psychology Degree Programs?

The process is similar to how we made our list of psychology college rankings. Best Health Degree assessed the programs using tuition price, salary potential, accreditation, and also reputation. However, there are other things to consider when looking for a prospective school with high quality education.

For example, are the major classes led by faculty members with solid resumes in the field. Does the school have a low student-to-faculty ratio? Where do graduates work? Career counselors and student services are also crucial for life coaching, academic and career guidance, and finding placements and internship opportunities. Some of the best colleges even provide online students with a personal success coach. Additionally, working professionals may need programs with multiple start dates during the academic year.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Psychology Cost?

Tuition is an important factor for many students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree. The tuition can vary for schools offering online bachelor’s degrees in psychology. Some factors that influence the cost of online learning are the degree programs, if the school is public or private, residency status, and financial aid availability.

Generally, students who attend a state university or public colleges pay less than students enrolled in private colleges. Additionally, in-state tuition is less expensive than out-of-state tuition for an online psychology degree. But, even the most affordable online psychology degrees have tuition from $4,000 to $10,000 a year. However, most online colleges and online programs now offer the same tuition rates for all students.

Distance learners in accredited online bachelor’s programs qualify for financial aid. So make sure you apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®).

Are Online Psychology Degrees Respected?

Online psychology degrees cover a broad liberal arts education. As long as you earn your degree from an accredited school, it is the same as earning an on-campus traditional degree. Additionally, successful online students in psychology degree programs must be self-starters and independent learners. So, make sure you mention these qualities of your online education to a future employer!

How Do You Save Money on an Affordable Psychology Degree?

There may be a few ways you can save money while getting an online psychology bachelor’s degree. Attending school online allows you to continue to work while you earn your affordable online psychology degree. And online tuition for the cheapest online psychology degrees is frequently set at in-state rates, regardless of where you may live. Additionally, tuition reimbursement programs, work-study programs, and public service loan forgiveness are other ways you can save money with online programs.

You’re probably more than halfway to the baccalaureate degree if you have an associate degree. Using transfer credits, you can enroll in a degree completion program. These online bachelor’s programs allow you to transfer your community or junior college credits toward a psychology bachelor, BA or BS. Typically, your general education classes (English, humanities, arts, sciences, etc.) will meet the criteria of your new school. So, you reduce your undergraduate degree length from four to two years. Some schools and online programs will allow you to earn credit for your life experiences and prior work in the field.

How Do You Pay for an Online Degree?

Of course, you’ll want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® ) for federal assistance and school scholarships. Online students are eligible for Federal Financial Student Aid, so be sure to apply by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) to determine your qualification.

Most affordable online colleges and schools use the FAFSA to determine scholarship consideration. This application also determines your eligibility for federal loans and if you need private loans.

NOTE: In an online degree program, you’ll want to check that the school you choose has a state reciprocity agreement with your home state.

What is the Job Outlook in Psychology?

You will see good job prospects if you’re willing to put in the time to get a degree in counseling psychology or complete a general program. In fact, BLS reports a 22% job growth for mental health counselors through 2031. And you only need a bachelor’s degree to work in this job.

What Do You Learn in Online Psychology Degree Programs?

An online bachelor’s psychology program includes general classes and core liberal arts courses. Some students may need to take prerequisite courses, depending on their educational background.

Online psychology programs may also have elective coursework in a concentration or specialization area. Specialization options focus studies on one area of psychology. Below are some classes psychology students may take in online psychology programs.

• Introductory Psychology
• History and Systems of Psychology
• Basic Research Methods
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Adolescent Psychology
• Statistical Research Methods for Behavioral Sciences
• Behavioral Psychology / Abnormal Behavior
• Human Sexuality
• Cultural Diversity and Diverse Backgrounds
• Adult Development and Social Psychology
• Statistical Methods and Research Methods in Psychology
• Personality Theories of Personality Development
• Understanding Human Behavior
• Health Psychology
• Community Psychology
• Positive Psychology
• Applied Psychology / Applied Science
• Educational Psychology
• Physiological Psychology
• Criminal Psychology and Criminal Justice
• Pre Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Psychology and Addiction Studies

How Much Can You Make with a Bachelor’s in Psychology?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for entry-level psychology majors is $50,000 annually. PayScale surveys show the average salary for an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology will depend on your job. For instance, if your diploma from a bachelor’s in psychology program leads you to work in Human Resource Management, you may find annual salaries range from $57k-$69k. ZipRecruiter reports a national median salary of $59,097 ranging from $25,000 to $118,500 annually.

Salaries are also affected by where you live, experience, and employment. In a health career, the more education you have in psychology, the more you can earn.

What are Some of the Most Common Psychology Jobs?

What are the best career options for Psychology graduates with the cheapest online psychology degrees? Perhaps, the American Psychological Association (APA) is the best resource for potential careers with an undergraduate psychology degree. But, there are many career opportunities for graduates of an online psychology degree program.

What are your career goals? A psychology major is one of the most popular career paths in the U.S. and is an excellent foundation for advanced degrees. An undergraduate degree in psychology online will prepare students for successful careers in many jobs because it is such a broad discipline. Graduates find entry-level jobs in teaching, Social Services, Technical Writing, Correctional Treatment Specialist, Academic Advising & Career Counseling, Social Work, Teaching and Early Childhood Education, Community Service Managers, Public Relations, and HR Management. The information below from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the percentage of psychology degree holders working in selected careers.

Graduate Programs in Psychology

You may want to pursue a graduate degree depending on your academic and professional goals. Some online students earn a master’s degree or doctoral degree and qualify to work as licensed clinical psychologists. After graduate school, individuals with graduate studies and a master’s degree may work in academic, corporate, and scientific research settings.

Popular jobs with advanced degrees from psychology programs are industrial-organizational psychology and educational psychology. A psychology online program master’s program usually takes two years or less to complete. Doctoral programs take most students three years.

Professional Organizations in Psychology

Scholarships, grants, and other funding for online psychology degrees may be available through professional organizations. Additionally, these organizations provide many networking opportunities and career development programs.

• American Board of Professional Psychology (website)
• American Psychological Association (website)
• Association for Psychological Science (website)
• National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (website)
• National Association of School Psychologists (website)
• Society for Personality and Social Psychology (website)
• Society for the Teaching of Psychology (website)
• American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)

Is an Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Worth It?

Psychology is a versatile degree that qualifies graduates for jobs in a diverse range of fields. Or, psychology degree holders can continue their education and earn a more advanced degree. Studying psychology helps students develop personal attributes, such as empathy and sensitivity. It can also help workers gain valuable skills that they can apply in the field, from critical thinking to oral comprehension.

Online psychology degrees allow students to choose from a broader selection of schools without having to move to a new location. And online learning allows prospective psychology students to select a program that best meets their budget, interests, and career goals.

Other Programs

Our list of online schools with bachelor’s in psychologyaffordable programs is not exhaustive. There are many other schools with online programs you may want to check out. Schools that are other options are Pennsylvania State University, Central Michigan University, University of the Cumberlands, Northern Arizona University, Drexel University, University of Florida, Florida International University, Bellevue University, University of the Cumberlands, and Liberty University.

Your Affordable Bachelor’s in Psychology

An affordable online bachelor’s gives students a solid foundation for many careers. Prospective students interested in online bachelor’s degree programs can advance their careers quickly. The online psychology degrees listed in our school rankings provide a flexible and affordable path to earning a degree. Graduates enter the workforce or go on to earn master’s degrees.

These online degrees qualify undergraduate students for jobs in human resources, criminal justice, probation officers, behavioral science or behavioral health roles. With a graduate degree, individuals can work in clinical practice, psychological research, or have therapy careers in counseling psychology. So, if you are interested in a bachelor’s in psychology, get started today on your school search and find a program that is right for you!

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