2020 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Psychology Degrees
The 24 schools ranked below offer the most affordable online psychology degrees at the bachelor's level. Psychology is the fourth most popular major in U.S. colleges and universities. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), a bachelor’s degree in psychology can lead to a variety of career paths, many of which are in growing fields. Below, we’ve included information about common psychology courses, options for funding a degree, and answers to frequently asked questions.
You can read more about our ranked schools below or browse our rankings of the most affordable online master's in psychology degrees. View our methodology or learn more about OnlineU.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee State University | $4,200 | |
| Aspen University | $4,500 | |
| California Coast University | $4,725 | |
| Tarleton State University | $5,298 | |
| Fort Valley State University | $5,363 | |
| Clayton State University | $5,490 | |
| Valdosta State University | $6,060 | |
| Kennesaw State University | $6,180 | |
| University of the Cumberlands | $6,368 | |
| Wichita State University | $6,708 | |
| Claflin University | $6,744 | |
| Fort Hays State University | $6,778 | |
| Columbia Southern University | $6,900 | |
| Ohio University-Main Campus | $7,290 | |
| Louisiana State University-Alexandria | $7,500 | |
| Fayetteville State University | $7,556 | |
| Central Methodist University | $7,800 | |
| Lipscomb University | $8,000 | |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | $8,070 | |
| American Public University System | $8,100 | |
| University of Idaho | $8,304 | |
| Clarion University | $8,334 | |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $8,400 | |
| John F. Kennedy University | $8,500 |
Tennessee State University Nashville (TN) Tennessee State University's online Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires 120 credits, including 38 credits of general education, 33 credits of major-specific coursework, and 49 credits of elective courses. The 120-credit online Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies requires students to choose two cognates (focuses) to study. A cognate in Psychology is available, and other options include English, Informational Technology, and Organizational Leadership. Study abroad opportunities,... service learning, work-based learning, and research experiences are all available to online psychology majors. Students log in to myTSU to access course materials, check grades, and submit assignments. They may take classes through TN eCampus, an online platform offering courses from 19 Tennessee institutions. Resources for distance learners include an online orientation, virtual tutoring, technical support, career services, and counseling. Students may be able to accelerate their education and save money by testing out of general education requirements or by taking courses during spring or summer break. Prospective students need a high school diploma with at least a 2.5 GPA and ACT/SAT scores of at least 19 or 900, respectively. Application requirements include an online application, transcripts, and test scores. Students with a GPA of 3.2 or above are guaranteed admission.
Example Classes: Abnormal Psychology, Learning and Memory, Physiological Psychology, Social Psychology Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Aspen University Denver (CO) The curriculum for Aspen University's online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Studies focuses on psychology, addiction theory, and sociology. Courses span eight weeks, and students can complete the program on a part-time or full-time schedule. The average time to completion is four years. In addition to fulfilling all of the required coursework, students take a final proctored exam and pursue an individualized learning experience for a senior capstone project. Virtual learning occurs asynchronously... through the Desire2Learn learning management system, which organizes students' reading materials, video lectures, interactive assignments, and email. Instructors set specific due dates for assignments, but students can log in at their convenience. Courses are offered with start dates every two weeks. Students can save time and money by receiving credits for prior experience or by applying up to 90 transfer credits. Students can work with an academic advisor to determine their eligibility for prior experience or transfer credits. Student resources include career services and a strong alumni network. Prospective students can apply by submitting an online application, official academic transcripts, and documentation for a transfer credit evaluation. Competitive applicants have at least a 2.0 GPA. However, students can gain conditional acceptance and begin their degrees after successfully taking an Introduction to Communications course.
Example Classes: Child Psychology, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Group Therapy, Psychology of Addiction Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling Online Bachelor's Degrees
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California Coast University Santa Ana (CA) The curriculum for California Coast University's online Bachelor of Science in Psychology focuses on understanding human behavior, the science of emotion, industry best-practices, and research strategies. Students complete a total of 126 credits, comprised of general education, core, and elective courses. Students can choose to study on a full-time or part-time basis and may begin classes at any time. Although the coursework is self-paced, students are encouraged to complete courses within six months... and must complete their degrees within five years. Coursework is accessed through the university’s student portal, Coast Connection. Through this platform, students can download lesson materials, stream lectures, email instructors, submit assignments, and check grades. There are no set exam dates or class times, which allows students to work independently. Students have access to academic advising, writing resources, and library services. CCU offers discounts to veterans and active duty military, firefighters, law enforcement, and government employees. Up to 93 credits can be transferred, and previous specialized training or challenge examinations can be applied to fulfill course requirements. Prospective students should submit an online application, official transcripts, a resume, and evidence of any specialized training. Following this, students will receive a proposed degree plan, which accounts for transfer credits and previous training. Once students agree to their individualized program, they may enroll and begin their coursework.
Example Classes: Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, History and Systems of Psychology, Personality Theories, Psychology of Gender, Test and Measurements in Psychology Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Tarleton State University Stephenville (TX)
Example Classes: Elementary Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, History of Psychology, Psychology of Learning, Writing in Psychology Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Fort Valley State University Fort Valley (GA)
Example Classes: Abnormal Psychology, Behavior Modification, Careers and Issues in Psychology, Child Psychology, History of Psychology, Personality, Psychology of Learning, Psychology of Religion, Psychopharmacology Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Clayton State University Morrow (GA)
Example Classes: Abnormal Psychology, Interpersonal Comm & Helping, Multi-cultural Psychology, Social Psychology, Theories of Personality Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Valdosta State University Valdosta (GA)
Example Classes: Adult Psychology and Gerontology, Human Memory, Psychology and Law, Rehabilitation Psychology, Sensation and Perception Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Kennesaw State University Kennesaw (GA)
Example Classes: Cognitive Psychology, Cross-Cultural Psychology, International Psychology, Life-Span Developmental Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Psychology of Gender, Psychology of Prejudice and Privilege Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg (KY)
Example Classes: History And Systems Of Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psych, Learning And Cognition, Psychological Testing, Psychology Of Religion, Sports Psychology Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Wichita State University Wichita (KS)
Example Classes: Cognitive Psychology, Psychological Testing and Measurement, Psychology of Personality, Social Psychology Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Claflin University Orangeburg (SC)
Example Classes: Counseling & Therapies, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Death & Dying, Forensic Psychology, Psychology of Religion Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Fort Hays State University Hays (KS)
Example Classes: Child and Developmental Psychology, Drugs & Behavior, Evolutionary Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Human Sexuality, Introduction to Therapeutic Skills, Perception, Psychology of Aging, Social Psychology, Testing and Psychological Measurement Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Columbia Southern University Orange Beach (AL)
Example Classes: Cognitive Psychology, History and Systems of Psychology, Industrial Organizational Psychology, Psychological Assessment, Psychology of Learning, Theories of Personality Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Ohio University-Main Campus Athens (OH)
Example Classes: Abnormal Psychology, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology, Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria (LA)
Example Classes: Cultural Diversity, Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Psychology, Social Psychology, Statistics for Behavioral and Social Sciences Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Fayetteville State University Fayetteville (NC)
Example Classes: Advance Seminar Sex and Gender, History and Systems of Psychology, Moral Principles and Contemporary Moral Issues, Multicultural Psychology, Sensation and Perception, Theories of Learning Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Central Methodist University Fayette (MO)
Example Classes: Applied Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Applications, Health Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Psychology of Adjustment, Sport and Exercise Psychology Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Lipscomb University Nashville (TN)
Example Classes: Abnormal Psychology, Behavior Modification, Personality Theories, Psych Measurement, Social Psychology Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks (AK) (and 1 other)
Example Classes: Brain and Behavior, Community Psychology, Drugs and Behavior, Learning and Cognition, Sport Psychology Online Bachelor's Degrees
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American Public University System Charles Town (WV)
Example Classes: Adult Development, Human Sexuality, Perception, Psychology of Addiction & Substance Abuse, Psychology of Combat, Psychology of Terrorism Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of Idaho Moscow (ID)
Example Classes: Gender and Communication, Persuasion, Psychology of Action, Psychology of Emotion, Psychology of Personality, Sensation and Perception Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Clarion University Clarion (PA)
Example Classes: Abnormal Psychology, Academic Enrichment, Developmental Psychology, Intermediate Foreign Language & Cultures, Speech and Theater, Women & Gender Studies Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock (AR)
Example Classes: Cognitive Psychology, Human Factors Psychology, Learning and Memory, Personnel Psychology, Psychology of Consumer Behavior, Sensation-Perception Online Bachelor's Degrees
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John F. Kennedy University Pleasant Hill (CA) (and 2 others)
Example Classes: Abnormal Psychology, Counseling, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Psychology of the Family, Social Psychology Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Common Psychology Courses
The following is a list of common courses that are taken by psychology students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Depending on the school, some of these topics are taught as core courses and others as electives. In addition, some courses may be required for admittance into graduate programs.
- Abnormal Psychology: A course in abnormal psychology is a common requirement for psychology majors at the undergraduate level. The class features a survey of common mental illnesses and disorders, their causes, and treatments. These illnesses include schizophrenia, social anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, and eating disorders. Coursework also explores how psychologists with a specialization in clinical practice assess patients and implement treatment plans to help them lead healthier lives.
- Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients experiencing psychological distress and mental illness. A course in clinical psychology gives students a broad overview of essential topics such as patient assessment, common disorders, and ethical considerations. Students may pursue an online program in clinical psychology, first earning a master’s degree and then a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). To practice as a clinical psychologist, individuals typically need a doctorate and state licensure; however, some states allow individuals with master’s degrees to practice under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist.
- Developmental Psychology: This is the study of human development from infancy through adolescence and into late adulthood. Thus, most psychology majors take either a course on the full spectrum of human development or that focuses on one subsection, such as early childhood development. Coursework may cover family relationships, emotional development, adaptations to aging, and more. Students who go on to earn graduate-level degrees in developmental psychology can become behavioral therapists, social service representatives, learning disabilities specialists, or other types of mental health practitioners.
- General Psychology: General psychology is a popular liberal arts elective for undergraduate students. Coursework often begins with a brief introduction to the history of psychology before moving into an exploration of a broad range of topics. Typical subjects include consciousness, motivation, perception, emotion, learning, and abnormal behavior. This class sometimes motivates students to pursue online bachelor’s degrees in psychology or human behavior in preparation for a career in psychology, mental health, or social services.
- Human Behavior: A course in human behavior invites students to study the way biological, psychological, and social factors influence human interaction. Specifically, students will look at how social norms, ethics, and diversity shape a person’s values, perspectives, and identities. The curriculum may also cover the evolution of human behavior across the lifespan. Typically taken as an introductory course at the undergraduate level, human behavior is often a requirement for psychology majors, criminal justice majors, and behavioral science majors.
- Neuroscience: An introductory course in neuroscience will touch on a diverse array of science-oriented topics as they relate to human development. However, students can also pursue a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, which means they will be required to take individual courses in such subjects as cognitive psychology, developmental neuroscience, and psychopharmacology. Neuroscientists combine elements of psychology with biology, chemistry, and other sciences to better understand how the brain and nervous system affect human behavior.
- Social Psychology: Social psychology courses provides a deeper understanding of how people view, interpret, and respond to their social environments. Specific areas of discussion often include the self, attitudes, emotions, peer pressure, competition, and prejudice. Many students find that this course content lends itself to useful, practical applications in their daily lives.
Funding a Psychology Degree
In general, students enrolled in an online psychology program have the same financial aid options available to them as students of other programs. To help with affordability, students may choose options that do not have to be repaid, such as grants, scholarships, fellowships, and work-study programs. Other forms of aid available to students of accredited schools are federal and private loans.
Additionally, there are opportunities designed specifically for psychology majors in bachelor’s programs or related graduate degrees and doctoral programs. Scholarships, grants, and other funding may be available from the following professional organizations:
- American Board of Professional Psychology
- American Psychological Association
- Association for Psychological Science
- National Association of Junior Auxiliaries
- National Association of School Psychologists
- Society for Personality and Social Psychology
- Society for the Teaching of Psychology
Other organizations, such as the Pride Foundation, offer scholarships to promote the study of mental health. Certain colleges and universities, including the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse and the University of Minnesota, provide funding to select undergraduate and graduate students interested in studying psychology and human behavior.
Online students also have access to their schools’ financial aid offices. Tennessee State University, for example, offers a deferred payment plan for students who meet certain criteria. At California Coast University, online students may be eligible for tuition discounts and interest-free payment plans. When selecting an online psychology degree program, prospective students may want to consult the financial aid offices at the schools they’re interested in as part of their school search process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Psychology Degrees
What salary can I expect with an online psychology degree?
Students who’ve earned an online bachelor’s degree in psychology have a wide range of paths to choose from depending on their career goals. Many go to work in social services as caseworkers, earning a median annual salary of $50,470, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Others may go into the criminal justice system, taking jobs as parole officers or substance abuse counselors, for example. Median salaries for these positions range from $46,240 to $54,290. Still others may seek out jobs in business for which insights into human behavior and psychology are useful, in roles such as sales representative or human resource advisor. Median salaries vary widely for these roles.
Individuals who want to work as mental health professionals, such as therapists, school psychologists, or clinical psychologists, will need to pursue graduate degrees and sometimes doctorates to become licensed practitioners. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with advanced degrees in psychology earn median incomes ranging from $49,610 to $87,450.
Are psychology degrees affordable?
As with all degrees, the cost of earning a psychology degree varies depending on a number of factors. The most important of these is the choice of school and type of program. Many schools offer online degrees that cost less than their on-campus counterparts, and some schools are more affordable. Annual tuition rates of schools ranked at the top of this page range from $4,200 to $8,500. Other factors include whether a student pursues full-time or part-time study and whether financial aid is available to them. We provide additional insights into earning a college degree for less and lowering the cost of higher education, through transfer credits, student bargaining power, and financial aid.
Will I have the same career options with an online degree in psychology?
Provided students have attended credible, accredited schools, their online psychology degrees should typically command the same respect and create similar opportunities as on-campus degrees. At any given school, enrollment requirements to enter traditional and distance learning programs are typically similar. The curriculum will also be comparable, and online courses are often taught by the same faculty.