If you’re seeking a graduate degree that offers a diverse range of job prospects and enables you to analyze human behavior in fields ranging from education and marketing to sports and counseling, obtaining an online master’s in psychology can be an excellent option due to its flexible format. Moreover, online programs are typically less expensive than their on-campus counterparts while delivering the same quality of education.
This page highlights 50 accredited colleges offering the most affordable online psychology master’s degree programs and provides additional helpful tips to reduce the cost of your degree. Utilize it to commence your search for an online master’s in psychology program that aligns with your budget and career objectives.
Top 50 Most Affordable Online Psychology Master’s Degrees in 2024
There are multiple considerations when looking for an online psychology master’s degree. Elements like length of the program, specialization options, and program reputation are important, but affordability is often the deciding factor for many students. The following ranking of the most affordable online psychology master’s programs can help you find low-cost programs from accredited colleges that still deliver on quality. The ranking combines key affordability and quality metrics pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). For more information on our ranking methodology, click the “About the ranking” button below for a complete rundown of how we calculate our rankings.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
- Maximum tuition of $15,000 per academic year.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduates per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Stephenville, Texas
Tarleton State University offers one of only three applied psychology master's programs in the state of Texas. This 30-credit program is offered in person at one of several campuses or through a hybrid format. Students may need to travel to complete their research or teaching experiences, depending on whether they choose the applied project track, teaching track, or master's thesis option. As a pre-doctoral master's, this program aims to prepare students for PhD studies and a subsequent career in academia, upper-level research, or a related field. Three start dates are available per year.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Applied Psychology -- Pre-Doctoral Program
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $509.27/credit (in-state); $775.37/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: In person, Online, Hybrid
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
2
Fayetteville, North Carolina
The Master of Arts in Psychology at Fayetteville State University is a fully online, 36-credit program that is designed for flexibility. Students range from working professionals to full-time students to those who don't have access to a traditional university campus and related resources. In addition to 27 credits of graduate-level psychology core courses and nine hours of electives, students have the opportunity to earn two 12-credit certificates, one in Behavioral Research and the other in Professional Psychology. These certificates are also available separate from the MA degree. This program has a broad curriculum, exploring psychology from multicultural, biological, and cognitive perspectives. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 2.6 or higher.
Program Highlights:
Online Master of Arts in Psychology
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $191/credit (in-state); $477.50/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
3
San Angelo, Texas
Angelo State University's Master of Science in Applied Psychology is a fully online program that can be customized based on a student's needs and goals. Choose from a 30-credit nonthesis option or, for those who want in-depth original research experience, a 36-credit option that includes a thesis. While any student with an accredited undergraduate degree is welcome to apply, those with fewer than 18 credits of college-level psychology will be required to take a graduate-level training course in the foundations of psychology. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and must apply online.
Program Highlights:
Applied Psychology MS
- Credits: 36
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $232.30/credit (in-state); $652.30/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4
Hays, Kansas
5
Lake Charles, Louisiana
6
Stillwater, Oklahoma
7
Livingston, Alabama
8
Vermillion, South Dakota
9
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
10
Boca Raton, Florida
11
Killeen, Texas
12
Las Vegas, Nevada
13
Monroe, Louisiana
14
Springfield, Missouri
15
Denton, Texas
16
Lubbock, Texas
17
Alamosa, Colorado
18
College Station, Texas
19
Athens, Georgia
20
Portland, Maine
21
Lynchburg, Virginia
22
Moscow, Idaho
23
Muncie, Indiana
24
Tallahassee, Florida
25
Mississippi State, Mississippi
26
Irvine, California
27
Fort Wayne, Indiana
28
Miami, Florida
29
Scottsdale, Arizona
30
Owosso, Michigan
31
Moorhead, Minnesota
32
Ferrum, Virginia
33
Marietta, Georgia
34
Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
35
Memphis, Tennessee
36
Auburn, Alabama
37
Madison, Wisconsin
38
Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
39
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
40
Saint Louis, Missouri
41
Tiffin, Ohio
42
Springfield, Massachusetts
43
Manhattan, Kansas
44
Greeley, Colorado
45
Grand Forks, North Dakota
46
Knoxville, Tennessee
47
Rolla, Missouri
48
Fort Collins, Colorado
49
Kent, Ohio
50
Providence, Rhode Island
Funding Your Online Psychology Master’s: 5 Ways to Lower Costs
Funding your online psychology master’s degree is a daunting task. Fortunately, there are many ways – from scholarships, grants and fellowships, to tuition reimbursement, assistantships, and loan forgiveness – to reduce what you have to pay in tuition.
1
Apply to scholarships, grants, and fellowships created for psychology grad students.
Many professional associations, foundations, nonprofit groups, and government entities provide scholarships, grants, and fellowships designed to support students working towards a Master in Psychology. The American Psychological Foundation, for example, awards 21 different graduate-level scholarships ranging from $2,000-$5,000 each year. These awards are highly competitive, so start your search early and stay organized so you don’t miss any deadlines.
2
Take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs
If you already work in the psychology field or a related discipline, ask your employer if they would provide tuition reimbursement for your graduate program in exchange for you working for the company for a set time after graduating. Employers can provide up to $5,250 each academic year in tuition reimbursement that you won’t be taxed for as income. These funds can be used to pay for tuition, textbooks, supplies, and educational fees.
3
Apply for teaching or research assistantships
Many master’s in psychology programs provide teaching and/or research assistantships to help lighten the burden of faculty while also providing an opportunity for students to gain real-world, transferrable skills. They come with financial incentives such as tuition remission or stipends to cover educational costs. These programs are usually highly competitive. The University of Kentucky provides an example of what to look for.
4
Seek out work-study opportunities
Work-study funds are available to students with financial need as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information. If you qualify, you can apply for a campus-based or virtual part-time job at your school. Most of these positions pay at least the Federal minimum wage, sometimes more, and some may relate to your master’s degree.
5
Apply for public service loan forgiveness
Depending on where you plan to work, you may qualify for the U.S. Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. If you work for a local, state, or federal government agency or a nonprofit organization for 10 years, you can apply for forgiveness on the remainder of your direct loans. You must make 120 qualifying payments before becoming eligible.
What Impacts How Affordable an Online Psychology Master’s Is?
Many factors affect the final price tag of your online psychology master’s degree and understanding each one can help you save thousands of dollars by the time you graduate. This section examines some of the common areas where costs can expand or contract based on your decisions.
Public Vs. Private
The Education Data Initiative reported that students attending public schools in their home state in 2022 paid an average tuition of $9,580. That number rose substantially to $37,200 for learners enrolled at private schools.
Out-of-State vs. In-state
Even if you attend a public college or university, residency status can make a big difference. In-state tuition averaged $9,580 during the 2020-2021 school year while out-of-state students paid an average of $27,437 for the same education.
Online Student Tuition Rates
In some cases, colleges provide discounted tuition rates for online students to incentivize their enrollment. Private schools may offer a reduced tuition rate as compared to campus-based learning, while public schools may let all students, regardless of where they live, pay the in-state rate.
School-Based Scholarships
Many psychology departments provide degree-specific awards and scholarships for students pursuing Master in Psychology degrees. At Nova Southeastern University in Florida, for example, there are various awards available only within the College of Psychology. Some are awarded based on grades, while others focus on financial need.
Miscellaneous Fees
Online students typically pay less in associated fees since they avoid those associated with in-person learning. Distance learning doesn’t require a parking pass or access to the student center gym, for example. Online students should, however, look out for fees related to technology, digital education, and student services as these can quickly add up.
