Most Affordable Online Psychology Degrees in 2023

According to the Education Data Initiative, whether you attend a public or private college can make a big difference in how much you pay. During the 2020-2021 school year, public college students paid an average of $9,580 in tuition. Private college students paid an average of $37,200 during the same year.

To save thousands of dollars, some students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology may opt to complete their first two years at a community college. If you plan to take this route, it’s important to confirm with the university you plan to attend that the classes you take at a specific two-year college will transfer. Ensuring that your credits transfer can help you avoid the need to retake courses and the additional costs associated with it.

While public schools may be cheaper, the actual cost depends on your residency status. While in-state students attending a public university paid an average of $9,580, those who traveled across state lines to study shelled out an average of $24,437. That said, some schools allow online students to pay the same tuition rate no matter where they live.

In addition to generalist psychology scholarships, many psychology departments provide program-specific awards. These tend to be less competitive given the smaller applicant pool and can really make a difference in how much you spend. Indiana University Bloomington offers an example of what’s typical.

While it may seem counterintuitive, sometimes it is more advantageous to pay more for your education. A school that has a good reputation, well-known alumni, and extensive networking opportunities may cost more initially, but can ultimately result in higher starting salaries and wages throughout your career. It’s important to consider the return on investment in addition to affordability when selecting a school.