On this page

Back to top

Most Affordable Online Psychology Degree Programs

Got your eye on an online psychology degree but worried about the cost? Explore this year’s most affordable programs that fit your budget and get other tips for funding your degree.

Search hundreds of schools for the degree you want...

I want my
in
Focusing on

Pursuing an online degree in psychology can lead to numerous career opportunities and provides more flexibility compared to traditional degree programs. However, with the increasing cost of college, finding an affordable program is crucial. In this article, we highlight accredited colleges offering the most affordable online psychology degrees. We also provide tips on how to cut college costs and limit student debt.

Most Affordable Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

Choosing the right school that aligns with your academic and professional aspirations, personal and financial needs, and location preference can be challenging. Factors such as academic reputation, location, and flexibility all contribute to your decision, but cost is often the decisive factor. To assist with your search, we have curated a list of the most affordable online degree programs in psychology. Our rankings are based on a combination of affordability and quality metrics provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). For more info about our ranking methodology, click the “About the ranking” button for more details.

About the ranking

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.

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
  • Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school)
  • Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio
  • Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.

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

Oklahoma State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology that can be completed fully online or on campus. The program includes 120 credit hours of general education courses and psychology courses. Areas of concentration within the psychology curriculum include pediatric psychology, forensic psychology, the psychology of sports, and more. Prospective students must submit official transcripts and, for those with fewer than 24 college credits, SAT or ACT scores.

Program Highlights:

Psychology (BS)

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $341.20/credit (in-state); $858.45/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Online, In person
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 52%

2

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program through New Mexico State University's Global Campus is a fully online, 120-credit bachelor's degree. Classes cover the science of the human brain and the practical applications of psychology career in settings as diverse as teaching, government, counseling, social work, and more. Tuition for the program is charged at a flat rate, regardless of residency. Discounted tuition is available for members of the U.S. military. Applicants complete an online NMSU scholarship application simultaneously with their program application.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $395.40/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 76%

3

University of Idaho

Moscow, Idaho

The University of Idaho offers two bachelor's degree programs in psychology: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS), both of which are available online and in person. Whichever program a student chooses, they'll get a foundational education in psychology and take general education courses in the liberal arts and sciences. The school has a transfer agreement with several community colleges, so students can complete their undergraduate psychology degree in the 2 + 2 program. Prospective students apply online; financial aid is available.

Program Highlights:

Psychology (BA, BS)

  • Credits: 124
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $420/credit (in-state); $1,382/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Online, In person
  • Accreditation: NWCCU
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 46%

4

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, Mississippi

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 42%

5

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 69%

6

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 40%

7

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 56%

8

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

9

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

10

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 50%

11

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, Arizona

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 55%

12

Chicago State University

Chicago, Illinois

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 54%

13

Westfield State University

Westfield, Massachusetts

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 52%

14

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 66%

15

University of Missouri-St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 51%

16

Utah State University

Logan, Utah

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 67%

17

Chadron State College

Chadron, Nebraska

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 78%

18

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 62%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 81%

20

University of Maine

Orono, Maine

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 66%

21

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 53%

22

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, Illinois

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 92%

23

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 53%

24

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 75%

25

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 54%

26

North Carolina Central University

Durham, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 61%

27

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 57%

28

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 60%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 24:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

30

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, Louisiana

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 28%

31

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 68%

32

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 92%

33

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 73%

34

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

35

Ohio University-Eastern Campus

Saint Clairsville, Ohio

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 88%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 92%

37

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 52%

38

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 91%

39

Delaware State University

Dover, Delaware

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 69%

40

Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 59%

41

Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America

Santa Fe Springs, California

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 3:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation ABHE
Online Students 100%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 40%

43

Carolina University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation TRACS
Online Students 98%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 94%

45

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 91%

46

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 53%

47

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 58%

48

Oregon State University

Corvallis, Oregon

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 52%

49

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 46%

50

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 54%
About the ranking

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.

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
  • Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school)
  • Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio
  • Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.

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

Barton County Community College

Great Bend, Kansas

Barton County Community College's psychology associate degree, which takes two years to complete, familiarizes you with how the mind works, the mental processes psychologists must understand, the different types of counseling professionals use, and how people develop physically and psychologically from the day they're born. When you enroll as an online student, the school provides several services to help you have a good experience, including online teams dedicated to academic advising, financial aid assistance, and support navigating the online system. To make the experience seamless, the school's online portal, MyBarton Portal, houses all of the student information you need in one place.

Program Highlights:

Associate in Science in Psychology

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $122/credit in-state; $151/credit out-of-state
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 69%

2

Ellsworth Community College

Iowa Falls, Iowa

The two-year psychology degree from Ellsworth Community College begins with an introduction to the discipline where students become familiar with mental and behavioral processes, how psychologists use the principles they learned to work with patients, and the benefits of the psychological field on society. Students go on to take classes in abnormal and social psychology to gain an understanding of more advanced concepts. The program also requires general education classes in economics, history, genetics, chemistry, and public speaking. To aid students in their success in the program and beyond, the school provides a class about the college experience so they can understand how to handle all aspects of higher education, whether they're in class, dealing with financial aid, or doing academic planning for the semester.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Arts in Psychology

  • Credits: 64
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $195/credit in-state; $237/credit out-of-state
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 79%

3

Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, California

Santa Rosa Junior College's psychology associate degree program offers coursework taught by instructors with expertise in different areas of the field, such as developmental, clinical, sports, social, and cognitive psychology. As a result, students learn about human behavior in several contexts, so they're able to understand how people's minds and brains affect them when handling different situations. Specific classes include behavioral science statistics, human sexuality, psychological research methods, the psychology of prejudice and discrimination, and interpersonal communication. Students learn about psychology along the lifespan to gain an understanding of how people develop from birth to death and the psychology of aging and coming to terms with your mortality.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Arts in Psychology

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $46/credit in-state; $414 out-of-state
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: WASC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation ACCJC
Online Students 85%

4

Northeast Community College

Norfolk, Nebraska

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 38%

5

Butler Community College

El Dorado, Kansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 66%

6

Holmes Community College

Goodman, Mississippi

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 63%

7

Casper College

Casper, Wyoming

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 54%

8

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 26%

9

Copiah-Lincoln Community College

Wesson, Mississippi

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

10

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, Iowa

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 66%

11

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, Iowa

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 45%

12

Cerritos College

Norwalk, California

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 26:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation ACCJC
Online Students 78%

13

Bunker Hill Community College

Boston, Massachusetts

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 97%

14

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, Iowa

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 55%

15

Navarro College

Corsicana, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 56%

16

Houston Community College

Houston, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 77%

17

Amarillo College

Amarillo, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 55%

18

Merced College

Merced, California

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 23:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation ACCJC
Online Students 89%

19

Monroe Community College

Rochester, New York

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 82%

20

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 33%

21

Mt Hood Community College

Gresham, Oregon

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 40%

22

Imperial Valley College

Imperial, California

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 32:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation ACCJC
Online Students 89%

23

Cerro Coso Community College

Ridgecrest, California

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation ACCJC
Online Students 80%

24

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 33%

25

Lansing Community College

Lansing, Michigan

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 90%

26

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 42%

27

San Antonio College

San Antonio, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 25:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 53%

28

Oklahoma City Community College

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 6%

29

Reading Area Community College

Reading, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 51%

30

Bucks County Community College

Newtown, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 81%

31

Finger Lakes Community College

Canandaigua, New York

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 46%

32

Community College of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 97%

33

Montgomery County Community College

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 75%

How to Decrease the Cost of Your Online Psychology Degree

As the cost of higher education continues to increase each year, it’s becoming more important for students to find ways to reduce their expenses and avoid long-term loan payments. Luckily, there are several strategies that you can implement during the application process and throughout your enrollment to save money. Learn more about a few of these below.

1

Apply to scholarships, grants, and fellowships created for psychology students

Awards created specifically for psychology undergraduate students are available, and it’s possible to cover thousands of dollars in costs if you’re tenacious about applying throughout your degree program. Find these through professional organizations, nonprofit groups, governmental agencies, and even businesses. Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, provides undergraduate scholarships of $3,000 to students who meet eligibility requirements.

2

Pursue paid internships

While some internships still try to get psychology students to work without pay, it’s increasingly common for organizations to provide a wage or stipend to help cover students’ costs. Some of these require in-person work, while others may allow for remote work. Internships.com provides a searchable database of psychology internships where you can find one that meets your financial and subject-specific needs.

3

Ask about tuition reimbursement programs

If you are currently employed by a psychology-focused organization, you may have the opportunity to receive tuition reimbursement in exchange for committing to work at the company for a specific period, usually at least two years after graduation. According to current laws, employers can provide up to $5,250 annually in untaxed reimbursement funds to cover the costs of education, including tuition and fees, textbooks and supplies, and other related expenses. Take advantage of this opportunity to reduce the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

4

Check into work-study programs

For financially eligible students, many college campuses offer both in-person and virtual work-study opportunities. To determine your eligibility, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you qualify, your college will typically have a work-study department or career center that can provide information on available positions. These positions pay at least the federal minimum wage and may offer higher compensation. Some work-study opportunities may even be related to psychology.

5

Apply for public service loan forgiveness

Under the U.S. Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, students can apply to have a portion of their loans forgiven after meeting requirements. To qualify, you must work in a governmental or nonprofit role for at least 10 years after graduating. During this time, you must make 120 qualifying, on-time payments. At the end of those 10 years, you can apply to have the remainder of your Direct Loans forgiven.

What Impacts the Cost of an Online Psychology Degree?

The actual cost of an online psychology degree doesn’t boil down to just one factor; students need to consider many different options along the way to make sure they earn a top degree without breaking the bank. Consider some of these factors when making your decision.

Public vs. Private

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.

Transfer Credits

To save thousands of dollars, some students pursuing a 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.

In-state vs. Out-of-state

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.

School-based Scholarships

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.

Return on Investment

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.