We created our Students Before Profits Award to promote the best nonprofit colleges and universities with online degree programs. We look for schools that put students before profits and education before the bottom line. This list includes NPCO’s online Bachelor in Psychology award winners. We selected programs from the most affordable colleges offering online psychology degrees.
Psychology is an excellent profession if you’re interested in a career that can make a tangible difference in others’ lives. Those who enter psychology are typically motivated by helping people. And as a professional in the field, you’ll have many opportunities to do just that. For example, in a clinical setting, you may:
- Educate others about mental illness.
- Guide patients in learning emotional coping skills.
- Be available for those overcome trauma or personal loss.
- Support patients dealing with a mental health crisis.
- Help people overcome substance abuse issues.
And these are just a few examples of some roles in psychology. If you don’t want to work directly with patients, you can also work as a researcher in the field. This vital work can help improve mental health treatment and educate others. Plus, you can work to solve some of the most challenging issues in behavioral health. At the best online colleges, psychology is typically one of the most popular majors to pursue.
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- Best Online Masters in Psychology Programs
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- Best Master’s in Forensic Psychology Programs
- Highest Paying Jobs in Psychology: Students Before Profits
Advantages of an Online Psychology Program
The best online schools for psychology offer a curriculum that is identical to those taught on campus. And classes are usually led by the same respected instructors. Psychology majors earn the same degree as students who attended the program in person. The only difference is that these programs are offered remotely.
An online degree has distinct advances over attending in person. Some online psychology degree programs are more affordable. But online students still save money even if they don’t get discounted tuition. They do not have to pay for student housing, transportation to and from class, specific clothes for school, a meal plan, and many other expenses.
Another advantage of online psychology degrees is convenience. Many online programs offer flexible asynchronous online classes. This means that students can log on and complete their studies when it is convenient for them. This is an ideal learning scenario for busy working professionals.
What Do You Learn in an Online Psychology Program?
Most bachelor’s in psychology programs require about 120 credits and can be completed in four years. However, some online programs are offered in an accelerated format—another benefit of online bachelor’s in psychology programs. Students will typically choose either an online bachelor of science in psychology or an online bachelor of arts in psychology. You will have core courses, electives, and labs.
Students pursuing a B.S. program will usually have more math and science-related courses. Those may include chemistry, biology, statistics, and similar subjects. Those who choose a B.A. program will focus more on social science and humanities courses. Both online psychology degrees may have optional concentrations that include:
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Mental Health Studies
- Addictions Studies
- Criminal Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Child & Adolescent Psychology
- Behavioral Psychology
- School Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
What Is the Job Outlook in the Field of Psychology?
The future is bright for prospective psychologists. The employment rate in this field is expected to grow seven percent through 2033. This is about as quickly as the average for all occupations. The median pay is $92,740 a year. Of course, becoming a psychologist also involves completing graduate school. But there are plenty of other entry-level jobs in psychology for undergraduates.
For example, many candidates can secure jobs as substance abuse or mental health counselors with just an online bachelor’s degree. And the job outlook for counselors is even more promising. Counseling is expected to grow by 19 percent over the next decade. On average, counselors earn $53,710 per year.
Related: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Psychology?
Methodology for the Best Online Psychology Degrees
Affordability and accreditation are our primary criteria for ranking the best psychology degrees offered online. All of the online programs listed are ordered from the lowest to the highest tuition costs, according to NCES College Navigator. Please note the rates listed are based on the costs for in-state undergraduate students per academic year. Out-of-state rates may be more expensive. However, online tuition can sometimes be less expensive.
Additionally, online students typically qualify for the same financial assistance as on-campus students. This can include federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants. These assistance programs can significantly lower the costs of attending your preferred online program. So always be sure to check with a school’s financial aid department.
Best Online Degree Programs for Psychology
| School | Tuition |
| Thomas Edison State University | $3,417 |
| Fayetteville State University | $5,379 |
| Washington State University | $6,019 |
| University of Central Florida | $6,368 |
| University of Florida | $6,381 |
| Florida International University | $7,067 |
| Fort Hays State University | $7,720 |
| Indiana East University | $7,827 |
| Trine University | $8,970 |
| Charter Oak State College | $9,870 |
| University of Maryland | $9,900 |
| University of Texas of the Permian Basin | $10,870 |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | $11,250 |
| Liberty University | $11,700 |
| Ottawa University | $11,976 |
| Arkansas Tech University | $11,990 |
| Old Dominion University | $12,240 |
| Troy University | $12,720 |
| Colorado State University | $14,280 |
| Bellevue University | $14,850 |
Ranking the Top Online Psychology Programs
#1. Thomas Edison State University
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
TESU offers a B.A. in Psychology. It is one of many degree programs tailored specifically for nontraditional adult students. Psychology majors will need to complete 120 hours for graduation. The program prepares adults for careers in the field and serves as a foundation for graduate studies. This online education emphasizes a broad foundation in liberal arts. And, of course, students will gain extensive knowledge in psychology. This includes the study of historical theories and ethical standards in the practice.
Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $3,419
#2. Fayetteville State University
Online Psychology Degree Program
Fayetteville State University offers a fully remote psychology degree completion program. Students who want to pursue this program must complete all core requirements. Courses are delivered asynchronously through Canvas, an online learning platform. This allows busy professionals to complete their studies at their convenience. The program is also ideal for those who want to continue studying for a Master of Psychology degree. As one of the best online colleges for psychology, FSU is also the most affordable school on our list.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $5,379
#3. Washington State University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Washington State University Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. It has been ranked as one of the best online psychology programs by U.S. News & World Report. Students at the WSU online campus learn from the same faculty as the on-campus degree program. The B.A. in Psychology gives students a thorough understanding of the field. And it covers topics that will prepare them for work in the discipline or to pursue an advanced degree.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities
Tuition: $6,019
#4. University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
UCF is one of the most affordable non-profit online colleges on our list. The University of Central Florida offers an excellent online bachelor’s in psychology. Students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The program is designed to give students the skills they need to reach their career goals. Candidates at the University of Central Florida can select from several tracks, including:
- Clinical Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Human Factors Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Neuroscience
- General Track
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $6,368
#5. University of Florida
Online Psychology Degree Program
The University of Florida offers a fully online B.A. in Psychology. Applicants must have already completed specific prerequisite courses to be admitted. In this program, online students explore psychology from both social science and natural perspectives. This bachelor’s degree in psychology prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the field. Plus, it will ready them to pursue graduate study as well. The degree requires coursework in psychology, statistics, mathematics, and biology. UF is often ranked as having one of the best online psychology degree programs in the nation.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $6,381
#6. Florida International University
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
FIU’s online B.A. in Psychology lays a solid foundation for a career in psychology. The program focuses on current trends in the field. And it concentrates on five areas within psychology. These include experimental, social, applied, personality/abnormal, and developmental. The fully online program requires 120 credits for graduation. It is offered through the school’s on-campus psychology department.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $236/credit
#7. Fort Hays State University
Online Psychology Degree Programs
Fort Hays State University offers two degrees in psychology online. They include an online B.A. and B.S. in Psychology. The psychology programs are aligned with the American Psychological Association’s standards. The core coursework is the same for both online programs. However, B.A. students must complete 20 hours of out-of-department courses. Additionally, candidates must complete 10 hours of a foreign language. B.S. in Psychology students must complete 20 hours of coursework in Natural Sciences and/or Mathematics. The B.S. program is recommended for those intending to study psychology online or on-campus at the doctoral degree level.
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $7,720
#8. Indiana University East
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Indiana University East offers a fully online B.S. in Psychology degree. It is thought to be one of the best online psychology degree programs available. It’s intended for transfer students who have completed 60 or more credits with a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0. Students will complete coursework in evolutionary psychology, behavioral neuroscience, human behavior, and more. With this program, psychology graduates will be well prepared for many entry-level positions in the field. Financial aid for online education is available, and courses are also available in person.
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $7,827
Related: 30 Ways to Pay for College Without Loans
#9. Trine University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
TrineOnline offers an online B.S. with a major in Psychology degree program. This program focuses on helping students perfect their analytical and research skills. In addition, students can take optional specialized Addictions Counseling coursework for licensing. And they can combine psychology with criminal justice as a double major. Classes are asynchronous and start every eight weeks.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $299/credit
#10. Charter Oak State College
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Charter Oak State College offers a B.S. in Psychology that is 100 percent online. The program covers the principles of normal and abnormal behavior. Charter Oak is widely regarded as being one of the best psychology schools online. Students will study human development and research methods in psychology. But they will also learn practical applications for their research. Candidates must choose one of four concentrations:
- Life Span
- Social/Behavioral
- Cognition & Learning
- General Psychology
Accreditation: New England Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $329/credit
#11. University of Maryland
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
UMUC’s B.S. in Psychology aims to give students a foundation in theory, practice, and behavioral science research. After graduation, they will be prepared for further academic study or careers in practical psychology. The program is offered entirely online. However, some select hybrid courses are available. Students must complete 120 credits to graduate, and the school allows up to 90 credits for transfer students.
Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $330/credit
#12. University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
UTPB offers a fully online B.A. in Psychology program. This degree program has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report. And UTPB is thought to be one of the best online psychology schools in the nation. The program is taught by the same experienced faculty members who teach on campus. As a result, students will gain a broad foundation in behavioral sciences. And they will learn excellent research and communication skills that will serve them well in any profession. Financial aid is available.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $362/credit
#13. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
NSU’s B.S. in Psychology was the first online bachelor’s degree in psychology to be offered in Louisiana. This flexible online degree helps students gain a general understanding of human development. However, students may also pursue a Substance Abuse or Prevention Specialist concentration. The program provides a solid foundation in the science of human behavior. It also prepares students to work in entry-level roles in the field. Additionally, it readies them to continue studying in graduate programs. Federal financial aid is available.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $375/credit
#14. Liberty University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Liberty University’s online B.S. in Psychology provides psychology majors with a Christian approach to psychology. It serves as preparation for a variety of careers as well as graduate work in psychology. The online psychology specializations include a general track or one of the following:
- Addictions and Recovery
- Christian Counseling
- Criminal Psychology
- Crisis Counseling
- Developmental Psychology
- Life Coaching
- Military Resilience
Liberty also offers an associate psychology program for students interested in an online associate degree in psychology. This online degree offers students a well-rounded education in human development.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $390/credit
#15. Ottowa University
Psychology Program Online
Students at Ottawa University can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology online. This online psychology program focuses on the most useful processes in modern psychology. Plus, it prepares students for a range of careers in the field. A communication concentration is also available. Many program graduates pursue Ottawa’s online Master of Arts in Counseling degree.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $11,976
#16. Arkansas Tech University
Psychology Online B.A. Degree
Students at A.T.U. can pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership. But they can add on a concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. A Prior Learning Assessment process is considered for this program. Qualified students may earn up to 12 hours of credit for prior work, training, or experience. Industrial/Organizational Psychology focuses on the scientific study of humans in the workplace. Psychology graduates of this program will be qualified to work in entry-level positions in business and human resources. Plus, they are prepared to study organizational psychology graduate programs.
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $11,990
#17. Old Dominion University
Psychology Program Online
The psychology undergraduate degree at ODU explores a broad spectrum of topics within the field. And it prepares students for a variety of career paths or further study at the graduate level. Students who complete the program earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in psychology. Candidates are encouraged to pursue variety in their in-department electives. This is especially true for those seeking an advanced degree after the bachelor’s program. There are opportunities to focus on either clinical psychology or industrial/organizational psychology.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $408/credit
#18. Troy University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Troy University’s online B.S. in Psychology prepares students for a wide range of careers. Plus, it serves as excellent preparation for graduate study of psychology. It features a balanced, rigorous curriculum and small class sizes. Students can also minor in Applied Behavioral Analysis or Substance Abuse Addictions Education.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $424/ credit
#19. Colorado State University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
CSU offers an online B.S. in Psychology. The program has an extremely well-rounded science and liberal arts curriculum. And several in-department electives are available. This allows students to explore a variety of topics in human behavior. In addition, students can choose from concentrations in the following areas:
- Behavioral psychology
- Biopsychology or behavioral neuroscience
- Clinical psychology and psychiatry
- Forensic psychology
- Industrial/organizational psychology
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $476/credit
#20. Bellevue University
Online Psychology Degree Programs
Two of the most affordable and best psychology degree online programs are offered at this next college. Both the B.A. major and the B.S. major at Bellevue require a minimum of 127 hours for graduation. The coursework is similar, though the B.A. curriculum involves a broader liberal arts foundation. And the B.S. curriculum focuses on a core of biological sciences and mathematics. There are four start dates each year for these programs. And no SAT or ACT scores are required.
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $459/credit
Additional Top Online Psychology Programs
Excelsior University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Excelsior University offers an online B.S. in Psychology that requires 120 credit hours for completion. However, EC attempts to remove many barriers to adult success in college by allowing full course credit by exam. And credit is also offered for some forms of professional training and military service. The program prepares students for entry-level positions in psychology. And it provides a solid foundation for graduate programs.
Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $510/credit
See Also: Where to Find Free Online College Courses
Baker College
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The BS in Psychology program at Baker meets the American Psychological Association standards. The degree takes about four years and 120 credit hours to complete. After graduation, students are ready to work in various caregiving careers. Or they can pursue psychology studies at the graduate level. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid are available for online students.
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $35,150
Central Michigan University
Online Psychology Degree Programs
CMU offers both a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology. Students in these online bachelor’s programs will need 18 hours of planned electives in psychology. But they can be customized to the candidate’s area of interest. The courses are selected in consultation with an academic advisor. This program is highly flexible and allows students to work on their specific goals. Students can choose from concentrations in business or mental health.
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $520/credit
City University of Seattle
Psychology Program Online
U.S. News and World Report ranked this next program in the top 50 online undergraduate online programs. It’s City University’s B.A. in Applied Psychology program. Entirely online, the program allows students to follow a general track. But, they can also design a specialized study concentration. The BAAP prepares individuals for roles in education, business, and counseling. However, many graduates go on to study at the master’s and doctoral degree levels.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Tuition: $495/credit
Pennsylvania State University
Online Psychology Degree Programs
Penn State has one of the largest nonprofit online colleges at its Global Campus. Pennsylvania State University offers both a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology. Both online bachelor’s programs require 123 hours of total coursework. And each program prepares students for further academic pursuits in the field. The B.A. option provides candidates with a broad education in the arts and social sciences. It’s a good fit for those intending to pursue a career in social work or clinical mental health counseling. There are two options within the B.S. program. They include a Life Science concentration and a Business concentration.
Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $7,678/semester
This concludes our ranking of the top online schools with psychology degree programs.
