The field of psychology is a vast one, with many different roads and avenues of possible careers. If you’re fascinated by occupations where your central role is to help others, psychology may be the field for you. Not all who study psychology end up in the role of a therapist or a counselor though – some pursue jobs as behavior analysts, correctional field officers, or social scientists. These types of careers take many years of academic study, and they all start with a bachelor’s degree. 
If you’re not planning to attend graduate school, psychology majors are equipped to enter jobs in public relations, research, sales, and as case managers and social service employees. Psychology majors study human behavior and mental health. They understand the importance of strong interpersonal, observational, and problem-solving skills. For more information on pursuing a career in the field of psychology, check out the American Psychological Association’s website.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists occupations for psychology majors along with the annual median pay from 2018. The bureau estimates that market research analysts, who often hold a psychology degree, earned about $63,120 per year, and that the job outlook is expected to go up 20% by the year 2028. Other professions with Bachelor of Psychology degree holders include substance abuse and mental health counselors, along with training and development specialists. Jobs in these fields pay between $45,000 and $60,000 a year.
The majority of the programs listed below not only have a significantly low price tag, but they also offer scholarships to online undergraduate students. This, coupled with the possibility of transferring credits from previous college coursework, makes for an economically sound, budget-minded path in pursuing your Bachelor’s in Psychology.
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Colleges Rank publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one’s higher education should be both affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:
- Degree Investment Return (25%)
- Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
- Cost Value (25%)
- Matriculation (10%)
- Academic Success (15%)
No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!
Here are the Top 25 Cheap Psychology Degree Online Programs (Bachelor’s) for 2020!
25. Washington State University – Pullman, WA
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Website
Washington State University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program offers multiple start dates for this fully online degree. Students may opt to begin in January, May, or August. The program consists of 120 credit hours, where 35 credits contribute toward psychology coursework. Students take foundational core classes to introduce them to the field of psychology, understand the field as a science, gain new knowledge in statistics, and utilize experimental methods for psychology. BS in Psychology majors also selects topics in three central elective areas: Neuroscience and Cognition, Social and Motivational, and Clinical and Counseling. WSU also requires a writing portfolio, writing courses, a foreign language section, and core coursework in the humanities and the arts.
Although an online program, students can participate in the Online Psychology Student’s Resource Room, WSU’s Psychology Club, and the Psychology National Honor Society. Online students may also take advantage of WSU’s student support services such as career counseling, military, and veterans support; academic advisors, and eTutoring. For students new to online learning, the university also provides online virtual mentors. Online students are eligible to apply for the ASWSU Global Scholarship, a $1,000-per-term award.
Net Price: $17,885
24. St. Mary of the Woods College – St. Mary, IN
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Website
St. Mary of the Woods College’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is taught by doctorate-holding instructors. The curriculum introduces a broad spectrum of subjects in the field of psychology. Over the 34 required credit hours in the major, students are exposed to concepts such as the psychology of women, biological psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology. Elective course offerings cover topics on human sexuality, stress management, drug and alcohol addiction, and techniques of counseling.
To apply for admission, St. Mary of the Woods College’s online admission process is free and open year-round. Prospective students are asked to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a 500-word essay. For students transferring from another college or university, transcripts should also be provided to assess prior college coursework. SMWC offers credit for prior learning. This means that the college may accept work, volunteering, or community engagement activities for credit towards a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, some coursework may be waived for successful CLEP, DANTES, or AP testing.
Net Price: $17,508
23. Colorado State University – Fort Collins, CO
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Website
The 120-credit-hour Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at Colorado State University gives its students a strong foundation in the field. Students will take core courses in the research methods of psychology, social psychology, and cognitive psychology. A variety of labs is required, where students will gain knowledge on how testing and measuring are carried out in psychological research. Upper-division coursework allows students to explore subjects such as the psychology of religion, forensic psychology, and the psychology of gender. The program also incorporates coursework in human physiology, critical thinking, public speaking, personal computing, and statistics.
The program admits for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Deadlines for each respectively are August 1, January 1, and May 1. Applications require a minimum 2.0 GPA and either a mathematics course from a community college with at least a C- or a passing grade in high school algebra or geometry. CSU offers services and support to adult learners, international students, military veterans, and students with disabilities. Colorado State University participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange, where selected students residing in western states are eligible for a significantly reduced rate of tuition.
Net Price: $17,191
22. University of Alabama – Birmingham, AL
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Website
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Alabama combines a required 38 credit hours in the major with classes in biology, chemistry, and physics as well as psychology electives and advanced, 400-level classes. Within the required courses, students will be introduced to fundamental concepts in developmental psychology, research literacy in psychology, statistical methods, and abnormal psychology. The program encourages its students to participate in research projects in both teaching and community settings. Up to three credit hours can be earned from these hands-on experiences. Elective coursework allows students to delve further into subjects such as clinical child psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and animal behavior.
The UAB College of Arts and Sciences has a generous scholarship system for undergraduate students. To apply for scholarships, students must first be admitted to UAB. All scholarship applications are accessed through BSMART, UAB’s scholarship management, and research system. Online students at UAB may take advantage of many student services, including counseling. For students not residing on or near campus, mental health services can be utilized online such as TAO, eCheckup to Go, ULifeline, and a variety of mental health apps.
Net Price: $17,016
21. Westfield State University – Westfield, MA
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Website
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Westfield State University is geared towards Massachusetts community college students who wish to transfer their credits and complete their junior and senior years online. While it caters to Mass transfer students, the program is also open to all. The psychology faculty is made up of sixteen full-time professors, all of whom hold doctorates in the field of psychology. Students in the program must take a minimum of 21 credit hours at Westfield to graduate with a psychology major. The curriculum covers introductory concepts in psychology, as well as statistics and research methods for psychology research.
Students can select elective courses in a variety of topics, such as sensation and perception, theories of personality, physiological psychology, or child development. All students will engage in a capstone experience to complete the degree. Capstone experiences allow students to delve into a specific topic of interest, such as drugs and behavior, emotion, developmental disabilities, or depression. The online program’s schedule follows the traditional academic calendar at Westfield, with two 15-week semesters in the fall and spring, two six-week summer sessions, and an accelerated winter session.
Net Price: $15,967
20. Colorado Technical University – Colorado Springs, CO
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Website
Colorado Technical University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology has received a top ranking by U.S. News & World Report for several years in a row. The program is a total of 182 credit hours and offers the option of testing out of certain classes with the CTU Fast Track exams. Students are required to take 66 credits in general education and 88 credits in core psychology courses, as well as 24 credits of elective concentration courses. Elective offerings cover a wide variety of subjects, such as consumer behavior, neuroscience, stress management, and adult learning.
New students may start in October, November, or January. CTU allows up to 75% of the program’s credit hours to be transfer credits. One semester hour is equal to 1.5 quarter hours at CTU. Only courses with a letter grade of at least a “C” are transferable. Transferring credits, along with the CTU Fast Track exams, allows students to graduate much more quickly, thereby saving money on tuition. Additionally, active members of the military, reserve, or National Guard receive discounted education. CTU also offers a variety of scholarships and grants.
Net Price: $15,888
19. University of Arizona – Tucson, AZ
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Website
The University of Arizona’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a 120 credit program. In addition to general education requirements, students take classes in several areas of psychology: clinical science, social personality science, cognitive neuroscience, and at least nine credits in psychology electives. Elective courses cover topics on cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and health psychology. Students may participate in an optional peer support program, where classmates are paired up for additional support in the online learning environment.
The BA in Psychology doesn’t require any travel to Tuscon and a virtual orientation for new online students will acclimate them to taking classes remotely. The University of Arizona utilizes D2L for its online coursework platform, where online students have 24-hour access, seven days a week to IT support. U of Arizona offers multiple methods to accumulate credit: with transfer credits from a community college, credit from any prior higher education coursework, or military service. New terms start every seven and a half weeks for online classes at the University of Arizona. Online students are assigned a student academic success specialist, as well as access to tutors. Current students can find alumni mentors in similar careers.
Net Price: $15,758
18. University of Houston – Houston, TX
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Website
The University of Houston’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology consists of the Texas Core curriculum, psychology major courses, and general electives. A minimum of 120 credits total is required for the degree. Psychology majors will take classes such as Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Psychology of Personality. Only upper-division courses in the major are available via distance education. Some courses may require students to take exams on campus, and the degree also requires six credits in a sophomore-level foreign language, which is not offered online. Only 30 credits must be taken to earn the degree. UH accepts transfer credits from other institutions towards completion of the degree.
The University of Houston provides post-graduation employment services for psychology majors through University Career Services, which offers career counselors and job databases. The Department of Psychology at the University of Houston awards merit-based scholarships to its undergraduate students. Additional scholarships through state funds, the University of Houston, and transfer student scholarships are also available. Active members of the military and veterans who are online students may also take advantage of the University of Houston’s veteran’s services.
Net Price: $15,664
17. University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Website
University of Central Florida’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a 120-credit-hour program. The degree aims to give its students a strong foundation in the field of psychology, with opportunities to explore specific topics in the field. The program encourages hands-on learning experiences through internships, research, and fieldwork. Core coursework for Psychology majors will cover developmental, cognitive, physiological, and social psychology. Students will also take courses in pursuing a career in psychology as well as in the history and systems of psychology. Students in the major select a particular track and take 12-14 credit hours in that track. Track topics include clinical psychology, experimental psychology, human factors psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, or neuroscience.
Students also complete a final capstone project that reflects their academic work and research in a particular subject. Foreign language requirements and a minimum 2.0 GPA must be met to complete the degree. The UCF Department of Psychology has a dedicated advising center. The center offers many resources, from job searching tools and academic advising to internship listings and graduate school preparation services. The department is also home to five different active student organizations centered on psychology in academics and as a profession.
Net Price: $15,341
16. Old Dominion University – Norfolk, VA
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Website
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Old Dominion University is a total of 120 credit hours. Students in the program must take a minimum of 30 credits at ODU. Core coursework in the major consists of introductory psychology courses as well as research methods in psychology. Students will also study biological bases and cognition, personality and social processes, and developmental changes. Online classes at ODU are a combination of assignments, exams, web conferencing, and message boards and discussion rooms. ODU utilizes Blackboard as its distance-learning platform. Some classes also take place in real-time, via live streaming. Technical support is available to online students seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
ODU partners with the Virginia Community College System for the transfer of credits from a junior college to ODU. There are a variety of merit-based scholarships available to online undergraduate students, as well as tuition assistance for members of the military. ODU has been offering academic programs and awarding degrees to distance education students for over thirty years. In 2019, Old Dominion University was ranked No. 72 in the nation for Top Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $15,213
15. Northern Arizona University – Flagstaff, AZ
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Website
Northern Arizona University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology program in which students take a minimum of 38 credits towards the major. The program is a total of 120 credit hours. As juniors and seniors, students in this major will take classes such as Writing in the Psychological Sciences, Group Behavior, Personnel Psychology, and Advanced Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. Students must complete a capstone course, where they may opt to write a research paper on a topic related to historical psychology, health promotion, and psychology or engage in a fieldwork/internship experience.
NAU online classes are taken via Blackboard. Most coursework can be done at the student’s convenience and pace, some may occur in a live streaming context. All NAU online students have access to IT support, library services, and tutoring. NAU has a plethora of scholarship and grant opportunities, some particularly for transfer students, Native American students, and merit-based scholarships through the NAU Foundation. NAU also offers support and assistance to transfer students, veterans, Native American students, and first-generation college students.
Net Price: $14,901
14. University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, ND
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Website
The University of North Dakota’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a four-year, 120-credit-hour program. The program offers an additional specialized certificate that focuses on forensic psychology, cyberpsychology, or behavioral health. UND online students have access to resources for online tutoring, tech support, the digital library, and advising services. Some courses may mimic the classroom setting with live webinars, where students will engage in real-time discussions with their instructor and classmates. Online students may also utilize the services of the Student Success Center and the UND Writing Center.
At UND, scholarship opportunities abound for undergraduate students. The university awards over 2,000 scholarships each year, totaling nearly $7.8 million. There are also scholarship funds specifically for transfer students. Students who wish to transfer previously-earned credits into the BA in Psychology program should have a minimum number of 24 transferable college credits with at least a 2.0 GPA. For admission to the program, you must submit high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. The test scores are waived if you’re over 25 years of age or completed 24 college credits elsewhere.
Net Price: $14,478
13. Central Washington University – Ellensburg, WA
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Website
In Central Washington University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree, students will gain foundational and introductory knowledge of psychology as a field. A few examples of course offerings include the Psychology of Video Games, Queer Theory and Sexuality, Sleep and Dreaming, Psychology in Schools, and the Psychology of Language. Students transferring coursework from previous institutions may have their credits evaluated by a faculty committee. It is recommended that students transferring into the major take classes in general psychology, math, statistics, and biology. Lower-division psychology credits are generally not eligible for substitution, and only five credits of 200-level-and-under psychology course credits can count towards the BA in Psychology. More information on transferring credit can be found here.
Students residing near Ellensburg, WA, are not eligible for admission to the online BA in the Psychology program at CWU. The Psychology department within the College of the Sciences at CWU offers two scholarships specific to psychology majors. CWU also offers many scholarships to new students and transfer students, including those based on merit and tuition discounts for non-Washington residents.
Net Price: $14,124
12. University of Memphis – Memphis, TN
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Website
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree at the University of Memphis combines coursework in the major areas of psychology and allows students to explore specific areas of interest. The major covers general psychology, careers in psychology, and research and statistics. It also requires coursework within cognitive and neuroscientific bases of behavior, social and developmental bases of behavior, and applications of behavior. The program offers concentrations in general psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and cognitive science. Within each of these concentrations, students can take classes such as Child Psychology; Alcohol, Drugs, and Behavior; or Introduction to Linguistics.
Students transferring from another school to the program will have their transcripts evaluated for courses that are equivalent to the required coursework for U of M’s degree requirements. U of M offers several scholarships to undergraduate students, including both merit and need-based. Online students have access to advising, technology support, library services, and career services. U of M online students may also utilize the adult and veteran services, as well as disability resources.
Net Price: $13,663
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