According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for psychologists is expected to grow at a rapid 19% between the years 2012-2022. Working schools, hospitals, health systems, government agencies and family services, psychologists with a Masters or PhD may earn up, on average, up to $72,580 per year. Depending on educational level and working environment, some psychologists can earn up to $118,310 annually.
In order to reach that level of income, typically, degrees levels from a bachelor, masters and PhD programs would be required. If you're interested in becoming a licensed psychologist, a bachelors degree in psychology will be helpful.
A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in psychology can lead you to a degree in clinical or counseling psychology with a masters or PhD. Students with a bachelors degree may be able to find employment in a variety of other fields in business, education or sales.
Tuition Costs
Probably, the single most daunting aspect of a college degree, is paying for it. While the cost of a college education isn't completely cheap, there are schools with lower tuition costs and options for paying tuition.
Employee Reimbursement
If you are working, often employers will offer tuition assistance for their employees. After checking with your financial advisor or Human Resources department, you may be able to borrow money at a low interest rate from your 401k to obtain your degree.
Federal Financial Aid
Grants, scholarships and student loans are available through the federal government for qualifying students. You must file an application available at Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Veterans, Active Military, Spouses and Dependents
If you are a veteran, spouse or dependent of an active military member, many schools offer tuition breaks. Check the schools website for details.
Accreditation
You may be concerned about obtaining a degree online and whether it's a legitimate school. One way to determine a school's standing is to see if it's accredited. Accreditation indicates the school meets standards and quality as prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education. There are six accreditation organizations divided by regions which are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It's recommended you determine if the school's accredited before applying for admission. If you're working toward a degree that will require licensure, be certain the accreditation of the school meets licensure requirements.
By reviewing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, rankings from U.S. News and World Report, tuition estimates from school website of their tuition costs, program length and school accreditation, Best Medical Degrees has developed a list of some of the 10 cheapest online bachelor degrees in the field of psychology.
1. Fort Hays University
Ranked #24 for Best Online Bachelors Programs by U.S. News and World Report, Fort Hays university was founded in 1902 and has a current student enrollment of over 14,000 students. Offering both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Psychology online, Fort Hays is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The BA in Psychology requires 10 hours of a modern foreign language and the BS has 20 hours of study in natural science and/or mathematics. There are 55 hours of core requirements include general psychology, introduction to cognitive psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology and child and development psychology. Both majors require 42 credit hours in the major and 17 hours in electives.
Length of Program: 124 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $25,688
2. American Public University
American Public University is provided accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and APU offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Ranked as one of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Bachelors Programs. American Public University was established in 1991 by a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who created a distance education career program for active military personnel. The university now has reached over 96,000 students internationally and provides over 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The BA in Psychology covers topics in human physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, personality theories, research methods, history and systems of psychology, psychology of addiction and substance abuse, psychology of terrorism and natural/man-made disasters, psychology of military or sports. As would be expected, American Public University has a strong commitment to the U.S military and offers a reduced tuition price, described on their website.
Length of Program: 121 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $32,670; $30,250 (with Military Grant)
3. University of Maryland University College
This program's tuition discount for military personnel and spouses makes it particularly attractive to those who qualify. The school also offers a discount for federal employees, spouses and dependents ($44,910). Established in 1947, UMUC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a member of the University of Maryland education system. With a current enrollment of over 50,000 and has an online Bachelors in Psychology degree.
The curriculum follows guidelines set by the American Psychological Association and emphasizes professional principles, social and biological aspects of psychology. Students will study general education courses, as well as theories of personality, memory and cognition, abnormal psychology, introduction to clinical psychology, biological basis of behavior, etc.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $30,080 (Residents); $59,880 (Non Residents); $30,000 (Military Service Members and Spouses)
4. Columbia College
The main campus of Columbia College was established in 1851 as the Christian Female College and has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1918. Currently with an enrollment of over 14,000 students, Columbia College has been recognized as #106 in U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Bachelors Programs. Columbia College is also acknowledged as Military Times "Best for Vets." Columbia College has an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Beyond general education courses in English, history, math, etc., students will study general psychology, introduction to theory and research, history and systems of psychology; and, electives in personality theory, social psychology, cognitive psychology, etc. Students are required to understand scientific methods, conduct research and present a written report and present to peers.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Cost Per Tuition: $34,800; $30,000 (Military)
5. Utah State University
Ranked #220 in National Universities and #125 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report, Utah State University offers an online Bachelors of Science in Psychology. With more than 28,000 enrolled students, Utah State University dates back to 1888 and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Students will cover general psychology, abnormal psychology, psychological statistics, behavioral, social and cognitive issues in psychology and specialization courses in human development, history and symptoms, introduction to counseling and interviewing.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $37,200
6. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University's history dates to 1932 when the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science was opened by H.A.B. Shapiro. Today, Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as #1 Most Innovative Schools and #101 National Universities.
SNHU offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with three psychology concentrations in child and adolescent development, forensic psychology and mental health. Coursework will include general education classes (English, history, etc.) with degree programs in introduction to anatomy and physiology, introduction to psychology and a capstone project, as well as classes in individual concentrations.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $38,400
7. California Southern University
This California school, located in Irvine, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and offers an online Bachelor of Arts in psychology. A private school, California Southern University was founded in 1978. The psychology degree comes under the auspices of the College of Behavioral Sciences and offers an online library which includes videos, research data, e-books and access to article databases.
Students are expected to study general education courses in the humanities, natural sciences and mathematics. Psychology course options include human sexuality, behavior modification, abnormal psychology and human development. The school offers a monthly payment option, with zero interest charged and a "no tuition increase" guarantee as long as the student maintains continuous enrollment in California Southern University.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $42,000
8. Wilmington University
Ranked #202 nationally as Best Online Bachelor's Program by U.S. News and World Report, Wilmington University has an enrollment of over 15,000 students and was founded in 1967 in New Castle, Delaware. Offering an online Bachelor of Science degree in psychology through its College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
The program focuses on competencies of a knowledge base in psychology, scientific inquiry and critical thinking, ethical and social responsibility, communication and professional development. Coursework will include studies in social psychology, abnormal psychology, learning and cognition, tests and measurements, etc.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Cost of Tuition: $42,480
9. UMASS Online
UMASS Online is a division of the University of Massachusetts and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges; and, has been noted by U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Bachelor's Program. The University of Massachusetts in Lowell was founded in the 1890s and is now part of the University of Massachusetts system with five coequal campuses across the state.
Providing a Bachelor of Arts psychology degree, UMASS Online requires general education coursework in the humanities and sciences, as well core psychology courses. Courses offered for this degree include psychology and women, human sexuality, introduction to psychological science, adult development and aging, social psychology, etc. Currently, students from Arkansas, Kansas and Minnesota are ineligible for admission to this program due to state regulations.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $44,400
10. Colorado State University
Colorado State University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and offers an online Bachelor of Science psychology degree. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a #61 Top Public Schools, #86 Best Colleges for Veterans and #129 National Universities, Colorado State University was founded in Fort Collins, Colorado in 1870 and currently has a student enrollment in excess of 51,000.
Concentrating on principles, theories, behavior and scientific methods, this program lays a framework to creatively develop methods to apply science to real world situations and problems. Courses will cover history and systems of psychology, mind, brain and behavior, research methods in psychology, cognitive psychology, infectious diseases and substance abuse, etc.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $53,280