Best Affordable Online Psychology Programs of 2025

College students consider affordability the most important factor when choosing between schools, according to BestColleges’ research. However, keep in mind that the cheapest program isn’t always the most affordable.

We used our proprietary methodology to create a list of the most affordable online psychology programs. To evaluate schools, we compared advertised tuition prices with their net price, which is what students pay out of pocket after scholarships and grants. We also considered the students’ average loan payments and default rates.

Additionally, we consider each school’s student outcomes after graduation, program flexibility and accessibility, reputation, student diversity, and ease of admission.

With this in mind, this list includes high-quality programs that won’t break the bank.

Comparing advertised tuition rates can help you find a cheap online psychology degree. However, the sticker price doesn’t always mean a program is affordable.

Grants, scholarships, tuition discounts, and other forms of financial aid can lower what you pay out of pocket, as shown in the table below. With this in mind, consider comparing schools by their net price. Colleges often offer net price calculators on their websites, which can help you estimate your actual cost after financial aid.

Also, keep in mind that affordability isn’t just about tuition price. It also depends on your potential return on investment (ROI) after graduating. Attending a high-quality program with experienced faculty and student support programs — like career counseling — improves your career prospects and earning potential in the long run.

According to our 2025 Online Education Trends Report:

Online psychology programs are usually more affordable than in-person ones. They typically cost, on average, around $11,998, compared to about $17,797 for on-campus degrees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

However, research your financial aid options before enrolling, since grants and scholarships can significantly make your net price lower. For instance, online and on-campus programs cost, on average, around $7,471 and $8,536, respectively, with financial aid.

To get an idea of the ROI of an online psychology degree, calculate how much you’ll spend on tuition and other expenses while earning your degree. Then, consider how much you expect to earn after graduating.

Psychology majors who graduated in 2023 reported an average starting salary of around $44,000, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). However, around 1 in 3 majors went on to graduate school, which increases earning potential further.

Additionally, how much you can earn with a psychology degree varies due to several factors, including industry, location, and years of experience. For instance, as of May 2024, school psychologists earn a median annual salary of around $87,000, while clinical psychologists earn a median yearly salary closer to $96,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

These five steps can help make your degree even more affordable:

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check if you qualify for federal financial aid. The form determines your eligibility for grants, need-based scholarships, and other aid programs. Colleges also use the FAFSA to award institutional aid. Remember, you’ll need to complete and submit the FAFSA each year you’re enrolled in college.

Community colleges charge lower tuition rates than four-year colleges. In fact, public community college tuition averages around $120 per credit hour, compared with $1,200 per credit hour for four-year private colleges.

Before enrolling, however, be sure the bachelor’s program you’re considering accepts transfer credits from community colleges.

A bachelor’s degree usually requires at least 120 credits, but many colleges award credits for Advanced Placement (AP) classes, transfer courses, and prior life or work experience. By maximizing your credits, you can make your degree even more affordable.

The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition can amount to thousands of dollars, but some colleges charge distance learners the same rate, regardless of whether you’re a state resident.

You can also save on tuition by choosing a school that offers regional reciprocity, which provides tuition discounts for students from neighboring states.

If you can’t cover college costs with financial aid alone, you may need to take out a student loan — but be strategic about it. Prioritize subsidized federal loans, which typically offer the lowest interest rates. Next, choose federal loans over private loans whenever possible, since these offer more flexible repayment options.