Most Affordable Online Master’s in Psychology

What are the inner workings of the human mind that make you tick? We understand the challenge of finding the most affordable online master’s in psychology to help you pursue your dreams. 

Let’s take a look at the top and most affordable online master’s in psychology to help you start your search. 

Most Affordable Online Master’s in Psychology

Not only can one of these degrees help you pursue new career opportunities, it can also help you make a lasting difference in the lives of others. With more than 41.7 million American adults receiving mental health treatment, that’s huge.

Whether you want to become a clinical psychologist, mental health counselor, therapist, or even a school psychologist, there’s an affordable online master’s in psychology out there for you. These schools can nurture your passions and give you the well-rounded training you need for a rewarding lifelong career.

Fayetteville State University

Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, this university offers a fully online Master of Arts in Psychology. The degree includes 27 credits of core psychology courses and is ideal for working professionals who don’t wish to take time away from work to pursue their degrees. 

Consisting of 36 credit hours, the program’s curriculum is broad and includes multiple optional certificates, including those in Professional Psychology and Behavioral Research. 

Program Highlights:

• Tuition starts at less than $200 per credit hour for in-state students.
• Comprehensive curriculum that explores psychology from multiple perspectives.
• The curriculum covers learning outcomes, including human biological, behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social growth and development, along with research and communication skills. 

Unique Features:

• Small class sizes with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
• Extensive career placement services are available.

Kansas State University 

As one of the country’s premier public institutions, Kansas State University also offers a robust online master’s in psychology that focuses specifically on industrial and organizational issues. This degree includes 38 credit hours and takes most students two to three years to complete. 

You’ll complete your courses through the Canvas platform, with classes delivered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats.

Program Highlights:

• Courses cover behavioral methodologies needed to address workplace issues.
• The final practicum allows students to gain hands-on experiences and work in settings like human resources and institutional training.
• Small class sizes with a high graduation rate of 90%.

Unique Features:

• 93% of students receive some form of financial aid. 
• Low tuition rates of just $545 per credit hour. 
• The hybrid program follows a small cohort model to allow for networking and support.

Fort Hays State University

With a main campus in Hays, Kansas, Fort Hays State University also has an impressive online program in Clinical Psychology. It’s designed to meet the licensure requirements of students who plan to live and work in Kansas; it is also open to students who live elsewhere in the United States. 

Program Highlights:

• Students are only required to come to campus for five-day workshops over two summer semesters.
• Includes core classes like Professional Ethics in Psychology and Developmental Psychology.
• Requires 15 credit hours of practicum and internship experience.

Unique Features:

• It takes students as little as four semesters to complete, in addition to two semesters of internships.
• Tuition starts at just $375 per credit hour.
• 96% of students receive some form of financial aid.

Angelo State University 

Angelo State University has a 36-credit-hour degree – Master of Science in Applied Psychology – that takes most students just one to two years to complete. With affordable in-state and out-of-state tuition, the degree provides plenty of opportunities for students to explore their research interests with a final thesis. 

Program Highlights:

• Classes cover everything from Core Concepts in Psychological Science to Applied Child and Adolescent Development.
• One paid online graduate teaching assistantship is available each semester to offset tuition and provide hands-on experience.
• The curriculum offers a multifaceted look at human behavior and includes hands-on experience with high-level research. 

Unique Features:

• Multiple scholarships, including the ASU Distinguished Graduate Scholarships, are offered to students.
• The nationally recognized program has been ranked among the top 10 in the country by Fortune Magazine.
• Additional Teaching of Psychology Certificate available.

California Coast University 

A private university located in beautiful Santa Ana, California, California Coast University also offers an online Master of Science in Psychology for students who may not be able to travel to campus. The program, which includes 39 credit hours, is offered asynchronously through Coast Connection.

Program Highlights:

• Core courses cover topics like Human Sexuality and Assessment Techniques.
• Most students take just one or two years to complete the program.
• Courses are self-paced and take place 100% online.

Unique Features:

• Affordable tuition with zero-interest payment plans.
• Courses can be started at any time of the year.
• 10% tuition discount for military veterans, government employees, firefighters, law enforcement professionals, and other select groups of students.

Florida State University

Florida State University offers a Master’s in Educational Psychology with a special focus on learning and cognition. The program consists of 33 credit hours and prepares students to work for the government, in the classroom, or in nonprofits (among many other settings).

Though it does not lead to licensures in teaching, school counseling, or school psychology, it’s an individualized program that offers flexibility, customization, and plenty of research opportunities. 

Program Highlights:

• Includes hands-on research opportunities with nationally recognized faculty. 
• Allows students to transition seamlessly into the school’s doctoral programs in psychology.
• The program can also be completed on campus. 

Unique Features:

• It is ranked as one of the best programs in the country for veterans. 
• Affordable tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students alike.
• Career placement and academic counseling are available. 

University of Central Missouri

A public university located in Warrensburg, MO, the University of Central Missouri has an online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis. This 30-credit hour program takes students as little as one to two years to complete a full-time pace.

Program Highlights:

• Practicum required for graduation.
• Core courses include Behavioral Analysis and Therapy, Research Methods in Applied Settings, and Principles of Behavior and Learning. 
• Classes are completed via the LMS Blackboard platform, allowing for synchronous and asynchronous study. 

Unique Features:

• 100% of students receive financial aid. 
• Provides training to qualify students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts. 
• 100% job placement rate.

Southern Illinois University – Carbondale

Southern Illinois University – Carbondale has a 45-credit hour Master of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy that’s available 100% online. It takes full-time students just two years to complete the degree, with synchronous and asynchronous courses offered on D2L Brightspace. 

Program Highlights:

• The degree includes a practicum, internship, and thesis or research paper for hands-on learning.
• Ideal degree for students interested in becoming school counselors, behavior analysts, or applied behavioral therapists.
• Includes courses like Behavior Therapy and Behavioral Gerontology. 

Unique Features:

• 95% of students receive financial aid. 
• Annual tuition rates average less than $6,000 for residents.
• Accredited by the Association for Behavioral Analysis International (ABAI). 

Key Factors Influencing Your Decision

When you’re searching for the best school at which to complete your online master’s in psychology, there are a few factors to consider:

• Tuition Costs: Look for programs with lower tuition fees to keep the total cost down.
• Financial Aid Options: Explore scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid to help cover expenses.
• Flexibility: Consider the flexibility of the program to accommodate your schedule and personal commitments – some programs may require some on-campus attendance.
• Accreditation: Make sure the program is accredited to guarantee the quality and recognition of your degree.
• Faculty Support: Research the accessibility and support provided by faculty members throughout the program.
• Internship and Research Opportunities: Look into potential internship and research opportunities that could provide valuable experience and networking connections.
• Graduation Requirements: Understand the total credits required and any additional fees for graduation.
• Career Services: Find out whether there are career services that can help with job placement after you’ve completed the program.
• Degree Outcomes: The average salary for psychologists was $92,740 in 2023 – does the program you are considering contain comparable averages and a high job placement rate?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an Online Master’s in Psychology Worth It?

An online master’s degree in psychology can help you qualify for better jobs and potentially earn more money. However, you need to consider your career goals and the unique benefits of each individual program to decide if it’s worth the investment – no two situations are exactly alike.

Is an Online Masters Cheaper?

Online master’s programs in psychology tend to be more affordable than traditional on-campus programs because they offer reduced commuting costs and more flexible scheduling options. Many also boast lower tuition and fees. 

Is an Online Psychology Degree Credible?

Accredited online master’s programs in psychology are just as respected as traditional on-campus programs. Just make sure the program you choose is well-ranked and includes pathways to licensure in your specific state if that’s something you’re interested in.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to make your mark as a psychologist, these programs should help set you on the right track – without breaking the bank. For a quality education that will change the entire trajectory of your career, consider these most affordable online masters in psychology degrees today.