10 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Psychology 2025

Psychology degrees are useful if you want to go into the mental health field, but learning about human behavior is also relevant to many related fields like business, education, and healthcare. A master's degree in psychology can help you reach several career goals.

If you're a working professional or have a busy schedule, it can be hard to find the time or money to earn a graduate degree. An online master's in psychology is a flexible option that can also be very affordable. Keep reading to discover the most affordable online master's degrees in psychology.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Psychology?

A master's degree is a type of graduate degree program. A psychology master's will focus on human behavior and the general field of psychology. Some majors offer concentrations like:

• clinical psychology
• counseling psychology
• educational/school psychology
• forensic psychology
• industrial-organizational psychology

Earning a master's in psychology online means that your courses will be held virtually. Some may be asynchronous, meaning you log in at whatever time works for you, while others are synchronous and require virtual meetings. You may also be required to participate in an in-person internship.

How Much Does an Online Master's in Psychology Cost?

An online psychology master's can range from a few hundred dollars per credit to over $1,000 per credit. The price you pay will depend on the school you choose, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, how many credit hours you need, and what financial aid you qualify for.

All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. This determines your eligibility for need-based federal and state aid, including scholarships and grants.

Cheapest Online Psychology Master's Programs

Not all psychology programs are ridiculously expensive. Below, we've highlighted some of the most affordable psychology master's online.

1. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a public institution in Fayetteville, NC. It offers a 36-credit Master of Arts (MA) in psychology online that has a broad focus on general psychology but also allows students to choose electives.

Core courses cover topics like research methods, developmental psychology, social psychology, and psychotherapy. Students also have the option of earning graduate certificates in behavioral research and professional psychology through the course of this program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $191 per credit (in-state); $477.50 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Tarleton State University

At Tarleton State University, students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in applied psychology online. Three tracks are available: the thesis track, for those interested in doctoral studies, the teaching track, for those wanting to become teachers, and the applied track, for all other students.

Tarleton State, a public research university, is located in Stephenville, TX. Its applied psychology degree prepares students for doctoral programs and entry-level jobs in psychological sciences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $241.90 per credit (in-state); $588.71 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Tarleton State accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Cameron University

Cameron University offers an MS in behavioral sciences with a concentration in general psychology. Cameron is a public university in Lawton, OK.

The 33-credit program covers core psychological principles, including human development across the lifespan, psychopathology, and social psychology. Students also choose 12 credits of electives on topics like psychological research, behavioral health, and advanced psychological theories.

• Estimated tuition cost: $345 per credit (in-state); $450 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Cameron offers institutional student aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. University of West Alabama

The online MS in experimental psychology is geared toward students wanting to enter a doctoral degree program or those looking to receive training in human statistics and research methods. Students can choose the general psychology option or a concentration in clinical psychology or health and sports psychology.

UWA, located in Livingston, AL, is a public university. It requires 36 credits for the general psychology option and at least 39 credits for the specialized concentrations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $429 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UWA offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. City University of New York School of Professional Studies

The City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies is a public institution in New York City. It offers an MA in psychology that provides students with a deeper understanding of behavior and motivations ?along with strong research, communication, and teamwork skills.

Two concentrations are available to psychology students. The industrial-organizational concentration studies human behavior in organizations, while the developmental psychology option focuses on human development across the lifespan.

• Estimated tuition cost: $470 per credit (in-state); $565 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: CUNY SPS accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Troy University

Students at Troy University can earn a Master of Science in psychology online. The program requires courses on research methods and ethical and legal issues, then allows students to choose from electives on topics like theories of personality, mental health, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.

Troy University, a public institution, is located in Troy, AL. It allows students to choose a thesis or a non-thesis track for the MS in psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $475 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Troy University accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. William Woods University

William Woods University offers an online MA in psychology that offers students a strong foundation in the field of psychology, as well as research methods and statistical analysis. William Woods is a private Christian school in Fulton, MO.

Students can choose from a general concentration or a concentration in human behavior or industrial/organizational psychology. The 30-credit program includes core courses on developmental psychology, psychopathology, and cognition.

• Estimated tuition cost: $480 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: William Woods offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Touro University Worldwide

Two master's in psychology options are available through Touro University Worldwide. The first is an online forensic psychology master's, which focuses specifically on forensic psychology. The second is an online MA in psychology.

TUW, based in California, is the online campus of the private Jewish Touro University system. Its MA in psychology offers several concentrations, such as educational psychology, health psychology, and media psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: TUW offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

9. Delaware State University

Delaware State University is a public, historically Black university (HBCU) in Dover, DE. It offers an MS in psychology online with two concentrations: clinical psychology and neuropsychology.

The clinical psychology track prepares students for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH) in the State of Delaware. The neuropsychology track of this online program is more research-focused.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: DESU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Colorado Christian University

Through Colorado Christian University, students can earn an MS in psychology via online learning. The 30-credit program explores human development, psychological research, social psychology, and more.

CCU, a private Christian school, is located in Lakewood, CO. Its psychology graduate program provides a general psychology education through a religious lens.

• Estimated tuition cost: $565 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: CCU accepts FAFSA and private aid. It also offers institutional financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the schools for this list, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools are regionally accredited institutions.
• Affordability: We looked at which schools offered graduate-level psychology programs online for the lowest cost.
• Program reputation: Every school on this list is nonprofit and offers high-quality psychology master's degrees.

What To Expect From an Online Master's Degree in Psychology

Most online master's degrees in psychology require between 30 and 40 credit hours. Full-time students can usually finish them within two years.

The admission requirements usually include a bachelor's degree, a minimum GPA, and an application fee. You may also need letters of recommendation or to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Some prerequisites may be required.

In your program, you'll take general psychology classes. If you choose a concentration or specialization, you'll also have more focused coursework. For example, a forensic psychology program will cover the applications of psychology to the criminal justice system.

Your program may require an internship or practicum, thesis, or some other type of capstone project. You can usually find full degree requirements, as well as information like start dates and admissions requirements, on the program website.

FAQs About Low-Cost Psychology Master's Programs Online

A master's in psychology can open up a variety of career opportunities. We've answered some frequently asked questions about these programs to help you on your way.

Can You Get a Psychology Master's Online?

You absolutely can get a master's in psychology online. Many programs offer fully online courses with no on-campus requirements.

Is an Online Master's in Psychology Worth It?

If you're interested in furthering your career or going into a doctoral program, an online master's in psychology is a great option. These programs help you understand human behavior and teach key research and analytics skills, which can be useful in various career paths.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Psychology Degree?

While a master's in psychology doesn't allow you to become a licensed psychologist, there are several career options available. These include:

• behavioral health specialist
• healthcare social worker
• human resources manager
• market researcher
• public relations specialist
• social services or social work manager

If you choose a specialization, that will influence your career path as well. For example, a social psychology online master's can lead to roles in social services and social work.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Psychology Online?

Most online master's in psychology take about two years of full-time study. However, some programs offer accelerated options, and others offer part-time programs.

What Is the Fastest Online Master's in Psychology Program?

While most online psychology master's degrees take two years, accelerated options are available. Look for schools that accept a high number of transfer credits, offer accelerated terms, and offer classes during the summer semesters.

Discover Online Psychology Degrees

Start your journey toward your career goals by exploring the online psychology degrees on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.