Earning a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the best affordable colleges for a psychology degree has never been easier than it is now; as more employers demand a professional with at least an undergraduate degree in the field, it has become more important for students to complete this degree for their career. And with inexpensive options becoming more commonplace, students have even more choices for their degree. This is why the Affordable Schools staff has taken time to rank the most cost-effective psychology degrees.
An inexpensive degree is highly appreciated by students, but more important is the quality of the degree. With schools offering everything from practicums and internships to co-curricular activities, students have a variety of choices of schools that will meet their needs. The only thing a student will need to do is to look through this ranking to find the one that meets their criteria for applying for admission.
Methodology
This ranking began and ended with a substantial amount of research. The first step was to search for bachelor’s degrees in psychology through the College Navigator database, a helpful tool that can be found on the National Center for Education Statistics website. It’s completely free to use and provides users with accurate and up-to-date information. From that initial list we narrowed it down to schools with a total tuition rate of $15,000 or less to fill our ranking the most affordable colleges for psychology degrees.
This list has two important factors that were considered from the NCES website: tuition and student-to-faculty ratio. Tuition is generally the most important factor for students interested in an affordable education. Student-to-faculty ratio also played a role due to the fact that most students report higher satisfaction and higher retention rates when in schools with smaller class sizes. This is how points were awarded based on these factors:
Tuition for one year – based on 15 hours per semester:
Under $7,500 – 3 Points
$7,500 – $15,000 – 2 Points
$15,001 and above – 1 Point
Student to faculty ratio:
10:1 or less – 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 Points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 Point
While the competition was tough, only 15 schools made the cut. They are listed below in descending order based on the total points the school accrued in the research process.
Ranking 15 Best Affordable Psychology Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2019
15. West Texas A&M University
Canyon, Texas
Total Points: 3
Program Website
West Texas A&M University confers two cost-effective degrees in psychology. Students can choose between the inexpensive BA or a BS in Psychology, a general degree that will prepare students to become professionals in the field after graduation or move into graduate work once they have graduated. Students will find that this low-cost psychology degree program is interdisciplinary in nature, providing them with context on how psychology works in a variety of industries. This school has one of the most affordable tuition options available for students and provides one rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. The program is also supported by small class sizes and a dedicated faculty with years of experience in the field.
Tuition
In-State: $7,512
Out-of-State: $7,512
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
14. Peru State College
Peru, Nebraska
Total Points: 3
Program Website
The affordable online psychology degree that is offered by Peru State College was designed for students who need a flexible and cheap degree that can be earned online and on-campus. This cheap psychology degree program’s courses, with the exception of the drug and alcohol counseling courses, can be earned online and students can build a hybrid program if they so choose. Additionally, this inexpensive psychology degree program also provides a pathway for students who are interested in becoming Provisional Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Students will find that along with a renown faculty, which includes several licensed psychologists, the school also provides individualized guidance opportunities and small class sizes. With a low tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, this is one program that all students should take a look at when reviewing schools for a psychology degree.
Tuition
In-State: $8,612
Out-of-State: $8,612
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
13. Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, Minnesota
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Southwest Minnesota State University offers students the chance to complete an affordable Bachelor’s in Psychology, a low-cost program that was designed to prepare students for the general field. This economical psychology degree program also has an exciting new offering, the Community Psychology and Health Promotion major, which is debuting this year. Students in this 120-credit hour program will find that the affordable degree focuses on research and theory, setting the foundation for graduate work. Students will also have the chance to complete research projects alongside with the faculty, many of whom are practicing psychologists, participate in the school’s Psi Chi and Psychology Club organizations, and even have the chance to present at nationwide conferences.
Tuition
In-State: $8,612
Out-of-State: $8,612
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
12. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Goodwell, Oklahoma
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Oklahoma Panhandle State University, one of the most affordable colleges for psychology degrees, confers the inexpensive BS in Psychology. This 124-credit hour economical degree program was designed to give students an introduction into the general field of psychology and will prepare students for graduate education. This cheap psychology degree program was designed to allocate most of a student’s time to the field while also taking a look at psychology electives and other electives that can help them build a degree that best fits their needs. Students may also complete a minor if they so choose. The program has a variety of features and options available and, alongside inexpensive tuition rates and a well-respected faculty, this school is a great choice for students interested in psychology.
Tuition
In-State: $7,930
Out-of-State: $8,674
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
11. Chadron State College
Chadron, Nebraska
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Chadron State College is home to a top-value low-cost psychology degree. The school’s affordable BA in Psychological Studies is a 120-credit hour program that is supported by an excellent staff and cheap tuition rates. One of the interesting features of this inexpensive psychology degree program is the requirement that students complete the Essential Studies Program, which is a program that focuses students on inquiry and responsible ethics. Students do not finish this program in the same term, but rather complete the four courses and the capstone course throughout their four years in the program. This is the school’s way of ensuring that all students graduate with a moral perspective of their field.
Tuition
In-State: $7,384
Out-of-State: $7,414
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
10. Alcorn State University
Lorman, Mississippi
Total Points: 4
Program Website
The high-value cheap psychology degree that is offered by Alcorn State University is comprehensive and rigorous. This 120-credit hour low-cost psychology degree program focuses more on the field than general education, making it a great choice for students who want to spend more time learning about the different subsections of psychology in order to make a decision on what specialization, if any, they would like to pursue. Courses range from juvenile delinquency to organizational psychology and everything in between, enabling students to choose a variety of courses that will prepare them for the workforce. This school also offers students small class sizes and one tuition rate, regardless of residency, making it an interesting and affordable option for students.
Tuition
In-State: $7,084
Out-of-State: $7,084
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
9. Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Eastern New Mexico University is one of the most affordable colleges for a psychology degree. The 120-credit hour cheap BS in Psychology was designed for students who are ready to tackle the various aspects of the field. This top-value psychology degree program includes courses on memory, perception, human biology, and social influence. Students can reasonably complete this inexpensive psychology degree program within four years, making it a feasible task for pre-service professionals. The school also offers unique internships that are available specifically for psychology students, giving them experience in the field prior to graduation. Other features include clubs and organizations such as Psi Chi and “Psyched-In,” enabling students to network and hang out with like-minded students. And while tuition rates are truly cost-effective, there are over three dozen scholarships available to students, with three being specific to the psychology field. Coupled with small class sizes and a committed faculty and staff, students will find all they need at ENMU to make their career goals a reality.
Tuition
In-State: $6,326
Out-of-State: $8,247
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
8. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Total Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable online psychology degrees that is offered by the University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a great option for students who need a flexible degree in order to meet their goals. The school offers a best-value BA in Psychology both online and on-campus, with the online degree utilizing seven-and-a-half week courses while the on-campus program uses the traditional academic schedule. The 120-credit hour cheap psychology degree program was designed to ensure that students have a comprehensive major core while leaving a selection of electives open for interdisciplinary study. Students who wish to move into graduate study will also have the option to tailor their degree for that pathway with the help of an academic advisor. Students at this school enjoy some of the lowest tuition rates available in the state, making it an option for everyone.
Tuition
In-State: $6,260
Out-of-State: $7,100
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
7. Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Western Carolina University confers a cheap BS in Psychology that is taught by a faculty that has experience in clinical, forensic and other subfields of the industry. The economical psychology degree program was designed to incorporate both skills and knowledge to form truly well-rounded professionals who can seek work after graduation or move into graduate work with ease. This 120-credit hour inexpensive psychology degree program comes with requirements for projects, research, and internships. Students will need to complete these for graduation but it also provides them with the ability to get a taste for what the industry is like prior to graduation. And, while this psychology degree is extremely affordable, students can also elect to compete for psychology-specific awards and scholarships, enabling them to receive acknowledgment for their work and win money to help fund their studies.
Tuition
In-State: $3,926
Out-of-State: $7,926
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
6. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Students who enroll at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, one of the most affordable colleges for psychology degrees, are given the opportunity to complete a cheap Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This is an applied degree that is designed for students who wish to become researchers in the field or who want to earn licensure as part of their career goals. It is possible to complete a minor in personnel and organizational leadership along with the major, which is highly suggested for students who are interested in working in the psychology sector of the business industry. This low-cost psychology degree program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and can be completed in just four years. Students will find that this school also offers small class sizes and very inexpensive tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate candidates.
Tuition
In-State: $3,418
Out-of-State: $7,418
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
5. Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Minot State University offers its students the chance to complete a top-value Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology. This 120-credit hour course of study is one of the most flexible, enabling students to choose many of the courses that would meet the requirements for the major core curriculum. This low-cost psychology degree program was designed this way to provide students with options that would best align with their career aspirations, giving them the ability to look for work after graduation or continue on to a master’s degree in a specialization in the psychology field. Students will note that this school offers one tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state candidates, giving everyone an opportunity to complete a quality education at the university.
Tuition
In-State: $7,064
Out-of-State: $7,064
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
4. Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, Mississippi
Total Points: 5
Program Website
The cheap BA in Psychology that is offered by the Mississippi University for Women is a science-based program that focuses on how research and practice are interrelated. Students will have the ability to take courses in a wide range of subdisciplines within the field, expanding their knowledge of psychology and enabling them to make a choice on a specialization that aligns with their interests. This 124-credit hour affordable psychology degree program has a variety of experiential learning opportunities which will help students learn what psychologists do in their day-to-day practice. This school is dedicated to its students, which is why class sizes are kept small and professors generally have their own research projects that they are working on or continue to practice their specialization. This demonstrates to students how the field works and what they can do once they graduate.
Tuition
In-State: $6,940
Out-of-State: $6,940
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
3. Central State University
Wilberforce, Ohio
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Central State University, one of the most affordable colleges for psychology degrees, is home to a cheap psychology bachelor’s degree that was designed to help students prepare for graduate study. The low-cost psychology degree at this school focuses on both theoretical and experiential learning opportunities; students will take the theories and concepts they learn in the classroom into a workforce environment when they start internships, enabling them to combine everything they’ve learned and put it into practice. In fact, the internships at this school are often in government, healthcare, and educational settings. This is a great choice for students who are interested in working in those settings after graduation. CSU also has a reputation for experienced professors who are often still active in the field. Along with small class sizes and individualized attention, students will have low tuition bills, freeing them up to focus more on their studies as they pursue graduation
Tuition
In-State: $6,346
Out-of-State: $8,346
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
2. Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Students at Elizabeth City State University, one of the most affordable colleges for psychology degrees, confers a cheap BS in Psychology that was designed for students who are interested in working in the field after graduation or would like to go on to graduate study in a related field. Because of the broad influence of psychology in many different settings, the school has elected to provide a general but comprehensive degree that will help students with their careers, no matter what they may choose to do after graduation. Students will note that this school also offers an academic concentration in psychology, which is perfect for students who are interested in educational psychology as a career. This inexpensive 120-credit hour psychology degree has a variety of courses available, including Learning and Cognition, Abnormal Psychology, and Psychological Tests and Measures. Students will benefit from the inexpensive tuition rates for residents and non-residents of North Carolina, small class sizes, individualized attention from both faculty and staff, and a curriculum that offers space to pursue different subfields of psychology.
Tuition
In-State: $3,194
Out-of-State: $7,194
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
1. Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Dickinson State University is ranked on our list as the best affordable college for psychology degrees. The cheap Bachelor of Science in Psychology program comes with an option to complete a psychology minor in elementary education, secondary education or non-teaching, the perfect fit for educational psychology students. This general degree is rigorous, requiring that 47 credit hours of the 120 credit hours required for graduation come from the psychology field alone. Students will also have the chance to complete the Writing Across Disciplines program, which is a set of writing courses designed to provide students with the knowledge necessary to be proficient in academic and technical writing. With one of the lowest class sizes available for undergraduate programs, this degree is a good choice for students who want individualized attention at a low price.
Tuition
In-State: $6,768
Out-of-State: $9,546
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for Affordable Psychology Degree Graduates?
A bachelor’s degree in psychology can lead to a myriad of professions; from working in social work to becoming a lawyer or doctor, psychology is a great foundational degree. And with so many specializations within the field, students will have no trouble finding a program that fits their career goals. Here are just a few of the careers that can be obtained with a low-cost psychology bachelor’s degree:
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- Career Counselor
- Child Development Specialist
- Criminal Investigator
- Case Manager
- Occupational Analyst
- Polygraph Examiner
- Probation and Parole Officer
- Public Relations Representative
- Psychological Stress Evaluator
- Psychiatric Technician
- Human Resource Advisor
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist
- Disability Policy Worker
- Child Welfare/Placement Caseworker
- Technical Writer
Psychology is a field that is great at the bachelor’s level; however, students will note that many degrees in the field aren’t listed here. That is because to work in the psychology industry, most students will need to earn at least a graduate degree. Licensed psychologists will need this degree to meet the educational requirements for licensure. However, to be accepted into a master’s program, students will need a strong background in psychology at the undergraduate level, which in and of itself can lead to many excellent careers.
What is the Salary Potential for a Low-Cost Psychology Degree Recipient?
The current average salary for a professional with a Bachelor’s in Psychology degree is $58,000, according to data collected by Payscale. However, students will find that it is possible to earn upwards of $250,000 in the field alone. These figures take into account any and all positions that require, or highly suggest, a degree in the field.
The psychology field can be highly specialized, which is where most students will find higher-paying and more satisfying jobs. The organizational psychology field, for example, is in high demand from employers in the business sector right now and students with a graduate degree in the field can earn over $180,000 as a starting salary. Other specializations have starting salaries of $75,000 to $90,000.
Students will find, however, that the field is diverse, meaning they can choose a job that best fits their skills and interests. Salaries, while a good indicator of a professional being able to provide for themselves, doesn’t mean that a student will be happy in the job. It is better for a student to weigh the pros and cons of the position as a whole rather than just looking at what the salary can offer them; remember, the higher the salary, the more responsibilities , and challenges that come with the position.
What are the Various Disciplines of Psychology?
Psychology is described as the scientific study of human behavior and the human mind. Because of the nature of the field, students will find that the degree will focus on both humanistic and scientific disciplines and relies heavily on the natural sciences, sociology, history, language, religion, philosophy, and culture. Depending on the nature of the program a student takes on at the undergraduate level, some of these disciplines may be more apparent than others. This is because psychology is a field that requires some sort of specialization; it is simply too broad for a student to understand all of its intricacies in a general degree, even these do exist.
Some of the main concentrations of psychology include clinical psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology. Each of these subdisciplines has main disciplines that inform it, so the nature of the degree will change once students get into these areas. Most students will also find that taking on one concentration or specialization is recommended; more than that will spread them a bit too thin.
Psychology is a field that impacts every other field, even if people don’t realize the extent to which this science has a grasp on their work. From business to technology, government to engineering and everything in between, psychology has a role to play in every aspect of humanity. Students who choose to learn more about the field prior to working in their respective fields will find that the degree will help them form better relationships, understand their work better and help them make lasting change. Choosing one of the best affordable colleges for psychology degrees is a great first step into any field for any student.
AS Staff
June 2019
This concludes our ranking of the 15 Best Affordable Colleges for a Psychology Degree (Bachelor’s) for 2019.
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