At a Glance: BestColleges' Top Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs
- #1: University of Florida — UF Online offers more affordable in-state tuition and a social app to stay connected with other online students.
- #2: George Mason University — GMU's online psychology program offers eight different concentrations, while most programs on our list offer five or fewer.
- #3: Florida International University — Students in FIU's online psychology program have access to a personal success coach.
Are you curious about human minds, behaviors, and why people act the way they do? Maybe you want to help people as a therapist, school counselor, or social worker.
Graduating from an online bachelor's in psychology program can lead to a variety of careers, including human resources and market research. And it can establish a foundation to pursue advanced degrees and careers in social work, counseling, and therapy. The opportunities are diverse.
We've ranked the best online programs in psychology to help start your search.
Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs of 2026
How We Measured Student Satisfaction: We partnered with College Pulse to bring you data from students themselves on the schools on our list. The data and reviews aren't part of our ranking methodology.
Benefits of Getting a Bachelor's in Psychology Online
- In our 2025 Online Education Trends Report, most online program graduates (79%) feel that their online programs prepared them well for their first job after graduation.
- 90% of online program graduates say their degree has or will have a positive return on investment (ROI).
- 98% of all students surveyed — current, prospective, and graduates — would recommend online education to others.
- 76% of all students surveyed say that online education is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
How to Choose the Best Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Program for You
Before enrolling in an online bachelor's in psychology program, it's important to consider factors like costs and the length of the program to ensure it's a good fit for you. You should also consider career outlook to understand what kinds of jobs you can pursue after you graduate.
How Much Does a Bachelor's in Psychology Cost?
Online Bachelor's in Psychology, 2019-2020
In-State
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $10,836
Avg. Net Price: $6,165
Out-of-State
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $13,396
Avg. Net Price: $9,053
Source: NCES PowerStats
Based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the typical cost of a bachelor's in psychology online program for in-state students is just under $11,000 per year in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay around $13,400 per year.
The average net price — the amount you pay after financial aid — is around $6,200 for in-state students and $9,100 for out-of-state students.
This reduction of thousands of dollars shows just how much financial aid can offset the cost of college.
Find Financial Aid for Your Psychology Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Psychology Degree?
Typical Number of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
You can expect to spend four years earning your bachelor's in psychology degree online. You'll likely have to earn 120 credits to graduate.
You can shorten your time in school by choosing an accelerated online program.
Other ways to shorten your time in school include transferring relevant credits and earning credit for life and work experience.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?
The career outlook for those with a bachelor's in psychology appears to be promising.
Some fast-growing roles you can pursue after you graduate include human resources specialist, market research analyst, and social and community service manager. The job growth rate for these occupations is projected to be between 6% and 7% from 2024-2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The projected job growth rate for health education specialists from 2024 to 2034 is 4%, while jobs for probation officers and correction treatment specialists are projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Health Education Specialists | $63,000 | Designs and teaches programs that educate people about health issues. |
| Human Resources Specialists | $72,910 | Screens applications and conducts job interviews, and manages compensation and employee relations. |
| Market Research Analysts | $76,950 | Designs surveys, questionnaires, and opinion polls to determine the potential sales of a service or product. |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $64,520 | Helps rehabilitate law offenders who are on probation or parole. |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $78,240 | Plans and coordinates social service programs and other organizations that promote public wellness. |
Learn More About Psychology Jobs
Is a Bachelor's in Psychology Worth It?
Whether a bachelor's in psychology is worth it depends on your career goals and personal interests. Compare how much your degree costs against how much you plan to earn after you graduate to determine the return on investment of your program.
The average starting salary for class of 2024 bachelor's degree-holders was nearly $68,000, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
Adult learners may find a big advantage in the flexibility of online learning.
Once you graduate, you can apply for a variety of jobs. An online bachelor's in psychology can provide skills that apply to several different fields, like social services and human resources.
Education Beyond a Bachelor's Degree
After you earn a bachelor's degree in psychology, you can pursue advanced degrees. If you'd like to become a licensed psychologist, for example, you'll need to continue your education with a master's degree and doctoral degree.
A master of social work (MSW) is the natural next step for professionals who'd like to become licensed social workers. You can also pursue related master's degrees in human resources, education, and criminal justice.
Advanced degrees can create opportunities for higher-paying, specialized careers. For example, industrial-organizational psychologists earned a median salary of $109,840 in 2024, according to the BLS. This role requires a master's degree.
A master's degree allows you to enroll in a Ph.D. in psychology or doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) program. With a doctoral degree in psychology, you can take research or teaching jobs within academia or pursue a specialization such as neuropsychology or developmental psychology.