A master’s in psychology is a solid choice for anyone interested in leadership positions within a range of professions, including business, counseling, human resources, social services, education, and mental health. It’s also an excellent choice for those intending to earn a psychology doctorate. However, no degree is a worth it if you have to go deep into debt to afford it.
This guide looks at the most affordable online master’s degree psychology programs available from some of the best colleges and universities in the U.S. It also includes information on what makes an online psychology master’s degree affordable and how you can tap into a variety of cost-cutting resources to save you even more.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2023
Even if cost is your main concern, there are several other critical factors such as accreditation, concentration offerings, and flexibility, that should be considered in your decision. Our rankings of the most affordable programs for 2023 are based on a combination of several key affordability and quality metrics taken from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). For detailed information on how these rankings were calculated, click on the “About the Ranking” button below.
Fayetteville State University is a public, North Carolina-based HBCU that plays home to an online master’s in psychology. Throughout this online MA in psychology, online students complete 36 credits before graduation with core classes, including psychology of diversity, developmental psychology, biological aspects of behavior, and psychology of social and interpersonal communication. Additionally, students complete a degree-culminating capstone seminar before earning their diploma. Interested students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants can apply online and must include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a CV or resume, and a personal statement outlining academic and career goals. FSU does not require GRE scores for admission.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Psychology
- Credits: 36
- Length: About 2 years
- Cost: $191/credit (resident); $805/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: N/A
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Based in Lawton, Oklahoma, Cameron University is a public institution that offers an MS in behavioral sciences with a concentration in general psychology. This program is ideal for students interested in non-clinical roles. Core courses for this 100% online psychology master’s include topics such as ethical principles of counseling, introduction to statistics in behavioral sciences, human development, advanced psychology of personality, and psychopathology. In addition to core classes, students also complete 12 credits of general psychology classes like advanced human cognition and advanced social psychology. Interested students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Behavioral Science
- Credits: 33
- Length: About 2 years
- Cost: $265/credit (resident); $638/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: N/A
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a Kansas-based public institution that offers a flexible and affordable master’s in clinical psychology. Online learners will complete the majority of coursework virtually, but report to campus for two five-day, in-person workshops. Throughout this 62-credit master’s, students complete essential classes including cultural diversity in psychology, professional ethics in psychology, experimental methods, inferential statistics, and foundations of professional practice. In addition to core classes, students complete practicum and internship experiences before graduation. Prospective psychology students must hold a bachelor’s in psychology or a related field and provide academic transcripts showcasing a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. FHSU does not require standardized test scores for admission into this program.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
- Credits: 62
- Length: About 3 years
- Cost: $299/credit
- Mode: Online and hybrid
- Accreditation: N/A
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Angelo State University is a Texas-based institution that serves over 10,000 students annually. Angelo State is home to a master’s in applied psychology that prepares students for various non-clinical career options. This 100% online program encompasses 36 credits and includes classes such as core concepts in psychological science, advanced abnormal psychology, theories of personality, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Alongside core classes, online degree-seekers can tackle thesis or non-thesis options as they move toward graduation. While applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, Angelo State does not require students to hold an undergraduate psychology degree. Prospective students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and supply college transcripts and a 500-word personal statement.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Applied Psychology (non-thesis)
- Credits: 40
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $403/credit (resident); $811/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: N/A
Master of Science in Applied Psychology (thesis)
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $403/credit (resident); $811/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: N/A
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Northwestern Oklahoma State University is home to a master’s in general psychology that students can complete entirely online. Online learners engage with coursework both synchronously and asynchronously, with full-time students completing this 34-credit curriculum in about two years. Online psychology students complete a mix of core classes and electives, with required classes including topics such as advanced social psychology, statistics for assessment, introduction to research, and advanced cognitive psychology. Graduate students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks. Prospective students must hold a bachelor’s degree with no fewer than 12 credits of undergraduate psychology classes. Applicants can apply online and must include three letters of recommendation. Standardized test scores are not required for admission.
Program Highlights:
MS in General Psychology (non-thesis)
- Credits: 37
- Length: Varies
- Cost: Cost: $274/credit (resident); $552/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: N/A
MS in General Psychology (thesis)
- Credits: 34
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $274/credit (resident); $552/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: N/A
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ABHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NAST |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | COMTA |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NA |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
Funding Your Online Master’s Degree in Psychology: 5 Ways to Save
The most affordable online master’s in psychology program is not necessarily the one with the lowest tuition rate. You also need to consider the many resources available to help you pay for your education. Here are five of the most common resources to help you save on your online master’s degree in psychology:
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Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships for Psychology Master’s Students
Scholarships, grants, and fellowships are the most popular types of funding resources because they’re essentially “free money” since they aren’t paid back. Scholarships and fellowships are typically awarded based on merit, while grants are usually awarded based on financial need. Most scholarships and fellowships and even some grants are competitive. For more on these valuable funding opportunities, check out our scholarships and resources guide.
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Work-Study or Assistantships
Assistantships are typically positions as teaching and research assistants for department faculty. They’re normally awarded based on student merit and department need and provide compensation through tuition waivers and money stipends. Work-study jobs are often administrative and provided to students with financial needs. Finding a work-study position or a graduate assistantship can be more difficult as an online student, but it’s not necessarily impossible. Missouri State University, for example, offers a partially-online psychology master’s program and several graduate assistantships.
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Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs
Employer tuition reimbursement programs provide employers with a great tool for recruiting and retaining quality workers, both during and after their degree studies. In most cases involving graduate-level psychology students, employers offering tuition reimbursement will most likely be in a psychology-related field. It’s always worth asking your supervisor or HR officer about the availability of tuition reimbursement for your psychology master’s education.
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Payment Plans
Tuition payment plans allow students to pay their tuition over time, typically in monthly installments. These plans are often interest-free but do have a program enrollment fee. Not all schools offer them, though. Examples of programs offering tuition payment plans include Arizona State University’s Online MS in Psychology and the Online MA in Psychology at Fayetteville State University.
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Paid Internships
Internships are often a requirement of master’s in psychology programs, particularly those leading to licensure. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Whether your degree program requires one or not, they’re a great way to gain valuable experience working with patients in practice settings. Contact your program’s department for information on paid internship opportunities with program-affiliated agencies. You can also search for paid internships using employment websites.
FAQs about Affordable Master’s Programs in Psychology
Q. What impacts the affordability of an online master’s program?
There are many factors affecting the affordability of online psychology master’s programs. Private colleges and universities commonly charge higher tuition rates than their public school counterparts, and public schools sometimes charge a higher tuition rate to students whose legal residence is outside the school’s home state. Financial aid can also play a significant part in lowering your online master’s degree in psychology price tag.
Q. What is the ROI of an online master’s degree in psychology?
Return on investment (ROI) refers to a measure of the additional income earned by a degree holder resulting from possessing the degree minus the costs (e.g., tuition, books, supplies, lost wages while in school, etc.) associated with earning that degree. Calculate ROI by looking at the variables specific to your circumstances, such as the occupation you intend to pursue, as compared to the cost of the specific degree type and program.
Q. How can I ensure that an affordable master’s in psychology program is high-quality?
The foundational factor in determining a program’s quality is accreditation. Institutional accreditation of U.S. colleges and universities is administered by several national and regional agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, some specialized psychology master’s degrees are programmatically accredited by private organizations affiliated with a particular discipline. For example, school psychology degrees may be accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Making sure your school and program are properly accredited is the first step in assuring it is a high-quality program.
Q. Is an online master’s degree more affordable than an in-person?
This depends on the program you’re considering and factors like additional fees for online courses and discounted tuition rates for online programs. Most students save money with an online master’s in psychology program over an on-campus one based strictly through the absence of costs (e.g., gas, parking, etc.) associated with transportation to and from campus for class.
Q. Can job experience count towards a master’s degree and help cut costs?
This depends on the specific degree program. You can help defray degree costs with a paid internship position if your program requires completion of an internship. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an online psychology master’s degree program that awards credit for work experience.
Q. How can I know if an affordable master’s degree program is right for me?
Begin by considering your academic and career goals and determining if a particular master’s degree in psychology will help you reach those goals. Also consider if you should choose the cheapest online master’s in psychology program you can find in terms of tuition or if other factors might influence program choice. Affordability is also determined by whether a program is 100% online, if it leads to licensure eligibility, and if the program is part-time or full-time.