At Marian University - Wisconsin, a Catholic college, the online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is delivered on an accelerated schedule of seven-week courses called the MPath Platform. The curriculum covers all of the major concepts, theories, and historical developments in psychology. Students will also be required to take courses in Christian theology and theological
Best Online Psychology Bachelor's Degrees
Psychology is a broad discipline that focuses on the study of human behavior. Students enrolled in an online psychology degree at the bachelor's level strive to understand various phenomena that affect how people act and think, including thought patterns, brain functions, emotional responses, and environmental factors. Those pursuing this degree can choose to specialize in a range of high-demand counseling fields. For example, job growth is expected to increase by 23% for substance abuse, behavioral, and mental health counselors through 2030.
Our list below ranks the best online psychology degrees according to return on investment. This page also covers information about common courses, careers available to graduates, and licensing and certification requirements for aspiring psychologists.
Online Bachelor's in Psychology with the Highest Return on Investment

The top online psychology degrees below are ranked by their return on investment (ROI), and each has an ROI that is higher than the national average of $281,100. We calculated ROI by estimating alumni salaries 10 years after graduation and subtracting student loan payments. ROI rankings illustrate real alumni outcomes by including projected income and debt to help students determine how profitable a degree may be in the future. At #1 on this list, Marian University-Wisconsin has an ROI of $428,300 and an annual tuition of $14,100.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marian University - Wisconsin | $14,100 | $44,384 | $22,966 | $428,300 | |
Excelsior College | $15,300 | $42,682 | $12,500 | $423,800 | |
Charter Oak State College | $12,570 | $42,682 | $22,620 | $411,200 | |
Drexel University | $23,850 | $40,580 | $27,000 | $384,100 | |
Regis University | $14,250 | $40,089 | $26,000 | $380,300 | |
Northeastern University | $16,230 | $41,377 | $24,232 | $377,000 | |
Saint Joseph's University | $47,740 | $39,741 | $27,000 | $375,500 | |
National University | $16,650 | $39,832 | $28,770 | $374,200 | |
Rider University | $45,120 | $39,467 | $27,000 | $372,700 | |
Franklin University | $11,940 | $38,289 | $25,000 | $363,100 | |
The University of Texas Permian Basin | $10,620 | $37,424 | $18,499 | $362,200 | |
Bellevue University | $13,600 | $37,748 | $25,000 | $357,500 | |
Upper Iowa University | $14,640 | $38,048 | $28,289 | $356,500 | |
University of Alaska Anchorage | $25,440 | $36,717 | $22,450 | $350,000 | |
Endicott College | $12,544 | $36,941 | $27,000 | $346,700 | |
Hamline University | $43,154 | $36,139 | $24,525 | $341,500 | |
University of Virginia | $14,640 | $35,060 | $17,000 | $339,800 | |
University of Houston-Downtown | $19,507 | $35,823 | $23,551 | $339,500 | |
Bemidji State University | $8,092 | $35,213 | $18,750 | $339,200 | |
University of Maryland Global Campus | $14,970 | $34,984 | $21,000 | $334,000 | |
University of Colorado Denver | $13,503 | $34,883 | $20,333 | $333,800 | |
University of Massachusetts - Amherst | $11,700 | $35,164 | $23,250 | $333,100 | |
Roger Williams University | $12,990 | $35,546 | $27,000 | $332,300 | |
University of Southern Maine | $13,170 | $34,348 | $17,912 | $331,300 | |
Granite State College | $10,950 | $34,259 | $18,000 | $330,300 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology Rankings Details
#1
Marian University - Wisconsin
- 10-Year ROI: $428,300
- Median Salary: $44,384
- Annual Tuition: $14,100
- Median Debt: $22,966
#2
Excelsior College
- 10-Year ROI: $423,800
- Median Salary: $42,682
- Annual Tuition: $15,300
- Median Debt: $12,500
The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Excelsior College is a 120-credit program that provides students with a broad background of scientific principles and ethical practices in psychology. Prior to graduation, students must complete a psychology capstone course that requires research and addresses real-world issues.
Delivered through Canvas, online coursework includes
#3
Charter Oak State College
- 10-Year ROI: $411,200
- Median Salary: $42,682
- Annual Tuition: $12,570
- Median Debt: $22,620
Charter Oak State College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree. The program is designed to teach students how to analyze and apply different domains within psychology, such as the behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic domains. Psychology majors will learn problem-solving and communication skills while obtaining hands-on experience with research methodologies.
#4
Drexel University
- 10-Year ROI: $384,100
- Median Salary: $40,580
- Annual Tuition: $23,850
- Median Debt: $27,000
The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at Drexel University can be completed on a full- or part-time basis and requires 180 quarter credits to graduate. The curriculum covers foundational concepts of psychology and research methodologies while building valuable critical thinking and analytical skills. Online psychology majors must complete a sequence of courses in
#5
Regis University
- 10-Year ROI: $380,300
- Median Salary: $40,089
- Annual Tuition: $14,250
- Median Debt: $26,000
The online Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology program at Regis University requires 120 credit hours to graduate. The curriculum, which includes either a capstone course or one term of experiential learning, provides a broad foundation in the science of human behavior. At this Jesuit-founded Catholic college, incoming first-year and transfer students with fewer than 45 credits
#6
Northeastern University
- 10-Year ROI: $377,000
- Median Salary: $41,377
- Annual Tuition: $16,230
- Median Debt: $24,232
At Northeastern University, the online Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree-completion program offers opportunities for experiential learning through research projects, case studies, co-op programs, or virtual projects with partner organizations. Once enrollees have completed the core curriculum courses in behavioral health, stress management, cognition and language, and biology,
#7
Saint Joseph's University
- 10-Year ROI: $375,500
- Median Salary: $39,741
- Annual Tuition: $47,740
- Median Debt: $27,000
The online Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) - Psychological Studies program at Saint Joseph’s University is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. The program aims to prepare students with the research and analytical skills necessary for career opportunities in various clinical, counseling, and healthcare settings. Founded by the Jesuits, this Catholic college requires students
#8
National University
- 10-Year ROI: $374,200
- Median Salary: $39,832
- Annual Tuition: $16,650
- Median Debt: $28,770
National University (NU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology. Both programs require students to complete 180 quarter units and a senior project. The general psychology program focuses on foundational theories and concepts and examines different views of behavior and emotions. The sport psychology program explores how an athlete's
#9
Rider University
- 10-Year ROI: $372,700
- Median Salary: $39,467
- Annual Tuition: $45,120
- Median Debt: $27,000
Rider University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree designed to teach students relevant theories, concepts, scientific methods, and practical applications. Graduates prepare for careers in counseling, public health, and social work. The university also offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Psychology degree, which combines elements of psychology
#10
Franklin University
- 10-Year ROI: $363,100
- Median Salary: $38,289
- Annual Tuition: $11,940
- Median Debt: $25,000
Franklin University's online Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Psychology majors may pursue a general degree or opt for one of three areas of concentration: Forensic & Criminal Psychology, Industrial Organizational Psychology, and Sports Psychology. Developed based on the American Psychological Association guidelines, the program,
#11
The University of Texas Permian Basin
- 10-Year ROI: $362,200
- Median Salary: $37,424
- Annual Tuition: $10,620
- Median Debt: $18,499
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) offers an accelerated online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree. The curriculum is designed to give students a deeper understanding of human behavior, thought, and emotion. Courses cover common theories in psychology, research methods, and ethics while building applicable creative and critical-thinking skills. Online students
#12
Bellevue University
- 10-Year ROI: $357,500
- Median Salary: $37,748
- Annual Tuition: $13,600
- Median Debt: $25,000
Bellevue University offers four online bachelor's degrees in psychology, all of which require the completion of 127 credits. The online Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science degree is a skills-based cohort program preparing students to work in clinical counseling, human resources, and social services environments. The online Bachelor of Science in Professional Psychology cohort
#13
Upper Iowa University
- 10-Year ROI: $356,500
- Median Salary: $38,048
- Annual Tuition: $14,640
- Median Debt: $28,289
Upper Iowa University's (UIU) online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program provides students with a broad overview of the field of psychology. Core courses, taken two at a time, cover essential concepts and research methods in psychology. Seniors are required to complete a capstone internship project in psychology, social science, or human services. Additional professional development
#14
University of Alaska Anchorage
- 10-Year ROI: $350,000
- Median Salary: $36,717
- Annual Tuition: $25,440
- Median Debt: $22,450
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree with an optional concentration in behavior analysis. The program provides students with a scientific foundation for understanding behavior and mental processes from the perspective of cultural and social behavior. A senior thesis is required, and there are opportunities for personal
#15
Endicott College
- 10-Year ROI: $346,700
- Median Salary: $36,941
- Annual Tuition: $12,544
- Median Debt: $27,000
With Endicott College's online Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree, students can choose a general program or opt for one of five concentration areas: early childhood education, homeland security studies, integrative health, Montessori education, or trauma studies. The program provides a broad understanding of human behavior while teaching research practices and critical thinking
#16
Hamline University
- 10-Year ROI: $341,500
- Median Salary: $36,139
- Annual Tuition: $43,154
- Median Debt: $24,525
Hamline University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through the College of Liberal Arts. This degree completion program requires a minimum of 56 credits to be taken at Hamline, 16 of which must be within the psychology major. Students complete courses in general and abnormal psychology, research methods, and social and cultural psychology. A capstone in positive psychology
#17
University of Virginia
- 10-Year ROI: $339,800
- Median Salary: $35,060
- Annual Tuition: $14,640
- Median Debt: $17,000
The University of Virginia's School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) offers an online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies - Psychology program. This degree-completion program requires 120 credits to graduate, and transfer students may bring in 45-60 credits from regionally accredited institutions. In addition to completing core courses in psychology, students must
#18
University of Houston-Downtown
- 10-Year ROI: $339,500
- Median Salary: $35,823
- Annual Tuition: $19,507
- Median Debt: $23,551
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree on a full-time or part-time basis. The 120-credit curriculum covers the biological and physiological underpinnings of human behavior and thought. Coursework is designed to help students develop research, analysis, communication, and project management skills. Online students must complete
#19
Bemidji State University
- 10-Year ROI: $339,200
- Median Salary: $35,213
- Annual Tuition: $8,092
- Median Debt: $18,750
Bemidji State University's online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology programs are both degree-completion programs that can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Incoming students must transfer in at least 24 college credits and earn a total of 120 credits to graduate with either degree. The core required courses are the same for both online
#20
University of Maryland Global Campus
- 10-Year ROI: $334,000
- Median Salary: $34,984
- Annual Tuition: $14,970
- Median Debt: $21,000
The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is offered on a full-time and part-time basis. The 120-credit program combines theoretical concepts in psychology with real-world research and clinical applications. The curriculum, which includes a senior seminar, is designed to help online students develop effective communication, analytical,
#21
University of Colorado Denver
- 10-Year ROI: $333,800
- Median Salary: $34,883
- Annual Tuition: $13,503
- Median Debt: $20,333
At the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), the online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree can be earned on a full-time or part-time basis. The program explains the scientific principles and methods used to understand human behavior while imparting critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Upon completing the required 120 credit hours, graduates will
#22
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
- 10-Year ROI: $333,100
- Median Salary: $35,164
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Median Debt: $23,250
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology or a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology through their University Without Walls (UWW) distance learning platform. Both fully online programs are degree-completion programs intended for students who have earned at least 12 prior college credits. Online students are encouraged
#23
Roger Williams University
- 10-Year ROI: $332,300
- Median Salary: $35,546
- Annual Tuition: $12,990
- Median Debt: $27,000
At Roger Williams University, the online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology degree is offered through the University College (UC). Taught by practicing psychologists, the online program is designed to develop critical thinking skills while teaching students about human behavior, quantitative analysis, and common research methods used in the field. Students must complete 120
#24
University of Southern Maine
- 10-Year ROI: $331,300
- Median Salary: $34,348
- Annual Tuition: $13,170
- Median Debt: $17,912
The online Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science program at the University of Southern Maine (USM) requires the completion of 120 credit hours. The fully online program is a blend of psychology, sociology, and anthropology courses designed to prepare students for careers in a range of fields from mental health and social services to public policy and law. Enrollees are
#25
Granite State College
- 10-Year ROI: $330,300
- Median Salary: $34,259
- Annual Tuition: $10,950
- Median Debt: $18,000
Granite State College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree with five areas of concentration to choose from: Addictions Studies, Adult Court Advocacy, Child Court Advocacy, Counseling Foundations, and Education Advocacy. All psychology majors take courses in the fundamentals of psychology, research methods, and statistics. They may then customize their degrees
Can You Study Psychology Online?
Yes, you can study psychology online and earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. With roughly 15% of undergraduates enrolling in fully online programs, many schools offer distance learning options in this field of study. Graduate students can also earn online master's and doctoral degrees in psychology, though these programs usually require an in-person experiential learning component in addition to online coursework.
Applying to an Online Psychology Program
Students need specific materials to apply for an online psychology program. While some colleges are more selective than others, most require prospective psychology undergraduates to provide the following documentation in addition to an online application:
- Official high school or GED transcripts, usually with a minimum GPA between 2.5-3.0
- SAT or ACT scores
- An entrance essay on a designated topic
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or volunteer coordinators
In some cases, students may have to take general and prerequisite education credits before applying to a psychology program in their second or third year. This involves completing specified introductory courses in certain subjects — such as psychology, mathematics, and statistics — while meeting minimum grade requirements. Students may also have to submit a separate reflective essay.
Program Requirements
A bachelor's in psychology typically includes 120-124 units of coursework and takes four years of full-time study to complete. Many programs also include a practicum or internship component, where students spend around 1,000 hours working in hospitals, correctional facilities, substance use clinics, or other healthcare settings, depending on their chosen specialization. These experiences are designed to provide students with real-world experience on how to practice psychology in different contexts.
Many programs include a practicum or internship component, where students spend around 1,000 hours working in hospitals or other healthcare settings.
Choosing an Online Psychology Program
Students should choose an affordable online psychology program that helps them meet their personal objectives and career goals. For instance, individuals interested in specific areas, such as child psychology or emergency management, should ensure that their prospective degree offers the chance to specialize in these subfields. Those hoping to continue their education beyond the bachelor's level may want to consider programs that prepare students for graduate school by helping foster essential research and clinical skills.
Students should also consider whether pursuing a psychology degree online aligns with their learning needs. For those who work or have a busy schedule, programs that offer asynchronous classes and part-time enrollment are often favorable. However, online students should determine whether these programs offer their preferred amenities, such as 24/7 technical support, the chance to communicate regularly with peers and faculty members, and access to fieldwork opportunities.
Common Online Psychology Courses
The curriculum for a psychology bachelor's degree aims to provide students with a solid foundation in the field, covering multiple topics in human behavior. While elective course offerings and available concentrations can vary based on the program, students can expect to take introductory classes in human development, cognition, and research methods. Below are some common courses that most colleges include in their psychology programs.
Bachelor's in Psychology Concentrations
Students should consider which area of psychology they want to specialize in when enrolling in a bachelor's program. Psychology is a broad field where specific degree concentrations typically aim to foster a unique set of skills and area knowledge, thus qualifying graduates for distinct careers based on their education. Below is a list of concentrations commonly offered in online psychology programs.
Clinical Psychology: Students take classes that introduce clinical psychology as a unique field of study. This primarily involves learning about the scientific processes that go into diagnosing and treating patients with various psychological disorders.
Health Psychology: This concentration includes coursework on how to work with people and families who are experiencing illness. Students may learn how they can help patients develop coping strategies, apply psychological theories in family settings, and support individuals with mental health challenges associated with their illness.
Rehabilitation Psychology: Students electing this concentration take classes on how to help individuals recover from or cope with a serious illness or injury. Some programs may also include electives that focus on substance use recovery.
School Psychology: This specialization focuses on supporting students and professionals in educational settings. Coursework may cover early child development, classroom intervention, and proper assessment administration.
Social Psychology: In this concentration, students typically learn about the psychology of community-level behavior. Some take classes in social justice to better understand how cultural, political, and economic factors shape community values.
The Importance of an Accredited Degree
Accreditation is a process in which recognized bodies evaluate whether a college or university meets national standards of educational excellence. Regional accreditation, the most common type, assesses an educational institution as a whole. Students interested in an online psychology bachelor's should ensure their prospective school is regionally accredited because this impacts their ability to receive federal aid, transfer credits, and apply for licensure after graduating. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation each offer a current list of regionally accredited schools.
Some organizations also accredit specific degree programs. In the field of psychology, the American Psychological Association (APA) only accredits on-campus doctoral programs. This means that undergraduate degrees — whether in-person or online — do not require program-level accreditation.
Careers with an Online Psychology Degree
While a bachelor's degree in psychology provides access to some entry-level jobs within the field, students should be aware that many psychology specializations require further licensure and schooling beyond a bachelor's degree. However, online bachelor's degree holders in this field may still secure jobs that aren't directly related to their subject area.
By developing versatile skills in research, communication, relationship building, and critical thinking, graduates may qualify for entry-level positions in marketing, social work, education, and government, to name a few sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8% is the average growth projection across U.S.-based jobs through 2030. Below is a list of potential career options for graduates with an online bachelor's in psychology, along with salary and comparative job outlook data:
Explore our career finder tool to learn more about where psychology, and other popular programs like business, can lead you on your career path.
Requirements To Become a Psychologist
For students interested in becoming a psychologist, it can be helpful to know the additional steps that lie ahead beyond the completion of a bachelor's degree. As individuals who research human behavior and offer therapeutic services to patients, clinical psychologists require a graduate degree and licensure to practice. While each state has its own licensing requirements, nearly all require that applicants have a doctoral degree along with several years of professional experience. Additionally, applicants must typically pass a state exam. Many states also require students to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, which is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, or a variation of this test.
Before beginning a specific educational path in this field, it is recommended that students investigate the requirements for psychology practice in their particular state.
Licensed psychologists who specialize in a particular area of psychology, such as clinical neuropsychology, clinical psychology, or counseling psychology, may also choose to earn professional certification. Agencies, such as the American Board of Professional Psychology Certification, issue credentials to eligible applicants in many other areas as well. To apply, individuals must have a doctoral degree and meet specific work experience requirements. They must also enroll in continuing education to maintain certification.
Before beginning a specific educational or career path in this field, it is recommended that students investigate the requirements for psychology practice in their particular state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in learning about similar degrees? Explore online bachelor's degrees in counseling, child development, and forensic psychology.
Related Articles
Best Online Bachelor's in Counseling Programs
Discover the best online bachelor's degrees in counseling based on tuition and salary data.
By Jennifer King Logan | 5/3/2022