Anyone who is considering applying to a psychology bachelor’s program may likely be focused on the overall cost. Those who are on a budget want to get the best education possible from an affordable psychology degree. They will probably need to do some research first before deciding which location to attend. In addition, there are also some other points of interest to consider when attempting to save money on college tuition.
There are several other options available. However, it is important to consider whether or not you plan to relocate to get the most savings. Although most colleges will offer some online education or combination courses, you’ll need to decide whether you can attend the college in person to get the most savings. Once you have narrowed down the possibility of relocating, you can use that information to narrow down your choices.
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Affordable Psychology Degrees in 2026: What Students Need to Know
Psychology remains one of the most popular and versatile undergraduate majors in 2026. It appeals to students interested in:
- healthcare
- education
- business
- social services
- graduate study
Its broad applicability makes it a strong academic foundation, especially for students who want flexibility in career paths.
At the same time, rising tuition costs across higher education have made affordability more important than ever. Students and families are increasingly focused on minimizing debt while still earning a degree from an accredited, reputable institution with strong outcomes.
As a result, public universities and online programs now dominate the list of low-cost psychology degrees. In-state public schools, regional universities, and accredited online programs often offer the best value, combining lower tuition with academic credibility. Online psychology degrees, in particular, have become widely accepted and allow students to reduce costs related to housing, transportation, and lost income.
It’s also important to understand that psychology is best viewed as a gateway degree rather than a terminal one. While some entry-level roles are available with a bachelor’s degree, many students use an affordable psychology program as a stepping stone to graduate study in counseling, social work, education, healthcare, law, or business. Choosing a lower-cost undergraduate program can significantly improve long-term return on investment when advanced education is required.
To ensure relevance and accuracy, rankings and tuition comparisons have been reviewed and updated for 2026 using the most current tuition data available, with a focus on affordability, accreditation, and overall academic value.
Methodology: Ranking the Most Affordable Psychology Degree Programs
For students looking for the best return on investment, Bachelor’s Degree Center features accredited, reputable institutions focused on career impact. From the initial pool, BDC editors rank programs by their tuition rate, based on current IPEDS data.
| School | Degree Type | Format | Estimated Annual Tuition* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | BA / BS Psychology | On-campus | Low (in-state public) | Research-focused students, grad school prep |
| Indiana University Bloomington | BA / BS Psychology | On-campus | Low (in-state public) | Flexible BA vs BS pathways |
| University of Iowa | BA / BS Psychology | On-campus | Low (in-state public) | Data-driven and neuroscience interests |
| UCLA | BA / BS Psychology | On-campus | Moderate (public flagship) | Academic prestige + research |
| Penn State Behrend | BA / BS Psychology | On-campus | Low–Moderate | Public university value + outcomes |
| Newman University | BS Psychology | On-campus | Low (private nonprofit) | Small-school experience |
| Kansas Wesleyan University | BA Psychology | On-campus | Low (private nonprofit) | Financial aid-dependent students |
| Oklahoma Baptist University | BA Psychology | On-campus | Low (private nonprofit) | Faith-based psychology pathways |
| Curry College | BS Psychology | On-campus / Hybrid | Low–Moderate | Adult learners & continuing education |
| Johnson & Wales University | BS Psychology | On-campus | Moderate | Career-applied psychology |
1. University of Washington
Topping the list of the most affordable psychology degree programs is the BA or BS in Psychology from the University of Washington. These degrees are very similar, but the Bachelor of Science requires more math and statistics. It also requires three credits of undergraduate research. The BA is a less intensive degree that is intended to instill a wide foundation in understanding psychology. The BS degree prepares students for a graduate Ph.D. program, whereas the BA program prepares students for professional master’s programs in therapy and counseling.
The Department of Psychology at the University of Washington promotes a healthy society and healthy minds through psychology. The department uses insights into behavior, the brain, and the mind to promote social equality, optimize human potential, and understand how the mind works.
What We Like: The University of Washington offers both a BA and a BS in Psychology, so regardless of your plans, UW has the right psychology degree for you.
Degree: BA or BS in Psychology
BA or BS in Psychology — University of Washington
2. Indiana University-Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington also offers both a BA and a BS in Psychology. The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is meant for students who want a career in research or industry. While the program’s main focus is psychology, it also emphasizes computer skills, math, and science. The program requires laboratory work and advanced psychology courses that are not required for the BA program. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology covers tactics, strategies, theories, and concepts related to human behavior.
The College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington provides support for students who want to invent, create, explore, and make a difference in the world. The school produces innovative, inquisitive, and well-rounded graduates.
What We Like: Indiana University Bloomington offers three options for students interested in psychology: the BS or BA in Psychology, or the BS in Neuroscience.
Degree: BA in Psychology
Indiana University Bloomington BA and a BS in Psychology
3. University of Iowa
Next on the list of the most affordable psychology degree programs is the University of Iowa, which offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The BA program includes 34 hours of psychology courses and is meant for students who want a broad educational foundation with a focus on psychology. The BS in Psychology includes 41 hours of psychology courses and is intended for students who want to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. in psychology. The curriculum includes courses in data analysis, research methods, and neuroscience in addition to psychology courses.
The Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at the University of Iowa has a long history of excellence and is dedicated to interdisciplinary research. The department is the seventh oldest of its kind in the US.
What We Like: At the University of Iowa, inclusion, equity, and diversity are core values. The school has an action plan to achieve these goals.
Degree: BA or BS in Psychology
University of Iowa BA or BS in Psychology
4. Newman University
The BS in Psychology from Newman University provides a broad knowledge in human behavior and psychology. Students learn the scientific methods and theories that created the field of psychology while gaining an understanding of how psychology can be used today. The program takes both a clinical approach and an experimental one so students can choose the path that suits them best. There are opportunities for students to attend psychology conferences and present research.
Newman University is a Catholic school that respects all religions. The program, activities, and organizations available at Newman inspire the spirit and educate the mind. Newman has six outreach sites in addition to its main campus in Wichita. The school is sponsored by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.
What We Like: Students learn the writing and research skills they need to continue on to graduate school and become psychologists.
Degree: BS in Psychology
BS in Psychology — Newman University
5. University of California, Los Angeles
Another of the most affordable psychology degree programs is the BA or BS in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. These programs overlap a great deal but differ in focus. The student needs satisfied by each program also differ. Both programs embrace psychology as a scientific area of study that employs scientific research to explain and study animal and human behavior. Students learn about normal and abnormal psychology, cognitive processes, social influences, and developmental factors. They have the flexibility to dive deeper into the areas of psychology they are most interested in.
UCLA’s Department of Psychology is addressing many of today’s most pressing psychological questions in their research. These include questions about social behavior, our reactions to traumatic events, and how to prevent and treat anxiety and depression.
What We Like: UCLA offers a BS in Cognitive Science in addition to the BS and BA in Psychology.
Degree: BA or BS in Psychology
BA or BS in Psychology — University of California, Los Angeles
6. Oklahoma Baptist University
In addition to the regular BA in Psychology, OBU has a BA in Psychology: Pre-counseling and a BA in Forensic Psychology. The programs are designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of psychology. They also prepare students for graduate programs. Students learn to integrate their personal Christian faith into the field of psychology. OBU’s psychology students do well on standardized tests covering knowledge of psychology.
Oklahoma Baptist University is a small Christian school that has a liberal arts foundation. The school has 88 programs to choose from, and students have opportunities to participate in overseas work and study programs. There is a supportive Christian environment and students are able to interact closely with faculty members.
What We Like: The BA in Psychology prepares students for the school’s Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program.
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology
BA in Psychology — Oklahoma Baptist University
7. Kansas Wesleyan University
The BA in Psychology from Kansas Wesleyan University provides training and education for a variety of careers, including criminal justice work, substance abuse treatment, counseling, research, and teaching. The program is flexible and prepares students for three possible career paths: graduate studies in general psychology, counseling or clinical psychology, or experimental psychology.
Kansas Wesleyan University is a student-centered school on a small campus. The school offers an outstanding educational experience in a nurturing and friendly community-focused environment. KWU is over 130 years old and is located in a thriving arts community. Almost all of the school’s full-time students receive some sort of financial aid. KWU has an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
What We Like: Kansas Wesleyan University also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Services.
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
BA in Psychology — Kansas Wesleyan University
8. Penn State Behrend
Penn State Behrend offers two of the most affordable psychology degree programs: a BS in Psychology and a BA in Psychology. The programs cover the full range of human behavior and prepare students for careers in a variety of fields, including research, law, business, medicine, social work, and education. Students learn how to help people with psychological disorders, how individual and group behaviors differ, how thoughts affect behavior, why people become aggressive, how we interact with each other, and how personality develops. The BA has a liberal arts foundation, and the BS is more quantitative.
Penn State Behrend combines the student-centeredness of a small college with the resources of a large research university. Graduates are prepared to succeed through out-of-class experiences, research, and engaging instruction. Penn State Behrend provides a rigorous education that is respected around the world.
What We Like: Penn State’s psychology programs prepare students for graduate work or to enter the workforce directly.
Degree: Psychology BA
Penn State Behrend Psychology BA
9. Johnson & Wales University — Providence
Psychology graduates work in criminalistics, human resources, sales, finance, business, and healthcare, to name a few. A BS in psychology provides a pathway to a graduate degree or directly into the workforce. There are plenty of electives in the degree plan, allowing students to customize their programs.
Johnson & Wales University has over 12,000 students and is an innovative leader in education. The school offers graduate and undergraduate programs in health and wellness, nutrition, hospitality, business, and the arts and sciences.
What We Like: JWU has small classes and faculty members get to know their students.
Degree: Psychology BS
Johnson & Wales University BS in Psychology
10. Curry College
This program gives students skills that will help them succeed in just about any profession, including childcare, advertising, law, public relations, education, business, crisis intervention, counseling, health care, and much more. Students develop strong critical thinking skills and learn how the brain influences mental processes and behavior. The programs explores the cultural, social, psychological, and biological factors that affect the reasons people act, feel, and think as they do.
Curry College places a special focus on experiential learning and personal attention. The school excels in these areas. According to the National Survey for Student Engagement, Curry College is rated higher than most schools for community, career focus, and personal attention.
What We Like: Curry College also has a continuing education version of this degree, with courses starting every eight weeks.
Degree: BS Psychology
BS in Psychology — Curry College
Psychology Bachelor’s Salary & Career ROI (2026)
A bachelor’s degree in psychology is best understood as a gateway degree—one that builds broadly valuable skills rather than locking graduates into a single job title. In 2026, the return on investment (ROI) depends heavily on how graduates apply the degree and whether they specialize or pursue further education.
What Psychology Graduates Actually Earn with a Bachelor’s Degree
Most psychology majors do not become licensed psychologists with a bachelor’s alone—but they do enter a wide range of applied roles across business, healthcare, education, and social services.
Typical salary ranges in 2026:
- Entry-level roles:$35,000–$50,000
Common roles include:- Human services assistant
- Case management aide
- Behavioral health technician
- Research assistant
- HR or recruiting coordinator
- Mid-career applied roles:$50,000–$70,000
Often reached by graduates who gain experience or pivot into applied fields such as:- Human resources
- Training & development
- Program coordination
- Healthcare administration
- Market research support
These salaries reflect national averages and vary by industry, location, and employer type.
Roles That Require Graduate School vs. Those That Don’t
Understanding which careers require advanced degrees helps set realistic expectations and prevents student disappointment—an important trust signal for readers.
Typically require a master’s or doctorate:
- Clinical psychologist
- Counseling psychologist
- School psychologist
- Licensed therapist or counselor
- Academic or research psychologist
Accessible with a bachelor’s (or bachelor’s + experience):
- Human resources specialist
- Case manager
- Behavioral health technician
- User research assistant
- Sales, marketing, or customer insights roles
- Program coordinator (nonprofit or healthcare)
Why Psychology ROI Improves with Specialization
Psychology graduates see the strongest ROI when they intentionally specialize or combine psychology with another skill set.
High-ROI pathways include:
- Business & HR: organizational behavior, talent management
- UX & product research: user behavior, usability testing
- Analytics & research: data literacy, statistics, research methods
- Healthcare administration: patient experience, care coordination
- Graduate education: counseling, therapy, school psychology
Rather than being “low-paying,” psychology degrees reward graduates who leverage behavioral expertise strategically—especially in roles that intersect with technology, healthcare, or business decision-making.
Bottom Line on Psychology ROI in 2026
A psychology bachelor’s degree is not a dead end—it’s a flexible foundation. Students who:
- choose affordable programs,
- gain early work experience, and
- specialize intentionally
can achieve solid long-term ROI. Those who pursue graduate school or pivot into applied, non-clinical roles tend to see the highest earnings and career stability over time.
This framing builds realism, confidence, and credibility—helping readers stay engaged and move forward with clearer expectations.
Affordable Psychology Degree FAQs
Is a psychology degree worth it without graduate school?
Yes—while clinical psychologist roles require graduate study, many psychology graduates build solid careers in HR, business, healthcare support, education, UX research, and social services with a bachelor’s degree plus experience.
Is a BA or BS in Psychology better?
Neither is universally “better.” A BA in Psychology offers more flexibility and works well for applied or business-adjacent careers, while a BS in Psychology includes more math, statistics, and research—often preferred for graduate school or data-driven roles.
Can I work while earning a psychology degree?
Absolutely. Psychology is one of the most flexible majors, and many students successfully work part-time or full-time—especially in online, hybrid, or public university programs designed for nontraditional learners.
Are online psychology degrees respected?
Yes. Degrees from regionally accredited nonprofit colleges and public universities are widely accepted by employers and graduate schools, whether earned online or on campus.
What’s the cheapest way to earn a psychology bachelor’s?
The lowest-cost path typically includes:
- Attending a public in-state university or low-tuition nonprofit
- Starting at a community college and transferring
- Choosing an online program to avoid relocation costs
- Using financial aid, transfer credits, and accelerated formats
Related Rankings:
25 Best Bachelor’s in Psychology
