Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees of 2026
What are the best online schools of psychology in 2026? Check out this guide to find the right program for you and how to apply.
Thinking about boosting your job prospects with a bachelor’s degree, but worried about fitting it into your schedule? An online program provides the flexibility to balance your studies with work or personal responsibilities. With an online bachelor’s in psychology, you can enter careers in social services, human resources, and business.
Explore this guide to 2026’s best online schools for psychology, including tips on what to look for when choosing a program and how to apply.
Top Online Programs in Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Program
Arizona State University Digital Immersion – Most Military-Friendly
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose ASU Online: Generous Military Benefits and Support from the Pat Tillman Veterans Center
We chose ASU Online’s bachelor’s in psychology program for its military benefits, which include up to $11,541 through the Yellow Ribbon program. The Pat Tillman Veterans Center offers support, guidance, and scholarship opportunities for active-duty military members and veterans.
The 120-credit program encompasses core courses in the fundamentals of psychology, psychology research, and statistical methods, as well as electives in psychology, social and developmental psychology, cognitive science, and optional experiential learning opportunities.
Other Highlights
- Comprehensive degree program suitable for various practitioner roles
- 7.5-week courses
- Can transfer more than 24 credits
Considerations
- With an in-state tuition of $543 per credit for full-time students, it’s the most expensive program on this list for in-state students.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 required
- In-state students who take courses part-time pay the same rate as out-of-state part-time students.
98%
$11,308
74%
$13,512
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 66,062
- Institution Type
- Public
Dickinson State University – Best Online Student Support
- Dickinson, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose DSU: Advising and Tutoring Available for Distance Learners
DSU’s bachelor’s degree in psychology offers advising, tutoring, and a point of contact for general questions at no extra cost to online students. Other resources include career services, accessibility services, library services, and information technology services.
The online program is offered through DSULive, where you’ll take live classes synced with in-person classes. The 46-credit major includes courses in various areas of psychology, such as developmental, counseling, social, and health psychology. The program also requires at least three internship credits, one research credit, and three seminar credits.
Other Highlights
- Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, at $259 per credit, plus an additional $69 per credit in mandatory fees.
- Military friendly
Considerations
- You must select a minor to ensure you have the necessary credits for your 120-credit degree.
- Admissions requires a $35 application fee and a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- Transfer students with fewer than 24 credits must meet both the transfer and first-year admissions requirements.
63%
$7,770
67%
$7,770
- Acceptance Rate
- 37%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,410
- Institution Type
- Public
Trine University – Most Affordable
- Angola, IN
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Trine: One Flat Rate for Online Students
We chose Trine’s online bachelor’s in psychology because it offers all online students the same flat tuition rate of $299 per credit, making it easier for students to earn their bachelor’s degree. Active duty military members pay $250 per credit. The program also offers free textbooks for over 200 credits.
The 120-credit program requires 36 general education credits, 25 elective credits, and 24 major credits, including courses such as abnormal psychology, the psychology of personality, social psychology, counseling issues in substance use, and either a capstone or an internship course.
Other Highlights
- Classes start every eight weeks
- Transfer up to 90 credit hours
- Special pathways for addiction counseling and criminal justice
Considerations
- Yellow Ribbon School
- Asynchronous format
- Transfer credits never expire
96%
$9,576
100%
$9,576
- Acceptance Rate
- 22%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,230
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Central Florida – Most Diverse Offerings
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UCF: Choose from Six Concentration Areas
We chose the UCF’s online BS in psychology because it offers six concentration areas: clinical, general, human factors, industrial-organizational, neuroscience, and experiential psychology.
Courses include developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and statistical methods in psychology. You’ll also have opportunities for internships, research, and fieldwork.
Other Highlights
- Commitment to student accessibility
- In-state tuition costs $179 per credit, making it the most affordable in-state tuition on our list.
- Two start dates
Considerations
- Out-of-state tuition costs $769 per credit, making it the highest out-of-state tuition on our list.
- No admissions essay required
- $30 admissions fee
9%
$ 6,368
92%
$22,467
- Acceptance Rate
- 45%
- Students Enrolled
- 69,338
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Florida-Online – Most Well-Rounded Education
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UF Online: Broad Liberal Arts Curriculum Rooted in Science
We chose UF Online’s bachelor of psychology program because it includes a well-rounded curriculum in the social and natural sciences. Graduates are prepared to continue their education in psychology, enroll in professional programs in law, medicine, or education, or pursue careers in corrections, social services, or business.
First-year applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Transfer students or students with an associate degree can enter the program with over 60 transfer credits with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher. Transfer students also need the required prerequisites in psychology, biology, statistics, and algebra.
Other Highlights
- Tuition is $129 per credit, making it highly affordable for in-state students.
- Students can specialize in behavior analysis, counseling psychology, developmental psychology, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, or social psychology.
- Tuition waivers are available for active-duty military members, veterans, grandchildren of Florida residents, and other eligible individuals.
Considerations
- Out-of-state tuition for online students is $553 per credit.
- Dual-enrollment applicants must apply as first-year students.
- Out-of-state credits may need to be evaluated by the appropriate department before they can be used toward prerequisites.
N/A
$ 3,358
94%
$15,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,462
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Identified Top Schools and Programs
Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, affordability, hands-on experience, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in psychology. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.
Since many psychology programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting features that matter to you most.
We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.
How to Choose an Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Program
Choosing a top online school for psychology depends on your personal needs and career aspirations. Prioritize accredited schools that offer affordable tuition and financial aid options. Choose online delivery formats that fit your busy schedule and learning style, and look for programs offering specializations and practical experiences that align with your interests.
Accreditation
Institutional accreditation is the formal process of evaluating colleges and universities to ensure they meet nationally established academic standards. All online psychology programs in our guide are offered by accredited schools. Attending an accredited school determines your federal financial aid eligibility and recognition of your degree by graduate programs and prospective employers.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements, while different for each program, typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, official transcripts, and a completed application. You must submit letters of recommendation and an essay or personal statement. Some programs require a minimum GPA, SAT or ACT scores, or other entrance exams.
Career Relevance
Evaluate the program curriculum, specializations, and electives to understand what you can do with this degree. While an undergraduate degree provides critical thinking and analytic skills applicable to many employment settings, many programs feature specific concentrations, such as industrial-organizational, forensic, or child psychology, that may align with your particular career interests.
Flexibility
Not all online programs use the same scheduling formats. Fully online programs, which are best for self-motivated learners, offer maximum flexibility. Hybrid programs blend online and in-person classes, providing more structure and personalized attention. Online synchronous formats require regularly scheduled meeting times, while asynchronous programs allow you to study anytime and anywhere.
Cost and Financial Aid
Public institutions typically cost less than private schools, although some schools offer online learners the same tuition rates regardless of residency. Make sure to complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. When putting together your budget, include any additional charges for technology or student fees and the cost for required course materials.
How to Apply to an Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Program
For both online and on-campus bachelor’s programs, you usually need to meet the school’s overall admission standards rather than specific department requirements. The common admissions criteria for most undergraduate programs include a high school diploma or equivalent, a minimum GPA, letters or recommendation, and, in some cases, standardized test scores.
- Step 1: Research programs
Begin the application process by researching accredited schools that offer online bachelor’s programs in psychology. You should narrow your choices by focusing on programs that match your interests, learning style, and scheduling needs.
- Step 2: Request letters of reference
Most schools require at least one letter of recommendation from faculty or academic advisors who should submit them directly to the admissions committee. Choose recommenders who can provide a positive reference, emphasizing your potential to succeed in college-level courses. Be sure to request letters well before the application deadline.
- Step 3: Gather additional required documentation
In addition to having letters of reference sent separately, request that your high school forward official transcripts directly to the admissions committee. Some schools may require standardized test scores and a personal statement or résumé describing your interest in psychology and relevant work or volunteer experience.
- Step 4: Standardized tests (optional)
While some schools require SAT or ACT scores, an increasing number waive or consider them optional. If standardized tests are not your strength, consider limiting your choices to test-free or test-optional schools. Still, a high score can make you more competitive or compensate for a lower-than-average GPA.
- Step 5: Submit application
Carefully proofread your application to ensure accuracy and completeness, and follow all instructions about submitting and forwarding supporting materials. Most colleges and universities require an application fee, but the amount varies widely by school. Contact your intended school to determine if you qualify for a fee waiver, based on financial need or other special circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
An online and an in-person degree from an accredited school share the same standards, curriculum and graduation requirements. Graduates of online and on-campus programs receive the same diploma. Recent research indicates wide acceptance among employers for online degree holders.
