In this article, we profile the 30 best online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs at private non-profit colleges.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology can open doors to careers in various fields, such as business, education, law, or psychology. The four-year degree is often the first step toward licensing and counseling credentials. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most counseling and upper-level psychology jobs require a master’s degree, which means a bachelor’s is essential. Accredited online programs from some of the nation’s top private colleges are now available, and in many cases, affordable.
Ranking the Best Online Psychology Degrees
We reviewed 110 accredited institutions listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator) that offered online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs. From our list of schools, we looked at the national, regional, or program rankings received from major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. We selected accredited institutions that had received recognition from a major publication and ranked the schools in order of affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs at private, non-profit colleges.
#30 – Rider University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Undergraduate Tuition: $39,820
Rider University offers online bachelor’s in psychology programs designed for working students seeking the flexibility and convenience that an online program offers. Identical to the classroom degree, the program offers online courses taught by Rider professors who are recognized as leaders and experts in their field. These courses include abnormal psychology, child development, drugs and human behavior, health psychology, learning and motivation, psychology of peace and conflict, and statistics and research design. Rider is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best regional university in the North and the 26th best value school. The institution is one of our top picks for private non-profit colleges to offer an online psychology bachelor’s degree.
#29 – Mercer University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Macon, Georgia
Undergraduate Tuition: $35,130
The Penfield College of Mercer University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in psychology degree designed as a flexible, hybrid program. Admission to the program requires applicants have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be in good standing with the most recent accredited college or university attended. Some of the courses offered include adult development, history and systems of psychology, lifespan development, research methods, social psychology, and special topics in psychology. Mercer is a private, accredited, and ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 135th best national university and the 24th best value institution in the country.
#28 – DeSales University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $34,850
DeSales University’s online bachelor’s in psychology programs are for working students with little time to attend traditional classes. The program is delivered entirely online with classes taught by DeSales professors. These courses include cognitive psychology, introduction to psychology, personality theory and research, positive psychology, research design and analysis, and social psychology. Forty courses are required for graduation, but the school does take up to 75 transfer credits. DeSales is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 61st best regional university in the North and the 32nd best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs have earned recognition.
#27 – Bay Path University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Tuition: $32,739
Bay Path University’s bachelor’s in psychology online degree program is designed for working students seeking a quality online education from a private college. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, official transcripts from all prior colleges and universities attended, a short written essay, and an over the phone admissions interview. Courses are delivered online and include abnormal psychology, behavioral research methods, counseling psychology, health psychology, introduction to psychology, physiological psychology, social psychology, and theories of personality. Bay Path is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 122nd best regional university in the North and is widely recognized for academic performance and rigor.
#26 – Buena Vista University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Storm Lake, Iowa
Undergraduate Tuition: $32,210
Buena Vista University’s online psychology programs include the bachelor’s in psychology. This entirely online degree program offers courses taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. In fact, the online program mirrors its onsite counterpart. Classes are delivered in a convenient and flexible online manner. These courses include a foundational series and upper level classes. Some of the courses required include abnormal psychology, behavior modification, child development, health psychology, introduction to biological psychology, learning and memory, sleep and dreams, social psychology, and stereotypes and prejudice. Buena Vista is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 24th best regional college in the Midwest and the 17th best value school.
#25 – California Baptist University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Riverside, California
Undergraduate Tuition: $31,372
California Baptist University is a private institution that offers online psychology degree programs, including an online bachelor’s in psychology. This completely online program is designed to equip students with career aspirations in human and social services, or those planning to pursue graduate psychology degrees. Courses are taught by CBU faculty members and include abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, history and systems of psychology, life span development, tests and measurements, theories of counseling, and theories of personality. The school is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 37th best regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #8 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#24 – Endicott College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Beverly, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Tuition: $31,312
Van Loan School at Endicott College offers an accredited online bachelor’s in psychology degree program designed for busy and working students. The online program mirrors the on-campus program and offers courses taught by the same instructors who lead traditional classroom studies. These courses include abnormal psychology, applied research methods, childhood and adolescent psychology, general psychology, history and systems of psychology, introduction to sociology, and psychological perspectives. Endicott is a top-ranked private school, recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 51st best regional university in the North.
#23 – Campbell University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Buies Creek, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $30,050
One of the top online bachelor’s in psychology programs on our list is offered by Campbell University. This entirely online undergraduate degree is designed for working students and busy individuals seeking an online psychology study option. Courses are delivered online and include developmental psychology, educational and psychological testing, general psychology, history of psychology, psychology of human relations, psychology of learning and cognition, research methods, and statistics for social sciences. Campbell is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 30th best regional university in the South. The school is accredited and one of our top picks for private non-profit colleges to offer online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs.
#22 – University of Charleston
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Charleston, West Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $29,900
University of Charleston’s online psychology degree programs include the bachelor’s in psychology. Students may choose to enroll in the BS or BA pathway, but only the BA track delivers classes online. Either program follows a four-year schedule, and the same instructors who teach on campus teach all classes. Courses run in eight-week block structures and include abnormal psychology, introduction to psychology, research methods and design, social psychology, and statistics for psychology and social science. University of Charleston is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 72nd best regional university in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked among the top 1,200 programs in the country.
#21 – Fisher College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Boston, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Tuition: $29,640
Fisher College’s bachelor’s in psychology online degree program is designed for working students and those interested in earning a bachelor’s via distance education. The psychology program consists of 43 credits of psychology courses along with 12 elective credits within the discipline. Courses are taught by the same Fisher College instructors who lead on-campus classes. These courses include abnormal psychology, human development, introduction to psychology, psychology of personality, research methods in psychology, and the physiological basis of behavior. Fisher is accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News lists Fisher as the 31st best regional college in the North and its online bachelor’s programs #226 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#20 – Palm Beach Atlantic University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
West Palm Beach, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $28,520
The accredited online psychology degree programs offered at Palm Beach Atlantic University include the online bachelor’s in psychology. This program is available entirely online and specifically designed for working students who lead busy daytime lives. Admission does not require a high school transcript if the student shows at least 12 transferrable college credits from a regionally accredited university. The program consists of 120 credit hours with 26 hours of psychology major and 12 hours of psychology electives. These courses may include general psychology, lifespan development, principles of statistics and research design, procedure in counseling, and social psychology. Palm Beach Atlantic is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 62nd best regional university in the South, and the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #28 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#19 – Southwestern College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Winfield, Kansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $27,250
Southwestern College offers an accredited online bachelor’s in psychology degree program designed for busy and working students. Admission requirements include a minimum of six post-high school college credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0. The program prepares students for entry-level careers in psychology and lays a foundation for those interested in pursuing an advanced degree. Courses are delivered online and include abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, history and systems of psychology, personality theories, psychology of research methods, and social psychology. Southwestern is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 115th best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #126 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#18 – Indiana Institute of Technology
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $26,370
Indiana Institute of Technology’s online psychology programs include the undergraduate BS in psychology. This fully online program allows students to take courses and complete their degree without attending on-campus classes. Some of the courses include assessment in psychology, human growth and development, introduction to psychology, research methods and statistics, social psychology, theories of counseling, and theories of personality. A total of 120 credits are required to satisfy degree requirements. The institution is accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top professional school. Indiana Tech makes our list as among the best private colleges for an online bachelor’s in psychology degree.
#17 – Simpson University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Redding, California
Undergraduate Tuition: $25,950
Simpson University offers an online psychology degree program that can be completed entirely via distance learning. The bachelor’s in psychology is designed to accelerate your career path by laying a solid foundation in the assessment and understanding of theories, methods, and applications of modern psychology. The 16-month online program requires a series of courses taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include abnormal psychology, child development, foundations in psychology, social psychology, statistics for behavioral sciences, and theories of personality. Simpson is accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 82nd best regional university in the West.
#16 – Drury University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Springfield, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,970 (information provided by the University)
Drury University’s online bachelor’s in psychology programs are offered through the College of Continuing Professional Studies and designed for busy and working students. The online program is for those seeking entry-level careers in counseling, education, psychology, and social psychology. Some of the required courses include abnormal psychology, introduction to psychology, lifespan development, personality theory in psychology, research methods for the behavioral sciences, social psychology, and statistical foundations for behavioral sciences. Drury is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 11th best regional university in the Midwest and the 18th best value school. The school offers one of the more affordable online psychology programs on our list.
#15 – Lesley University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Tuition: $25,875
Lesley University’s online psychology programs are accredited, ranked, and include undergraduate studies. Students may earn a bachelor’s in psychology entirely online with classes taught by the same professors who lead on-campus studies. Online courses include abnormal behavior, cognition and memory, individual development, social and cultural process, and social psychology. The program also requires students to complete an internship outside the classroom with support from faculty members and classmates along the way. Lesley is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 197th best national university in the country. The school is one of our top choices for best online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs from a private, non-profit school.
#14 – Huntington University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Huntington, Indiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $25,400
Huntington University’s online psychology degree programs include the accelerated and online/hybrid bachelor’s in psychology. This adult degree program is designed to fit the needs of working adults, and prepares them for career advancement or entry into a new psychology-related career. Courses meet one evening per week as well as online. These courses are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Courses include abnormal psychology, child and adolescent development, fundamentals of counseling, human development, introduction to psychology, social psychology, and statistics for managers. Huntington is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 13th best regional college in the Midwest and the 11th best value school.
#13 – John Brown University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $25,324
John Brown University’s bachelor’s in psychology online degree program offers five start dates and classes that fit with busy daytime schedules. All courses are delivered online by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, introduction to psychology, orientation to learning, research methods, statistics for the behavioral sciences, and theories of learning. Admission requirements include the successful completion of at least 45 semester hours of transferrable college credit and a GPA of 2.0 or better. John Brown is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 18th best regional university in the South and 23rd best value school.
#12 – Bryan College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Dayton, Tennessee
Undergraduate Tuition: $24,450
Bryan College is a private, non-profit college that offers online psychology programs, including the bachelor’s in psychology. The program is for first-time degree seekers who require flexible courses that allow them to continue working full-time. The program explores psychological theory and research methods from a Christian worldview. Courses are delivered online and in a six-week accelerated format. These courses include abnormal psychology, introduction to psychology, and social psychology. All classes are taught by the same instructors who lead on-campus studies. Bryan College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 72nd best regional university in the South.
#11 – Limestone College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Gaffney, South Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $23,900
Limestone College offers an online bachelor’s in psychology program designed for students seeking a quality undergraduate degree in psychology from a private college. The program offers several specialty options that encourage certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology. Online courses include contemporary issues in psychology, elementary statistics, introduction to psychology, research methods in psychology, social psychology, and tests and measurements. Limestone is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 39th best regional college in the South and the 14th best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #175 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#10 – Saint Leo University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Saint Leo, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,440
Saint Leo University’s online bachelor’s in psychology degree program introduces a broad spectrum of theories and insights in understanding human behavior. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level careers and advancement within the field of psychology. Courses are delivered online and include biological bases of behaviors, developmental psychology, individual differences and social pressures, industrial and organizational psychology, and the psychology of learning. A total of 120 credits are required to satisfy degree criteria. Saint Leo is an accredited, private institution. It is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 62nd best regional university in the South and the 26th best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #59 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#9 – Brescia University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Owensboro, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,100
Brescia University offers accredited online psychology programs, including the bachelor’s in psychology. The program is offered as a general degree or with an emphasis in addictions counseling. Flexible online courses are designed for adult students and enable completion of the degree in just two years. Some of the courses offered include abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, history and systems of psychology, introduction to psychology, personality theory, research methods, and topics in psychology. Brescia is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 28th best regional college in the South and the 16th best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #226 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#8 – University of Valley Forge
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $20,694
University of Valley Forge offers accredited online psychology programs like the bachelor’s in psychology, which can be completed in just 36 months. The accelerated program offers one seven-week course at a time and is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working students. Also, for those interested in pursuing counseling careers, the degree includes an emphasis in counseling and offers various courses popular in counseling programs. More than one start date also adds to the flexibility of the program. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 35th best regional college in the North, and is accredited and one of the more affordable institutions on our list.
#7 – Keiser University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $18,368
Keiser University’s bachelor’s in psychology online program is designed to offer diverse curriculum that covers a broad education base in areas of psychology, research, and writing. All courses are delivered online and taught by Keiser instructors. These courses include child psychology, concepts of clinical and counseling psychology, introduction to cognitive development, introduction to experimental psychology, psychology of personality, research methods, and social psychology. Keiser is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 52nd regional university in the South and 42nd best value institution.
#6 – York College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
York, Nebraska
Undergraduate Tuition: $17,700
York College’s accredited online psychology degree program is designed for working students seeking a flexible way to earn a bachelor’s in psychology. According to the program website, psychology is one of the largest majors at York College. Classes are taught online by experienced professors. These courses may include abnormal psychology, counseling, general psychology, history and systems of psychology, human growth and development, social science research, statistics of the behavioral sciences, testing and measurement, and theories of personality. York is a top-ranked private institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 49th best regional college in the Midwest.
#5 – North Greenville University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Tigerville, South Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $17,594
North Greenville University’s bachelor’s in psychology online degree program is for students seeking an online psychology degree with a Christian approach to the challenges faced in the field. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Some of the courses include abnormal psychology, biological psychology, foundations of Christian psychology, introduction to counseling, social psychology, statistics for behavioral sciences, and theories of personality. North Greenville is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 80th best regional university in the South, and the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #186 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – Trine University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,520
Trine University’s online bachelor’s in psychology programs include the BS in Psychology, which can be completed entirely as a distance education degree. The program requires 120 credits with 42 credits in the psychology major. Courses are taught by qualified Trine instructors and are designed to accommodate the busy lives of working students. These courses include abnormal psychology, forensic psychology, human sexuality, marriage and family counseling, personality theories, and the psychology of addiction. Trine is an accredited university and is also ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 23rd best regional college in the Midwest. The online bachelor’s programs have also earned recognition.
#3 – Ottawa University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Ottawa, Kansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,205
Ottawa University’s bachelor’s in psychology online degree program is designed for busy and adult students interested in seeking careers in counseling, research, and social services. The program may be completed entirely online and offers courses taught by Ottawa faculty members. These classes include developmental psychology, ethnic relations and multiculturalism, history and systems of psychology, interpersonal communication, principles of psychology, psychology of abnormal behavior, and statistics for the social sciences. Ottawa is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 42nd best regional college in the Midwest. The school is one of our top picks for affordability.
#2 – Blue Mountain College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Blue Mountain, Mississippi
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,212
Blue Mountain College’s online bachelor’s in psychology degree program allows students to complete their degree entirely online and without attending on-campus classes. Designed for working students, the program also offers affordable tuition and requires no travel expenses. Courses are taught by qualified Blue Mountain instructors, which include abnormal psychology, experimental psychology, human growth and development, introduction to psychology, psychological evaluation and testing, social psychology, and theories of personality. The bachelor’s program requires a total of 120 credits to satisfy the degree. Blue Mountain is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 8th best regional college in the South and the #1 best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #205 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#1 – Baker College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Flint, Michigan
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,000
The College of Social Science at Baker College offers online bachelor’s in psychology programs designed for working and busy adult students. The program may be completed entirely online and offers classes taught by Baker College faculty members. Courses offered include abnormal psychology, biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, personality psychology, research methods, and social psychology. The institution offers accreditation and affordability. In fact, Baker is our #1 most affordable private college to offer the online bachelor’s in psychology degree. Also, the school has earned recognition from U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the Midwest.
