30 Best Bachelor’s in Psychology Degrees Online: Small Colleges
Last updated: May 29, 2023
Ready to find the perfect college degree?
www.bestdegreeprograms.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Click here for high resolution badge.
In this article, we profile the 30 best small colleges for online bachelor’s in psychology degrees.
Earning a bachelor’s in psychology online degree opens doors to a versatile career path or entry to graduate level programs. The degree is valuable in a wide range of fields, including:
business
counseling
education
law
social sciences
Bachelor’s in psychology online programs are now available from small colleges. These programs offer the same benefits one would receive from attending a small, private school. Some of these benefits include a low student/faculty ratio, peer interaction, and access to professors.
We looked at approximately 70 accredited small colleges and universities that offer online bachelor’s in psychology programs. To narrow our list of schools, we selected programs and schools that:
were regionally or nationally accredited
had received recognition or rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report
had an undergraduate annual cost of less than $37,000
Also, we only selected small colleges or universities with an undergraduate student enrollment of up to 2,000. The undergraduate tuition and enrollment was taken from the most recent information published by the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator).
30. New England College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Henniker, New Hampshire
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $36,954
New England College is a small private institution. It offers an accredited online bachelor’s in psychology degree program that is 100% online. This program teaches students how to assess human behavior from an analytical lens. It blends practical and useful skills with critical thinking abilities. Courses are delivered via distance learning. The same professors who instruct on campus teach classes. In fact, the online psychology program mirrors the on-campus counterpart. Courses include:
abnormal psychology
forensic psychology
social psychology
Several specializations allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest like:
applied behavior analysis
clinical psychology
human services
marriage therapy and family counseling
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top regional university in the North.
29. Bay Path University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $33,557
Bay Path University’s bachelor’s in psychology online degree program provides convenience and flexibility to distance learning students. The program prepares students with the skills necessary to work in various professions, including:
community and public relations
education
health and social services
mental health
organizational management
social science research
Courses are delivered online and include:
abnormal psychology
behavioral research methods
health psychology
introduction to psychology
social psychology
theories of personality
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 102nd best regional university in the North.
28. Buena Vista University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Storm Lake, Iowa
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $32,854
Buena Vista University offers accredited online psychology degree programs for undergraduate students. The 33 credit hour psychology major is offered as an online degree. It allows students to gain understanding of the discipline through research-based perspectives. Courses include:
child development
experimental design and statistical analysis
health psychology
learning and memory
sleep and dreams
social psychology
Admission to the program requires the completion of an associate degree or 60 credit hours from a regionally accredited institution. 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 24th best regional college in the Midwest and the 15th best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #264-#346 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
27. Corban University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Salem, Oregon
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $31,640
One of the top online psychology programs from a small college is the program at Corban University. This uniquely designed online program offers two concentrations, allowing students to tailor their degree to their strengths and future goals. The two concentrations include family studies and pre-counseling/clinical studies. All classes are delivered online and include:
abnormal psychology
fundamentals of psychological theory
research and practice
social psychology
Corban is a private, Christian school that is accredited. It’s ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the institution as the 66th best regional university in the West.
26. Houghton College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Houghton, New York
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $31,540
The online bachelor’s in psychology program at Houghton College is available as a 100% online degree. Both full- and part-time completion options are offered. The program is designed to take 18 months. There are six start dates per year. Classes run eight weeks in length, which adds to the flexibility of the program. Application is convenient and can be done entirely online. High school grads must provide transcripts and ACT/SAT scores. Working professionals provide:
a resume
college transcripts
a high school transcript if no associate’s degree was earned
The program also offers several concentrations so students can tailor their undergraduate degree. These concentrations include:
clinical and counseling
neuroscience
social and developmental
U.S. News and World Report ranks Houghton as a top 150 best national liberal arts college in the United States.
25. Mary Baldwin University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Staunton, Virginia
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $31,110
The bachelor’s in psychology degree from Mary Baldwin University is available as a fully online program through the school’s online and adult programs. Similar to in-person classes, Baldwin’s online interface allows students to take classes designed to develop strong conceptual skills. This fast-track pathway is also designed to help undergraduates earn their degree at a faster rate than in-person programs. The average completion time is just 18 months. Emphasis areas are also offered so that students can tailor their degree toward interests or to meet career goals. These concentrations include:
child psychology
elder care
forensic psychology
mental health
occupational and physical therapy
U.S. News and World Report ranks Mary Baldwin as the 43rd best regional university in the South and the 19th best value school.
24. Rivier University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Nashua, New Hampshire
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $31,090
One of the top online psychology programs for undergraduates on our list is the online bachelor’s in psychology from Rivier University. This fully online program takes two to four years to complete and offers classes that run seven weeks in length. The program emphasizes the development of strong writing skills and analytical problem solving. Courses are delivered online and include:
experimental psychology
general psychology
lifespan development
psychology of communication
psychology of women
social psychology
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for admission to this program. U.S. News and World Report ranks Rivier as a top regional university in the North.
23. Fisher College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Boston, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Tuition: $30,499
Fisher College offers a psychology degree online that consists of 43 credits of designated psychology courses. The private institution offers small class sizes that are taught by experienced faculty. All classes are delivered online and explore topics like:
abnormal psychology
human development
introduction to psychology
social justice and gender issues
research methods in psychology
statistics for psychology
During the fourth year, students take a senior seminar and complete a three credit internship. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Fisher as a top institution. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 32nd best regional college in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #264-#346 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
22. San Diego Christian College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Santee, California
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $30,438
San Diego Christian College offers one of the top online psychology programs on our list. The program is designed for anyone interested in applying psychology across myriad fields, such as:
business
education
social work, and more
The program is 100% online, requires a total of 123 credits, and offers classes that run five weeks in length. There are also several emphases or minors in other disciplines that allow students to tailor their psychology degree to meet career goals. Some of the emphasis areas include:
biblical studies
business
communications
early childhood education
leadership
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank San Diego Christian College as the 11th best regional institution in the West.
21. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $29,510
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers an accredited online bachelor’s in psychology degree that prepares students for careers in a variety of fields. The bachelor’s in psychology is a versatile degree. It’s a good foundational degree for students interested in:
education
business
law
social sciences
. Classes are delivered in a convenient online format and are taught by the same instructors who teach on campus. Some of the courses required for the major include:
developmental psychology
general psychology
personality
psychology of women
research
statistics in psychology
The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 22nd best regional college in the Midwest and the 12th best value school.
20. Notre Dame College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Cleveland, Ohio
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $29,300
Notre Dame College offers accredited online psychology degrees that prepare students for graduate-level schooling or entry-level careers in the mental health field. Classes may be completed online and include:
behavioral science research methods
biopsychology
general psychology
lifespan development
psychological tests and measurements
psychology foundations
sensation and perception
The program offers several concentrations so that the general degree may be tailored to best suit career goals. These concentrations include:
applied psychology
clinical/counseling
psychology as a science
psychology of special populations
The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.
19. Southwestern College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Winfield, Kansas
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $28,750
Southwestern College offers a bachelor’s in psychology online degree program that prepares students for careers in mental health and psychology-related fields. Admission to the program requires the completion of six post-high school college credits and a minimum GPA of 2.0. All classes may be completed online and are taught by Southwestern’s experienced faculty. Some of the required courses include:
abnormal psychology
cognition
developmental psychology
history and systems of psychology
personality theories
psychology research methods
social psychology
The school is accredited. It’s ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #71 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
18. Northwest Christian University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Eugene, Oregon
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $28,680
One of the top private small colleges on our list to offer a psychology degree online is Northwest Christian University. This small college offers a bachelor’s degree in psychology that combines psychological principles and Christian beliefs. Classes run every eight weeks. The program offers six start dates throughout the year. Convenient online delivery provides working students with the flexibility they need while attending school. Some of the required courses include:
human development
psychology of learning
research methods
social psychology
statistical applications
Northwest is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). It’s ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 91st best regional university in the West.
17. Dominican College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Orangeburg, New York
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $28,448
One of the best online psychology programs on our list is offered by Dominican College. The online bachelor’s in psychology degree provides students with a background in psychology. It’s designed to make them employable regardless of career choice. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same instructors who lead on campus courses. Transfer credits are accepted from both two-year and four-year institutions. A minimum of 30 credits must be completed at Dominican for a degree. The small college is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Dominican as the 146th to 187th best regional university in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #202 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
16. Cornerstone University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Grand Rapids, Michigan
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $27,520
Cornerstone University offers accredited online psychology degrees for undergraduates seeking roles in Christian leadership. This completely online degree program is designed to be completed in 20-22 months. It’s ideally structured for working students. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of full time work experience since high school. Courses are taught by Cornerstone faculty and cover topics like:
current trends and specialties in psychology
life span developmental psychology
research methodology and statistics
theories in counseling
The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the institution as the 115th best regional university in the Midwest. Its online bachelor’s programs rank #125 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
15. Lesley University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Cambridge, Massachusetts
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $26,675
Lesley University’s online bachelor’s in psychology is a fully online undergraduate degree program. It’s designed to explore the science of behavior and mental processes. The program offers working students and those who require online classes the same opportunities as traditionally enrolled students. The program consists of 30 credits with classes taught by university professors. Some of the courses include:
abnormal behavior
cognition and memory
individual development
social and cultural process
A required internship provides hands-on learning, which supplements what is taught in the classroom. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 181st best national university in the country.
14. Bryan College
Online Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology
Dayton, Tennessee
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $25,600
One of the more affordable online psychology programs for undergraduates on our list is the online bachelor’s in applied psychology at Bryan College. The program incorporates the school’s Christian worldview as it explores psychological theory and research methods. Classes run in a six-week accelerated format and are delivered entirely online. Some of the required courses include:
abnormal psychology
counseling techniques
counseling theories
life span development
methods and models of integration
personality theory
social psychology
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Bryan College as the 68th best regional university in the South and 34th best value school. Also, the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
13. Kentucky Wesleyan College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Owensboro, Kentucky
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $25,070
Kentucky Wesleyan College offers a bachelor’s in psychology online degree program. It prepares students with knowledge about human behavior that is valuable to any career path. The program is offered entirely online with no required campus visits. Courses are taught by experienced Kentucky Wesleyan instructors. The curriculum mirrors the on-campus program. Some of the required courses for the psychology major include:
abnormal psychology
cognitive psychology
introduction to psychology
personality theories
research methods in psychology
statistics in behavioral sciences
The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 8th best regional college in the South and the 3rd best value institution. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #115 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
12. Midway University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Midway, Kentucky
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $23,950
Midway University offers 100% online psychology degrees. They’re for undergraduates who want to pursue careers in psychology and sub fields or enter a graduate study program. The degree can be completed entirely online by taking a series of conveniently designed classes taught by Midway professors who are all doctoral-level clinicians. Some of the courses include:
abnormal psychology
counseling theory and techniques
human growth and development
physiological psychology
research methods
the psychology profession
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Midway as the 89th best regional university in the South. The school is accredited and is one of the more affordable psychology programs on our list.
11. Palo Alto University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Palo Alto, California
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $22,754
There are two online bachelor’s in psychology programs at Palo Alto University:
the BS in Psychology and Social Action
the BS in Business Psychology
Both degrees can be earned entirely online and are ideally designed for working students. The online psychology programs offer classes that move along at an accelerated pace. The degrees are designed to be earned in just two years. Some of the psychology courses required include:
clinical and abnormal psychology
cross cultural psychology
social psychology
theories of personality
During the senior year, students in the psychology and social action program complete a nine-month internship at a community agency or nonprofit organization. Palo Alto is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
10. Brescia University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Owensboro, Kentucky
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $21,550
Brescia University offers a psychology degree online program for undergraduates with goals to enter careers in mental health and psychology. The program is designed for working students and provides quality curriculum that describes both animal and human behavior. Courses are laid out with the adult student in mind, enabling them to earn their degree in just two years. Some of the required courses include:
abnormal psychology
cognitive psychology
developmental psychology
introduction to psychology
personality theory
research methods and design
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Brescia as the 28th best regional college in the South and the 16th best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #243 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
9. University of Valley Forge
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $21,370
University of Valley Forge offers an accredited bachelor’s in psychology online degree program that prepares students at a pre-professional level for entry into a graduate or professional program. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same faculty members who instruct on campus. Required courses cover topics at the foundational psychology level. These courses include:
abnormal psychology
community psychology
lifespan human development
legal and ethical issues in counseling
marriage and family therapy
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 35th best regional college in the North.
8. Judson College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Marion, Alabama
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $17,896
Judson College’s online bachelor’s in psychology program is one of the only online bachelor’s programs to offer a concentration in equine-facilitated mental health. This uniquely designed degree helps prepare students to receive the education required for a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) certification. Students take a series of online courses and conduct original psychological research. Many graduates of the program seek graduate study in counseling, psychology, and related fields. Judson is an accredited liberal arts college that has earned rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks Judson as a top national liberal arts college.
7. Central Christian College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
McPherson, Kansas
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $17,240
One of the most affordable online psychology degrees on our list is at Central Christian College, a private institution founded in 1884. This accredited college offers a 100% online bachelor’s in psychology degree program with multiple start dates throughout the year. Students take a series of online asynchronous courses that run six weeks in length and can be completed at the student’s pace. Courses include:
abnormal psychology
counseling
human growth and development
personality psychology
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Central Christian College as a top regional college in the Midwest (ranked #62-#80).
6. Gallaudet University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Washington, District of Columbia
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $16,558
Gallaudet University offers psychology degree online programs designed with the working student in mind. All classes are designed to fit the flexibility needs of working individuals and adult learners. University professors teach all online classes. The the curriculum mirrors that of many traditional psychology programs. Some of the required courses include:
abnormal psychology
cognition
lifespan development
psychology and deaf people
research design and analysis
social psychology
Students are also required to complete an internship and senior capstone class. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as:
the 22nd best regional university in the North
the 2nd most innovative school
the 1st best value institution.
5. Claflin University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Orangeburg, South Carolina
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $16,480
Claflin University offers online psychology programs for adult students through the Center for Continuing and Professional Studies. Undergraduates can earn a bachelor’s in psychology by taking online courses taught by Claflin instructors. Courses explore:
foundational psychology topics
department research and a seminar
a series of upper level psychology theories
In fact, some of the required courses include:
abnormal psychology
developmental psychology
fundamentals of research
social psychology
social statistics
theories of aging
Online students also have the opportunity to participate in student organizations such as the Psychology Club and Psi Chi, a national honor society in psychology chapter. U.S. News and World Report ranks Claflin as a top national liberal arts college.
4. Ottawa University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Ottawa, Kansas
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $12,361
One of the most affordable psychology degree online programs on our list is the bachelor’s in psychology from Ottawa University. This program is offered fully online and provides students with a foundation in human physiological, mental, personal, and social development. The school offers a generous credit transfer option of up to 80 credit hours. All courses are delivered online and include:
developmental psychology
ethnic relations and multiculturalism
principles of psychology
psychology of abnormal behavior
social psychology
theories of personality
The school is accredited and ranked by major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Ottawa as the 42nd best regional college in the Midwest.
3. Blue Mountain College
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Blue Mountain, Mississippi
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $11,760
One of the most affordable schools on our list, Blue Mountain College offers an accredited bachelor’s in psychology online degree program. The degree can be earned entirely online with no on-campus requirements. Courses run eight weeks in length and are taught by experienced Blue Mountain faculty. Some of the required courses include:
abnormal psychology
experimental psychology
family psychology
introduction to counseling
introduction to psychology
social psychology
theories of personality
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Blue Mountain as the 8th best regional college in the South and the #1 best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #243 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
2. Northern Vermont University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Johnson, Vermont
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $11,730
Northern Vermont University offers an affordable psychology degree online program that can be completed 100% online from your home or office. In-state rates apply no matter where the student resides, making it a highly affordable program. Courses are taught by Northern Vermont instructors and include:
abnormal psychology
developmental psychology
introduction to psychology
personality and behaviors
theories of personality
The program also provides a broad choice of electives that allow students to tailor their degree in areas of interest. As a culminating experience, students complete an internship or advanced research project in their geographic location.
1. Kentucky State University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Frankfort, Kentucky
WebsiteUndergraduate Tuition: $8,184
The online bachelor’s in psychology program at Kentucky State University is the most affordable choice on our list. It’s focused on preparing students for entry-level careers in psychology or for graduate school. KSU’s online psychology program provides a solid foundation through online classes and required projects. Students must complete 120 semester credit hours, including 36 semester credit hours in psychology. Some of the required psych classes include:
abnormal psychology
experimental psychology
learning and motivation
physiological psychology
research methods
theories and methods in human development
The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as:
the 33rd best regional college in the South
the 12th best value school
the 6th top public institution
It is also accredited and our #1 most affordable pick for earning an online bachelor’s in psychology.
Related Resources:
www.bestdegreeprograms.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.