30 Best Bachelor’s in Psychology Degrees Online: Small Colleges

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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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

Website Undergraduate 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:

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