30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs at Private Colleges

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
• 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. This  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 offer 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $39,820 Rider University offers online bachelor’s in psychology programs for working students seeking the flexibility and convenience of an online program. Identical to the classroom degree, the program offers 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
• 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 that offer an online psychology bachelor’s degree.

29. Mercer University

Online Bachelor’s in Psychology

Macon, Georgia

School Profile 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  a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and 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
• special topics in psychology

Mercer is a private, accredited, and ranked institution. 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

School Profile 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
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $32,739 Bay Path University’s bachelor’s in psychology online degree program is 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
• 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
• 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

School Profile 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
• 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

School Profile 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 equips 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
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $31,312 Van Loan School at Endicott College offers an accredited online bachelor’s in psychology degree program. It’s designed for busy and working students. The online program mirrors the on-campus program. It 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
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $30,050 Campbell University offers one of the top online bachelor’s in psychology programs on our list. 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
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $29,900 University of Charleston’s online psychology degree programs include the bachelor’s in psychology. Students may  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
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $29,640 Fisher College’s bachelor’s in psychology online degree program is 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 in 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
• 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. Its online bachelor’s programs are #226 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

20. Palm Beach Atlantic University

Online Bachelor’s in Psychology

West Palm Beach, Florida

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $28,520 The accredited online psychology degree programs at Palm Beach Atlantic University include the online bachelor’s in psychology. This program is available entirely online and 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. This includes 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
• social psychology

Palm Beach Atlantic is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 62nd best regional university in the South. 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $27,250 Southwestern College offers an accredited online bachelor’s in psychology degree program 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. It 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
• 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

School Profile 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
• 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

School Profile 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 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
• 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

School Profile 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. They’re designed for busy and working students. The online program is for those seeking entry-level careers in:

• counseling
• education
• psychology
• 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
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $25,875 Lesley University’s online psychology programs are accredited, ranked, and include undergraduate studies. Students can 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
• social psychology

The program also requires students to complete an internship with support from faculty members and classmates. 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $25,400 Huntington University’s online psychology degree programs include the accelerated and online/hybrid bachelor’s in psychology. This program is designed to fit the needs of working adults. It 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
• 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

School Profile 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
• theories of learning

Admission requirements include the 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $24,450 Bryan College is a private, non-profit college. It 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
• 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

School Profile 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
• 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

School Profile 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 prepares students for entry-level careers and advancement in 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
• 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

School Profile 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 students to complete 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
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $20,694 University of Valley Forge offers accredited online psychology programs like the bachelor’s in psychology. It can be completed in just 36 months. The accelerated program offers one seven-week course at a time. It’s designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working students. Also, for those interested in pursuing counseling careers, the degree includes an emphasis in counseling. It 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $21,008 Keiser University’s bachelor’s in psychology online program offers diverse curriculum that covers a broad education base in areas of:

• psychology
• research
• 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
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $17,700 York College’s accredited online psychology degree program is 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
• theories of personality

York is a top-ranked private institution. 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

School Profile 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
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $14,520 Trine University’s online bachelor’s in psychology programs include the BS in Psychology. It 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 accommodate the busy lives of working students. These courses include:

• abnormal psychology
• forensic psychology
• human sexuality
• marriage and family counseling
• personality theories
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $12,205 Ottawa University’s bachelor’s in psychology online degree program is for busy and adult students interested in seeking careers in:

• counseling
• research
• 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
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $11,212 Blue Mountain College’s offers an online bachelor’s in psychology degree program. It 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
• 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

School Profile Undergraduate Tuition: $9,000 The College of Social Science at Baker College offers online bachelor’s in psychology programs for working and busy adult students. The program may be completed entirely online and offers classes taught by Baker College faculty members. Courses include:

• abnormal psychology
• biological psychology
• cognitive psychology
• developmental psychology
• learning and memory
• motivation and emotion
• personality psychology
• research methods
• 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. Related Resources:

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