8 Most Affordable Online Psychology PhD Programs

Featured Online Psychology & Counseling Programs

With strong job demand and salaries anticipated for years to come, psychology doctoral programs are popular throughout America. At the doctoral level, psychology professionals have ample job opportunities in private practice, academia and research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes a 3% increase in jobs in the psychology field through 2029, and a median salary of $80,370. (BLS.gov).

SEE ALSO: Best Online PsyD Degree Programs

As you review the online doctoral degree in psychology options, one of the most critical factors of course is what it costs. While program quality is of immense importance, it also is key to understand what the program will cost you in the long run. It is helpful to incur the minimum amount of student debt when your program concludes and you enter the workforce.

With these facts in mind, we have reviewed many affordable online psychology doctoral programs. These eight came out on top in affordability.

#1 Capella University

Capella University’s Ph.D. in psychology programs and specializations offers tools that you can use to greatly expand your career options. It features a professionally aligned curriculum that integrates vital psychology and research courses with the specialization content that you choose. Also, students learn the newest in psychological research and practice from experienced faculty who work actively in the psychology field.

*Visit Capella University

91% of alumni said Capella gave them the flexibility to graduate on schedule. -Source: Gallup Research Study, 2016.

Campus: Online
Type: Private, For-Profit
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree/Specializations:
- PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- PsyD in School Psychology
- Ph.D. in General Psychology
- Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis
- Ph.D. in Educational Psychology
- Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology
- Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Ph.D. (Undecided)
Other Requirements: 66 cr. hours
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On Campus Requirements: No
Per Cr. Cost: $425 to $790 per cr. hour, depending upon your level of education and other factors (inquire for more details).

#2 Walden University

Walden University’s Online Ph.D. in psychology program helps you to combine practical knowledge and research so you can succeed as an academic or practicing psychologist in many settings. Students will explore the latest theories, findings and best practices in psychological practice, and you will be able to apply these critical skills to your work right away. Students are also able to contact faculty for a chance to network with thought leaders in the field, ask questions, and ensure their career and education is on the right path. (Walden.Edu)

- Campus: Online

Type: Private, For-Profit
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Specializations/Degrees:
- PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership
- Ph.D. in Educational Psychology
- Ph.D in Forensic Psychology
- Ph.D. in Social Psychology
- Ph.D. in General Psychology
- Ph.D. in Health Psychology
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
- Ph.D. in I/O Psychology
Other Requirements: 67 cr. hours
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On Campus Requirements: No
Per Cr. Cost: $585 per quarter hour for classes and dissertation; total cost is up to $68,445

#3 Northcentral University

The online Ph.D. in psychology programs at Northcentral University has been designed to address the quickly growing interest in the field. Students have the opportunity to hone their critical thinking abilities in psychology, increase their knowledge base in the field, and learn to evaluate social, individual, organizational and global issues. Students are taught to excel in the field with a stress on experiential learning that involves case studies, scenarios, vignettes and real life situations. (NCU.Edu)

Campus: Online
Type: Private, For-Profit
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degrees/Specializations:
- DPSY Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
- DPSY Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
- DPSY Doctor of Psychology
- DPSY Marriage and Family Therapy
- Couple Therapy – PhD In Marriage/Family Therapy
- Child & Adolescent Therapy – PhD In Marriage/Family Therapy
- Doctor of Psychology (PhD) – Marriage and Family Therapy
- Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy
- General Family Therapy – PhD In Marriage/Family Therapy
- General Psychology – PhD of Psychology
- Health Psychology – PhD of Psychology
- Industrial Organizational Psychology – PhD of Psychology
- Medical Family Therapy – PhD In Marriage/Family Therapy
- Mental Health Policy and Practice – Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
- PhD – Addictions
- PhD – Gerontology
- PhD – Trauma and Disaster Relief
- PhD-MFT – Culture, Diversity & Social Justice in a Global Context
- PhD-MFT – Education and Supervision
- PhD-MFT – Systemic Leadership
- Therapy with Military Families – PhD In Marriage/Family Therapy
Other Requirements: 60 cr. hours
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On Campus Requirements: No
Pre Cr. Cost: $3600 per course; total tuition is $69,950

#5 Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers a Online Ph.D. in General Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction. This degree is intended to teach you how to bridge the gap of student achievement, as you will evaluate and explore information and processes to devise the best methods for instruction for postsecondary education in the 21st century. You will study a range of topics that are important regarding the analysis and construction of student learning outcomes, such as social cognition and assessments. You will take small classes in dynamic, online learning environments so you can continue to work and go to school. (GCU.edu)

Campus: Online
Type: Non-Profit
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree: Ph.D. in General Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction
Other Requirements: 60 cr. hours
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On Campus Requirements: No
Per Cr. Cost: $650 per cr. hour

#6 Saybrook University

Saybrook University offers an online Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology that will prepare you for licensure in many states. This four year program has been specifically designed to focus on practical skills and knowledge you need to enter professional psychological practice. Coursework focuses on data analyses and meta-analyses; psychotherapy; developmental psychology; child and adolescent psychology; multicultural psychology; and humanistic-integrative psychology. (Saybrook.edu).

Campus: Online
Type: Private, Non-Profit
Accreditation: Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Degree: Ph.D. in Psychology
Other Requirements: 62 cr. hours
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On Campus Requirements: No
$1,150 per cr. hour

#7 California Southern University

California Southern University offers a Psy.D. that is an applied, clinically focused degree that meets all educational requirements for getting your license as a clinical psychologist in California. This program ends with a doctoral project that is focused on a psychology topic about which you are most passionate. The Psy.D. program differs from the Ph.D. as it is a more clinically-focused degree, with the intent for the student to become a practicing psychologist. (CalSouthern.edu).

Campus: Online
Type: Private, Non-Profit
Accreditation: Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Degree: Ph.D. in Psychology
Other Requirements: 66 cr. hours
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On Campus Requirements: No
$545 per cr. hour

#8 Meridian University

Meridian University offers a Ph.D. in Psychology that provides 48 months of courses in Imaginal Psychology. It draws upon spiritual traditions, creative arts, somatic practices, mythology and literary and poetic imagination. Building on the main curriculum the first two years, the last two years focuses on research, clinical and cultural praxis skills, and also acquiring the fundamental knowledge base of psychology as a profession. This four year program is designed to meet all educational requirements to earn your psychology license in California. (MeridianUniversity.edu).

Campus: Online
Type: For Profit
Accreditation: Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Degree: Ph.D. in General Psychology
Other Requirements: 60 cr. hours
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On Campus Requirements: No
$20,280 per year.

#9 Keiser University

Keiser University offers an online Ph.D. in Psychology that has been designed to challenge students with the most rigorous courses and teaching and research work. Students will understand all psychological principles and theories, such as motivation, learning, behavior and emotion. You also will evaluate social services programs and educational programs to include curriculum development, evaluation and assessment strategies.

Campus: Online
Type: For Profit
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Degree: Ph.D. in General Psychology
Other Requirements: 60 cr. hours
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On Campus Requirements: No
Tuition: Inquire

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References

Doctoral Programs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.capella.edu/online-psychology-degrees/doctoral-programs/
Ph.D. in Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/online-doctoral-programs/phd-in-psychology/tuition-fees
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncu.edu/programs-degrees/doctoral/doctor-philosophy-psychology#gref
Psy.D. Degree. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.calsouthern.edu/online-psychology-degrees/psy-d-program-doctor-psychology-degree
Ph.D. in Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.saybrook.edu/areas-of-study/humanistic-clinical-psychology/phd-psychology/
Ph.D. in Psychology. Retrieved from https://meridianuniversity.edu/admissions/tuition-and-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance
Ph.D. in Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gcu.edu/degree-programs/phd-psychology-cognition-instruction
Psychologists. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
Best Online PsyD Degree Programs. (2019). Retrieved from https://psydprograms.org/accredited-online-psyd-programs/