Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025

Badge for CHEAPEST ONLINE DOCTORATE IN PSYCHOLOGY
By Dave Tomar
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Students pursuing careers in professional psychology must typically earn a doctoral degree.
  • Many online doctorate programs are making it more affordable to earn this advanced degree.
  • Getting an advanced degree in psychology online can reduce costs like transportation and housing.

Affordable Online Psychology PhD Degree Programs in 2025

  1. University of Mississippi
    +1
  2. Florida International University
    +2
  3. Hampton University
    +2
  4. Liberty University
    –3
  5. Regent University
    +3
  6. Mississippi College
    +3
  7. Troy University
    –1
  8. Grand Canyon University
    –5
  9. Adams State University
    –2
  10. Marywood University

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

The University of Mississippi gained 1 position to move up to our number 1 position in our 2025 ranking of the Most Affordable Online PhD’s in Psychology. Florida International and Hampton University moved up 2 positions to move into the number 2 and 3 positions.

Ole Miss has added a number of new degree offerings in emerging fields, such as data science and cybersecurity, both of which can be fields for psychologists to explore. Florida International has also increased their research opportunities and added a number of new degree offerings. Hampton University has also introduced new STEM-focused degree programs, aligning with industry trends and providing students with more career pathways.

Becoming a practicing psychologist will require you to earn your PhD in clinical psychology or a related area like developmental psychology, educational psychology, or health psychology. Historically, earning a doctoral degree in psychology has been a costly undertaking. Fortunately, a growing number of online Ph.D in psychology programs have made it increasingly affordable to earn a PhD.

If you’re interested in an alternative career in an area like counseling psychology, check out the very best online master’s degree programs in mental health counseling. Otherwise, read on to learn more about the most affordable online doctoral programs in various areas of professional psychology.

How to Pursue a Degree in Clinical Psychology

Becoming a clinical psychologist will require you to complete a doctoral program. But there are several steps that you’ll need to complete first before being eligible for a clinical psychology program.

Typically, you will be required to first earn an accredited undergraduate degree. Earning a psychology degree is a popular option, though some graduate students will pursue a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree in a related subject like mental health counseling or school psychology. Either of these degrees is an appropriate pathway into the online doctor of psychology program.

Students earning doctoral degrees aren’t typically required to earn a master’s degree first. However, earning a master’s degree in a specific area of practice may better prepare students for the challenges of the advanced psychology degree program. Some graduate university programs may even count some master’s degree credits toward the completion of the online doctoral degree.

Woman waving on a video call

How We Ranked the Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology

The purpose of this ranking is to demonstrate affordability among online PhDs in psychology. Therefore, we filtered our findings to include only those graduate schools which offer a fully online doctoral degree in psychology.

After filtering for degree level, we ranked these PhD programs based on tuition rates and predominance of online degree offerings. The institutions ranked below all offer fully online doctoral degree programs in psychology for less than $10,000 per year.

Looking for information on even more affordable degrees? Check out our in-depth guide to affordable degree programs if you are looking to keep the costs as low as possible while still getting a quality education.

Back to Top

The 10 Most Affordable Psychology Programs for PhDs

  1. #1

    University of Mississippi

    University , MS
    #1 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/25

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,412
    Expenses: $19,540
    Starting Salary: $79,541
    Salary after 4 years: $91,671
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about University of Mississippi?

    University of Mississippi, or Ole Miss, was chartered in 1844. It is both the oldest and largest public university in the state of Mississippi.

    University of Mississippi is closely affiliated with legendary American novelist and former undergraduate student, William Faulkner.

    • University of Mississippi is great for students who:

      Wish to earn degrees in sciences such as space science, acoustic sciences, and supercomputing.

    • University of Mississippi might not be the best fit for students who:

      Aren’t interested in Greek Life. With more than 7,000 affiliated students, fraternities and sororities play a key role in campus life at Ole Miss.

    University of Mississippi’s Online Degrees

    EdS in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Higher Education
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Counselor Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Play Therapy
    • Required Credits: 25
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $11,334
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $73,077
    Salary after 4 years: $84,221
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Florida International University?

    Florida International University was founded in 1965 and has rapidly grown into the fifth largest public university in the United States. FIU serves more than 56,000 students at both the graduate and undergraduate level across 11 colleges.

    Florida International University is based in Miami-Dade and reflects the region’s emphasis on college athletics. FIU’s intercollegiate teams have secured five athletic championships across various sports.

    • Florida International University is great for students who:

      Like to get the best bang for their buck. FIU ranks tops in the state for “performance funding.”

    • Florida International University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a small campus and an intimate learning experience.

    Florida International University’s Online Degrees

    PhD in Public Affairs
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Social Welfare
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 75
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DNP in Nursing Practice
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Public Health
    Degree Concentrations
    • Environmental Health Sciences
    • Epidemiology
    • Health Promotion And Disease Prevention
    • Health Policy And Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Hampton University

    Hampton , VA
    #3 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #4 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/22

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Hampton University

    Cost of Degree: $13,134
    Expenses: $16,886
    Starting Salary: $47,052
    Salary after 4 years: $57,822
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Hampton University?

    Hampton University is a private HBCU based in Hampton, Virginia. Founded in 1868 by a joint commission of Black and White leaders, Hampton was established with the mission of educating freedmen in the immediate aftermath of the U.S. Civil War.

    Today, Hampton University is home to 16 leading research facilities, including the largest free-standing Proton Therapy Institute in the world.

    • Hampton University is great for students who:

      Wish to attend an HBCU that consistently ranks among the top ten Historically Black institutions.

    • Hampton University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a college with a major athletics program.

    Hampton University’s Online Degrees

    PhD in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 81
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Eds in Specialist In Education In Counseling
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Educational Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 54-60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $8,340
    Expenses: $21,458
    Starting Salary: $38,881
    Salary after 4 years: $47,781
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Liberty University?

    Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world as well as one of the largest private non-profit universities in the U.S. Much of this size is based on its online enrollment.

    Liberty University enrolls roughly 15,000 residential students across its 17 colleges, and an additional 80,000 through its extensive online course and degree offerings.

    • Liberty University is great for students who:

      Wish to attend the world’s largest seminary—Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity.

    • Liberty University might not be the best fit for:

      Students who do not identify with Evangelical Christianity.

    Liberty University’s Online Degrees

    DWS in Worship Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Ethnomusicology
    • Leadership
    • Pastoral Counseling
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Executive Coaching
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resources
    • Information Systems
    • International Business
    • Leadership
    • Marketing
    • Nonprofit Leadership And Management
    • Project Management
    • Real Estate Development
    • Six Sigma
    • Strategic Management
    • Strategic Media And Digital Content
    • Supply Chain Management And Logistics
    • Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DSL in Strategic Leadership
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Homeland Security
    • Leadership
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Education Specialist
    Degree Concentrations
    • Curriculum And Instruction
    • Curriculum And Instruction - Elementary Education
    • Curriculum And Instruction - Middle Grades Education
    • Curriculum And Instruction - Secondary Education
    • Curriculum And Instruction - Special Education
    • Educational Leadership
    • Higher Education Administration
    • School Administration And Supervision
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DME in Music Education
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Curriculum And Instruction
    Degree Concentrations
    • Middle Grades Education
    • Secondary Education
    • Special Education
    • Elementary Education
    • General Education
    • Instructional Design And Technology
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Higher Education Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Educational Leadership
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in School Administration And Supervision
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Advanced Educational Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Curriculum And Instruction
    • Educational Leadership
    • Instructional Design And Technology
    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Curriculum And Instruction
    • Educational Law
    • Instructional Design And Technology
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Higher Education Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DMin in Ministry
    Degree Concentrations
    • Biblical Studies
    • Chaplaincy
    • Church Revitalization
    • Discipleship
    • Evangelism And Church Planting
    • Expository Preaching And Teaching
    • Ministry Leadership
    • Next Generation Ministry
    • Pastoral Counseling
    • Spiritual Formation
    • Strategic Christian Ministry
    • Theology And Apologetics
    • Urban Ministry
    • Worship
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Theology And Apologetics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Public Policy
    Degree Concentrations
    • Social Policy
    • Economic Policy
    • Education Policy
    • Foreign Policy
    • General
    • National Security Policy
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DPA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Christian Leadership
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Bible Exposition
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Communication
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Strategic Media
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in History
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DNP in Nursing Practice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Psychiatric Mental Health (Post Bsn)
    • Psychiatric Mental Health (Post Msn)
    • Family Nurse Practitioner (Post Bsn)
    • Required Credits: 58
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Community Care And Counseling
    Degree Concentrations
    • Marriage And Family Counseling
    • Pastoral Care And Counseling
    • Traumatology
    • Required Credits: 57
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Counselor Education And Supervision
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
    6. Male student focusing on a laptop
  6. #5

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA
    #13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    32%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/22

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Regent University

    Cost of Degree: $17,828
    Expenses: $12,146
    Starting Salary: $42,826
    Salary after 4 years: $52,629
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Regent University?

    Regent University is a private Christian University that provides an array of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Founded in 1977 by Southern Baptist Minister Pat Robertson, Regent University offers a wide range of both online and on-campus degree programs.

    Regent University serves more than 10,000 students today, with many pursuing online degrees at the master’s and doctoral degree levels.

    • Regent University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing advanced degrees online. More than 60% of Regent’s students are in post-graduate programs.

    • Regent University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a secular educational experience.

    Regent University’s Online Degrees

    DSL in Entrepreneurial Leadership
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    DSL in Global Consulting
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    DSL in Human Resource Development
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    DSL in Strategic Foresight
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    DSL in Strategic Leadership
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    PhD in Organizational Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Entrepreneurial Leadership
    • Individualized Studies
    • Ecclesial Leadership
    • Human Resource Development
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    EdS in Educational Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Advanced Educational Leadership
    • Christian Education Leadership
    • Educational Psychology
    • Exceptional Education Executive Leadership
    • Higher Education Leadership And Management
    • Special Education
    • Adult Education
    • Curriculum And Instruction
    • Educational Technology And Online Learning
    • Higher Education
    • K-12 School Leadership
    • Character Education
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Leadership In Mathematics Education
    • Required Credits: 35
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Higher Education
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in K-12 School Leadership
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Adult Education
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Advanced Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Christian Education Leadership
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Curriculum And Instruction
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Educational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Educational Technology And Online Learning
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Exceptional Education Executive Leadership
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Higher Education Leadership And Management
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Adult Education
    • Christian Education Leadership
    • Educational Psychology
    • Advanced Educational Leadership
    • Curriculum And Instruction
    • Educational Technology And Online Learning
    • Exceptional Education Executive Leadership
    • Higher Education And Management
    • Special Education
    • Higher Education
    • K-12 School Leadership
    • Required Credits: 67
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Educational Specialist In Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30-32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DSL in Ecclesial Leadership
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    DMin in Chaplain Ministry And Leadership
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DMin in Christian Leadership And Renewal
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DMin in Ministry
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DSC in Strategic Communication
    • Required Credits: 49
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    DSL in Individualized
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    DSL in Leadership Coaching
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    DSL in Servant Leadership
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    PhD in Renewal Theology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Church History
    • Biblical Studies
    • Practical Theology
    • Christian Theology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Communication
    • Required Credits: 55-64
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    DSL in Healthcare Leadership
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    PhD in Counseling And Psychological Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Biblical Counseling
    • Human Services Counseling
    • International
    • Marriage And Family Ministry
    • Research
    • Addictions Counseling
    • Grief Counseling
    • Human Services For Student Affairs
    • Life Coaching
    • Pastoral Counseling
    • Trauma And Crisis Counseling
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Mississippi College

    Clinton , MS
    #12 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #16 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Mississippi College

    Cost of Degree: $13,596
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $42,168
    Salary after 4 years: $51,821
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Mississippi College?

    Mississippi College was founded in 1826, which makes it the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Mississippi. Mississippi College is also the second oldest Baptist college in the United States.

    Mississippi College has grown rapidly in recent years, with the rate of enrollees jumping 60% between 2002 and 2015.

    • Mississippi College is great for students who:

      With an interest in public service. Mississippi College places an emphasis on student and staff participation in local community service opportunities.

    • Mississippi College might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a secular learning environment.

    Mississippi College’s Online Degrees

    EdS in Educational Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Curriculum & Instruction
    • K-12 Administration
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DPC in Professional Counseling
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Troy University

    Cost of Degree: $8,550
    Expenses: $14,366
    Starting Salary: $57,759
    Salary after 4 years: $66,567
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Troy University?

    Troy University was established in Troy, Alabama as a regional teachers college in 1887. Today, the Troy campus is the flagship school in a university system that includes four campuses as well as teaching sites across 17 U.S. states and 11 countries.

    Troy University awards education degrees both online and on campus to students at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels as well as serving various educational specializations.

    • Troy University is great for students who:

      Plan to study liberal arts subjects such as education, communications, and human services.

    • Troy University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a university with a higher rate of selectivity. More than 90% of applicants typically gain admission each year.

    Troy University’s Online Degrees

    EdS in Counselling
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Global Leadership
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DNP in Nursing Practice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Nurse Leadership
    • Required Credits: 70-74
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #8

    Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #5 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    155K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Grand Canyon University

    Cost of Degree: $11,124
    Expenses: $16,212
    Starting Salary: $54,941
    Salary after 4 years: $67,517
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Grand Canyon University?

    Grand Canyon University serves more than 90,000 students, which makes it the largest Christian university in the world.

    Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit university that was initially established in 1949 as Grand Canyon College. Today, the Southern Baptist institution serves more than 70,000 students online. Interestingly, Grand Canyon is the only for-profit school that competes in NCAA Division I athletics.

    • Grand Canyon University is great for students who:

      Are interested in doctoral studies, nursing and health care professions, and theology.

    • Grand Canyon University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Require a degree with regional accreditation.

    Grand Canyon University’s Online Degrees

    PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in General Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cognition and Instruction
    • Industrial and Organizational Psychology
    • Integrating Technology
    • Learning
    • and Psychology
    • Performance Psychology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Data Analytics
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in K-12 Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Organizational Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Behavioral Health
    • Christian Ministry
    • Health Care Administration
    • Higher Education Leadership
    • K-12 Leadership
    • Organizational Development
    • Special Education
    • Adult Learning
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DNP in Nursing Practice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  11. #9

    Adams State University

    Alamosa , CO
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #9 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/20

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Adams State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,425
    Expenses: $15,423
    Starting Salary: $53,543
    Salary after 4 years: $61,708
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Adams State University?

    Adams State University is a public university based in Alamosa, Colorado and serving roughly 3,500 students. Beginning as a teacher’s college in 1921, today Adams State offers both on-campus and online degrees.

    Adams State University awards a focused selection of degrees, with 16 bachelor’s degree programs alongside seven master’s degrees, and one doctoral degree program.

    • Adams State University is great for students who:

      Enjoy a small-school experience.

    • Adams State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are still trying to decide upon their major or degree focus.

    Adams State University’s Online Degrees

    PhD in Counselor Education
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Marywood University

    Scranton , PA
    #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania #24 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/22

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Marywood University

    Cost of Degree: $12,504
    Expenses: $19,174
    Starting Salary: $40,572
    Salary after 4 years: $49,859
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Marywood University?

    Marywood University is a private Catholic university located in Scranton, Pennsylvania and serving more than 2,800 students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

    Marywood University has a history that traces as far back as 1878, with the establishment of St. Cecilia’s academy “for young ladies.” Today, Marywood is coeducational.

    • Marywood University is great for students who:

      Enjoy natural beauty. Marywood is home to a national arboretum featuring more than 100 species of tree and shrub.

    • Marywood University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer the cultural experience of a large college campus.

    Marywood University’s Online Degrees

    PhD in Clinical Psychology
    • Required Credits: 117
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Psychology Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Psychology

Degree Level: Doctorate

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $77,565
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $89,393
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists5.81%$147,420
Managers, All Other5.75%$133,560
Psychologists, All Other4.95%$117,750
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists13.28%$96,100
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary4.89%$82,140

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists$147,420
Managers, All Other$133,560
Psychologists, All Other$117,750
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Why Some Educators Get Degrees In Developmental Psychology

Before you pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, be sure this is the proper subdiscipline for you. Developmental psychology programs are often geared toward students pursuing careers in education, educational psychology, educational leadership, and more. For prospective students that plan to become school psychologists, a focused doctoral program in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, or counseling psychology might be a better fit.

Look for online doctoral programs geared toward educational psychology, developmental psychology, or school psychology, rather than clinical practice. Fortunately, many of the best online programs offer a combination of core psychology courses and a wide range of subdisciplines.

Consider a Degree in Organizational Psychology

The same logic applies to organizational psychology programs. If you plan to apply your psychology skills and knowledge in an organizational setting, you may want to focus your online Ph.D in psychology in an area like human and organizational psychology, industrial organizational psychology, transpersonal psychology, or leadership psychology. You can earn an online doctorate in each of these highly specialized fields.

Depending on your career goals, it may also be possible to find a leadership role in an organization after earning a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology or a related area of study.

Industrial-organizationa psychologists are one of the highest-paying psychology careers.

Earning a Specialized PhD in Psychology

The psychology doctorate can be built around a number of highly specialized areas like sport and performance psychology, social psychology, health psychology, forensic psychology, media psychology, wellness psychology, and much more. As a PhD candidate, you will generally be expected to design your own applied doctoral project. This, combined with your dissertation courses and research courses, will give you a chance to focus your studies on the area of psychology where you hope to pursue a career.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here