Is a Fully Funded Online Psychology Degree Possible in 2025? Here’s How to Minimize Your Costs and Find the Best Accredited Options

Dreaming of a cost-free online psychology degree in 2025? While fully funded programs are rare, this guide explores what’s truly available, offers practical funding strategies, and shows how to find accredited, affordable options—so you can pursue your psychology education without breaking the bank.

Below you can learn more about available options, the meaning of “fully funded” in this context, practical ways to increase funding or reduce expenses, eligibility guidelines, and key considerations for pursuing a psychology education online in 2025.

Availability of Fully Funded Online Psychology Degrees

Current research indicates there are no U.S.-based fully funded online bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral psychology programs that provide automatic and complete coverage of tuition, fees, and living expenses for all admitted online students (Research.com, Intelligent.com, Academia Insider). Most online programs expect students to manage tuition and fees, with financial aid available from various sources.

At the doctoral level, “fully funded” typically refers to on-campus, research-based programs that may provide tuition waivers and stipends in return for research or teaching responsibilities. Such arrangements are not common among online doctoral programs, primarily due to clinical training requirements and existing accreditation standards.

Funding Options and Affordability Considerations

While full funding is not typically offered, prospective students have several avenues to reduce expenses or potentially cover a substantial portion of costs:

Federal Financial Aid: Completing the FAFSA may provide access to federal loans and grants.
Institutional Aid and Scholarships: Some universities provide merit- and need-based scholarships to psychology students.
Private Scholarships: Numerous external scholarships exist, though few provide full coverage.
Employer Tuition Assistance: Limited tuition benefits may be available for employees in related fields.
Assistantships (Doctoral Level): Rarely, some hybrid or online doctoral programs—especially outside the U.S.—may offer assistantships, but these are more commonly found in traditional, campus-based programs.

It can be beneficial to prioritize non-repayable aid (such as grants and scholarships) before considering student loans.

Accredited Online Psychology Programs to Consider

Bachelor’s in Psychology

Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in psychology are available fully online from a variety of regionally accredited U.S. universities, including:

Arizona State University
University of Florida
Drexel University
Central Washington University
University of Utah
University of North Dakota
Indiana State University
University of Massachusetts
Eastern Illinois University

Program Features: - Generally 120 credits (can take approximately 4 years full-time or less with transfer credits/part-time study) - Admission requires a high school diploma or GED; transfer students may need a minimum GPA - Coursework typically covers human behavior, research methods, developmental/social psychology, and statistics - Delivered fully online in asynchronous and/or synchronous formats - Some programs offer concentrations such as clinical, child, or health psychology

Costs: Tuition varies widely. Financial aid can help, and some institutions offer robust support to eligible students.

Master’s in Psychology

Online Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in Psychology programs are available with specializations including:

Clinical Psychology
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Forensic Psychology
School Psychology
Behavioral Psychology

Program Features: - Typically 30-60 credits (about 1-2 years full-time) - Admission usually requires a bachelor’s degree (often in psychology or a related area), a minimum GPA, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and occasionally GRE scores - Many programs include field experiences such as practica or internships, which are generally completed in person at local sites - Graduating from an online master’s program in psychology does not, by itself, qualify a graduate for psychologist licensure; a doctoral degree is commonly required for licensure

Costs: Estimated tuition ranges from $6,000 to $45,000 or more, depending on the institution and residency status. Scholarships and aid are available in some cases, but fully funded master’s programs are uncommon.

Doctoral Programs in Psychology

As of 2025, online fully funded, APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology are not offered in the U.S.
A doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) is required for psychologist licensure in the U.S., and most states require APA accreditation.
Certain on-campus doctoral programs may offer funding in exchange for research or teaching, but most online programs are designed for working professionals and generally unfunded.

Alternative: Some non-U.S. institutions offer low-cost or fee-waived online doctoral programs, usually focused on research rather than clinical practice.

Accreditation Considerations

Enrolling in a regionally accredited institution is essential. For those pursuing licensure-track graduate programs:

Bachelor’s/Master’s: Ensure institutional accreditation; specialized programs may require CACREP or COAMFTE programmatic accreditation (e.g., for counseling or therapy).
Doctoral (PhD/PsyD): APA-accredited programs are typically required for clinical licensure in most states.

Practicums and Internship Opportunities

Quality online programs, particularly at the graduate level, often include opportunities for hands-on clinical training. Applicants should verify:

Whether local internships or practicums are supported
That the program’s experiential components align with requirements in the state where they intend to practice

Degree Pathways and Career Considerations

Holding a psychology degree may prepare graduates for a variety of fields:

Entry-level roles in human resources, community services, case management, and marketing (Bachelor’s)
Counseling, applied research, and select therapist positions (Master’s; state licensure requirements may apply)
Clinical psychologist, advanced research, and academic positions (PhD/PsyD and licensure)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for psychologists through 2032 is approximately 6%, with an average annual salary of $92,740 as of 2025.

Standard Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s: - High school diploma/GED - Official transcripts - Completed application (may include an essay or personal statement)

Master’s: - Bachelor’s degree (common prerequisites in psychology) - Minimum required GPA - Letters of recommendation - Statement of purpose - GRE (sometimes required) - Resume/CV

Doctorate: - Master’s or bachelor’s degree - Record of academic and/or research experience - Research proposal (often required) - Test scores and letters of recommendation as specified by the program

Tips for Reducing Costs

Submit the FAFSA each academic year to determine federal grant and aid eligibility.
Research institution-specific scholarships and financial aid programs.
Explore external scholarships and grants offered by organizations or associations, including APA and Psi Chi.
If applicable, inquire about employer-sponsored tuition assistance or available work-study positions.
Consider public university programs, which may offer comparatively lower tuition rates and more accessible financial aid for online learners.

Conclusion

As of 2025, fully funded online psychology degrees are not available in the U.S. However, a range of accredited online programs exists at all degree levels, and students may utilize a combination of financial aid, scholarships, and employer benefits to manage costs. Always confirm that your chosen program is accredited and consult with admissions and financial aid staff for current information about available options.

Sources

Disclaimer: All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. The information and materials contained in these pages and the terms, conditions and descriptions that appear, are subject to change without notice.

Lifestyle