With the growing interest in the intersection of law and psychology, forensic psychology has become a popular field. Yet, the cost of education can be a barrier for many aspiring professionals.
Thankfully, the digital era offers an option to get an affordable forensic psychology degree online. These programs cater to students seeking a balance between quality education and financial responsibility.
The Top Affordable Forensic Psychology Degrees Online
Numerous online programs mix affordability with quality education. The following list has been created to guide prospective students towards making an informed choice for their academic and professional future.
Each affordable forensic psychology degree online offers a unique combination of an intensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and financial accessibility.
1. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University provides an online Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology program, holding accreditation from the NECHE.
The curriculum requires 120 credit hours and students have the option to transfer up to 90 credit hours from previous coursework, shortening the program duration and reducing costs.
The program has a $330 cost per credit hour, excluding fees and there's no application fee or requirement for SAT/ACT scores.
The program includes courses in criminal psychology, the counseling process, and social psychology, equipping students with diverse expertise.
2. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on forensic psychology. This program consists of 120 credit hours, spread across 39 classes, typically taking around four years to complete.
ASU integrates general psychology with key insights into criminal law, behavior, and mental disorder treatments and its application process includes a one-time fee of $70.
Tuition for Arizona residents is $6,215 per semester for a 12-credit-hour course load, while out-of-state students pay $7,317.
3. Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University presents an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology.
Completing this program in three to four years involves 120 credit hours of study, covering subjects like statistics for the behavioral sciences, psychological disorders, and social psychology.
Graduates will be ready for roles in criminal investigation, judicial support, and civil investigation sectors. The cost per credit hour stands at $399, not including taxes and additional fees.
4. Maryville University
Maryville University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology program that consists of 128 credit hours.
The coursework mixes psychology, criminal justice, and the social sciences, providing a complete education. There's no application fee, and tuition is priced at $525 per credit hour before taxes and fees.
On completing the program, students can pursue career paths such as forensic psychology, community service manager, and social science research assistant, fully prepared to contribute to the field.
5. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University provides an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology. This specialty helps graduates comprehend the roots of criminal behavior.
The program requires 120 credit hours, up to 90 of which may be transferred from previous studies at accredited schools, making the degree both cost-effective and quicker to complete.
At $485 per credit hour, before fees, students engage with subjects such as personality psychology, criminal law, and victimology.
6. Faulkner University
Faulkner University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology program, designed for individuals passionate about justice and community safety.
This program, made of 121 credit hours, looks into criminology, abnormal psychology, and constitutional law. It allows students to choose electives that align with their career aspirations within forensic psychology.
Tuition is set at $325 per credit hour, with additional costs including a $350 general fee each semester and a $75 online fee per credit hour.
7. Bushnell University
At Bushnell University, the online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a forensic psychology concentration is designed for those wanting to understand the role of psychology in the criminal justice system.
With courses beginning every eight weeks, the program offers transfer options for related previous credit hours to expedite graduation.
The tuition is priced at $495 per credit hour, and Bushnell provides various financial aid opportunities to assist students with the costs associated with their education.
8. Walden University
Walden University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on forensic psychology.
This program requires 181 quarter credit hours, where one and a half quarter credit hours equal one semester credit hour. Tuition is set at $333 per quarter credit hour, with a $170 program fee each term.
Typically, students complete the program in about 32 months, but transfer policies allow up to 135 quarter credits from accredited schools, which can significantly reduce this time.
9. Florida Tech University
Florida Tech University provides an online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, this program prepares students in areas like family counseling, legal processes, and interdisciplinary psychological theories.
The program requires 121 credit hours, and the cost per credit hour is $510, excluding taxes and additional fees, offering a deep understanding of criminal behavior.
10. The Chicago School
The Chicago School presents an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology that offers a forensic psychology track.
The program can be completed in four years and includes 120 credit hours, dedicating 21 of these to forensic psychology.
Students face a one-time application fee of $50 and culminate their studies with a capstone project to demonstrate their acquired skills. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition is $516 per credit hour, before fees
Average Cost of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Psychology
The cost of getting an online Bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology varies, typically ranging from $39,600 to $90,000, excluding extra fees and books.
This range is based on per-credit costs from about $330 to $550 or higher and the standard requirement of completing 120 to 180 credit hours.
Keep in mind that if you're transferring credits from other programs, the total cost could be lower.
How To Finance an Online Forensic Psychology Degree
Students seeking to finance an online forensic psychology degree have several options.
They can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal loans and grants or research scholarships offered by various entities.
Inquire about employer tuition reimbursement programs, and utilize payment plans provided by educational institutions.
Benefits of a Forensic Psychology Degree
A degree in forensic psychology opens up a variety of job opportunities in law enforcement, the legal system, and mental health services, offering a unique blend of psychology and legal expertise.
Graduates can make a meaningful impact on society by helping to shape fair legal outcomes and assisting in the rehabilitation of offenders, which can be deeply fulfilling.
The field also offers constant opportunities for further education and research, keeping professionals engaged and informed about the latest developments in the justice system.
Start Your Forensic Psychology Degree Online Today
Get a rewarding educational experience with an affordable forensic psychology degree online today and unlock the door to a diverse career path that mixes psychological insight with the aspects of the legal system.
