Rankings / Online Masters
Most Affordable Online Master's in Psychology
- 50
- Schools
- $48,539
- Avg. Earnings
- 41%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,627
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,693
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $32,600 to $71,588, a 2.2× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of Florida-Online delivers the most for the money: roughly $71,588 in median earnings against $4,815 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, University of Florida-Online ($4,815 net price), still posts $71,588 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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University of Florida-Online graduates 81% of its students, versus a 41% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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University of Florida-Online carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.21× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- University of Florida-Online costs $4,815 a year and Southern New Hampshire University costs $36,708. Yet their graduates earn $71,588 and $50,318, nowhere near the $31,893 price gap.
- Graduation rates split the field: University of Florida-Online finishes 81% of students while Jackson College finishes 17%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with University of Florida-Online. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $48K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Florida-Online #1 overall | $71,588 ▲ +47% vs avg | $4,815 | 81% | 100 |
| 2 University of West Alabama #2 overall | $44,232 ▼ -9% vs avg | $12,684 | 36% | 100 |
| $66,479 ▲ +37% vs avg | $10,864 | 22% | 100 | |
| $54,080 ▲ +11% vs avg | $11,676 | 34% | 100 | |
| $36,596 ▼ -25% vs avg | $7,770 | 49% | 100 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Most Affordable Online Master's in Psychology
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $48,539 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 41% and an average net price of $15,627.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Florida-Online — Net Price: $4,815 | Graduation Rate: 81%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida-Online — 81% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Florida-Online — Median alumni earnings: $71,588
Research Note
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Human Services Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the human-services and social-work workforce?
$47,844
Median earnings (10yr)
39%
Median graduation rate
$15,456
Median net price
1.8%
Avg. mobility rate
Psychology, social work, and counseling programs train a workforce in high and rising demand. Mental-health needs, child and family services, and an aging population all pull for licensed practitioners. The work is essential and licensure-gated. Pay is modest, which makes the economics of the degree unusually sensitive to cost.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $47,844 ten years after they first enrolled. The median graduation rate is 39%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $15,456 a year, with about $21,250 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 39% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.8%.
What we’re seeing: demand is strong and growing, but the salary ceiling means affordability decides the return. With median earnings around $47,844 and a median net price of $15,456, the best value comes from programs that keep debt well below early-career pay.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Florida-Online lands at #1 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 47% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of West Alabama lands at #2 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $44,232 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,684 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
Why it ranks #3
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online lands at #3 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (37/100). Graduates earn a median $66,479 a decade after enrolling, 37% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,864 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Empire State University lands at #4 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,080 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,676 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Purdue University Global lands at #5 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $36,596 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,770 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Shreveport, LA · 51% accepted · $7,022 net
Why it ranks #6
Louisiana State University-Shreveport lands at #6 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $47,477 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,022 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Bellevue University lands at #7 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $61,289 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,550 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
University Park, PA · 91% accepted · $19,550 net
Why it ranks #8
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus lands at #8 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 31% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,550 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Touro University Worldwide lands at #9 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (57/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $40,803 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,058 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Southeastern Oklahoma State University lands at #10 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $45,079 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,039 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Waldorf University lands at #11 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $51,165 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,693 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Belhaven University lands at #12 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $46,440 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,676 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Ave Maria University lands at #13 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $49,520 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,860 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Salish Kootenai College lands at #14 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $32,725 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,945 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Franklin University lands at #15 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (31/100). Graduates earn a median $51,892 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,243 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Oklahoma City, OK · 92% accepted · $16,692 net
Why it ranks #16
Mid-America Christian University lands at #16 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $46,116 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,692 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Upper Iowa University lands at #17 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $52,766 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,942 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
National University lands at #18 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $67,548 a decade after enrolling, 39% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,878 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Lamar University lands at #19 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $49,652 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,366 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Presque Isle, ME · 100% accepted · $7,035 net
Why it ranks #20
University of Maine at Presque Isle lands at #20 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,956 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,035 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Prescott College lands at #21 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (62/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $42,359 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,583 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Portales, NM · 92% accepted · $4,904 net
Why it ranks #22
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus lands at #22 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,550 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,904 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College lands at #23 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (32/100). Graduates earn a median $54,810 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,803 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
University of Maryland Global Campus lands at #24 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $65,287 a decade after enrolling, 35% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,063 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Saint Leo University lands at #25 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,364 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,293 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Southern New Hampshire University lands at #26 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $50,318 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,708 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Fort Wayne, IN · $20,473 net
Why it ranks #27
Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies lands at #27 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $47,327 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,473 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Baker College lands at #28 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $35,833 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,157 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Liberty University lands at #29 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $44,813 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,357 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
West Los Angeles College lands at #30 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (38/100). Graduates earn a median $38,537 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,634 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global lands at #31 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,986 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,898 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
University of the Southwest lands at #32 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (62/100) and pulled down by social mobility (49/100). Graduates earn a median $45,389 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,927 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Saint Louis, MO · 95% accepted · $22,066 net
Why it ranks #33
Maryville University of Saint Louis lands at #33 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $62,105 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,066 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Indiana University-East lands at #34 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $47,156 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,134 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Brigham Young University-Idaho lands at #35 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (67/100). Graduates earn a median $53,406 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,221 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Mayville State University lands at #36 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $47,828 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,456 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Livingstone College lands at #37 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $32,600 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,479 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Buena Vista University lands at #38 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,156 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,846 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Spring Arbor University lands at #39 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,732 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,353 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Arkansas State University lands at #40 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (60/100). Graduates earn a median $42,617 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,366 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
University of West Florida lands at #41 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $49,137 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Columbia International University lands at #42 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $38,951 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,036 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
McMurry University lands at #43 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $48,779 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,581 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Virginia Union University lands at #44 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,275 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,235 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Central State University lands at #45 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (46/100). Graduates earn a median $33,267 a decade after enrolling, 31% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,096 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
SUNY College of Technology at Canton lands at #46 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $47,860 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,268 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
University of the Cumberlands lands at #47 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (94/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $45,036 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,107 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Jackson College lands at #48 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $36,898 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,761 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Wilmington University lands at #49 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $53,844 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,644 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Ursuline College lands at #50 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $56,878 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,164 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Finding an affordable online master's in psychology can be a game changer for those looking to advance their careers without incurring massive debt. With the average cost of a graduate program climbing higher, many students are prioritizing net price alongside program quality when making their choices. In fact, the schools on this list not only offer competitive pricing but also solid outcomes for their graduates.
What sets these programs apart is a balance of affordability and results. Key metrics like earnings potential, graduation rates, and student debt levels help us see which schools truly support their graduates in building fulfilling careers. Below, we've ranked the ten most affordable online master's programs in psychology, combining net price with program quality for a clear picture of what's available.
For instance, the University of Florida-Online leads the pack with a low net price of $4,815 and impressive earnings of $71,588, backed by an 81% graduation rate. In contrast, while the University of New Hampshire offers a lower net price at $10,864, it struggles with a significantly lower graduation rate of just 22%. These differences highlight the importance of considering both affordability and outcomes when evaluating options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 27 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.8%. Saint Leo University leads the group at 3.6%, with Franklin University (3.5%) and Southeastern Oklahoma State University (3.2%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 13.2% of students start in the bottom income quintile. National University leads at 30.4%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 16.2% across this list. Ursuline College posts the highest success rate at 31.5%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.39 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Maryville University of Saint Louis reaches 1.76, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
Among the programs listed, the University of Florida-Online stands out for its combination of high earnings and a robust graduation rate. With graduates earning an average of $71,588 and a graduation rate of 81%, it clearly supports its students in achieving their goals. In contrast, the University of New Hampshire's lower graduation rate of 22% may indicate challenges in student support or program structure, despite its affordable pricing. This disparity emphasizes the need to look beyond just numbers when choosing a program.
After reviewing the options, it's important to align your priorities with the data. Consider factors like location, whether an online format fits your lifestyle, and how well each program aligns with your career goals. For example, if low debt is a major concern, the University of Arkansas Grantham offers a compelling choice with a net price of $8,370. Conversely, if you prioritize strong outcomes, the University of Florida-Online may justify its higher price point.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable career hinges on making informed choices. A master's degree can open doors, but choosing the right program is crucial for maximizing that potential. Every decision has real impact — one family’s choice of the University of Florida-Online could lead to significantly higher earnings compared to others. It’s essential to weigh financial considerations against long-term career goals for a successful future.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Affordable Online Master's in Psychology: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Most Affordable Online Master's in Psychology ranking? +
University of Florida-Online in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Most Affordable Online Master's in Psychology ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $71,588 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 81% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Florida-Online posts the highest median earnings on this list: $71,588 ten years after enrollment, well above the $48,539 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Florida-Online leads: graduates earn a median $71,588 against net price of about $4,815 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Florida-Online has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 81%, compared with a 41% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $15,627 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. University of Florida-Online is among the most affordable at roughly $4,815. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Most Affordable Online Master's in Psychology ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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