There are steps budget-conscious students can take to afford an online psychology degree program. Finding an affordable program starts with choosing the right school for your goals and your price point. Applying for scholarships and financial aid can help you manage the cost.
Choose an Affordable School
One way to afford an online psychology degree program is to prioritize affordability when you begin your college search. Have a realistic idea of what you are able to spend while you’re comparing factors like academic options, reputation and online course features. Considering and comparing tuition rates early on can help you weed out online psychology degree programs that will pose a large financial burden.
Take Advantage of Scholarships and Financial Aid
Another way to afford an online psychology degree program is to apply for as many financial aid opportunities as possible. Regardless of your age and income level, take the time to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You might qualify for grants or paid work-study opportunities. Some scholarships are only available to students who filled out the FAFSA. Even if the FAFSA doesn’t help you get grants and scholarships that you don’t have to pay back, it can help you secure student loans from the federal government – which often charge less interest than private lenders do.
Remember, financial aid isn’t only available from the federal, state and local governments. Schools also offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. Some institutions even have policies of meeting students’ financial need – and some take affordability a step further by meeting that need loan-free. Private organizations and companies also sponsor numerous scholarships. While it takes time to apply for financial aid, that time is well spent when you get the money you need for college as a result.
Look for a School with a Payment Plan
Wouldn’t it be great if you could avoid the hassle of getting loans – and the expense of paying interest – and just work out a payment plan directly with your school? At some colleges, that’s a possibility. A school that offers a payment plan can help you afford an online psychology degree program without putting you deep into debt for the next decade.
Tuition rate isn’t the only factor you need to look at when comparing schools. Find out if any of the schools you’re considering offers students alternate payment options that could save you money in the long run. For example, California Coast University, which already has one of the most affordable online psychology programs in the nation, also offers its students an interest-free payment plan.
Remember, an expensive price tag doesn’t mean a better education. If you look for a school that’s a great value and take advantage of options like financial aid opportunities and payment plans, you can afford an online psychology degree program that will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities.
Related Resources:
- Top 40 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Psychology Programs
- What Concentrations Can I Pursue in an Online Psychology Degree Program?
- What Levels of Psychology Degrees Can Be Earned Online?
- What Should I Expect From an Online Psychology Degree Program?
- Top 10 Best Colleges for Affordable Online Psychology Degrees