Looking for the best Associate Degree in Psychology in Virginia? You should consider these top-tier programs and jobs in the psychology field.
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The best degrees in Virginia for psychology are offered through accredited colleges and universities, so students can earn the education they need for a successful career. There are many options for earning an associate degree in diverse fields. Associate degree candidates gain the skills needed to move forward in their field.
Associate degree-holders earn approximately $963 per week, which translates to about $3,852 per month and $50,076 annually on average. The 6.2% unemployment rate for those with a high school diploma is higher than that for those who hold an associate degree.
Psychology Associate Programs for You
Working and Living in Virginia in the Psychology Profession
A psychology degree can be very useful in a number of different careers. Many people with a psychology degree go into careers such as counseling, social work, and teaching. Other common jobs for people with a psychology degree include human resources, marketing, and sales. There are a number of courses that are typically covered in a psychology degree program. These courses can include topics such as human development, social psychology, and psychopathology. In addition, many psychology programs also require students to take courses in research methods and statistics.
The average annual salary in Virginia is $47,200, or $22.69 per hour. This holds true for the state's 3,753,230 workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the lowest 10% of earners make $23,190 a year. The highest 10% earn $125,820 per year. The following provides a comparison of earnings for psychologists in Virginia.
Key
Psychologists in Virginia
Psychologists Nationally
All Occupations in Virginia
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Psychologists in Virginia and Nationwide
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Based on the MERIC cost of living index, Virginia ranks number 32 out of 51 states (including Washington D.C.). The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in the U.S. against specific places in the county. The U.S. average is measured as 100, and all locations in the U.S. are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) than average. According to a 100-point scale, Virginia's cost of living index is 103.2, which is 3.2% higher than the national average. Interested in relocating to Virginia? Use our cost of living comparison to see if it's the right fit for you.
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In the next decade, psychologist positions are expected to grow by 2%. The BLS projects an increase in total employment of 55,200 in 2020 to 56,300 in 2030 for this profession. As a general rule, a master's degree is the typical entry-level educational requirement for these positions. The following are typical job titles:
Psychologists
Developmental Psychologist
Experimental Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Psychometrist
Psychotherapist
Rehabilitation Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
Associate Degrees in Psychology in Virginia
#1 Associate Degrees in Psychology in Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Looking for a flexible associate program in psychology? Consider Liberty University's online associate of arts in psychology. Students can build their knowledge of the psychology field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Graduates can also transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year college.
Enrollees benefit from institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising. Online students can further access virtual library services and academic tutoring. Campus facilities and lectures are more readily accessible to students who attend the school on campus.
The college notes that 99% of all degree-seekers receive financial aid, with 57% receiving loans.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Location: Lynchburg
Admission Rate: 51%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $15,417
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $15,417
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Associate Degrees in Psychology in Virginia
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Virginia Beach, Regent University provides online education across 10 associate programs, including its associate of science in psychology. Degree-seekers benefit from industry-relevant coursework, preparing them for future careers in psychology. Learners seeking to advance in further studies can apply their credits to a bachelor's degree.
During their studies, enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other resources. Students who attend the school on campus have easier access to campus amenities and faculty offices.
Of its enrollees, the college reports that 99% receive financial aid and 72% receive loans.
Regent University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Location: Virginia Beach
Admission Rate: 86%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $17,220
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $17,220
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$17,220
Out-of-state
$17,220
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
10,483
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Associate Degrees in Psychology in Virginia
John Tyler Community College
Chester, VA
2 years
Online + Campus
John Tyler Community College supports five online associate programs from its main campus in Chester, including an associate in psychology. Enrollees prepare for a career in psychology through relevant coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Learners seeking to advance in study can apply their credits to a bachelor's degree.
During their studies, enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other resources. They can also access virtual library services and academic tutoring. It is easier for students attending the school on campus to access campus facilities and professors' offices.
The average financial aid award, the college reports, is $4,652. Students can explore numerous funding options, with 61% of enrollees receiving some form of financial aid and 8% opting for student loans.
John Tyler Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Chester
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,650
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,948
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,650
Out-of-state
$9,948
Retention Rate
60%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
9,440
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Associate Degrees in Psychology in Virginia
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
2 years
Online + Campus
From its main campus in Annandale, Northern Virginia Community College boasts a highly ranked online associate of science in psychology, one of 10 online associate programs. Enrollees gain foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the psychology field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Enrollees seeking to advance in study can apply their course credits to a bachelor's degree.
The college connects students with resources such as academic advising and career resources. Distance learners can connect with virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources. Campus facilities and lectures are more readily accessible to students who attend the school on campus.
The college reports that the average student's financial aid award package is $5,750. Students can explore numerous funding options, with 59% of enrollees receiving some form of financial aid and 12% opting for student loans.
Northern Virginia Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Annandale
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,412
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $10,790
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$5,412
Out-of-state
$10,790
Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
52,873
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
74%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing an Associate Degree in Psychology
College students can get financial aid to help pay for their degree. Scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs are all forms of financial aid. Along with scholarships and grants, some students may qualify for federal and private student loans. There are some colleges that offer scholarships and financial aid.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
Obtain a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
For scholarship, grant, and work-study opportunities, students should contact their university's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Virginia
The cost of attending Virginia colleges will vary based on the program. In spite of this, there are some commonalities between public and private institutions. Find out whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information provided below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
Key
Virginia
National Average
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How does a private college compare in terms of cost? Tuition at private colleges is typically higher. Here is a graph that provides information regarding the cost of attending private colleges in Virginia.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
Key
Virginia
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Have you considered taking out student loans to pay for your education? There are a few things you should consider before taking out a loan.
If you wish to successfully repay the loan by the due date, you should ensure that you will be able to make all of the payments on time.
In order to succeed in your career goals, it is important to think about whether earning a degree from a particular school will help you.
To avoid undue hardship once you enter the workforce, make sure that you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply to your loan.
The following data will help you determine how much students typically borrow.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
The cost and size of classes are two of the main differences between an online degree and an on-campus degree. The advantage of online degree programs is that they are flexible, affordable, and convenient. Typically, on-campus degrees are more expensive because of student fees, which are optional for distance students. There are many benefits to attending classes on campus, in spite of the drawbacks.
Public colleges and private colleges differ in many ways. A private school is generally more expensive than a public one. There are often grants and scholarships that provide students with financial aid to help them pay for their degrees. Based on the student's previous academic performance, private colleges may offer merit scholarships.
Students attending private colleges can have more personal interaction with faculty. Here are some pros and cons of attending a private vs. a public institution.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the wages for psychologists in Virginia?
In-state psychologists make a mean annual salary of $104,670 per year.
In general, are graduates of psychology programs in high demand?
The total number of psychologists is expected to increase by 2% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you earn an associate degree in psychology online? How?
It is possible to earn an online associate degree in psychology. At least some online courses are available as part of most schools' programs in the current environment.
How many years does it take to complete an associate degree?
The average time it takes a full-time student to complete an associate degree is two years. The completion time will vary for part-time students, and the process will take longer.
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