Looking for the best Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in California? You should consider these top-tier undergraduate programs and jobs in the psychology field.
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The best degrees in California for psychology lead to improved career prospects. With a bachelor's degree, students are eligible to enter diverse fields. Bachelor's degree-seekers gain the skills required to move forward in their careers.
A bachelor's degree-holder typically earns about $5,336 per month and $69,368 annually, which is $1,334 per week. Those with a bachelor's degree are more likely to be employed than those with a high school diploma, with a 3.5% rate of unemployment.
Psychology Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in California in the Psychology Profession
In a psychology program, you will explore the history and development of psychology. Coursework covers theories and research in a variety of disciplines and applications and explores topics including developmental psychobiology and neuroscience. This program will also help you develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and communication.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for all occupations in California is $47,920, or $23.04 per hour. This fact applies to all of the state's 16,529,810 employees. The BLS has stated that the lowest 10% of earners make $29,780 annually, while the highest 10% make $130,430 a year. The following displays the earnings for psychologists in California.
Key
Psychologists in California
Psychologists Nationally
All Occupations in California
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Psychologists in California and Nationwide
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MERIC's cost of living index ranks California number 49 out of 51 states (including Washington D.C.). In this index, the average cost of living in the United States is compared to specific places within the country. The U.S. average is 100, and all locations are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) that average. In comparison with the national average, California's cost of living index is 139.8, which is 39.8% higher. You can compare the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, etc., in California with that of the United States in the table below.
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A 2% increase in jobs is projected for the psychology profession over the next 10 years. The BLS projects that the total employment for the occupation will change from 55,200 in 2020 to 56,300 in 2030. This position requires a bachelor's degree to qualify. These are some of the typical job titles that can be found in the industry:
Psychologists
Developmental Psychologist
Experimental Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Psychometrist
Psychotherapist
Rehabilitation Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology in California
#1 Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology in California
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its main campus in Riverside, California Baptist University provides in-person and remote learning opportunities across 89 bachelor's degree programs. Students seeking the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the psychology field can enroll in the school's online bachelor of arts in psychology. After graduating, students can pursue careers or postgraduate study relevant to the field.
Psychology students can access institutional support throughout the duration of the program. The college provides numerous funding opportunities to eligible students, including scholarships and fellowships.
California Baptist University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 78%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $32,942
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,942
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $40,000
Average Tuition
In-state
$33,930
Out-of-state
$33,930
Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
11,317
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology in California
California Institute of Integral Studies
San Francisco, CA
4 years
Campus
A leader in hybrid education, California Institute of Integral Studies supports in-person and online study across two bachelor's degree programs. For those interested in the psychology field, the school's bachelor's in psychology is a wise choice. After graduating, students can pursue careers or postgraduate study relevant to the field.
Students can access institutional support throughout the program. Eligible students can benefit from financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
California Institute of Integral Studies at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $20,500
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $20,500
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,300
Average Tuition
In-state
$20,500
Out-of-state
$20,500
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,530
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology in California
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its main campus in California, Fresno Pacific University provides in-person and remote learning opportunities across 89 bachelor's degree programs. For those interested in the psychology field, the school's BA in psychology is a wise choice. The program prepares students for their post-graduate path, whether that be a psychology-specific career or graduate studies.
Students can benefit from institutional resources throughout their program. Students seeking to defray the costs of their degree can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities and determine their eligibility.
Fresno Pacific University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 66%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $32,458
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,458
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,400
Average Tuition
In-state
$32,954
Out-of-state
$32,954
Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
3,995
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
9%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology in California
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
With its main campus in Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University facilitates in-person and online learning across 55 bachelor's degree programs. The school's BA in psychology is an ideal choice for students seeking to advance in a psychology career. After graduating, students can pursue careers or postgraduate study relevant to the field.
The college provides comprehensive support for new students, including financial aid advising. Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities, explore available scholarships, and determine their eligibility.
Loyola Marymount University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 44%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $49,550
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $49,550
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $53,000
Average Tuition
In-state
$51,820
Out-of-state
$51,820
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
9,686
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology in California
National University
La Jolla, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
With its main campus in La Jolla, National University facilitates in-person and online learning across 51 bachelor's degree programs. The bachelor of arts in psychology is an impressive online degree program, equipping enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a psychology career. The knowledge and skills gained from these studies can benefit learners in a psychology career or in further educational pursuits.
Enrollees can receive guidance throughout their studies, through career services, academic advising, and other resources. Dedicated financial aid counselors can help learners understand available education funding options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans.
National University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 89%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $13,320
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $13,320
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $51,900
Average Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Retention Rate
45%
Admission Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
18,070
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
A number of financial aid options can assist with the cost of attending college. Scholarships, fellowships, and work-study programs help students lower the cost of their degree. In order to pay for college, some students qualify for federal and private student loans. Make sure you research financial aid at the colleges you are considering ahead of time.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA is a great way to apply for federal student aid.
Students should contact the university's financial aid department for scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loan options.
Average Cost of Attending College in California
In California, tuition and other costs will vary based on which institution you attend. Private and public sectors share a number of similarities. The following are some examples: If you are interested in attending a public institution, please review the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: California vs. National Average
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California
National Average
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Could you consider attending a private college or university? As a general rule, private colleges charge more. Here is a graph that illustrates the number of California residents attending private colleges.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: California vs. National Average
Key
California
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to fund your education, have you thought about applying for student loans? Before taking out a loan, you should take a few things into consideration.
In order to successfully repay the loan on time, you must ensure that you will be able to make all of the payments by the due date.
You should think about whether earning a degree from a particular school will help you in your career goals.
You should understand what type of repayment schedule will apply so that you don't face unnecessary hardship once you enter the workforce.
Take a look at the following data to determine what 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 main differences between an online degree and a degree completed on-campus are cost and class size. An online degree program has the advantage of being flexible, affordable, and convenient. On-campus degrees are typically more expensive; this is because student fees are optional for distance students. The benefits of attending classes regularly are numerous.
There are a number of differences that exist between both public and private colleges. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools. Typically, state grants and scholarships cover the cost of education at public institutions. A private college often provides merit scholarships for those who demonstrate superior academic performance.
The size of private colleges is generally smaller, allowing students to connect with professors one-on-one. A private institution is better than a public institution for some students. However, both have benefits and drawbacks.
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 California?
There is a mean wage of $112,210 for psychologists in California.
In today's environment, are graduates with psychology majors in demand?
The total number of psychologists is expected to increase by 2% from 2020 to 2030.
How can I study for a bachelor's in psychology online?
There are many options for earning an online bachelor's degree in psychology. Almost all schools in today's environment provide some form of online education.
How long does it take for you to complete a bachelor's degree?
Bachelor's degree programs tend to be completed by a full-time student in four years. The completion time of part-time students will vary.
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