Looking for the best Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in Pennsylvania? You should consider these top-tier undergraduate programs and jobs in the psychology field
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Earning a degree in Pennsylvania in psychology can help you improve your career prospects. An individual with a bachelor's degree can explore diverse careers. A bachelor's degree is a great way to advance your career in your field.
Typically, individuals with a bachelor's degree earn $5,336 per month and $69,368 annually. The unemployment rate for those who graduate from a bachelor's program is 3.5%, while for those who hold a high school diploma the rate is 6.2%.
Psychology Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in Pennsylvania in the Psychology Profession
There are many options for psychology programs. You can earn a degree in just about any subfield of psychology, whether you want to focus on clinical practice or social work. Or you can take the more traditional route and complete a program in both experimental and clinical psychology. No matter what you choose, you'll graduate with a valuable skill set and firsthand knowledge of human behavior that will be extremely valuable in any psychology-related field.
The median salary in Pennsylvania is $44,900 annually or $21.59 per hour. All 5,583,410 employees in Pennsylvania fall under this stat. For those with low incomes in the bottom 10%, BLS data shows that they can expect to receive an average of $23,120 per year. The following provides a comparison of the earnings for psychologists in Pennsylvania.
Key
Psychologists in Pennsylvania
Psychologists Nationally
All Occupations in Pennsylvania
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Psychologists in Pennsylvania and Nationwide
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Based on the MERIC cost of living index, Pennsylvania ranks number 27 out of 51 states (including Washington D.C.). Using the cost of living index, we can compare the cost of living in specific parts of the country against the average cost of living nationwide. The U.S. average is 100, and all locations are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive). In comparison with the national average, Pennsylvania's cost of living index is 97.9, which is -2.1% lower. Determine whether Pennsylvania is the right place for you with our cost of living comparison.
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There is a projected 2% growth rate for psychologists over the next decade. The BLS projects the field to include 55,200 psychologists in 2020 and 56,300 in 2030. Typically, a master's degree is required for entry-level positions in these fields.
Psychologists
Developmental Psychologist
Experimental Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Psychometrist
Psychotherapist
Rehabilitation Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
#1 Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
With its main campus in Pittsburgh, Chatham University facilitates in-person and online learning across 46 bachelor's degree programs. The school's bachelor's in psychology stands out as a competitive option for students looking to succeed in the psychology field. Students can apply their learning to a psychology-specific career or towards a graduate degree.
Psychology students benefit from institutional support throughout their studies. The college provides numerous funding opportunities to eligible students, including scholarships and fellowships.
Chatham University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 62%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $37,363
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $37,363
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $35,700
Average Tuition
In-state
$38,482
Out-of-state
$38,482
Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
2,353
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Drexel University, a Philadelphia-based private, nonprofit, four-year college, boasts in-person and online study across 101 bachelor's degree programs. The school's bachelor's in psychology introduces students to foundational skills and knowledge while also building general skills such as communication and critical thinking. Students in the psychology program can also pivot to a master's degree program after their undergraduate studies.
The college provides comprehensive support for new students, including financial aid advising. Prospective students can meet with financial aid counselors to determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.
Drexel University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 75%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $52,146
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $52,146
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $54,400
Average Tuition
In-state
$53,868
Out-of-state
$53,868
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
23,589
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its main campus in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, Robert Morris University provides in-person and remote learning opportunities across 35 bachelor's degree programs. The school's BS in general psychology prepares students for the demands of a psychology career through rigorous study, relevant coursework, and other learning opportunities. The psychology program also helps students gain the discipline needed to complete graduate studies.
Career services and academic advising are just two of the numerous institutional resources centering on student success. Students can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities and determine their eligibility.
Robert Morris University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 84%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $29,930
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $29,930
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $40,400
Average Tuition
In-state
$30,830
Out-of-state
$30,830
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
4,134
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Campus
Saint Joseph's University operates a main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offering a total of 74 bachelor's programs in both face-to-face and online formats. The bachelor's in psychology is an impressive online degree program, equipping enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a psychology career. The psychology program also prepares students for further educational pursuits, such as graduate studies.
Psychology students benefit from institutional support throughout their program. Prospective students can meet with financial aid counselors to determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.
Saint Joseph's University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 75%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $46,350
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $46,350
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $49,600
Average Tuition
In-state
$47,740
Out-of-state
$47,740
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
6,779
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, PA
4 years
Campus
Located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Saint Vincent College supports both in-person and remote study opportunities across 50 bachelor's degree programs. The school's bachelor of science in psychology prepares students for the demands of a psychology career through rigorous study, relevant coursework, and other learning opportunities. The program prepares students for their postgraduate path, whether that be a psychology-specific career or graduate studies.
Students seeking career, academic, and financial guidance can benefit from career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources while enrolled. The financial aid office can assist students in connecting with funding opportunities and determining their eligibility.
Saint Vincent College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 68%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $35,520
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $35,520
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $40,800
Average Tuition
In-state
$36,586
Out-of-state
$36,586
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
1,634
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
37%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
College costs can be offset by financial aid programs. Financial aid is in the form of scholarships, grants, fellowships, or work-study programs. Some students qualify for federal student loans, and some learners qualify to receive private student loans. The college's financial aid office is a great resource for applicants who need help determining their financial aid options.
Students should contact the school's financial aid department for scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan opportunities.
Average Cost of Attending College in Pennsylvania
Depending on which college you attend, the cost of education in Pennsylvania will vary. The public and private sectors do, however, share some commonalities. You can determine whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
Key
Pennsylvania
National Average
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Could you consider attending a private college or university? Private schools tend to be more expensive. Below is a graph that provides information regarding private colleges in Pennsylvania.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
Key
Pennsylvania
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Are you considering borrowing student loans to pay for your education? Prior to taking out a loan, you need to take a few things into consideration so that you will not make any mistakes.
To successfully repay the loan on time, you must ensure that you can make all the payments.
In order to succeed in your career goals, you should think about whether earning a degree from a particular school will help you.
In order to avoid undue hardship once you enter the workforce, make sure that you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply.
You can review the data below 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
Among the primary differences between an online program and a program completed on campus are the cost and the class size. The advantages of online programs include flexibility, affordability, and convenience. Due to student fees being optional for distance students, on-campus degrees are typically more expensive. Many benefits can be gained from attending classes regularly.
The differences between public and private colleges can be seen in many ways. First, the cost will vary based on whether you select a public or private school. The government determines the cost for public institutions, so grants and scholarships are funded by the government to cover these costs. Students attending private institutions are normally required to pay tuition, but high-achieving students with high GPAs and SAT scores might be eligible for merit scholarships.
Also, private colleges typically feature smaller classes, which allows for more one-on-one time with professors and an understanding of what's possible in one's intended field of study. An assessment of the pros and cons of attending a private versus a public institution is presented below.
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
How much do psychologists in Pennsylvania make?
There is a mean wage of $100,290 for psychologists in the state.
Are graduates with psychology degrees in high demand?
The total number of psychologists is projected to change by 2% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you get an online bachelor's degree in psychology?
How long does it take to complete a bachelor's degree?
Full-time students typically complete their bachelor's in four years. In the case of part-time students, completion times may vary, and they will take longer to complete.
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