The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
According to a 2024 trends report from the American Psychological Association, the United States faces a nationwide shortage of school psychologists. These mental health specialists play vital roles in K-12 education, providing direct support for students, coordinating initiatives to address trauma, bullying, and other behavioral and emotional issues, and collaborating with families, teachers, and other professionals to improve learning outcomes.
Explore this guide to learn how an online school psychology degree can prepare you for a career in helping children succeed academically and personally.
Best Online School Psychology Programs
Alliant International University-San Diego
San Diego, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,569
- Out-of-state$16,569
- In-State$19,484
- Out-of-state$19,484
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled3,599
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$56,595
- Out-of-state$56,595
- In-State$36,234
- Out-of-state$36,234
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled21,573
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Washington University
- Cheney, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,287
- Out-of-state$25,518
- In-State$12,661
- Out-of-state$27,987
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled10,273
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Fort Hays State University
- Hays, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,140
- Out-of-state$14,580
- In-State$3,729
- Out-of-state$10,602
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled12,949
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Idaho State University
- Pocatello, ID
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,928
- Out-of-state$23,906
- In-State$8,601
- Out-of-state$26,578
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled12,301
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University-Bloomington
- Bloomington, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,312
- Out-of-state$39,004
- In-State$10,033
- Out-of-state$31,932
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled47,526
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Loyola Marymount University
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,630
- Out-of-state$54,630
- In-State$20,468
- Out-of-state$20,468
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate40%
- Students Enrolled10,256
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$34,500
- Out-of-state$34,500
- In-State$22,062
- Out-of-state$22,062
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled20,877
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Stephen F Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,496
- Out-of-state$18,336
- In-State$5,262
- Out-of-state$12,606
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled10,888
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$32,400
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$31,460
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled39,622
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Our Ranking Methodology
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2025. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
How To Choose an Online School Psychology Program
Online school psychology programs typically award a master’s degree or an education specialist (Ed.S) degree. Finding the right online program to meet your needs and professional goals can be challenging.
To help narrow down your options, pay attention to factors like accreditation, admission requirements, curriculum, and career focus. Find out which online programs offer enough flexibility to accommodate your schedule and learning style. Tuition costs and financial aid are also important considerations.
Accreditation
Institutional accreditation evaluates a university’s academic quality, ensuring financial aid eligibility and transferrable credits. Programmatic accreditation assesses specific university departments and programs. Choosing a degree accredited or approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) helps ensure you will qualify for national school psychologist certification.
Admission Requirements
Before applying to any online program, ensure you meet all the entrance requirements. Most school psychology programs require a bachelor’s in psychology or a related field with a high cumulative GPA. Evidence of relevant research or work experience, strong recommendations, and a well-crafted personal statement can boost your chances for a favorable outcome.
Career Relevance
Although school psychologists find positions in a variety of fields, most choose to work in K-12 educational settings. If you plan to pursue state licensure to practice as a school psychologist, make sure your program’s curriculum meets the professional standards established by the NASP required for the National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential or other licensure requirements in the state where you intend to work.
Flexibility
The flexibility of online programs makes them a popular option, but not all programs feature the same residency requirements or course delivery formats. Decide what works best for you. Are you looking for a fully online, self-paced format, a structured program with real-time classes, or a hybrid model that blends distance learning with on-campus attendance?
Cost and Financial Aid
Some online degrees offer lower tuition rates than on-campus programs. An online program may also help you save on commuting or relocation expenses.
You should always investigate the availability of financial aid and scholarship opportunities for your intended program. Attending an in-state public school rather than an out-of-state or private institution may reduce overall tuition and fees.
How To Apply to an Online School Psychology Program
While specific admission requirements for online school psychology programs vary by type of graduate degree, most schools require official academic transcripts, a minimum GPA, a personal statement, and recommendation letters. Some programs may ask for GRE scores or an in-person or virtual interview. The admission process typically involves these steps:
- 1
Meet Education Requirements
Most programs require a bachelor’s in psychology or a related field. Undergraduate courses in psychology, statistics, research, and education provide a strong foundation for graduate
work. Most competitive master’s programs require a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for admission, but specific requirements vary by program.
- 2
Gather Required Application Documents
Make sure you gather the necessary documents before submitting your application. These materials typically include official transcripts, at least two letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or work supervisors, and a personal statement. Many school psychology programs ask you to submit GRE scores, but they are optional or not required by some schools.
- 3
Additional Requirements
Because entrance requirements vary by program, you may need to provide additional documentation to support your application. Some programs require a resume or statement documenting relevant work or volunteer experience. Depending on the program, you may also complete an in-person or virtual interview.
- 4
Submit Your Application
Once you have provided all the information requested on the application form, you are ready to submit your application along with the required fee. Many programs allow you to submit your application digitally. Be aware of the cutoff dates for submission. Some schools use a rolling admission process that allows you to apply throughout the year and begin your studies as soon as accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a School Psychologist
School psychologists use their training in mental health and education to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. These professionals often work in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, or community and mental health services.
