25 Most Affordable Forensic Psychology Programs

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Starting on this exciting path may seem daunting at first; with so many programs out there, it can be overwhelming knowing where to begin your search! So, here is some help on locating affordable forensic psychology degree programs.

There are various affordable forensic psychology degree programs that can provide the education and training you need to thrive in this field, but there are plenty of universities that have excellent programs that can help you get started in this field. These programs can equip you with skills needed for working across settings like law enforcement, the legal system, and social services.

If you are considering pursuing a career in forensic psychology, it’s crucial that you find an affordable, reputable program. Through the courses they offer, you can acquire all the knowledge and skills needed for success in a dynamic and rewarding field. Whether your interests lie with law enforcement, social services, legal systems, or services providers - an affordable forensic psychology degree can provide all the education and training you require to start your career.

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Top 25 Affordable Forensic Psychology Colleges and Universities

1

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Score: 100

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,470
- Out-of-State: $15,420
Net Price: $5,001
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 13,921
Undergrad Students: 12,061
Graduate Students: 1,860
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

2

California State University-Los Angeles

Score: 97.88

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,818
- Out-of-State: $18,698
Net Price: $5,801
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 26,460
Undergrad Students: 22,737
Graduate Students: 3,723
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

3

Kean University

Score: 84.77

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,426
- Out-of-State: $21,076
Net Price: $10,747
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 12,884
Undergrad Students: 10,845
Graduate Students: 2,039
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

4

Eastern Kentucky University

Score: 84.61

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,130
- Out-of-State: $20,820
Net Price: $10,806
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 14,324
Undergrad Students: 12,072
Graduate Students: 2,252
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

5

University of Houston-Victoria

Score: 82.08

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,499
- Out-of-State: $17,291
Net Price: $11,761
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 23%
Total Enrollment: 4,057
Undergrad Students: 2,845
Graduate Students: 1,212
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

6

Quincy University

Score: 81.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,740
- Out-of-State: $35,740
Net Price: $11,985
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 1,307
Undergrad Students: 1,147
Graduate Students: 160
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

7

Arizona State University

Score: 74

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State: $32,193
Net Price: $14,808
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 80,065
Undergrad Students: 65,492
Graduate Students: 14,573
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

8

Capella University

Score: 73.67

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,436
- Out-of-State: $14,436
Net Price: $14,935
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 36%

Graduation Rate: 21%
Total Enrollment: 39,727
Undergrad Students: 13,280
Graduate Students: 26,447
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 35:1

9

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan

Score: 70.76

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,822
- Out-of-State: $35,822
Net Price: $16,030
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 7,285
Undergrad Students: 5,380
Graduate Students: 1,905
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

10

University of Colorado Denver

Score: 70.63

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,017
- Out-of-State: $28,209
Net Price: $16,079
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 23,744
Undergrad Students: 14,055
Graduate Students: 9,689
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

11

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

Score: 68.19

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,665
- Out-of-State: $11,665
Net Price: $17,002
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 17%
Total Enrollment: 11,574
Undergrad Students: 8,479
Graduate Students: 3,095
Grads Salary: $90,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

12

Touro University Worldwide

Score: 68.01

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,600
- Out-of-State: $14,600
Net Price: $17,068
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 2,249
Undergrad Students: 413
Graduate Students: 1,836
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

13

University of North Dakota

Score: 67.24

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,951
- Out-of-State: $15,570
Net Price: $17,359
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 13,876
Undergrad Students: 9,928
Graduate Students: 3,948
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

14

Carlow University

Score: 67.03

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,502
- Out-of-State: $34,502
Net Price: $17,437
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 2,104
Undergrad Students: 1,247
Graduate Students: 857
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

15

University of Central Oklahoma

Score: 65.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,522
- Out-of-State: $19,409
Net Price: $18,055
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 12,250
Undergrad Students: 10,739
Graduate Students: 1,511
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

16

American International College

Score: 64.7

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,970
- Out-of-State: $42,970
Net Price: $18,317
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 2,010
Undergrad Students: 1,167
Graduate Students: 843
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

17

University of South Dakota

Score: 64.54

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,432
- Out-of-State: $12,942
Net Price: $18,378
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 82%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 9,856
Undergrad Students: 7,132
Graduate Students: 2,724
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

18

George Mason University

Score: 64.27

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,815
- Out-of-State: $39,397
Net Price: $18,479
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 71%
Total Enrollment: 39,049
Undergrad Students: 27,014
Graduate Students: 12,035
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

19

Bay Path University

Score: 64.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,227
- Out-of-State: $37,227
Net Price: $18,502
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 2,465
Undergrad Students: 1,315
Graduate Students: 1,150
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

20

Newman University

Score: 63.44

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,500
- Out-of-State: $35,500
Net Price: $18,792
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 2,848
Undergrad Students: 2,444
Graduate Students: 404
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

21

Lincoln Memorial University

Score: 62.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $26,150
- Out-of-State: $26,150
Net Price: $19,162
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 5,418
Undergrad Students: 1,560
Graduate Students: 3,858
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

22

Faulkner University

Score: 60.11

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,920
- Out-of-State: $23,920
Net Price: $20,050
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 33%
Total Enrollment: 2,817
Undergrad Students: 1,792
Graduate Students: 1,025
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

23

Walden University

Score: 58.89

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,498
- Out-of-State: $12,498
Net Price: $20,510
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 31%

Graduation Rate: 32%
Total Enrollment: 42,312
Undergrad Students: 6,298
Graduate Students: 36,014
Grads Salary: $84,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

24

Florida National University

Score: 57.61

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,088
- Out-of-State: $16,088
Net Price: $20,992
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 34%
Total Enrollment: 2,718
Undergrad Students: 2,466
Graduate Students: 252
Grads Salary: $46,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

25

Grand Canyon University

Score: 55.1

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,450
- Out-of-State: $17,450
Net Price: $21,939
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 101,816
Undergrad Students: 66,769
Graduate Students: 35,047
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Why a Degree from an Affordable Forensic Psychology Program?

What is Forensic Psychology?

Forensic psychology is an interdisciplinary field that marries psychology with law. This form of applied forensic science uses psychological principles and methodologies applied to legal issues within the criminal justice system to evaluate criminal behavior, assess mental health conditions of witnesses or suspects, and to establish the credibility of witnesses or suspects.

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Forensic psychologists can find work in various settings such as law enforcement agencies, courts, prisons, and private practice. They may assist with criminal investigations or court proceedings, as well as treatment of offenders. Furthermore, these professionals often collaborate closely with attorneys, judges, and law enforcement officers.

Roles of Forensic Psychologists

Forensic psychologists take on various roles and responsibilities. Some of their key duties may include the following.

Psychological Evaluation:
Forensic psychologists may conduct evaluations on individuals to ascertain their mental health, personality traits, and risk of reoffending. These assessments may then be used as the basis of court decisions, such as sentencing or parole decisions.
Criminal Investigation:
Forensic psychologists can assist criminal investigators by offering insights into criminal behavior and creating profiles of possible suspects.
Court Testimony:
Forensic psychologists often find themselves serving as expert witnesses in court proceedings, providing opinions regarding mental health, criminal activity, and witness credibility issues.
Treatment of Offenders:
Forensic psychologists may work with offenders to help manage mental health issues and decrease the likelihood of reoffending, as well as providing therapy services to victims of crime.

Forensic psychology is an exciting field that bridges psychology and law. Forensic psychologists play an integral part in criminal justice proceedings and can have significant effects on individuals involved.

Educational Pathways

If you are seeking a career in forensic psychology, earning a degree will be necessary. There are various educational options for those wanting to enter this field including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology

A four-year forensic psychology bachelor's program can give students both a broad foundation in psychology, as well as more specialized coursework focused on this niche field. Coursework typically covers criminal behavior, victimology, forensic assessment, psychology, and law. There are numerous universities that provide bachelor's degrees in forensic psychology at reasonable costs, with Southern New Hampshire University, Liberty University, and Arizona State University among those that offer affordable, pertinent programs.

Master's Degrees in Forensic Psychology

A master's degree in forensic psychology is an advanced graduate-level program, typically lasting two years and covering topics like forensic assessment, criminal behavior analysis, and law. There are various schools that offer master's degrees in forensic psychology at affordable costs, with notable programs including those at University of North Dakota, Louisiana at Monroe, and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology being some of the more financially feasible programs.

Doctoral Degrees in Forensic Psychology

A doctoral degree is the highest educational attainment possible in any field. These programs typically last four to six years and aim to prepare students for careers as researchers, academics, or practitioners in this area of psychology. There are various schools that provide doctoral degrees in forensic psychology at competitive prices. Walden University, Capella University, and Northcentral University all have programs with reasonable tuition prices.

Online Education and Accreditation

If you're seeking a degree in forensic psychology, online programs may be an ideal solution. Not only are they often more cost-effective than traditional on-campus degrees, but they also can offer greater flexibility and convenience. In this section we will explore some of the benefits associated with these degrees, as well as ways to find accredited online degrees.

Benefits of Online Programs

One major advantage of online programs is their flexibility: students can often study from virtually anywhere. No need to relocate or commute; instead, online classes often allow more flexible scheduling options that let them balance coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family obligations.

Online programs could also offer more affordable solutions than their on-campus counterparts, according to data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics. Tuition and fees at four-year public institutions averaged $9,970 during 2020-2021 academic year, whereas many online programs can charge lower tuition rates without necessitating additional expenses such as housing or transportation.

Finding accredited online degrees

When researching online degree programs, it's essential that they are accredited. Accreditation verifies that they meet certain quality and rigor standards and that any degree earned will be recognized by employers or other institutions. To locate accredited online degrees in forensic psychology, you might start your search by exploring programs from renowned universities. You’ll want to ensure that any program you consider has regional accreditation, which you can find either from the National Center for Educational Statistics or from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CHEA provides a database of regionally accredited institutions. Programmatic accreditation can also be found for psychology degrees. This will be offered by the APA – Commission on Accreditation.

Online programs can provide an affordable means of attaining an affordable degree in forensic psychology. By understanding their advantages and where you can find accredited degrees, you can make an informed decision regarding your education and career goals.

Cost and Financial Support

When contemplating a degree in forensic psychology, tuition costs and available financial aid are often an integral component. Becoming acquainted with tuition rates and support options will allow you to make an informed decision as to where and when to pursue your degree.

Understanding Tuition Rates

Tuition rates for forensic psychology programs may depend on various factors, including your state residency. The 2023 average undergraduate tuition for those attending public institutions is $9,678 for in-state students and costs are around $19,800 for all four-year institutions and $42,162 at private colleges and universities. It’s important that prospective students research the tuition rates of schools they are interested in attending so that they can be certain how much their education is likely to cost them.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students pursuing degrees in forensic psychology, or any degree, should have access to various scholarships and financial aid options that can help offset tuition costs. Many schools provide merit-based scholarships that recognize academic excellence, need-based assistance awarded based on financial need, and other options such as work-study programs. There are also external scholarships offered by businesses or organizations that can help offset student expenses.

As you explore financial aid options, it’s essential to bear in mind that some scholarships and grants may only be open to in-state students. If you are an out-of-state student looking for financial support options, make sure you investigate whether there are funding solutions specifically available for non-residents.

Understanding the costs associated with earning a degree in forensic psychology is essential to making an informed decision about where you’re going to attend school. By researching tuition rates and financial aid options available, you can make the decision that best meets your personal needs and circumstances.

Forensic Psychology Career Outlook and Opportunities

Those interested in forensic psychology will be pleased to know there are various career options open to them. Forensic psychologists can work in various settings including law enforcement agencies, court systems, correctional facilities, and private practices - some popular options for them include the following.

Police Psychology:
Forensic psychologists specializing in police psychology provide support services to law enforcement agencies in areas like recruitment, training, and psychological testing.
Victimology:
Forensic psychologists who specialize in victimology work closely with victims of crime to provide counseling, support, and advocacy services.
Correctional Psychology:
Forensic psychologists specializing in correctional psychology provide mental health services to inmates at prisons or other correctional facilities.

Salary Expectations and Job Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2022 the median annual salary for psychologists was $85,330; however, their salary can range widely depending on factors like level of education, experience, and location. Job growth for psychologists is expected to exceed average, with an expected 6% annual increase from 2022-2032. This projected surge is driven by rising demand in criminal justice systems and other related fields for these specialists.

Pursuing a career in forensic psychology can be both satisfying and lucrative. Due to an increasing demand for professionals in this field, there are definitely career opportunities to be considered for those equipped with relevant education and experience.

What are the Professional Requirements?

It’s crucial that students enrolling in an affordable forensic psychology degree understand the professional requirements necessary for becoming licensed forensic psychologists. Below are a few requirements you will need to fulfill to practice as a forensic psychologist.

Licensing and Certification

To become a licensed forensic psychologist in any state, one must meet the state’s licensing requirements. While these may differ depending on where you practice, generally you will need a doctorate degree in psychology, complete supervised clinical hours as stipulated by your state, and pass an exam administered by them. Additionally to state licensure, board certification as a forensic psychologist is a process that displays your commitment and expertise as a forensic psychologist. The American Psychological Association offers such certification for forensic psychologists.

Maintaining Professional Competence

Keeping up with the latest research and techniques can be challenging for forensic psychologists, but they can continue their education through workshops, conferences, or professional development opportunities to stay ahead of the curve. Specialty areas within forensic psychology include mental state evaluations, competency assessments, and risk analyses. While pursuing such specializations requires additional training and certification requirements, they may open more job opportunities and higher salaries.

Becoming a licensed forensic psychologist requires hard work and dedication, but can be highly rewarding as a career choice. By enrolling in an affordable forensic psychology degree and fulfilling professional requirements, you can become a licensed forensic psychologist and help make an impactful contribution to legal systems around the world.

Practical Experience and Research

Practical experience and research are two vital components of an affordable forensic psychology degree, providing essential skills and knowledge that make you competitive for employment in criminal justice systems, law enforcement agencies, and government organizations.

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Internships and Fieldwork

Internships and fieldwork experiences are invaluable when it comes to developing practical experience in forensic psychology. Many affordable forensic psychology programs provide internship and fieldwork opportunities with law enforcement agencies, corrections facilities, mental health clinics, or crisis centers so that you can gain hands-on experience in the field. As part of your internship or fieldwork experience, you will have an invaluable chance to put what you have learned in class into real-life contexts and gain greater insight into criminal justice systems and challenges faced by law enforcement and corrections professionals.

Capstone Projects and Research Methods

Practical experience, capstone projects, and research methods are integral parts of an affordable forensic psychology degree. Internships and fieldwork provide hands-on experience within the criminal justice system. Capstone projects offer you the chance to apply your knowledge and abilities towards solving a specific research question or problem, often taking form in research papers, case studies, or a program evaluation. Research methods courses teach you how to plan and conduct studies in the field of forensic psychology. You will learn to collect, analyze, interpret, and report findings - skills which will allow you to make significant contributions toward new theories and practices within this profession. By honing these skills and experiences you'll be well prepared for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or mental health services.

FAQs

What are the requirements for a master's in forensic psychology program?

To qualify for a master's in forensic psychology program, applicants will require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field as a prerequisite. In some instances, specific coursework such as abnormal psychology, statistics, and research methods may also be required of applicants. As part of your application process, you may also be asked for transcripts, letters of reference, and personal statements.
How long does it take to complete a Master of Forensic Psychology?

The timeframe for earning a master’s in forensic psychology can vary depending on the program and attendance status; typically, full-time students can complete it within two years, while part-time students could require up to four.
What career opportunities exist after earning a master’s in forensic behavioral science or forensics?

After earning a Master of Forensic Behavioral Science or Forensics, there will be numerous career options open to you. Some popular choices include working as a forensic psychologist, criminal profiler, victim advocate, or law enforcement official in corrections or court systems.
How much should a starting salary range for a forensic psychologist be?

Starting salaries for forensic psychologists depend on many variables including location, experience, and education level. PayScale provides an estimated starting annual salary for such professionals of around $58,000.

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Top 25 Affordable Forensic Psychology Programs