Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2025

Badge for CHEAPEST DEGREES MASTER'S IN COUNSELING
By Dave Tomar
Published:
Updated:

We rank the most affordable colleges and universities for getting your master’s degree in counseling.

Key Takeaways

  • Master’s degrees in mental health counseling prepare students for a variety of careers in mental health counseling.

  • A graduate student with an MS in counseling can pursue a career as a school counselor, addiction counselor, family counselor, and much more.

  • It may also be possible to earn an online master in counseling through an array of fully accredited online degree programs

Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs in 2025

  1. City College of New York
    +4
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    +11
  3. University of Iowa
    +5
  4. University of Florida
  5. University of Utah
    +4
  6. Florida State University
    +10
  7. Brigham Young University
    –1
  8. University of Houston
    +12
  9. Baruch College
    –6
  10. West Virginia University
    +5

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the most affordable master’s in counseling degree programs saw a large amount of movement. The University of Houston gained the most ranking positions as a result of the university expanding its counseling simulation labs, offering students hands-on training with advanced tools for practicing counseling techniques and therapeutic interventions in real-world scenarios. New specializations in areas such as trauma counseling, multicultural counseling, and teletherapy have been added, reflecting the growing demand for diverse and flexible counseling practices.

Additionally, UH has strengthened its community partnerships, offering counseling students enhanced opportunities for internships and practicum placements in schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics. These updates ensure that Master’s in Counseling students receive comprehensive, practical training to excel in their field.

Earning a master’s degree in counseling can put you in an excellent position to help others. An advanced degree in counseling can provide a direct route to a career in school counseling, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, family counseling, and much more.

A master’s degree in counseling can prepare you to work in a wide range of settings from mental health and clinical healthcare facilities to public schools and social services organizations. In other words, a master’s degree in counseling can be a valuable credential. But how can you be sure you’re getting a counseling degree that is both affordable and excellent? We’ve ranked the very best master’s degree programs in counseling with tuition for under $10,000 per year.

Of course, another way to save money on housing, travel, and campus fees is to earn your master’s degree in counseling online.

Or you can read on for a look at the most affordable master’s in counseling degree programs today.

Four people smiling

How to Get a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The basic threshold for entering most master’s in counseling degree programs is a bachelor’s degree in counseling or in a related subject such as psychology, social sciences, or addiction counseling.

Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program prepares students to enter into accredited master’s degrees in an array of both on-campus and online counseling degree programs. Accreditation is essential because only students earning degrees from schools with Department of Education-approved accrediting agencies will qualify for financial aid. Once you’ve completed your master’s in counseling, you would be eligible for certification as a counselor. However, there are typically several critical steps required before you can become a licensed professional counselor.

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How to Pursue a Career in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Students who have earned their counseling master’s degree will generally qualify for internship opportunities in a wide range of clinical mental health settings. You may also be able to intern in settings that provide crisis counseling, rehabilitation counseling, family therapy, school counseling, and much more.

Here, you’ll learn essential counseling skills and learn how to apply these skills in clinical mental health settings. Once you’ve served in your internship, you will typically qualify to sit for your National Counselor Examination. Passing this exam will qualify you to apply to become a licensed professional counselor in your state.

That said, many specialized areas of counseling may also require you to earn additional certifications in areas like clinical counseling, family counseling, mental health counseling, career counseling, professional school counseling, and much more.

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Whether you’re pursing a traditional graduate degree or you’re considering an online program, there are numerous pathways for those interested in counseling careers. It may be possible to enter into mental health counseling, school counseling, professional counseling, college counseling, and an array of other roles in the counseling profession by first earning a master’s degree in a related subject area.

Related educational programs may include master’s degrees in area like psychology, organizational psychology, and—for students who plan to practice mental health counseling in a spiritual context—a master’s degree in theology.

And for a look at well-rounded advanced degree programs in related subject areas, considering earning your degree from one of the best liberal arts colleges for psychology. This may offer you the best opportunity for honing in on a specific in-person or online counseling program. You may be able to enter into a focused school counseling program, substance abuse counseling program, group counseling, and much more.

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Is it possible get an online master’s in counseling degree?

Students in search of affordable online counseling programs may be able to pursue an array of related educational programs entirely through online education. Earning a degree in counseling online may help to cut costs by offsetting expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees.

In most cases, online programs offer a similar curriculum and set of credentials as traditional on-campus counseling programs. The online degree in clinical mental health counseling will generally incorporate core courses in human development, counseling psychology, and multicultural counseling alongside advanced counseling theories and best practices in mental health counseling. This makes it a suitable pathway to a career for marriage and family therapists, school counselors, career counselors, and much more.

Many online counseling degrees will carry certain in-person requirements. Even the most affordable online master’s in counseling degrees may require degree candidates to visit campus for workshops, practicums, and other face-to-face meetings. For prospective students weighing their options for a master’s in counseling online, be sure that you’re aware of all on-campus requirements first.

This may be a strong argument in favor of earning your online master’s in counseling from a grad school in your state. In fact, many of the most affordable online counseling degrees are offered by public colleges and universities, where in-state students can enjoy significant tuition rate discounts.

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How We Ranked the Most Affordable Schools For a Master’s in Counseling

The master’s degree in counseling programs listed below topped our Influence ranking when filtering for graduate programs available for under $10,000 per year in tuition.

We have even more affordable master’s degree programs in our Guide to Affordable Degrees.

Three people reading in a library while standing up
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The 20 Most Affordable Schools for a Master’s in Counseling

  1. #1

    City College of New York

    New York , NY
    #11 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #11 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at City College of New York

    Cost of Degree: $11,402
    Expenses: $23,438
    Starting Salary: $58,919
    Salary after 4 years: $62,689
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the City College of New York?

    City College of New York is the flagship school in a CUNY public higher education system that includes 25 distinct institutions. This makes it the very first free public higher education institution in the United States.

    Established in 1847, the City College of New York is located in the Hamilton Heights section of the city, an area that provides sweeping views of Harlem and Manhattan.

    • The City College of New York is great for students who:

      Enjoy an incredible legacy of higher education firsts, including the establishment of the first student government in 1867, the first racially and religiously integrated fraternity with Delta Sigma Phi in 1899, and the first night school program to award degrees, with the School of Education starting in 1907.

    • The City College of New York might not be the best fit for students who:

      Require an extra level of advisor support. Some students say it can be challenging to procure an appointment with an academic advisor.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $12,527
    Expenses: $17,120
    Starting Salary: $79,640
    Salary after 4 years: $84,735
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill?

    University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is considered a “Public Ivy,” a school with state funding that offers the prestige and educational experience akin to those at a private Ivy League school.

    The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is the flagship campus for the broader University of North Carolina system and began enrolling students in 1795. This makes UNC the only public school in the U.S. to both teach and graduate students in the 18th Century!

    • The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is great for students who:

      Desire a well-rounded education. All students are required to complete a liberal arts education on the way to their chosen major. Popular majors include biology, business administration, and psychology.

    • The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a more conservative environment. Many students at UNC note that the campus culture tends to lean to the liberal side of the political spectrum.

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  3. #3

    University of Iowa

    Iowa City , IA
    #2 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #19 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/25

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $13,211
    Expenses: $17,632
    Starting Salary: $71,768
    Salary after 4 years: $76,360
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the University of Iowa?

    The University of Iowa is a public university that is noteworthy for the depth and excellence of its research activities. The oldest and largest school in the state rests on the banks of the Iowa River and serves more than 30,000 students.

    The University of Iowa is home to a particularly large contingent of graduate students, with more than 6000 students pursuing their advanced degrees in the Fall of 2022.

    • The University of Iowa is great for students who:

      Are interested in campus activities. The school is home to roughly 500 student-run groups, 22 athletic teams, and an enormous alumni network.

    • The University of Iowa might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a small-campus experience.

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  4. #4

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #3 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $12,737
    Expenses: $16,220
    Starting Salary: $76,051
    Salary after 4 years: $80,917
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Florida known for?

    University of Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Florida?

    University of Florida is a public university with strong appeal for students with an interest in research. The University of Florida is classified among R1 Doctoral Universities, those institutions noted for a very high level or research activity.

    The University of Florida also holds the distinction of being the only Florida college with members in the Association of American Universities.

    • The University of Florida is great for students who:

      Enjoy an excellent athletics program. The University of Florida Gators varsity sports teams have claimed 45 national championships for the school.

    • The University of Florida might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a more intimate experience. With more than 57,800 students enrolled during the 2020-21 academic year, the University of Florida is the fifth largest school in the United States.

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  6. #5

    University of Utah

    Salt Lake City , UT
    #7 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #22 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #24 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #25 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/25

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Utah

    Cost of Degree: $8,448
    Expenses: $21,298
    Starting Salary: $73,505
    Salary after 4 years: $78,207
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the University of Utah?

    The University of Utah was founded in 1850 as the University of Deseret before becoming the University of Utah in 1892. The flagship public research university in the state of Utah actually predates Utah’s 1896 admission to statehood.

    The University of Utah has a storied academic track record, producing 22 Rhodes Scholars, four Nobel Prize winners, and three Turing Award winners.

    • The University of Utah is great for students who:

      Wish to live on a “green” campus. The University of Utah ranks high among higher education institutions for its efforts in sustainability and the use of renewable energies.

    • The University of Utah might not be the best fit for students who:

      Desire religious diversity. The state’s large Mormon population is also a predominant demographic at the University of Utah.

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  7. #6

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #24 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/28

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,553
    Expenses: $20,296
    Starting Salary: $62,392
    Salary after 4 years: $66,384
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Florida State University?

    Founded in 1851 as the Florida Institute, FSU in Tallahassee actually stands on the oldest continuously used site for higher education in the state of Florida. With more than 360 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, FSU students have plenty of options.

    This is fitting for a university that enrolls well over 45,000 students every year.

    • Florida State University is great for students who:

      Are looking to participate in campus activities, Greek life, and sporting event attendance.

    • Florida State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a more intimate college experience.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Brigham Young University

    Provo , UT
    #6 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Utah 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1374/29

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Brigham Young University

    Cost of Degree: $8,096
    Expenses: $16,496
    Starting Salary: $71,647
    Salary after 4 years: $77,389
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Brigham Young University?

    Brigham Young University is a highly regarded private university affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). BYU’s main campus is located in Provo, Utah with satellite campuses in Salt Lake City and Jerusalem, as well as “sister schools” in Hawaii and Idaho.

    Brigham Young University serves an extremely large population of students, with more than 31,000 undergraduates and more than 3000 graduate students enrolled for the Fall ’21 semester.

    • Brigham Young University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a degree with great ROI. BYU is often ranked among the best schools for the money..

    • Brigham Young University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are not affiliated with the Church of Latter-day Saints (LDS). BYU students are expected to adhere to a behavioral code that aligns with LDS beliefs.

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  9. #8

    University of Houston

    Houston , TX
    #4 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    53K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/26

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Houston

    Cost of Degree: $9,749
    Expenses: $17,023
    Starting Salary: $70,148
    Salary after 4 years: $74,636
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the University of Houston?

    The University of Houston was founded in 1927 and, today, serves a massive student population of over 47,000 undergrads and grad students. This makes the Southeast Houston campus the third largest in the state of Texas.

    Students can choose from a wide range of degree programs, with more than 275 degrees offered across 16 academic colleges.

    • The University of Houston is great for students who:

      Enjoy college athletics. The school is home to 17 intercollegiate NCAA Division I teams.

    • The University of Houston might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer the personal attention of a small school.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Baruch College

    New York , NY
    #21 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #8 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Baruch College

    Cost of Degree: $11,452
    Expenses: $24,018
    Starting Salary: $73,620
    Salary after 4 years: $78,331
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Baruch College?

    Baruch College is a public university located in New York City. Baruch College is noted for the wide array of both undergraduate and graduate programs offered through its three primary schools: Zicklin School of Business, the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, and the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs.

    Baruch College has an excellent educational tradition that dates back to its 1847 founding as the Free Academy. This made Baruch the very first free public higher education institution in the U.S.

    • Baruch College is great for students who:

      Wish to take advantage of the sprawling CUNY system of campuses and resources.

    • Baruch College might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t prefer to pursue their degree in a metropolitan setting.

    Compare school
  12. #10

    West Virginia University

    Morgantown , WV
    #1 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #1 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at West Virginia University

    Cost of Degree: $10,908
    Expenses: $17,996
    Starting Salary: $61,003
    Salary after 4 years: $64,906
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about West Virginia University?

    West Virginia University is a public research university with four campuses located across the state. The main campus in Morgantown, West Virginia is home to more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

    West Virginia University is noted for its high level of research activity especially in the area of biometric technology. In fact, WVU is the FBI’s lead academic partner in this area.

    • West Virginia University is great for students who:

      Are looking for options. Students can choose from between more than 350 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional levels.

    • West Virginia University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Aren’t looking for a university with a “party school” reputation.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Teachers College, Columbia University

    New York , NY

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Teachers College, Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $35,987
    Starting Salary: $71,547
    Salary after 4 years: $77,281

    What do we love about Teachers College?

    Teachers College is Columbia University’s graduate school for students in education, health, and psychology disciplines. As part of the prestigious private research university located in New York City, Teachers College offers some of the most highly regarded post-graduate degrees in the world.

    Teachers College was formed in 1887 and is therefore both the oldest and largest graduate school of education in the nation.

    • Teachers College is great for students who:

      Are seeking a post-graduate education in the heart of a bustling city.

    • Teachers College might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a more traditional campus experience.

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Utah State University

    Logan , UT
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Utah 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Utah 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Utah State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,595
    Expenses: $13,692
    Starting Salary: $57,415
    Salary after 4 years: $61,088
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Utah State University?

    .Utah State University was founded in 1888 in Logan Utah. Today, Utah State University serves more than 20,000 students, which makes it the largest public residential campus in the state of Utah.

    This number is aided by the fact that USU is a big draw to out-of-state students, who make up 23% of the student body.

    • Utah State University is great for students who:

      Enjoy an active campus community. The majority of USU’s students are on-campus residents. As a result, social and cultural life in the region are largely concentrated around the campus itself.

    • Utah State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking for degrees in some of the physical sciences. Though degree offerings are numerous, some students note that these offerings are concentrated in specific degree areas.

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  15. #13

    California State University, Fullerton

    Fullerton , CA
    #9 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #4 Best Online Colleges in California 2024 #7 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    46K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at California State University, Fullerton

    Cost of Degree: $8,507
    Expenses: $23,567
    Starting Salary: $59,961
    Salary after 4 years: $63,798
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the California State University, Fullerton?

    California State University, Fullerton is a massive public university campus. With more than 41,000 students enrolled, Fullerton is the largest of the expansive 23-school CSU system.

    And with 5000 graduate students, California State University, Fullerton awards among the largest number of advanced degrees in the state of California.

    • California State University, Fullerton is great for students who:

      Are seeking a diverse campus.

    • California State University, Fullerton might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a small-campus atmosphere.

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  16. #14

    East Carolina University

    Greenville , NC
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    31K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at East Carolina University

    Cost of Degree: $7,658
    Expenses: $16,970
    Starting Salary: $53,016
    Salary after 4 years: $56,408
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about East Carolina University?

    Eastern Carolina University was founded as a teacher training school in 1907. Today, the public research institution is the fourth largest in North Carolina with more than 29,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    East Carolina University’s excellent in-state tuition rate makes it an attractive and affordable destination for many local students, with 90% of the student population coming from in state.

    • East Carolina University is great for students who:

      Are interested in its top-flight degree programs in areas like nursing, psychology, public health, and more.

    • East Carolina University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t enjoy a “party school” atmosphere.

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Fielding Graduate University

    Santa Barbara , CA
    #9 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)

    Student body

    1K

    What do we love about the Fielding Graduate University?

    Fielding Graduate University is a private university focused specifically on awarding graduate degrees. Located in Santa Barbara, Fielding was founded in 1974 with the mission of serving non-traditional learners.

    Today, Fielding matches this mission by focusing on the academic and professional needs of working adults.

    • Fielding Graduate University is great for students who:

      Are already working in their field and looking for ways to advance their credentials.

    • Fielding Graduate University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are not proactive about their education. Graduate students are expected to take the lead in coordinating graduate level projects and work.

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  19. #16

    Aspen University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Student body

    14K

    What do we love about the Aspen University?

    Aspen University is a fully online university offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of subject areas including nursing, education, and counseling. Aspen’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology of Addiction and Counseling are approved by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).

    The University of Aspen was actually founded as the International Academy in the 1960s, and significantly predates the inception of online education.

    • Aspen University is great for students who:

      Wish to choose from a wide range of fully online undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

    • Aspen University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Require a regionally accredited degree.

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  20. #17

    Antioch University New England

    Keene , NH
    #5 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2025 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in New Hampshire #7 Best Online Master's Programs in New Hampshire 2025

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Antioch University New England

    Cost of Degree: $26,422
    Starting Salary: $41,886
    Salary after 4 years: $45,243

    What do we love about Antioch University?

    Antioch University New England is the second largest campus in the Antioch University System. With 1200 students, the Keene, New Hampshire campus is the second largest of three campuses.

    Antioch University New England specializes in graduate-level degrees for students in areas like Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Education, and Environmental Studies.

    • Antioch University is great for students who:

      Love the great outdoors. Antioch New England is based in New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region, noted for its expansive state park system.

    • Antioch University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Recent high school graduates with an interest in the traditional campus experience. Many of Antioch University’s students are adult learners.

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  21. #18

    Bellevue University

    Bellevue , NE
    #7 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Bellevue University

    Cost of Degree: $12,432
    Expenses: $16,440
    Starting Salary: $60,624
    Salary after 4 years: $65,483
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Bellevue University?

    Bellevue University is a private institution based in Bellevue, Nebraska. Founded in 1966 as Bellevue College, the university’s broader mission has long been to serve the specific needs of adult learners. As a result, more than 80% of the student population is over the age of 25 .

    Bellevue University’s focus on adult learning also encouraged the introduction of various flexible degree programs including accelerated bachelor’s degree programs and online master’s degree programs.

    • Bellevue University is great for students who:

      Are above traditional college age.

    • Bellevue University might not be the best fit for:

      Recent high-school graduates looking for the typical campus lifestyle.

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  22. #19

    University of Western States

    Portland , OR
    #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Oregon 2024 #9 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025 #10 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Western States

    Cost of Degree: $11,150
    Starting Salary: $54,712
    Salary after 4 years: $59,097

    What do we love about the University of Western States?

    The University of Western States is a private university located in Portland, Oregon. UWS places a heavy emphasis on health sciences programs, offering graduate degrees in areas like sports medicine, human nutrition, and clinical mental health counseling.

    The University of Western States is also home to the second oldest chiropractic medicine school in the nation.

    • The University is great for students who:

      Enjoy an intimate experience. With a student body of under 1000 students, the University of Western States is truly a close-knit educational community.

    • The University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a liberal arts focused graduate degree program.

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  24. #20

    Phoenix Seminary

    Scottsdale , AZ
    #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Arizona 2024

    Student body

    <1K

    What do we love about the Phoenix Seminary?

    Phoenix Seminary is an Evangelical Christian seminary based in Phoenix Arizona and serves both online and on-campus students. The Seminary offers a host of graduate degree programs that merge divinity, biblical studies, and mental health counseling.

    Phoenix Seminary is noteworthy for both its affordable tuition rate and its generous array of scholarships packages.

    • Phoenix Seminary is great for students who:

      Desire a practical, faith-based education.

    • Phoenix Seminary might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are interested in pursuing religious studies through a secular or academic lens.

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Career Outlook for Students with Counseling Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Counseling Psychology

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,656
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,911
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $54,120
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $57,583
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 6 years
  • Job Growth: 6.50%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,476,300
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists5.81%$147,420
Human Resources Managers6.51%$136,350
Managers, All Other5.75%$133,560
Training and Development Managers7.41%$125,040
Psychologists, All Other4.95%$117,750

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists$147,420
Human Resources Managers$136,350
Managers, All Other$133,560
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.
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