Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2026
Find top-ranked online bachelor’s in counseling degree programs in the US to prepare students to become professional counselors.
Key Takeaways
- Counseling is an important discipline that requires professionals to be patient and active listeners and communicators.
- Undergraduate counseling students gain fundamental knowledge of the discipline, and learn research strategies that qualify them for administrative work.
- While a bachelor’s program in counseling gives your career a headstart, a master’s degree is required to become a licensed professional counselor.
Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Counseling Degrees in 2026
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 last ground for the 2025 school year.
The University of Cincinnati has remained in the top position for the past 2 years. While Lipscomb University moved down a position, Regent University raised three positions to take second place.
Featured Programs
Best Online Bachelor’s in Counseling Degree Programs 2025
- #12 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2026 #3 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2026
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
75%
Student body
52K
Median SAT/ACT
1265/26
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Cincinnati
Cost of Degree: $12,906Expenses: $19,772Starting Salary: $36,819Salary after 4 years: $50,404Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Required Credits: 60-120
- Completion time: 2-4 years
- Format: Online
- #13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2026 #8 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2026
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
38%
Graduation
52%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/22
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Regent University
Cost of Degree: $20,686Expenses: $12,146Starting Salary: $33,123Salary after 4 years: $43,887Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Psychology-Clinical And Counseling
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #19 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #5 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
71%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/26
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Lipscomb University
Cost of Degree: $38,824Expenses: $20,854Starting Salary: $40,161Salary after 4 years: $53,213Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Professional Studies in Psychology
Concentrations
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Psychology
Concentrations
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina #10 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
39%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1165/24
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Methodist University
Cost of Degree: $39,664Expenses: $17,636Starting Salary: $35,152Salary after 4 years: $46,576Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Psychology
Concentrations
- Counseling/Clinical Psychology
- Human Performance Psychology
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2026
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
37%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Faulkner University
Cost of Degree: $23,920Expenses: $14,420Starting Salary: $31,331Salary after 4 years: $41,513Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Counseling Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees 2026 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2026 #5 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2026
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
37%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Cost of Degree: $18,610Expenses: $16,650Starting Salary: $30,079Salary after 4 years: $39,854Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Counseling
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion time: 4-5 years
- Format: Online
BS in Human Services Counseling
Concentrations
- Counseling
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4-5 years
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2026 #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2026 #18 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2026
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
6%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Paine College
Cost of Degree: $14,596Expenses: $13,036Starting Salary: $23,957Salary after 4 years: $31,743Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Social Science
Concentrations
- Psychology - Counseling
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion time: 48 months
- Format: Online
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #8 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2026 #9 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2026
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
28%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/20
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at East Central University
Cost of Degree: $8,032Expenses: $13,408Starting Salary: $28,920Salary after 4 years: $39,591Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Human Services Counseling
Concentrations
- Aging
- Counseling
- Rehabilitation
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion time: 2-4 years
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2026
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
37%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Peru State College
Cost of Degree: $8,280Expenses: $14,196Starting Salary: $28,994Salary after 4 years: $39,693Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Criminal Justice
Concentrations
- Counseling
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Colorado 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2026 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado #2 Best Online Associate in Psychology
Tuition + fees
$43K
Graduation
69%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Colorado Christian University
Cost of Degree: $27,808Expenses: $14,976Starting Salary: $33,520Salary after 4 years: $44,413Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Applied Psychology
Concentrations
- Clinical Counseling
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2026 #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #6 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education #7 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2026
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
42%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Bay Path University
Cost of Degree: $37,227Expenses: $17,016Starting Salary: $37,343Salary after 4 years: $49,478Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Counseling Foundations
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Foundations In Alcohol And Drug Abuse Counseling
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2026 #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2026 #7 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students 2026 #14 Best Online Associate in Education
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
43%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/21
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Toccoa Falls College
Cost of Degree: $23,250Expenses: $14,570Starting Salary: $28,799Salary after 4 years: $38,158Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Social Science
Concentrations
- Counseling Psychology
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion time: 48 months
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2026 #4 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2026
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
34%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Arizona Christian University
Cost of Degree: $34,697Expenses: $21,390Starting Salary: $35,640Salary after 4 years: $47,222Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Behavioral Health
Concentrations
- Counseling
- Coaching
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Family Studies
Concentrations
- Marriage and Family Practicum
- Family Counseling
- Human Sexuality
- Psychology of Marriage
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in South Carolina #6 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina #9 Best Online Master's in Biology #10 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
41%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Columbia College
Cost of Degree: $16,745Expenses: $14,450Starting Salary: $29,810Salary after 4 years: $39,497Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Human Services
Concentrations
- Counseling
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
40%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Union College, Kentucky
Cost of Degree: $31,071Expenses: $13,861Starting Salary: $29,899Salary after 4 years: $39,616Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
25%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Kentucky Christian University
Cost of Degree: $25,000Expenses: $15,448Starting Salary: $30,400Salary after 4 years: $40,280Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Counseling Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Online Associate Degrees in Ohio 2026 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio #14 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2026 #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2026
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
38%
Graduation
40%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Ohio Christian University
Cost of Degree: $17,990Expenses: $13,162Starting Salary: $25,683Salary after 4 years: $34,029Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2026 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky #25 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2026 #19 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling 2026
Tuition + fees
$28K
Graduation
41%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Lindsey Wilson College
Cost of Degree: $27,274Expenses: $16,221Starting Salary: $29,477Salary after 4 years: $39,057Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Human Services And Counseling
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
Career Outlook for Students with Counseling Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolCounseling Psychology
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $7,923
- Avg. Expenses*: $14,802
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $30,554
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $41,828
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 11 years
- Job Growth: 6.08%
- Number of Jobs: 1,467,000
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
| Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | 5.81% | $147,420 |
| Human Resources Managers | 6.51% | $136,350 |
| Managers, All Other | 5.75% | $133,560 |
| Training and Development Managers | 7.41% | $125,040 |
| Psychologists, All Other | 4.95% | $117,750 |
Top Industries
| Industry | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $147,420 |
| Human Resources Managers | $136,350 |
| Managers, All Other | $133,560 |
Exploring Counseling As A Degree and Career Path
If you have a desire to help people overcome life’s challenges and hopefully improve their lives, consider a bachelor’s degree in counseling. Graduates of online bachelor’s in counseling can join the workforce as social workers, abuse counselors, probation officers, and community service managers.
For others, a degree in counseling is a pathway to earning a graduate degree and licensure as a family and marriage therapist, school counselor, or mental health counselor.
There is a constant high demand for professionals in this area. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2020 and 2030, the demand for community service managers will grow by 12%, and a 22% demand for substance abuse counselors.
Counseling Degree Career Paths
- Substance Abuse Counselor: Also called addiction counselors, substance abuse counselors handle and care for people who are struggling with addictions to alcohol, drugs, sex, and gambling. These professionals also help individuals with eating disorders and other common behavioral issues.
- Social and Community Service Manager: These managers supervise community programs that support groups and individuals. They serve a very diverse group of people, including veterans, children, and people who are dealing with specific challenges like hunger, homelessness, or substance abuse.
- Probation Officer: Probation officers assist and support people who are under probation. They make and implement rehabilitation plans, provide supervision and resources, and regularly check progress. These professionals work closely with courts, law enforcement, and social service agencies.
- Career Counselor: Career counselors are trained and knowledgeable in helping people identify possible career options and qualifications. By assessing education and training and using aptitude evaluations, career counselors can help people find suitable jobs. These professionals are often seen working at colleges, social service offices, staffing agencies, or private practice.
Counselors develop individualized treatment plans that teach their clients effective coping methods and guide them in discovering the underlying triggers of their addictions. Note that counseling degree professionals who plan to go into private practice must have a master’s degree and a license.
Other duties include hiring and supervising employees, creating and managing programs, and assessing these programs for efficiency. Although most of these roles only require a bachelor’s in counseling, some positions require a master’s degree.
Probation officers can also provide other services like support for people struggling with addictions, or career training. In most jurisdictions, probation officers should have completed professional training at a state police academy.
Online Bachelor’s in Counseling: What to Expect
Students who complete counseling programs need strong communication skills, empathy, and patience. Online counseling programs take 3-4 years, and 120-130 credits of full-time study to complete. While many schools strongly focus on the online bachelor’s program, there are also institutions that offer a combination of bachelor’s and master’s in counseling, allowing students to earn these degrees in just 5 years.
Concentrations of the Online Bachelor’s in Counseling:
- Addiction
- Mental Health
- Human Services
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Christian Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Degrees
A bachelor’s degree in counseling is an excellent program for those with patience, compassion, and the desire to help others.
Back to TopWhether students choose to earn their bachelor’s in counseling online or on campus, they can expect to take courses in psychology, sociology, human development, and psychotherapy.
Back to TopEarning a bachelor’s in counseling requires between 120-129 credits, which most students complete in four to five years.
Back to TopThough most counseling-related positions require a master’s degree in counseling and a few years of supervised clinical work, students with an undergraduate degree in counseling can gain experience as research or administrative assistants to psychologists. Those who earn their bachelor’s degree in counseling, however, typically go on to choose a specialty and earn their master’s.
Back to TopHow We Rank the Best Online Bachelor of Counseling Programs
What’s in an online bachelor’s degree in counseling program and when can it be considered an “excellent” option for students? The answer lies in, among other things, the comprehensiveness of the coursework!
Excellent coursework allows students pursuing mental health counseling and similar other types of counseling concentrations to obtain the counseling skills and academic knowledge of the program to prepare them for a graduate degree or entry-level practice.
Professional counselors make up the faculty and teaching staff of the online counseling degree programs on our list. With experienced teachers, students learn only from the best!
The online programs that we’ve listed in this article are also regionally accredited, which means they are compliant with academic standards and offer students a superior learning environment and experience.
