Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
Find top-ranked online master’s in counseling degree programs to help students prepare for careers as hospital mental health program directors, marriage and family therapists, private practice counselors, or licensed school counselors.
Key Takeaways
- Top online master’s in counseling programs often offer flexible practicum and internship placements, allowing students to gain real-world experience in their local areas while completing coursework online.
- Many programs in our ranking provide tracks such as school counseling, clinical mental health, or marriage and family therapy, enabling students to tailor their studies to specific career goals.
- The best programs are accredited by CACREP or similar organizations, ensuring the curriculum meets high industry standards, which is crucial for licensure and professional credibility.
Top 10 Online Master's in Counseling Degree Programs in 2025
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 best online master’s in counseling saw a fair amount of movement. The University of North Texas gained the most ranking positions as the university has implemented several enhancements to its Master’s in Counseling program to better serve students. The program now offers specialized tracks in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, each designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure in Texas.
Additionally, UNT has expanded its faculty, bringing in experts recognized by organizations such as the American Counseling Association and the Texas Counseling Association, thereby enriching the learning experience with diverse perspectives and research opportunities. These developments underscore UNT’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and supportive educational environment for counseling students.
Featured Programs
50 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs
- #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
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: $11,553Expenses: $20,296Starting Salary: $62,392Salary after 4 years: $66,384Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Counseling and Human Systems
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #12 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
73%
Student body
42K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/27
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Alabama
Cost of Degree: $11,740Expenses: $21,482Starting Salary: $59,730Salary after 4 years: $63,551Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
69%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1180/24
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Kentucky
Cost of Degree: $14,330Expenses: $21,886Starting Salary: $62,508Salary after 4 years: $66,507Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Counseling in Counselor Education
Concentrations
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #10 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #5 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
74%
Student body
36K
Median SAT/ACT
1285/28
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University at Buffalo
Cost of Degree: $14,388Expenses: $23,006Starting Salary: $71,884Salary after 4 years: $76,483Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
47%
Graduation
85%
Student body
40K
Median SAT/ACT
1370/30
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at North Carolina State University
Cost of Degree: $11,819Expenses: $17,709Starting Salary: $68,874Salary after 4 years: $73,281Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 12
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
MEd in College Counseling and Student Development
- Required Credits: 12
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2025
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
21%
Graduation
90%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Wake Forest University
Cost of Degree: $39,350Expenses: $22,798Starting Salary: $79,764Salary after 4 years: $86,156Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MC in Master’s in Counseling
Concentrations
- Clinical Mental Health
- School Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #16 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #19 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
39%
Graduation
78%
Student body
39K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at San Diego State University
Cost of Degree: $9,724Expenses: $25,782Starting Salary: $64,707Salary after 4 years: $68,847Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Hybrid
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
65%
Student body
31K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/26
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Virginia Commonwealth University
Cost of Degree: $16,753Expenses: $23,509Starting Salary: $57,530Salary after 4 years: $61,211Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
59%
Student body
49K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of North Texas
Cost of Degree: $9,062Expenses: $15,823Starting Salary: $57,067Salary after 4 years: $60,719Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Colorado 2025
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
31%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Naropa University
Cost of Degree: $22,450Expenses: $16,710Starting Salary: $27,857Salary after 4 years: $30,090Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 3 years
- Format: Hybrid
- #2 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #3 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2025
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
50%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
940/16
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Winston-Salem State University
Cost of Degree: $7,206Expenses: $16,666Starting Salary: $43,061Salary after 4 years: $45,816Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MSRC in in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #4 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
46%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/22
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Hampton University
Cost of Degree: $13,134Expenses: $16,886Starting Salary: $50,203Salary after 4 years: $54,226Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Counseling
Concentrations
- General Counseling
- Required Credits: 31
- Completion time: 1.5 years
- Format: Online
- #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
66%
Student body
131K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Liberty University
Cost of Degree: $8,340Expenses: $21,458Starting Salary: $41,485Salary after 4 years: $44,810Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMA in Human Service Counseling
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 1.5 years
- Format: Online
MA in Addiction Counseling
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
50%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Marshall University
Cost of Degree: $9,160Expenses: $16,352Starting Salary: $48,270Salary after 4 years: $51,358Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMA in Counseling
Concentrations
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- School Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2025 #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
76%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1165/27
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Bradley University
Cost of Degree: $19,014Expenses: $16,290Starting Salary: $58,420Salary after 4 years: $63,102Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Counseling
Concentrations
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
62%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/23
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Nova Southeastern University
Cost of Degree: $24,140Expenses: $22,596Starting Salary: $55,714Salary after 4 years: $60,179Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Counseling
Concentrations
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- School Counseling
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Substance Abuse Counseling And Education
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
55%
Graduation
59%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/23
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Webster University
Cost of Degree: $13,340Expenses: $22,378Starting Salary: $47,998Salary after 4 years: $51,845Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Psychology
Concentrations
- Counseling Psychology
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
32%
Graduation
55%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/22
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Regent University
Cost of Degree: $17,828Expenses: $12,146Starting Salary: $45,694Salary after 4 years: $49,356Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
MA in Marriage, Couple And Family Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 3 years
- Format: Online
MA in Human Services
Concentrations
- Counseling
- Trauma And Crisis Counseling
- Biblical Counseling
- Grief Counseling
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
MA in Human Services-Addiction Counseling
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
45%
Graduation
71%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/26
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Truman State University
Cost of Degree: $11,712Expenses: $15,981Starting Salary: $58,456Salary after 4 years: $62,196Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Counseling
Concentrations
- Mental Health
- School Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Texas 2025 #7 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
38%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
930/16
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Lamar University
Cost of Degree: $8,642Expenses: $16,612Starting Salary: $53,247Salary after 4 years: $56,654Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
MEd in Counseling and Development
Concentrations
- Marriage Couple and Family Counseling
- Professional School Counseling Online
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
- #9 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
63%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/22
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Oral Roberts University
Cost of Degree: $13,102Expenses: $15,820Starting Salary: $43,189Salary after 4 years: $46,650Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Professional Counseling
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025 #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Golden Gate University
Cost of Degree: $17,070Starting Salary: $82,469Salary after 4 years: $89,079Online Degrees
MA in Counseling Psychology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
- #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
41%
Student body
224K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Southern New Hampshire University
Cost of Degree: $20,469Expenses: $24,000Starting Salary: $50,303Salary after 4 years: $54,335Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
49%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Nebraska Omaha
Cost of Degree: $7,978Expenses: $16,604Starting Salary: $57,067Salary after 4 years: $60,719Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Counseling
Concentrations
- Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education
- Required Credits: 38
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
62%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of New Haven
Cost of Degree: $19,240Expenses: $23,874Starting Salary: $54,712Salary after 4 years: $59,097Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 3 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
42%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1109/22
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Southern Maine
Cost of Degree: $9,594Expenses: $15,892Starting Salary: $51,395Salary after 4 years: $54,684Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Counseling-Rehabilitation
- Required Credits: 54-63
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Hybrid
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
54%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/22
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Nebraska at Kearney
Cost of Degree: $7,866Expenses: $17,784Starting Salary: $53,016Salary after 4 years: $56,408Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MSEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
55%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Prescott College
Cost of Degree: $17,466Expenses: $12,876Starting Salary: $34,371Salary after 4 years: $37,125Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
51%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Plymouth State University
Cost of Degree: $18,350Expenses: $16,296Starting Salary: $52,784Salary after 4 years: $56,162Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in School Counseling
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #4 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024
Tuition + fees
$17K
Graduation
50%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Union Institute & University
Cost of Degree: $17,270Starting Salary: $55,113Salary after 4 years: $59,530Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #22 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #24 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
63%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at California Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $14,914Expenses: $16,178Starting Salary: $47,598Salary after 4 years: $51,412Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Counseling Psychology
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
- #18 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #9 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
43%
Graduation
46%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
880/17
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Fort Valley State University
Cost of Degree: $6,052Expenses: $14,872Starting Salary: $40,167Salary after 4 years: $42,737Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling and Case Management
- Required Credits: 61
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2025
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
76%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1205/27
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Salve Regina University
Cost of Degree: $12,795Expenses: $22,986Starting Salary: $57,819Salary after 4 years: $62,452Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Holistic Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 3 years
- Format: Hybrid
MA in Holistic Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Hybrid
MA in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
MA in Clinical Rehabilitation And Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2.5 years
- Format: Online
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Asbury Theological Seminary
Cost of Degree: $17,858Starting Salary: $50,303Salary after 4 years: $54,335Online Degrees
MA in Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 75
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
MA in Marriage And Family Counseling
- Required Credits: 75
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
MA in Pastoral Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #14 Best Colleges and Universities for Biology Degrees 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology 2025 #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
45%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/20
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at West Texas A&M University
Cost of Degree: $7,284Expenses: $15,503Starting Salary: $54,058Salary after 4 years: $57,516Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEd in Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEd in School Counseling
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2024 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025 #11 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #21 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
61%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Immaculata University
Cost of Degree: $12,780Expenses: $17,154Starting Salary: $54,812Salary after 4 years: $59,205Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Nutrition Education and Counseling
Concentrations
- Tracks: Nutrition Education and Counseling
- Clinical Nutrition
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #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
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
41%
Student body
19K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Bellevue University
Cost of Degree: $12,432Expenses: $16,440Starting Salary: $60,624Salary after 4 years: $65,483Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #21 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees #6 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
40%
Student body
2K
Online Degrees
MA in Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Montana 2025
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
29%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Montana State University Billings
Cost of Degree: $8,320Expenses: $16,990Starting Salary: $44,797Salary after 4 years: $47,663Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation And Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 51
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Hybrid
MEd in School Counseling
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #12 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025 #13 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #15 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$17K
Student body
3K
Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
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Tuition + fees
$18K
Graduation
61%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Colorado Christian University
Cost of Degree: $16,733Expenses: $14,976Starting Salary: $44,692Salary after 4 years: $48,273Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentrations
- Marriage And Family Therapy
- Substance Use Disorders
- Required Credits:60- 68
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina #11 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1086/21
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Southern Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $13,746Expenses: $14,039Starting Salary: $46,295Salary after 4 years: $50,005Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MS in Counseling Psychology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 24-30 months
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
<1K
Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2.5 - 3 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
35%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1035/19
Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida 2025 #9 Best Online Associate in Graphic Design 2025 #11 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year #11 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2025
Tuition + fees
$16K
Graduation
20%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Hodges University
Cost of Degree: $15,680Starting Salary: $43,690Salary after 4 years: $47,191Online Degrees
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alabama 2024 #3 Best Online Associate in Web Design #4 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024 #12 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Amridge University
Cost of Degree: $13,090Starting Salary: $47,698Salary after 4 years: $51,520Online Degrees
MA in Professional Counseling
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
MDiv in Professional Counseling
- Required Credits: 96
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
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Tuition + fees
$26K
Graduation
37%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Lindsey Wilson College
Cost of Degree: $9,809Expenses: $16,221Starting Salary: $31,364Salary after 4 years: $33,878Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MEd in Counseling And Human Development
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
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Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
59%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/20
Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Baptist College of Florida
Cost of Degree: $5,520Expenses: $10,270Starting Salary: $36,274Salary after 4 years: $39,182Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Counseling
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Career Outlook for Students with Counseling Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolCounseling 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
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Degrees
Why get a master’s in counseling?
After earning a counseling-related undergraduate degree, most students continue on to earn a master’s degree in counseling either online or on campus.
What areas of expertise are there?
Students will likely choose a focused path in areas such as substance abuse counseling, school counseling, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or pastoral counseling. Depending on the chosen track, students can expect to explore areas such as abnormal psychology, mental health disorders, counseling techniques, and developmental psychology.
What are the credentials for getting a master’s in counseling?
A master’s in counseling program is typically 60 credits, and students must also complete comprehensive exams.
What can I do with a master’s in counseling?
Graduates can then go on to earn licensure and gain employment as hospital mental health program directors, marriage and family therapists, private practice counselors, or licensed school counselors.
Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.
And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.
While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.