Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN COUNSELING

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.

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

  1. #1

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL

    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

    Online Degrees

    MS in Counseling and Human Systems
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL

    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: $11,740
    Expenses: $21,482
    Starting Salary: $59,730
    Salary after 4 years: $63,551
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    University of Kentucky

    Lexington , KY

    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: $14,330
    Expenses: $21,886
    Starting Salary: $62,508
    Salary after 4 years: $66,507
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Counseling in Counselor Education

    Concentrations

    • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    University at Buffalo

    Buffalo , NY

    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: $14,388
    Expenses: $23,006
    Starting Salary: $71,884
    Salary after 4 years: $76,483
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  5. 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: $11,819
    Expenses: $17,709
    Starting Salary: $68,874
    Salary after 4 years: $73,281
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online 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
  6. #6

    Wake Forest University

    Winston-Salem , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Wake Forest University

    Cost of Degree: $39,350
    Expenses: $22,798
    Starting Salary: $79,764
    Salary after 4 years: $86,156
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MC in Master’s in Counseling

    Concentrations

    • Clinical Mental Health
    • School Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at San Diego State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,724
    Expenses: $25,782
    Starting Salary: $64,707
    Salary after 4 years: $68,847
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
    • Format: Hybrid
  8. 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: $16,753
    Expenses: $23,509
    Starting Salary: $57,530
    Salary after 4 years: $61,211
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. 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: $9,062
    Expenses: $15,823
    Starting Salary: $57,067
    Salary after 4 years: $60,719
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
  10. #10

    Naropa University

    Boulder , CO

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Naropa University

    Cost of Degree: $22,450
    Expenses: $16,710
    Starting Salary: $27,857
    Salary after 4 years: $30,090
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Hybrid
  11. #11

    Winston-Salem State University

    Winston-Salem , NC

    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: $7,206
    Expenses: $16,666
    Starting Salary: $43,061
    Salary after 4 years: $45,816
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSRC in in Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. #12

    Hampton University

    Hampton , VA

    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: $13,134
    Expenses: $16,886
    Starting Salary: $50,203
    Salary after 4 years: $54,226
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Counseling

    Concentrations

    • General Counseling
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
  13. #13

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $8,340
    Expenses: $21,458
    Starting Salary: $41,485
    Salary after 4 years: $44,810
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    MA 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
  14. #14

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Marshall University

    Cost of Degree: $9,160
    Expenses: $16,352
    Starting Salary: $48,270
    Salary after 4 years: $51,358
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    MA in Counseling

    Concentrations

    • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • School Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #15

    Bradley University

    Peoria , IL

    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: $19,014
    Expenses: $16,290
    Starting Salary: $58,420
    Salary after 4 years: $63,102
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Counseling

    Concentrations

    • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. #16

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL

    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: $24,140
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $55,714
    Salary after 4 years: $60,179
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online 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
  17. #17

    Webster University

    Saint Louis , MO

    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: $13,340
    Expenses: $22,378
    Starting Salary: $47,998
    Salary after 4 years: $51,845
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Counseling Psychology
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. #18

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA

    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: $17,828
    Expenses: $12,146
    Starting Salary: $45,694
    Salary after 4 years: $49,356
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online 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
  19. #19

    Truman State University

    Kirksville , MO

    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: $11,712
    Expenses: $15,981
    Starting Salary: $58,456
    Salary after 4 years: $62,196
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Counseling

    Concentrations

    • Mental Health
    • School Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. #20

    Lamar University

    Beaumont , TX

    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: $8,642
    Expenses: $16,612
    Starting Salary: $53,247
    Salary after 4 years: $56,654
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online 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
  21. 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: $13,102
    Expenses: $15,820
    Starting Salary: $43,189
    Salary after 4 years: $46,650
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Professional Counseling
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. #22

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Golden Gate University

    Cost of Degree: $17,070
    Starting Salary: $82,469
    Salary after 4 years: $89,079

    Online Degrees

    MA in Counseling Psychology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
  23. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $20,469
    Expenses: $24,000
    Starting Salary: $50,303
    Salary after 4 years: $54,335
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  24. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of Nebraska Omaha

    Cost of Degree: $7,978
    Expenses: $16,604
    Starting Salary: $57,067
    Salary after 4 years: $60,719
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Counseling

    Concentrations

    • Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education
    • Required Credits: 38
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  25. #25

    University of New Haven

    West Haven , CT

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at University of New Haven

    Cost of Degree: $19,240
    Expenses: $23,874
    Starting Salary: $54,712
    Salary after 4 years: $59,097
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
  26. #26

    St. Bonaventure University

    Saint Bonaventure , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/28

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at St. Bonaventure University

    Cost of Degree: $15,850
    Expenses: $17,200
    Starting Salary: $52,808
    Salary after 4 years: $57,041
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
    MSEd in School Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
  27. 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: $9,594
    Expenses: $15,892
    Starting Salary: $51,395
    Salary after 4 years: $54,684
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Counseling-Rehabilitation
    • Required Credits: 54-63
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Hybrid
  28. 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: $7,866
    Expenses: $17,784
    Starting Salary: $53,016
    Salary after 4 years: $56,408
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  29. #29

    Prescott College

    Prescott , AZ

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Prescott College

    Cost of Degree: $17,466
    Expenses: $12,876
    Starting Salary: $34,371
    Salary after 4 years: $37,125
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  30. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Plymouth State University

    Cost of Degree: $18,350
    Expenses: $16,296
    Starting Salary: $52,784
    Salary after 4 years: $56,162
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online 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
  31. Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Union Institute & University

    Cost of Degree: $17,270
    Starting Salary: $55,113
    Salary after 4 years: $59,530

    Online Degrees

    MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  32. Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at California Baptist University

    Cost of Degree: $14,914
    Expenses: $16,178
    Starting Salary: $47,598
    Salary after 4 years: $51,412
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Counseling Psychology
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
  33. #33

    Fort Valley State University

    Fort Valley , GA

    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: $6,052
    Expenses: $14,872
    Starting Salary: $40,167
    Salary after 4 years: $42,737
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Rehabilitation Counseling and Case Management
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  34. 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: $12,795
    Expenses: $22,986
    Starting Salary: $57,819
    Salary after 4 years: $62,452
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online 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
  35. Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Asbury Theological Seminary

    Cost of Degree: $17,858
    Starting Salary: $50,303
    Salary after 4 years: $54,335

    Online 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
  36. 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: $7,284
    Expenses: $15,503
    Starting Salary: $54,058
    Salary after 4 years: $57,516
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online 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
  37. #37

    Immaculata University

    Immaculata , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Immaculata University

    Cost of Degree: $12,780
    Expenses: $17,154
    Starting Salary: $54,812
    Salary after 4 years: $59,205
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Nutrition Education and Counseling

    Concentrations

    • Tracks: Nutrition Education and Counseling
    • Clinical Nutrition
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  38. #38

    Bellevue University

    Bellevue , NE

    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

    Online Degrees

    MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  39. #39

    Alliance University

    New York , NY

    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
  40. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Montana State University Billings

    Cost of Degree: $8,320
    Expenses: $16,990
    Starting Salary: $44,797
    Salary after 4 years: $47,663
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online 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
  41. #41

    Adler University

    Chicago , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Student body

    3K

    Online Degrees

    MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  42. Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Colorado Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $16,733
    Expenses: $14,976
    Starting Salary: $44,692
    Salary after 4 years: $48,273
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online 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
  43. 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: $13,746
    Expenses: $14,039
    Starting Salary: $46,295
    Salary after 4 years: $50,005
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Counseling Psychology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 24-30 months
    • Format: Online
  44. #44

    William James College

    Newton , MA

    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
  45. #45

    Medaille University

    Buffalo , NY

    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
  46. #46

    Hodges University

    Fort Myers , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Hodges University

    Cost of Degree: $15,680
    Starting Salary: $43,690
    Salary after 4 years: $47,191

    Online Degrees

    MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  47. #47

    Amridge University

    Montgomery , AL

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Amridge University

    Cost of Degree: $13,090
    Starting Salary: $47,698
    Salary after 4 years: $51,520

    Online 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
  48. #48

    Lindsey Wilson College

    Columbia , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Counseling degree at Lindsey Wilson College

    Cost of Degree: $9,809
    Expenses: $16,221
    Starting Salary: $31,364
    Salary after 4 years: $33,878
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MEd in Counseling And Human Development
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  49. #49

    Baptist College of Florida

    Graceville , FL

    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: $5,520
    Expenses: $10,270
    Starting Salary: $36,274
    Salary after 4 years: $39,182
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Counseling
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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