Pursuing an online master’s degree in counseling can be a transformative step towards a rewarding career, empowering individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of others. However, the financial aspect of graduate education is a crucial consideration for many prospective students. This article will explore various budget-friendly alternatives for pursuing a master’s degree in counseling through online programs.
However, we understand that affordability should not come at the expense of educational quality. Here, we explore in greater detail the variables that impact the affordability of programs and the possible cost reductions that learners can achieve. By highlighting these programs, we aim to equip aspiring counselors with valuable insights and enable them to make informed decisions that align with their financial goals.
Cost Breakdown for an Online Master’s in Counseling Program
Several factors contribute to the affordability of an online master’s degree. Understanding those factors can help you set a budget and determine which program is right for you.
- Tuition: The primary cost of an online degree is tuition, which is typically assessed based on how many credits a student takes per term. Students enrolled in a program full-time may pay a flat, per-term tuition rate. Tuition varies from school to school. For the most accurate information, students should consult with their school’s financial aid office to determine their tuition rate, how tuition is assessed, and what payment options students have.
- Fees: Most schools charge additional fees to cover expenses not subsidized by tuition. For example, online students may be charged a virtual classroom technology fee to pay for online course platforms or tech support. Students in counseling programs may also be required to pay for background checks and clearances to complete internship and practicum requirements at clinical sites. When budgeting for your online master’s in counseling program, consult with a financial aid counselor to get clarification about fees.
- Personal technology: Reliable hardware and internet access are essential for online degree program success. Before beginning your program, assess your technology set-up and determine if you need to upgrade your computer, webcam, microphone, or internet service to ensure everything will work smoothly. Check with your school to find out if they partner with retailers or companies to offer students discounts on essential tech supplies.
- Books and supplies: Even in online programs, students will still need textbooks and other learning materials in hard copy or digital formats. The Education Data Initiative reports that the average postsecondary student spent between $628 and $1,200 for books and supplies during the 2021-2022 academic year. If your program requires an internship, you may also need to purchase business attire and pay for transportation costs to the internship site.
Factors Influencing the Cost of an Online Master’s in Counseling Program
Institutions set their tuition prices based on multiple factors, including the type of college, its business model, and student residency status.
Public vs. private institution
Public colleges typically have two tuition rates: one for students who reside in the state where the school is located and one for students who are from out-of-state. This is because public schools use state tax dollars to fund their operations. Resident students pay a lower tuition rate because they have already subsidized part of their tuition through taxes. However, some online degree programs charge all students the in-state tuition rate, regardless of where they live. Meanwhile, private colleges charge all students the same tuition rate regardless of residency, because they don’t receive any tax revenue. Because private colleges rely more heavily on tuition as a source of revenue, they tend to have higher tuition rates than public colleges.
Nonprofit vs. for-profit
Another college classification status is non-profit and for-profit. All public and most private universities are non-profit, which means they must reinvest revenue into the institution through faculty and staff salaries, infrastructure, student services, and more. For-profit schools operate like corporations, with the primary goal of earning a profit. Tuition rates may be lower, but because for-profit schools typically invest less in faculty, infrastructure, and other student resources, students at for-profit schools may receive a different quality of education than those at non-profits. Students considering for-profit schools should carefully review how the institution invests its money and its student outcomes.
Student military status
Many schools offer discounted tuition rates to students who are currently serving in the military or are veterans. Spouses and children of active-duty service members and veterans may also be eligible for special tuition rates. Students who think they might be eligible should consult the school’s financial aid office for more information.
Number of credits and completion time
The total number of credits a student must complete to earn their master’s in counseling degree also influences the total cost of the program. Online master’s in counseling programs typically require 30-60 credits, and programs that require more credits cost more.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the most affordable online Master’s in Counseling degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Most Affordable 48 Online Master's in Counseling Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Wake Forest University
Intelligent Score: 99.97In-state: $56,722
Out-of-state: $56,722
In-state: $38,650
Out-of-state: $38,650
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,650
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Northwestern University
Intelligent Score: 99.67In-state: $58,227
Out-of-state: $58,227
In-state: $56,067
Out-of-state: $56,067
SAT: 1430-1550
ACT: 33-35
$1,916
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
NYU Steinhardt
Intelligent Score: 99.26In-state: $52,204
Out-of-state: $52,204
In-state: $34,704
Out-of-state: $34,704
SAT: 1370-1540
ACT: 31-34
$2,101
Online
Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
60
University of the Cumberlands
Intelligent Score: 98.41In-state: $9,875
Out-of-state: $9,875
In-state: $4,282
Out-of-state: $4,282
SAT: 930-1140
ACT: 19-24
$449
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
National University
Intelligent Score: 97.22In-state: $13,320
Out-of-state: $13,320
In-state: $15,480
Out-of-state: $15,480
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$442
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
90
North Carolina State University
Intelligent Score: 96.30In-state: $6,535
Out-of-state: $26,654
In-state: $9,095
Out-of-state: $9,095
SAT: 1230-1410
ACT: 27-32
Resident: $525
Non-Resident: $1,635
Online, On-Campus
Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
UMass Boston
Intelligent Score: 96.04In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$575
Online, Hybrid
Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
60
The Chicago School
Intelligent Score: 95.46In-state: $46,796
Out-of-state: $46,796
In-state: $50,636
Out-of-state: $50,636
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$1,368
Online, On-Campus
Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Prescott College
Intelligent Score: 95.30In-state: $31,944
Out-of-state: $31,944
In-state: $14,880
Out-of-state: $14,880
SAT: 1095-1290
ACT: 15-24
$830
Online
Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Bellevue University
Intelligent Score: 94.17In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $10,710
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$649
Online, On-Campus
Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Grace College
Intelligent Score: 93.85In-state: $42,480
Out-of-state: $42,480
In-state: $33,100
Out-of-state: $33,100
SAT: 990-1220
ACT: 19-27
$608
Online
Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
University of Southern California
Intelligent Score: 93.47In-state: $59,260
Out-of-state: $59,260
In-state: $47,880
Out-of-state: $47,880
SAT: 1340-1530
ACT: 30-34
$2,244
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
49
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Intelligent Score: 93.34In-state: $6,240
Out-of-state: $14,880
In-state: $4,716
Out-of-state: $4,716
SAT: 880-1090
ACT: 17-23
$280
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
42
University of Louisiana Monroe
Intelligent Score: 91.85In-state: $5,407
Out-of-state: $19,135
In-state: $5,511
Out-of-state: $5,511
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$500
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
60
Lamar University
Intelligent Score: 91.41In-state: $6,129
Out-of-state: $15,945
In-state: $6,397
Out-of-state: $6,397
SAT: 943-1140
ACT: 17-23
$342
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
60
University of Southern Maine
Intelligent Score: 90.91In-state: $8,064
Out-of-state: $21,532
In-state: $7,776
Out-of-state: $7,776
SAT: 958-1160
ACT: 20-25
In-State: $460
Out-of-State: $494
Online, On Campus
Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60-63
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 90.76In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$565
Online
Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Ottawa University
Intelligent Score: 90.06In-state: $29,980
Out-of-state: $29,980
In-state: $15,576
Out-of-state: $15,576
SAT: 750-990
ACT: 18-22
$635
Online, On Campus
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
60-63
How to Choose the Online Master’s in Counseling that’s Right for You
Clarify your needs and goals
The first step in choosing an online master’s in counseling is reflecting on your educational and career goals. Do you want a general counseling degree, or do you want to focus on a particular sub-field of counseling? Consider where you plan on working after you graduate so you can select a program that meets the state’s requirements for professional licensure. Consider whether a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree suits your needs better.
It’s also helpful to determine your course delivery format and scheduling needs. Decide if you’ll attend school full-time or part-time, as not all programs offer a part-time enrollment option. For online courses, students typically choose between synchronous or asynchronous programs. In a synchronous program, students attend virtual classes at predetermined times, similar to a traditional learning experience. This format offers more opportunities for interaction with classmates and faculty but requires that students be available at specific times. Asynchronous programs are more flexible, as there are no class meetings, and students can complete their lessons and assignments on their own schedule.
Research schools and programs
There are many ways to gather information about online master’s in counseling programs. The best place to start is usually the school’s website, which publishes information about accreditation, curriculum, clinical requirements, faculty, and more. Students can also contact admissions counselors for more information. Attending virtual open houses or information sessions for online students can give prospective students insights into the program’s culture.
During the research process, students should get answers to the following questions:
- Does the program curriculum meet CACREP educational standards?
- Who are the faculty, and what are their qualifications?
- What clinical experiences does the program require? Are students assigned clinical placements, or must they find their own?
- How do online students interact with faculty and classmates?
- What support services do online students have access to, including tutoring, tech support, career advising, and counseling?
- What financial aid resources are available, including scholarships and grants?
Review application and eligibility requirements
Each online master’s in counseling program sets its own requirements for applications and admissions. Students can usually get this information from the school’s website or by contacting an admissions counselor.
Applicants to an online master’s in counseling can expect to submit the following:
- Application and fees
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate schools attended
- Letters of recommendation from faculty, employers, or colleagues
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV
- GRE scores
Some programs may require students to have a bachelor’s degree or undergraduate coursework in counseling or a related field, while others may want students to show professional experience.
If there are specific application deadlines, submit all application materials promptly to ensure your decision, and potentially your enrollment, is on time.
How to Pay for an Online Master’s in Counseling Degree
There are many ways to pay for an online master’s in counseling degree, with most students using some combination of the methods outlined below:
Out-of-pocket
The most direct way to pay for an online degree is by using your own money, known as paying ‘out-of-pocket.’ The majority of students use a combination of out-of-pocket payments and other methods to cover tuition and other education expenses. If you plan on paying some or all of your tuition out-of-pocket, inquire with the school’s financial aid office to find out if they allow students to pay in installments throughout the term.
Federal student loans
As part of the Federal Student Aid (FSA) program, the U.S. Department of Education offers Direct Unsubsidized Loans to students in graduate programs. To determine their eligibility for federal student loans, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). These education loans have interest rates and repayment terms set by Congress and are generally more favorable than private education loans. Learn more about applying for student loans with the Ultimate FAFSA Guide.
Private education loans
Because there are limits on how much students can borrow in federal student loans, some individuals may need to turn to private education loans to fully cover their education expenses. Students can borrow money for school through private lenders like SoFi, Sallie Mae, and Ascent. The interest rates and repayment terms for private education loans are set by lenders based on current market rates and the borrower’s credit history. Therefore, they may be less favorable than terms for federal student loans. Students who need to use private education loans to help pay for their degrees should keep an eye on interest rates throughout the year to lock in the most favorable terms possible.
Scholarships
One of the most advantageous ways to pay for an online master’s in counseling is with scholarships. This form of aid is considered gift aid because scholarships don’t need to be repaid. Most schools offer scholarships based on merit or financial need. For need-based scholarships, students must typically submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered. There are also many external sources for scholarships, such as professional organizations, non-profits, community and religious organizations, and private scholarship funds.
Grants
Like scholarships, grants don’t require repayment. Grants are typically awarded to students with a demonstrated financial need. Individual schools and states award grants to graduate students.
Work-study
The FSA program also awards work-study funding to eligible students. In this program, students work part-time for their college in exchange for an hourly wage. Work-study positions exist in various college departments, and online students should inquire about available remote work-study positions. Work-study jobs pay at least the federal minimum wage, although many, especially for graduate students, pay more.
Employer tuition assistance
Many employers offer tuition assistance benefits to employees to help them develop new skills or prepare for advanced roles. Policies vary from company to company, but employers will typically reimburse students for some or all of their tuition expenses after successfully completing a course or program. If you’re planning on working while earning an online master’s in counseling, find out if your employer has tuition assistance benefits you can use.
Scholarship Database
Intelligent Scholarship Finder Tool
"A Helping Hand" Scholarship
Award Amount: $500
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"Follow Your Own Path" Essay Scholarship
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$25k "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $25,000
Due Date: Closed for 2024
(ISC) Graduate Cybersecurity Scholarship
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Award Amount: $5,000
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A.C. "Kate" & Leo Joseph Merlone St. Dominic Catholic Church of Saginaw Member Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies
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A.C. "Kate" & Leo Joseph Merlone Teaching Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies
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a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000
Due Date: Closed for 2024
AAAE Native American Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,500
Due Date: March 15, 2025
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Counseling Degree?
A career in counseling involves helping individuals, families, couples, and other groups cope with mental and behavioral health challenges. It’s one of many related but distinct professions dedicated to caring for those with mental and behavioral health issues. Counselors typically provide brief, targeted treatment for a specific issue or concern. This focus is different from psychotherapy, which helps patients through long-term therapies. It also differs from social work, which addresses these issues from a group or community perspective.
Most individuals pursue a master’s in counseling so they can qualify for professional licensure, which is a requirement for many counseling positions and for those who want to open a private practice.
Counselors work in various settings, including inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, schools, hospitals, substance abuse recovery centers, correctional facilities, and more. With the rise in telehealth practices, counselors can also provide services virtually from their homes or offices.
There are several specializations within the counseling field, including substance abuse counseling, Christian counseling, school and career counseling, and LGBTQIA+ counseling.
Career Outlook
- Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors — Advise people on a range of issues related to mental health and behavioral challenges and provide support, including for prevention, to help clients recover from addiction, modify problem behaviors, or improve mental health.
- Median annual salary: $53,710
- Projected employment growth (through 2031): 18%
- New jobs projected: 42,000 per year
- Couples and family counselors — Focus on working with specific populations, such as families or intimate partners, who may require specific interventions to address group dynamics.
- Median annual salary: $58,510
- Projected employment growth (through 2031): 15%
- New jobs projected: 5,900 per year
- School or career counselors — Work in educational settings to help students discover their aptitudes and plan for life after graduation, including applying to college. Career counselors can work in college settings or for other agencies and will help clients set and achieve short- or long-term goals for their careers.
- Median annual salary: $61,710
- Projected employment growth (through 2031): 5%
- New jobs projected: 26,600 per year