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Compare Master’s in Counseling Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Master’s in Counseling Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare Master’s in Counseling Programs
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Most Affordable Online Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs of 2025
Compare Master’s in Counseling Programs
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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.

The 50 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Counseling Programs

Most Affordable Online Master's in Counseling Programs badge
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Wake Forest University
01

Northwestern University
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NYU Steinhardt
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University of the Cumberlands
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National University
01

North Carolina State University
01

UMass Boston
01

The Chicago School
01

Prescott College
01

Bellevue University
01

Grace College
01

University of Southern California
01

Southeastern Oklahoma State University
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University of Louisiana Monroe
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Lamar University
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University of Southern Maine
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Liberty University
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Ottawa University
01

Concordia University Wisconsin
01

West Virginia University
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East Carolina University
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Fort Hays State University
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The University of Texas at Tyler
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North Carolina Central University
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University of North Texas
01

Gallaudet University
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Utah State University
01

Mid-America Christian University
01

West Texas A&M University
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University of West Alabama
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Concordia University Irvine
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Fort Valley State University
01

Southern Arkansas University
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LeTourneau University
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The University of Oklahoma
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Amberton University
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Oregon State University
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North American University
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Montana State University Billings
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Governors State University
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Emporia State University
01

California Baptist University
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University of Central Arkansas
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Mercy University
01

Chadron State College
01

Arkansas State University
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Wright State University
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Adams State University

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.

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"A Helping Hand" Scholarship

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AAAE Native American Scholarship

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Due Date: March 15, 2025

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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

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