A low-tuition counseling master's can become an expensive mistake if its coursework does not support licensure where you plan to practice. This guide is for prospective students and career changers comparing Southern programs on cost, clinical training, flexibility, and career fit. It accompanies the 2027 Most Affordable Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the South, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. You'll learn what to verify before applying and how to estimate the investment beyond advertised tuition.
Key findings about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees in South
For CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling programs, the 2024 CACREP standards require at least 60 semester credits. Compare the full degree price, not a per-credit rate alone.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $59,350 May 2025 national median wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That occupational figure is not a starting-salary promise for graduates.
BLS projects 18% U.S. employment growth for that occupational group from 2025 to 2035. Demand supports investigating the career, but Southern states set their own counselor-licensing requirements.
What can I expect from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in South?
A clinical mental health counseling master's prepares students to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, provide counseling under supervision, and work within professional and ethical limits. It is generally the graduate education path for someone seeking a state-issued professional counselor license, although the degree alone does not confer that license. Programs may award an M.A., M.S., or M. Ed.; the letters matter less than the courses, supervised training, accreditation, and state-board fit.
Expect coursework alongside a practicum and internship that require time at an approved site. Under the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs' 2024 standards, accredited entry-level clinical mental health counseling programs require at least 60 semester credits. That substantial clinical commitment makes the degree a better fit for someone who wants to practice counseling than for someone who wants a shorter credential for a nonclinical support role.
Across the South, the intended practice state is as important as the school's location. Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Oklahoma have separate licensing boards; a curriculum that suits one application should not be presumed sufficient for another. Ask the program which license its curriculum is designed to support, then confirm the answer with the board in the state where you expect to work.
Where can I work with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in South?
Clinical mental health counselors work in outpatient behavioral health practices, community mental health agencies, hospitals, substance-use treatment programs, and other settings that provide counseling services, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job a new graduate can accept depends on the employer and their stage of state licensure; independent practice generally requires meeting post-degree licensing requirements, not merely completing the master's.
Location can change the practical value of a program. A student who needs to remain near Greenville, North Carolina, or Tahlequah, Oklahoma, should ask whether approved clinical sites are available within a workable commute, while a student considering a larger metro area may want to compare the kinds of placements offered there. A placement near home can reduce travel costs, but it should also expose you to the clients and supervision relevant to your goals.
The national median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. BLS reports this combined occupational category, not a wage specific to new clinical mental health counseling graduates or to the South. It is a career benchmark for comparing potential earnings with graduate-school costs - not a forecast of your first offer.
Pay can differ by employer, location, responsibilities, and licensure status. Before borrowing, look at current postings for the credential you expect to hold immediately after graduation and for the license you aim to obtain later. Use those two stages, rather than the national median alone, when deciding whether the program's total cost is manageable.
The programs in the ranking offer different degree labels and locations, which can affect licensing checks, commuting, and clinical-site searches. The distinctions below are starting points for comparison, not claims that a school has a lower net price or better outcomes. Readers who want to weigh outcomes and accreditation alongside cost can also consult the best clinical mental health counseling programs.
Fort Valley State University: Its M.S. is titled Mental Health Counseling rather than Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students targeting Georgia licensure should confirm how its current course plan and fieldwork meet the board's requirements instead of relying on the degree title alone.
Columbus State University: Its M.S. explicitly identifies Clinical Mental Health Counseling, making the intended professional direction easier to recognize at first glance. For students who need to study in Columbus, the decisive comparison is its full cost and feasible clinical sites, not the clarity of the title.
East Carolina University: ECU presents the degree as an M.S. in Counselor Education. Applicants interested in clinical practice should verify the specific clinical mental health pathway and its requirements rather than assume every counselor-education option leads to the same license.
Texas Tech University: Its mental health option sits within counselor education, so the selected track matters. A student considering Lubbock should check the track's current clinical sequence and Texas licensing alignment before comparing its price with separately titled degrees.
Augusta University: The university lists counseling as an M. Ed., showing why an M. Ed. should not be dismissed simply because many alternatives award an M.S. Applicants should compare the clinical mental health course plan and available Augusta-area placements, not degree initials.
North Carolina Central University: Its M.A. is explicitly titled Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is based in Durham. Students seeking placements in the Triangle should ask which sites accept its trainees and whether scheduling works with their employment.
Texas Woman's University: Its graduate offering is framed as Counseling and Development. Applicants should identify the exact clinical mental health degree plan before comparing it with Texas programs whose degree titles name that specialty directly.
University of West Georgia: Its Carrollton location may be useful to students who cannot routinely travel to a larger-city campus. Confirm the specific program's current clinical requirements and placement geography before treating proximity to home as a savings.
Northeastern State University: Its Oklahoma counseling master's gives students considering Tahlequah a geographically different option from the Texas and Georgia schools here. The key question is whether its track and accessible supervised sites fit the Oklahoma license - and the community - where they intend to work.
The University of Texas at San Antonio: Its master's explicitly names Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is located in San Antonio. Students planning to remain in that area can evaluate local placement availability alongside tuition and required campus attendance.
For any finalist, request the current degree plan, published program outcomes, total tuition and fees, placement policy, and written guidance on licensing eligibility. A named specialty or convenient campus does not replace those checks.
A full-time clinical mental health counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years; part-time study can take longer. The schedule depends not just on credits but on when courses run and whether practicum and internship can fit around paid work. CACREP's 2024 standards specify a supervised practicum of at least 100 clock hours and an internship of at least 600 clock hours for accredited entry-level programs.
An accelerated timetable can reduce time away from full-time earnings, but it may leave less room for a flexible clinical placement. Ask for a term-by-term plan showing when fieldwork begins, which terms require daytime availability, and whether a missed course delays graduation. For working adults, a realistic completion date is more useful than a school's fastest advertised timeline.
Online delivery can reduce routine travel, but it does not make supervised clinical training virtual. Programs may still require live classes, scheduled skills practice, campus visits, and approved in-person placements. The comparison below focuses on commitments that can change both cost and completion time.
Feature
Online or hybrid
On-campus
Class attendance
May offer remote coursework; live-session requirements vary
Usually requires regular travel to campus
Clinical training
Requires an approved supervised site under program rules
Requires an approved supervised site under program rules
Location risk
Home-state placement and licensing fit need explicit confirmation
Campus-state arrangements may be simpler to investigate but are not automatic
Cost to check
Technology, residency, placement, and travel charges
Commuting, parking, relocation, and campus charges
Online study often makes sense when moving is impractical and the school confirms that it can approve a site near you. Campus study may suit someone who wants regular face-to-face instruction and can reach classes and placements reliably. Neither format should be treated as a licensing shortcut. To explore another way of comparing regional options, see the most popular clinical mental health counseling programs; popularity is not evidence that a program fits your state-board requirements.
There is no single defensible South-wide average for this specific degree: published prices may refer to different academic years, credit loads, residency categories, and required fees. NCES/IPEDS institutional graduate tuition data can help establish context, but an institution-wide figure is not the price of its clinical counseling program. Obtain a current, program-specific estimate before calling any option affordable.
These cost components explain why the lowest advertised tuition may not produce the lowest total bill. Compare them over the complete course and fieldwork schedule.
Cost component
Why it can change the comparison
Tuition and residency
Public institutions may charge different resident and nonresident rates; eligibility follows school and state rules.
Required fees
Program, technology, and campus charges may sit outside the advertised per-credit rate.
Clinical training
Travel, background checks, and site-related requirements can add costs even when tuition is low.
Time away from work
Course and placement schedules can reduce earnings while enrolled.
Financing
Borrowing costs depend on the amount, loan terms, and repayment period.
A public university's resident price may be attractive, but residency must be verified rather than assumed from where you currently live. Likewise, an online program's lack of a commute does not rule out travel for campus requirements. Compare estimated total net cost through graduation after grants and assistantships - not just the first semester's tuition.
Eligible graduate students may use federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, while institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, employer tuition support, and qualifying state or local opportunities may reduce borrowing. Federal Student Aid determines federal loan eligibility through its applicable requirements and the aid application; availability and award amounts are not assured. A program's participation in federal aid also does not mean every admitted student qualifies for every aid type.
Before accepting an offer, compare the aid that actually applies to your clinical counseling enrollment:
Ask each financial aid office for a full-program estimate showing required fees and how aid would be distributed by term.
Check whether an assistantship's work hours conflict with practicum or internship, and whether it changes tuition charges.
Confirm scholarship renewal rules and compare the amount you would need to borrow if completion takes longer than planned.
A small tuition discount may be less valuable than a schedule that lets you keep working. Use your expected net borrowing - not the maximum loan amount offered - to test whether the degree is financially sustainable.
Programs generally seek applicants with a bachelor's degree and may ask for transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, an interview, or evidence of relevant experience. A psychology undergraduate major is not universally required; individual programs decide whether applicants need particular background courses. Check each school's current admissions page for its actual prerequisites and deadlines.
Admission and eventual licensure are separate decisions. Before applying, compare the curriculum with the education rules published by your intended state's counseling board. For example, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists, and North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors administer distinct state pathways. Ask a school how it supports applicants seeking a license outside its home state, especially if you will study online.
Applicants bringing prior graduate credits should obtain a written transfer evaluation. A course accepted for university credit might not replace a required counseling course or clinical experience, so transferring credit does not necessarily shorten the degree.
Clinical mental health counseling curricula commonly cover counseling theories and techniques, human development, assessment, diagnosis, group work, ethics, multicultural counseling, and research or program evaluation, followed by supervised clinical practice. CACREP's standards provide a framework for accredited programs, but each school's course titles and sequence differ. Review the actual catalog and degree plan rather than assuming two programs with the same specialty title teach identical material.
Course sequence affects affordability. If assessment or skills courses must precede practicum, an unavailable prerequisite could add a term; an internship requiring daytime site hours could affect wages. Ask which courses are offered every term, whether clinical placements can be arranged near home, and what supervision the school requires at the site.
Depending on the school, students may encounter electives or focused training involving substance-use treatment, trauma, children and adolescents, or work with particular communities. Availability varies; an elective interest is not necessarily a formal concentration or a separate professional credential. Look for the relevant courses, faculty supervision, and feasible clinical sites together.
Choose a focus based on the work you want to do after licensure. Someone primarily seeking school counselor positions should compare a school counseling pathway rather than assume a clinical mental health degree satisfies school employment or certification rules. Likewise, an interest in addiction services should prompt a check of both counseling licensure and any separate credential an intended employer or state requires.
Start with your intended license and practice state, then compare programs that can plausibly support that path. Affordability is a strong filter, but a useful return-on-investment comparison also considers aid, debt, completion likelihood, time away from work, existing earnings, possible post-degree earnings, and the period over which you expect to recover the investment. The most valuable clinical mental health counseling programs offer another comparison lens, not a replacement for your own cost and licensing checks.
Use this sequence to turn a ranking shortlist into a decision:
Identify the state where you intend to seek licensure and check its board's education, examination, and supervised-experience rules.
Confirm institutional status and the specific program's current CACREP status directly with the institution and CACREP; do not assume school-wide accreditation equals programmatic accreditation.
Request a term-by-term plan and ask who finds and approves practicum and internship sites in your location.
Compare full net prices, likely borrowing, and realistic completion dates - not just tuition per credit or the fastest schedule.
Ask for published completion, placement, and applicable exam outcomes, including the reporting period and the population measured.
Be wary of an admissions answer that treats graduation as automatic licensure or will not explain out-of-state placement and eligibility. A shorter or cheaper program is a poor bargain if a missing requirement forces additional coursework later.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by U.S. state - Mental Health Counselors (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
State
Value
AK
80,770
AL
47,310
AR
51,580
AZ
65,300
CA
59,250
CO
62,390
CT
63,590
DC
60,450
DE
56,020
FL
56,790
GA
58,960
HI
60,090
IA
60,880
ID
63,360
IL
60,730
IN
53,760
KS
59,470
KY
54,190
LA
37,910
MA
59,890
MD
59,530
ME
59,970
MI
61,690
MN
58,780
MO
56,910
MS
46,990
MT
59,000
NC
55,490
ND
68,630
NE
63,770
NH
54,840
NJ
62,820
NM
74,100
NV
57,210
NY
59,450
OH
58,360
OK
59,350
OR
74,590
PA
52,010
PR
46,790
RI
65,120
SC
52,370
SD
53,650
TN
49,580
TX
62,630
UT
63,890
VA
59,880
VT
61,810
WA
68,910
WI
62,220
WV
49,430
WY
62,980
The most direct path is supervised counseling work followed, if requirements are met, by the state's professional counselor license. Graduates may pursue roles connected with community mental health, outpatient counseling, or substance-use and behavioral health services; responsibilities and titles vary with licensure stage and employer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors for occupational reporting, so its wage data should not be read as an outcome for one degree or job title.
A master's also can support further study, but counselor education faculty roles may require a doctorate and have a different training path. If your goal is case management, peer support, school counseling, or marriage and family therapy rather than clinical mental health counseling, compare the credential those roles actually require before committing to this degree.
View the chart data as a table
Reported total program cost distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
$0–$19,999
6
$20,000–$39,999
54
$40,000–$59,999
34
$60,000–$79,999
9
$80,000–$99,999
5
$100,000–$119,999
0
$120,000–$139,999
2
$140,000–$159,999
1
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% national employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That projection indicates expanding demand in the combined occupation, not that openings will be evenly distributed across Southern communities or that every graduate will quickly find a preferred position.
Test the local market before selecting a school. Search postings in the city or rural area where you can realistically work, separate jobs open to supervised or associate-level counselors from those requiring an independent license, and note the clinical experience employers request. This matters particularly if you plan to study in one Southern state and move to another: both licensing eligibility and accessible supervised employment can change across the state line.
2027 Most Affordable Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the South
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision, so Research.com evaluates counseling programs using multiple education and outcome measures rather than relying on reputation alone. Its counseling rankings consider program completion, employment or doctoral admission, applicable licensure-exam pass rates, CACREP programmatic accreditation, federal Title IV eligibility, and program cost. The Most Affordable ranking orders programs by its cost dimension; affordability should still be weighed against a program's fit for your licensing goal.
The Best ranking first combines completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure-exam pass rates (20%), CACREP accreditation (16%), and Title IV eligibility (4%). Inapplicable criteria are excluded and the remaining shares renormalized. Cost contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final Best score. The same approach applies to online and on-campus programs; other rankings order programs by the dimension named in their titles. Research.com used these data sources to build and check the rankings:
IPEDS database - institutional reporting on enrollment, completions, and costs.
This process gives readers a consistent starting point for a shortlist, not a substitute for confirming a current tuition quote, clinical placement, or state-board decision. See Research.com's methodology for more on how its rankings are created.
# 1 position
Fort Valley State University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Master of Science)
Completed graduate application; professional resume; 550–600-word statement of purpose; three professional recommendations; official transcripts from every postsecondary institution attended; immunization records.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Fort Valley State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 99.8/100, supported by $16,380 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 2 position
Columbus State University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
99.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Years (Full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 (regular admission) or 2.50 (provisional admission)
Application deadline
Priority: Dec 1; Final: Mar 1 (Fall admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
An earned undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
Additional requirements
Resume, Statement of Purpose, successful completion of an interview with departmental faculty, minimum GPA (2.75 regular / 2.50 provisional)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Columbus State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 99.2/100, supported by $17,250 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 3 position
East Carolina University
Master
Master of Science in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: hybrid
98.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
60% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
93% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 15 (priority: November 3)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite coursework; all majors considered. Requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA, demonstrated leadership/work experience, three letters of recommendation, a Statement of Intent, and a departmental interview.
Additional requirements
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA; demonstrated leadership/significant work experience; three letters of recommendation; Statement of Intent; departmental interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
East Carolina University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 98.4/100, supported by $18,377 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 4 position
Texas Tech University
Master
Counselor Education - Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed.
Delivery mode: campus
98.10
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
Fall: Mar 15
Application process
direct (TTU Graduate School application)
Additional requirements
Graduate School online application; unofficial transcripts; resume; three professional recommendations; applicant statement; GRE scores listed (suspension announced through at least Summer 2026).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas Tech University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 98.1/100, supported by $18,780 total tuition and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 5 position
Augusta University
Master
Master of Education in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
97.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
93% (2021-22)
Employment or doctoral admission
93% (2021-22)
Licensure exam pass rate
93% (2021-22)
Application deadline
Fall 2027: February 15, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university; minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, calculated across all attempted undergraduate work.
Additional requirements
Three recommendations; three-page autobiographical essay on counseling motivations, strengths, potential interpersonal limitations, and plans to address them; faculty interview for selected applicants; criminal background check.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Augusta University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.9/100, supported by $19,005 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 6 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: hybrid
97.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
GradCAS (Liaison)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00, with 3.0 or better in an undergraduate major (or related area) of at least 30 semester hours in the graduate field; international applicants need TOEFL 500 or equivalent.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; an interview is required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.9/100, supported by $19,078 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 7 position
Texas Woman's University
Master
M.S. in Counseling and Development
Delivery mode: campus
97.20
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
91% (2024)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024)
Application deadline
Fall: February 15; Spring: September 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or equivalent foreign degree, completed before entry. Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 undergraduate semester credits and in all previous graduate coursework.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts, and letter of intent (max 350 words) on motivation, experience, and program fit. Selected applicants attend a faculty interview. From Fall 2027, a 45–60 second video on interest in counseling needed.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas Woman's University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.2/100, supported by $20,060 total tuition (estimated) and 61 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 8 position
University of West Georgia
Master
Master of Education with a Major in Professional Counseling, Clinical Mental Health
Delivery mode: hybrid
96.80
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-1/2 years or 7 semesters of full-time study
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
94% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
79% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Online Graduate Application ($55 fee), official transcripts, resume, personal statement (3-5 page double-spaced essay)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of West Georgia earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.8/100, supported by $20,505 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 9 position
Northeastern State University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
96.10
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
December 15 for the following fall admission cycle
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northeastern State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.1/100, supported by $21,540 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 10 position
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Master
Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5-3.5 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
88% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: October 1; Fall 2027: March 1; Spring 2028: October 1. All deadlines at 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time; summer admission unavailable.
Class size
146
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent foreign training; adequate preparatory coursework (no specific courses listed). Minimum 3.0 GPA; the department may consider the last 60 semester credit hours.
Additional requirements
Graduate application and fee, transcripts, three recommendation/rating forms, and narrative statement (2027-28: a video of up to five minutes). English proficiency where applicable: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7, or Duolingo 130.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The University of Texas at San Antonio earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 95.6/100, supported by $22,249 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 11 position
Florida Gulf Coast University
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Application deadline
February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if GPA for the last 60 undergraduate semester hours is below 3.0 (V+Q 1000 pre-Aug 2011, or 151-153 V and 143-144 Q)
Prerequisites
Earned baccalaureate degree from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body or equivalent foreign institution.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida Gulf Coast University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 95.2/100, supported by $22,776 total cost (tuition and fees) and 61 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 12 position
Albany State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.20
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
85% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution; no specific coursework prerequisites stated for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration.
Additional requirements
Graduate School and program applications; MAT or GRE scores; professional statement; three references; committee interview. Regular admission: GPA 2.8+, MAT 402 or GRE 146V/140Q.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Albany State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 95.2/100, supported by $22,805 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 13 position
Florida Atlantic University
Master
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years expected to complete master's program
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: January 15
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Undergraduate GPA of 2.5; GRE General Test (no minimum sub-scores); three letters of recommendation; statement of objectives; resume; in-person interview. International applicants need transcript evaluation and English proficiency scores.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, GRE General Test, three letters of recommendation, statement of objectives, resume; in-person interview (per handbook)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida Atlantic University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 95.1/100, supported by $22,870 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 14 position
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Average completion: 3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
55% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: March 15; Spring: November 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
2.75 cumulative GPA (or 3.0 last 60 CH); Department may examine prerequisites, accept equivalent hours, or require additional work.
Additional requirements
Graduate application; official transcripts; personal statement (3 pages) on reasons for applying, career goals and research interests; curriculum vitae or resume; interview with Counseling faculty.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas A&M University-San Antonio earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 95.1/100, supported by $22,877 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 15 position
University of Central Florida
Master
M.A. in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track
Delivery mode: campus
94.80
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
63 semester credits
Acceptance rate
12%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
98% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
98% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1 (domestic applicants); January 15 (international applicants); Spring: September 1 (domestic applicants); July 1 (international applicants)
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Central Florida earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 94.8/100, supported by $23,318 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 63 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 16 position
Texas State University
Master
M.A. Major in Professional Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
94.60
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
66 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university or qualifying international equivalent; minimum 3.0 overall GPA or 3.0 in the last 60 undergraduate hours plus completed graduate coursework.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts, official general GRE scores (waivers may be available with a master's or doctorate), informed consent form, resume/CV and statement of purpose; English proficiency scores unless exempt.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 94.6/100, supported by $23,586 total tuition (estimated) and 66 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 17 position
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
94.10
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
40.38%
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
74.1% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
69% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
92% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: July 1; Spring: November 1
Application process
direct (ApplyTexas)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a fully accredited institution.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas A&M University-Central Texas earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 94.1/100, supported by $24,333 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 18 position
University of South Florida
Master
M.A. in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.80
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years and one semester full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
January 15, 2027 (priority deadline for Fall 2027; application closes when University Deadline passes in June)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a social, behavioral or health sciences related discipline; no specific undergraduate major is required
Additional requirements
USF graduate application plus program supplemental forms, including CRMHC Student Accountability and Background/Drug Screening forms.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of South Florida earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 92.8/100, supported by $26,085 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 19 position
The University of Texas at Tyler
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5-3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
78.57% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
28.57% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: March 15; Spring: October 15
Class size
20
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution; no specific prerequisite coursework listed.
Additional requirements
Online application; Department Information Sheet with statement of purpose; three letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member); background check ($45 fee); official transcripts; TOEFL/IELTS for non-U.S. degree holders.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The University of Texas at Tyler earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 92.7/100, supported by $26,250 total tuition and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 20 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: campus
91.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
GradCAS (Liaison)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00, with 3.0 or better in an undergraduate major (or related area) of at least 30 semester hours in the graduate field; international applicants need TOEFL 500 or equivalent.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; an interview is required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 91.7/100, supported by $27,643 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in South
What is the cheapest clinical mental health counseling master's in the South?
The answer depends on your residency rate, required fees, aid, and time to completion. Use the affordability ranking to make a shortlist, then request each school's current full-program cost estimate.
Does a CACREP-accredited degree automatically qualify me for a license?
No. CACREP is programmatic accreditation, not a state license. Your intended state board determines its education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements; confirm how the specific program fits them.
Can I complete the degree entirely online?
Coursework may be online, but supervised practicum and internship require approved clinical experiences. Check for live-class or campus requirements and whether the school approves placements where you live.
How long should I budget for the degree?
Plan on roughly two to three years for a typical full-time master's, with more time possible part-time. Ask for a schedule that includes clinical training, not just classroom credits.
Is this degree worth it for a career changer?
It may be if you want clinical counseling work and can meet the licensing path without taking on unmanageable debt. Compare your present earnings with realistic jobs available both immediately after graduation and after licensure.
