A low-tuition counseling doctorate can become an expensive choice if it requires unpaid fieldwork, extra travel, or coursework that does not fit your career goal. This guide is for counselors and other professionals comparing doctoral programs across Southern states. It explains costs, program formats, licensure considerations, and career outcomes so you can judge total value rather than tuition alone. The Research.com team of data scientists created the 2027 Most Affordable Doctorate in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the South to help students make an informed choice about which counseling programs are worth considering.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in South
The least expensive doctorate on paper may not have the lowest total cost: compare required credits, fees, residency travel, field placements, funding, and time away from work.
A doctorate in counselor education and supervision usually fits teaching, research, supervision, or leadership goals; it is not automatically a route to first-time counseling licensure, which depends on the state board and the applicant's prior education.
The U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025, with employment projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Those occupation-wide figures are context, not a doctoral earnings estimate.
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in South?
Most programs in this comparison are research doctorates in counselor education or counselor education and supervision, rather than entry-level degrees for becoming a counselor. Expect advanced work in counseling theory, supervision, teaching, research methods, and a dissertation, often alongside supervised professional experiences. A PhD generally makes the most sense for a practicing counselor seeking faculty, research, supervision, or program-leadership work; someone whose goal is solely to begin clinical practice should first compare qualifying master's programs.
"Counseling doctorate" is not a single licensure category. A doctoral curriculum may deepen clinical expertise without replacing the master's-level coursework, supervised experience, examination, or other steps required for a particular license. Requirements differ among states such as Florida, Texas, and North Carolina, so applicants planning to practice or supervise should ask the relevant state licensing board to evaluate their intended pathway before committing.
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in South?
Potential settings include university counseling departments, community mental health agencies, school systems, health organizations, and private practices. The setting depends partly on existing credentials: a doctorate can support a faculty or clinical-supervision application, but it does not itself authorize independent counseling practice or school employment.
Location affects the choice. Someone hoping to teach in a Southern university may value a program's research mentorship and teaching assignments, while a working clinician in a rural area may prioritize a workable local placement and limited campus travel. Ask programs where recent graduates took positions and whether those examples match your intended state and role; institutional examples are more useful here than a national salary alone.
Pay is driven by occupation, employer, location, experience, and licensure - not the doctorate alone. The table offers national occupation benchmarks relevant to possible counseling pathways. Its wages refer to workers in each occupation, not to graduates of the programs in this ranking (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 wages; 2025-2035 employment projections).
Potential path
U.S. median annual wage
Projected U.S. employment growth
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
18%
School counseling
$64,330
3%
Counselor education and supervision-related work
$75,350
2.5%
Use the faculty-related figure as a broad occupational comparison, not a forecast for a new counselor-education professor: positions, contract lengths, and institutions differ. For a personal return-on-investment estimate, compare realistic post-degree earnings with your current earnings, then account for aid, borrowing, years in school, foregone work, and the possibility that the desired position is not immediately available.
The programs below differ most usefully in degree structure, delivery, location, and opportunities to develop a particular academic or professional focus. These are starting points for comparison, not claims that a feature guarantees an outcome; confirm current curriculum, funding, accreditation, and attendance rules with each program.
Florida Atlantic University: Its dedicated counselor education PhD offers a more directly named disciplinary route than doctorates housed under a general education degree. Counselors seeking a South Florida-based doctoral community should ask how research mentorship and required in-person activities fit their goals (Florida Atlantic University, graduate program page).
University of Central Florida: Counselor education is a track within an Education PhD. That structure may appeal to applicants whose proposed research connects counseling with broader educational questions; compare its track requirements with those of stand-alone counselor education doctorates (University of Central Florida, program page).
The University of Texas at San Antonio: Its doctorate is explicitly in counselor education and supervision, putting supervision in the degree's stated focus. Texas-based clinicians should ask how doctoral supervision preparation relates to, but differs from, Texas board requirements for their intended supervisory role (UT San Antonio, doctoral program page; Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council).
University of North Texas: Its counselor education and supervision PhD can be compared alongside UNT's established Center for Play Therapy when an applicant has a relevant research interest. Confirm faculty availability and dissertation fit rather than assuming admission provides a particular research assignment (University of North Texas, program and Center for Play Therapy pages).
Sam Houston State University: The university publishes its counselor education PhD in its graduate catalog, making formal degree requirements a useful basis for a credit-by-credit comparison. It is a practical option to investigate for Texas residents who want to check how prior graduate coursework would count before estimating total cost (Sam Houston State University, graduate catalog).
Liberty University: Its counselor education and supervision PhD is offered online, a consequential difference for employed counselors who cannot relocate. Ask specifically about any intensives, placement expectations, and travel expenses before comparing its price with campus programs (Liberty University, online doctoral program page).
University of Mississippi: Its Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education is a direct disciplinary doctorate rather than an education doctorate with a counseling concentration. Applicants seeking a Mississippi-based academic pathway should compare available assistantships and faculty research interests against their likely cost of attendance (University of Mississippi, program page).
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: Its PhD in counselor education provides a Tennessee option for applicants who want to build teaching and research preparation near their intended professional network. Ask whether available faculty mentorship and funded work align with the dissertation topic you hope to pursue (University of Tennessee-Knoxville, program page).
Old Dominion University: Counseling is a concentration within its PhD in Education, a structural distinction worth examining if your interests cross counseling and education research. Request the concentration's course plan so you can see how much of the doctorate is counseling-specific (Old Dominion University, program page).
North Carolina State University at Raleigh: Its doctoral program is named Counseling and Counselor Education, making the relationship between counseling scholarship and educator preparation a useful point of inquiry. North Carolina applicants should compare faculty fit and required campus participation with their current clinical workload (NC State University, doctoral program page).
Program titles and formats do not establish that credits transfer, assistantships are available, or a graduate qualifies for licensure. Request written confirmation of those points before treating any program as the more affordable choice.
A counseling PhD commonly takes roughly three to five years after a relevant master's degree, with dissertation progress, enrollment intensity, and required experiences often determining the actual timeline. Part-time study can make continued employment possible but may extend tuition payments and delay a career move. Do not mistake a short coursework schedule for a guaranteed graduation date.
Ask each school for its required credits, maximum time to degree, recent completion times, and policies on transferring doctoral coursework. Transfer approval is program-specific: prior master's study may satisfy an admissions prerequisite without reducing the doctorate's required credits.
Online delivery can reduce relocation costs and preserve employment, but it does not necessarily eliminate travel, synchronous meetings, supervised experiences, or local placement searches. A campus program may offer easier access to faculty-led research, teaching assignments, and nearby professional networks, while requiring a move or a longer commute. Compare the actual schedule rather than the format label.
For an online program, ask where any required supervised work can occur and whether the program will support a placement in your state. If future practice or supervision requires a state credential, verify educational eligibility with that state's licensing board; an online doctorate and a program's accreditation are not blanket approvals to practice throughout the South. Readers comparing delivery formats can use the best counseling programs ranking as another lens, then check attendance requirements directly with schools.
There is no single defensible average price for the doctoral programs in this regional comparison: published graduate tuition may be quoted per credit or academic year, and it can exclude fees, dissertation enrollment, travel, and living costs. NCES/IPEDS institutional figures are useful for checking published tuition, but an institution-wide average should not be presented as the price of a specific counseling doctorate.
To compare offers, request a program-specific estimate through expected graduation, including tuition by residency status, mandatory fees, any required campus visits, and dissertation-continuation charges. Then subtract confirmed grants or assistantships - not aid you merely hope to receive. Public-university residency rules can materially change the calculation for a student crossing from one Southern state to another; a lower posted per-credit rate may still produce a higher total bill if the program requires more paid terms.
Affordability is only one measure of value. Compare this list with the most valuable counseling programs if you want a separate perspective on cost relative to other program measures, while building your own estimate around likely debt and career goals.
Start with program assistantships, tuition waivers, fellowships, employer tuition support, and federal aid eligibility. A teaching or research assistantship can change the effective cost more than a small tuition-rate difference, but its workload may also affect how much outside counseling work you can keep. Ask whether funding covers summer terms and how many years it is renewable.
Federal loan availability requires particular attention for students entering in 2027. Under current federal rules, Graduate PLUS is generally unavailable to new graduate and professional students beginning July 1, 2026; limited transitional eligibility may apply to students who had a qualifying loan for the same program before that date, subject to federal conditions (Federal Student Aid; U.S. Department of Education). Do not build a new doctoral budget around Graduate PLUS without confirming your individual eligibility with the school's financial-aid office. Other federal borrowing limits and school-certified costs also matter.
Submit the FAFSA and ask each program for a written funding offer. Compare its conditions with your expected employment and completion timeline; an unfunded extra dissertation year can change which offer is cheapest.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by counseling career path (U.S., BLS May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Psychologists
99,110
Postsecondary Teachers
85,330
Marriage & Family Therapists
66,940
School & Career Counselors
64,330
Mental Health Counselors
59,350
Rehabilitation Counselors
46,850
Admissions requirements vary, but counselor education doctorates commonly expect a relevant master's degree, graduate transcripts, recommendations, a statement of research interests, and evidence of counseling experience. Some programs require or prefer professional licensure. Check whether a school expects particular master's coursework, supervised experience, an interview, or a prospective faculty match rather than assuming every counseling-related master's degree qualifies (individual university admissions pages).
Before paying an application fee, send admissions staff your degree and license details and ask whether they meet current entry requirements. If your aim is future state licensure, make a separate inquiry to the licensing board: admission to a doctorate does not certify that your earlier degree meets clinical licensing rules. A mismatch is easier to resolve before enrollment than after completing additional doctoral credits.
Expect advanced counseling theory, counselor supervision, teaching or pedagogy, research design, quantitative or qualitative methods, and dissertation work. Programs may also require leadership, ethics, assessment, or advanced practice experiences. The balance matters: someone pursuing a faculty appointment should look closely at research and teaching preparation, while a clinician seeking supervision responsibilities should inspect the supervision curriculum and applicable state rules.
Request a current course sequence, not just a list of electives. Identify which courses are offered regularly, which require attendance at set times, and when dissertation work begins. This reveals scheduling constraints that a total-credit figure alone cannot show.
Specialization may come through a formal concentration, elective sequence, supervised experience, or dissertation topic rather than a separately named credential. Common areas of inquiry include clinical mental health, school counseling, addiction, rehabilitation, counselor supervision, and counseling across diverse communities. Availability depends on faculty and the current curriculum; an advertised research interest does not ensure that a particular adviser or placement will be available.
Choose backward from the intended role. An aspiring school counselor educator should examine school-focused teaching and research opportunities; an established clinician interested in addiction research should prioritize appropriate faculty mentorship. If your main objective is a new practice credential, first determine whether a qualifying master's pathway - not a research doctorate - is the required investment.
Begin with the job you want, then compare programs against its requirements. A low-cost PhD is poor value if it cannot support the dissertation, teaching experience, schedule, or state-specific professional pathway you need. These checks turn a ranking into a usable shortlist:
Confirm the exact degree, current programmatic accreditation status where relevant, institutional accreditation, and any licensing-board education rules that apply to your goal (CACREP; relevant state licensing board).
Request a written, program-specific total-cost and funding estimate covering expected coursework and dissertation enrollment.
Compare recent completion experiences, faculty research fit, teaching or supervision opportunities, and required campus attendance with your work schedule.
Ask how prior credits are evaluated and obtain written confirmation before assuming they shorten or cheapen the degree.
Test the return on investment against your current earnings, likely debt, completion probability, opportunity cost, and realistic post-degree roles.
Do not rely on a ranking position, an institution's public or private status, or a national occupational median as a personal outcome forecast. The most popular counseling programs can help identify another set of programs to investigate, but popularity does not establish affordability or fit.
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
Possible paths include counselor educator, counseling researcher, clinical supervisor, program director, and advanced practitioner where the individual holds the required license. A doctorate is particularly relevant when teaching, conducting research, or preparing other counselors is central to the job. For a person who wants only to provide therapy, the additional years and cost may not be justified by that goal alone.
Professional titles have different gatekeepers. Universities decide faculty hiring requirements; employers set leadership qualifications; and state boards regulate counseling practice and, where applicable, approved supervision (employers' postings; relevant state licensing boards). Examine actual vacancies in your intended state before choosing a specialization or assuming a doctorate substitutes for experience.
View the chart data as a table
Reported total program cost distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
$20,000-$39,999
7
$40,000-$59,999
8
$60,000-$79,999
0
$80,000-$99,999
0
$100,000-$119,999
1
National demand for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% over 2025-2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). That supports interest in counseling services, but it does not mean counselor-education faculty openings or doctoral-level salaries will grow at the same rate. Clinical and academic hiring are different markets.
Across the South, search by intended occupation and state rather than assuming one regional market. A program near a desired employer may help with professional connections, while an online program can preserve an established local practice; neither advantage replaces the need to check vacancies, pay, and licensing conditions where you plan to work. Keep your current credential and earnings in view when deciding whether doctoral training opens roles you could not otherwise pursue.
2027 Most Affordable Doctorate in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the South
Investing in a doctorate is a consequential decision, and an affordability ranking should help readers look beyond an advertised tuition rate. To build this ranking, the Research.com team assessed program cost alongside available evidence about completion, employment or further doctoral admission, applicable licensure-exam results, accreditation, and federal student-aid eligibility. The most-affordable ranking orders programs by its cost dimension; readers should still examine outcomes and program fit before enrolling.
The team used these sources to check institutional and program information:
IPEDS database: institutional enrollment, completion, and published cost information.
Peterson's database: program and institutional information used in cross-checking.
Research.com checks the applicability of each measure rather than treating a nonapplicable doctoral licensure exam as a failed result. Its broader "Best" method weights completion at 40%, employment or doctoral admission at 20%, an applicable licensure-exam pass rate at 20%, CACREP program accreditation at 16%, and institutional Title IV eligibility at 4%; applicable weights are adjusted when a measure does not apply. Cost contributes about 7% of that ranking's final score. The same approach applies to online and campus programs. See Research.com's methodology for more detail on how its rankings are created and use this ranking as a shortlist, not a substitute for confirming a program's current price and requirements.
# 1 position
Florida Atlantic University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
95.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years of full-time study
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
79% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
72% (2021-22)
Application deadline
Fall: November 1, 2026 (priority admission); November 15, 2026 (all other consideration)
Application process
GradCas
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
M.Ed. or master's degree in Counseling (minimum 60 semester hours), licensure/certification as a professional counselor, GPA of 3.5
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, resume, statement of objectives, GRE General Test scores; international students also need course-by-course transcript evaluation and TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores
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 $22,902 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 2 position
University of Central Florida
Doctor
Education (PhD) – Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
93.20
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
69 semester credits
Acceptance rate
29%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: December 1
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
A Master's degree in Counseling (or a closely related field), post-master's experience, and master's level competency in educational research and statistics.
Accreditation
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 93.2/100, supported by $25,536 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 69 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 3 position
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
93.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years full-time (estimated completion time)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
69 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
67% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall 2027: February 1 (priority/international)
Class size
15
Application process
UT San Antonio Graduate Application (Liaison/CAS)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution; adequate completed credit hours or foreign institution equivalent coursework as preparation for the program.
Additional requirements
Transcripts from all institutions attended, credential evaluation (if foreign credit), English language proficiency scores (if applicable), Purpose Statement, Resume, 2 letters of recommendation.
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 93.2/100, supported by $25,587 total tuition (estimated) and 69 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 4 position
University of North Texas
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
91.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3-4 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
72 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90.9% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Nov 15
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's degree in a counseling-related field (expected to meet requirements of a CACREP-accredited master's degree in counseling; deficiency coursework / CACREP equivalency worksheet required if not CACREP-accredited)
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 North Texas earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 91.7/100, supported by $27,561 total tuition and 72 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 5 position
Sam Houston State University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.00
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
47.83%
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
March 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE General Test required if master's GPA is below 3.5
Prerequisites
CACREP accredited master's degree in counseling (or 60-hour equivalent); must currently have or be eligible to work towards an LPC per Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council requirements.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts showing bachelor's and master's degrees from a CACREP or equivalent institution; master's GPA of 3.5+ (GRE required if below 3.5); personal statement (1000 words max); three professional references; finalist 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).
Sam Houston State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 87.0/100, supported by $34,071 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 6 position
Liberty University
Doctor
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
84.30
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
79.35%
GPA range
3.25 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 30; Spring: September 30
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree from an accredited institution meeting CACREP entry-level standards, minimum 3.25 GPA; applicants with a related master's (counseling, psychology, human services) may need M.A.-level prerequisite courses first.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, two recommendations, 300-word letter of intent, vita (counseling license or 1+ year clinical experience), 3-5 page APA case vignette, possible interview, TOEFL if needed. Nine required intensive courses are held in Lynchburg, VA.
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).
Liberty University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 84.3/100, supported by $37,800 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 7 position
University of Mississippi
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
83.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
4 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
68 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Completed master's degree in counseling or a related degree program; preference given to applicants who are graduates of CACREP accredited programs.
Additional requirements
Graduate School application with official transcripts, statement of purpose, resume, contact information for three references, and an interview with 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).
University of Mississippi earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 83.2/100, supported by $39,341 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 68 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 8 position
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Doctor
PhD in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
81.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3-4 years full-time
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
73 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
November 1 (Fall entry only)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or a closely related profession, preferably from a CACREP-accredited program, prior to beginning the program
Additional requirements
Resume/CV, Letter of Introduction, Ethical Integration Statement, transcripts, three completed references (at least two by deadline); GRE not required; if invited, on-campus interview including a 2-3 page written response to a case study
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 Tennessee-Knoxville earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 81.4/100, supported by $41,871 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 73 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 9 position
Old Dominion University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Education - Counseling Concentration
Delivery mode: campus
81.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
November 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program or equivalent; missing doctoral prerequisite courses must be completed as part of the Ph.D.
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).
Old Dominion University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 81.0/100, supported by $42,374 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 10 position
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Doctor
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development – Concentration in Counseling and Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
80.20
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
December 1
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or an equivalent degree with master's-level coursework equivalent to a 60-credit-hour CACREP-accredited program.
Additional requirements
Online application, resume, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, personal statement (max 5 pages), official transcripts, official TOEFL for international students, writing sample upon request, and an 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).
North Carolina State University at Raleigh earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 80.2/100, supported by $43,548 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 11 position
University of Arkansas
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
79.30
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
80 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
92% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring: Sept 15; Summer/Fall: Jan 15
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Completed master’s degree in counseling or its equivalent in areas specified by CACREP, and preferably one year post-master’s professional counseling experience or the equivalent
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Arkansas earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 79.3/100, supported by $44,816 total cost (tuition and fees) and 80 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 12 position
Mississippi State University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
75.80
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years, including summers
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
81 semester credits
GPA range
3.40 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Priority: February 1; rolling thereafter until spots filled
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Masters degree, or its equivalent, from a fully accredited institution; must hold a masters degree from a CACREP or CORE accredited counselor education program or satisfy the CACREP/CORE masters curriculum requirements in their doctoral program of study.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; GRE scores (within 5 years); three letters of recommendation; personal statement (incl. at least two years of full-time work experience); on-campus interview with clinical skills demonstration; vita; writing samples.
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).
Mississippi State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 75.8/100, supported by $49,647 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 81 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 13 position
Trevecca Nazarene University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
73.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
About 3 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's in counseling, MFT, or similar from a regionally accredited institution; most CACREP master's prerequisites, incl. diversity, development, group, career, ethics, research, assessment, and two semesters of practicum/internship.
Additional requirements
Coursework Verification form and program approval before applying; official transcripts; official GRE (V+Q 300+, Analytical Writing 3.5+ expected, 4 preferred); three recommendation forms (one character reference); 400-word Letter of Intent.
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).
Trevecca Nazarene University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 73.5/100, supported by $52,734 total tuition (estimated) and 66 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 14 position
Trevecca Nazarene University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
73.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
can be completed in about three years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's in counseling, MFT, or similar from a regionally accredited institution; most CACREP master's prerequisites, incl. diversity, development, group, career, ethics, research, assessment, and two semesters of practicum/internship.
Additional requirements
Coursework Verification form and program approval before applying; official transcripts; official GRE (V+Q 300+, Analytical Writing 3.5+ expected, 4 preferred); three recommendation forms (one character reference); 400-word Letter of Intent.
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).
Trevecca Nazarene University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 73.5/100, supported by $52,734 total tuition (estimated) and 66 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 15 position
Lindsey Wilson University
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
72.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
12 consecutive semesters (Year 1 Fall - Year 4 Summer)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
69 semester credits
Acceptance rate
14.29%
Employment or doctoral admission
86% (2024-25)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or a related profession (CACREP graduates preferred; those with fewer than 48 graduate semester hours and/or from non-CACREP programs may need additional hours).
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).
Lindsey Wilson University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 72.4/100, supported by $54,241 total cost (tuition and fees) and 69 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 16 position
George Washington University
Doctor
PhD in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
24.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5.33 years (average)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Offers with funding
100
Application deadline
Priority: Nov 2, 2026; Program Deadline: Dec 1, 2026 (Fall 2027 entry)
Class size
9
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Master's degree required prior to matriculation; if the master's degree is not CACREP-accredited, significant master's-level coursework is added to the program plan.
Additional requirements
Online application form, resume, transcripts from all previously attended institutions, statement of purpose (500-750 words), 3 letters of recommendation; GRE optional. No application fee.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
George Washington University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 24.9/100, supported by $120,000 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in South
What is the cheapest counseling doctorate in the South?
The answer depends on your residency, required credits, funding, travel, and completion time. Use the ranking to identify candidates, then request a full program-specific cost estimate from each school before naming the cheapest option for you.
Do I need a doctorate to become a licensed counselor?
Generally, a doctorate is not the standard entry route; licensure commonly begins with a qualifying graduate counseling degree plus state-required supervised experience and examinations. Check the board in the state where you intend to practice.
Will a counselor education PhD make me eligible to teach?
It can provide relevant preparation, but faculty hiring also depends on research fit, teaching experience, available positions, and employer requirements. Ask programs how doctoral students gain teaching experience and where recent graduates have worked.
Can I earn this doctorate online while working?
Some programs offer online study, but may still require scheduled meetings, supervised experiences, or campus visits. Obtain the complete attendance and placement requirements before deciding that full-time work is feasible.
Is an affordable counseling doctorate worth it?
It may be if it enables a realistic teaching, research, supervision, or leadership goal at a manageable total cost. If the goal is simply to start practicing counseling, compare qualifying master's programs first; the doctorate's extra time and expense may offer little benefit for that purpose.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
