A counseling degree can be an expensive wrong turn if the program does not match the job you want - or North Dakota's credential requirements. This guide is for prospective students and working professionals comparing school counseling, clinical practice, and advanced study. It explains costs, training time, licensure, and career prospects so you can judge the investment, not just the tuition. It also accompanies the 2027 Most Affordable Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in North Dakota, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in North Dakota
The cheapest tuition is not necessarily the lowest total cost: compare required credits, fees, residency or travel, field placements, aid, and earnings forgone while studying.
Clinical and school counseling lead to different credentials. A master's applicant should confirm the program against the relevant North Dakota board's requirements before paying a deposit.
National median annual pay was $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors and $64,330 for school and career counselors in May 2025; these U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures are not North Dakota starting salaries.
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in North Dakota?
Most readers comparing professional counseling degrees are choosing a master's program, not an undergraduate major. Clinical mental health counseling prepares students for assessment, treatment planning, and supervised client work. School counseling focuses on students' academic, social, and career development. A doctorate in counselor education and supervision is generally a later step for experienced counselors interested in teaching, research, or supervision - not the usual entry credential for practice.
Expect counseling theory, ethics, assessment, multicultural practice, and supervised fieldwork. The consequential choice is which credential the curriculum supports. A school-focused degree should not be assumed to satisfy clinical licensure requirements, or vice versa. This investment makes more sense if you want a role that requires graduate preparation and can accommodate the fieldwork and post-degree requirements; if you want to explore helping professions first, compare less costly entry-level roles before committing.
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in North Dakota?
Depending on specialization and credentials, graduates may pursue roles in K-12 schools, community mental health agencies, hospitals, addiction treatment settings, private practices, colleges, or rehabilitation services. These workplaces do not have interchangeable hiring rules: schools may require an education credential, while independent clinical practice requires state licensure.
Location affects the training plan as well as the job search. A student based outside Fargo or Bismarck should ask whether approved placements and qualified supervisors are available nearby; a low-cost program becomes less affordable if required placements mean frequent travel or unpaid time away from work. Ask employers and programs about openings in the specific community where you intend to live rather than relying on national demand alone.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook reports national median annual pay for May 2025. These figures describe occupations - not the salaries of new graduates or a North Dakota wage offer. They help distinguish career paths, but local employer, experience, and licensure status matter when estimating your own return.
Relevant occupation
U.S. median annual pay, May 2025
Decision implication
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
$59,350
Relevant benchmark for many clinical mental health and addiction roles.
School and career counselors and advisors
$64,330
Relevant benchmark for school counseling, though school pay depends on district and role.
Rehabilitation counselors
$46,850
A distinct benchmark if disability and rehabilitation services are your goal.
For a realistic payoff estimate, compare expected local pay after obtaining the needed credential with your present earnings. Account for aid, borrowing, time to completion, unpaid fieldwork, likelihood of finishing, and how long you expect to work in the role. A higher median for another specialty is not a sound reason to enter training for work you do not want.
Program fit is more revealing than a shared counseling label. The options below differ chiefly in intended credential, level of study, and delivery; request each program's current credit plan, total charges, and fieldwork requirements before treating any one as the cheapest fit.
North Dakota State University - master's in school counseling: Its school-specific curriculum targets work with students rather than clinical mental health practice (North Dakota State University). Choose it if your goal is a school credential, and confirm the current plan meets North Dakota's educator requirements.
North Dakota State University - master's in clinical mental health counseling: This is the NDSU option directed toward clinical counseling rather than school-based practice (North Dakota State University). It is the more relevant comparison for aspiring mental health clinicians; ask the program how its courses and supervised training align with North Dakota clinical licensure.
North Dakota State University - PhD in counselor education and supervision: The doctoral level distinguishes this path from the entry-to-practice master's options (North Dakota State University). Investigate it if your goal is counselor education, research, or advanced supervision, and compare funding and time away from work before enrolling.
University of Mary - MS in Counseling, school counseling: University of Mary presents this as an online school-counseling option (University of Mary). Its delivery may suit a working student who cannot attend regular campus classes, but ask about any in-person requirements and where supervised school placements can be completed.
University of Mary - MS in Counseling, clinical mental health counseling: This online clinical track combines a clinical career focus with remote coursework (University of Mary). It warrants particular attention if relocation is impractical; verify local placement arrangements and licensing alignment rather than assuming online delivery removes in-person clinical obligations.
These distinctions are starting points, not claims that one program produces better outcomes. For a broader quality comparison, consult the best counseling programs alongside the affordability ranking.
A counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years of full-time study; part-time study can take longer. The actual calendar depends on course sequencing, placement availability, and whether the program admits a new cohort each term. A PhD typically adds several years beyond a master's, with research and dissertation work affecting the finish date.
Ask for a term-by-term schedule, not just a stated "time to degree." A faster course sequence may lower living or opportunity costs, but it may be unsuitable if it requires leaving paid work to complete a placement. Graduation also need not mark the end of training required for a professional license; confirm the applicable post-degree steps separately with the North Dakota licensing authority.
Online describes how much coursework is delivered remotely, not whether counseling can be learned without face-to-face practice. Both formats may require supervised experiences at approved sites. For a rural student, online coursework can reduce commuting, but finding an eligible local placement and supervisor may still be the deciding constraint.
Campus study may make scheduled peer practice and access to nearby placements easier; online study may better preserve employment and avoid relocation. Neither format automatically satisfies North Dakota licensure or school certification rules. Ask each program which activities require travel, who secures placements, and whether it accepts students living where you plan to complete fieldwork. Enrollment popularity is a separate question from fit; the most popular counseling programs can provide another comparison, but should not substitute for those checks.
There is no single reliable price for a North Dakota counseling degree: published institutional tuition can differ from a specific graduate program's bill, and an average across institutions may hide substantial variation in credits and fees. Compare current program-level charges in the same academic year rather than multiplying an undergraduate tuition figure by an assumed duration. IPEDS and College Scorecard provide institutional cost context; a school's current graduate fee schedule is the better source for an enrollment decision.
Request a written estimate covering tuition by credit, mandatory fees, books, travel or residency, and placement-related costs. Check whether resident and nonresident rates differ and whether online courses have separate charges. A lower sticker price can lose its advantage if the program takes longer, requires relocation, or offers less aid. For another lens on cost versus outcomes, compare the most valuable counseling programs.
Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and each school's graduate aid office. Depending on eligibility and the program, funding may include federal graduate loans, institutional scholarships or assistantships, employer tuition assistance, and service-linked support. Federal Student Aid sets loan eligibility rules; a school determines its own awards and funding deadlines. State aid may target particular students or credentials, so confirm graduate eligibility rather than assuming an undergraduate award continues.
Ask for a net-cost estimate that separates grants or assistantship funding from loans and states whether support renews. If an assistantship requires work hours, weigh those hours against counseling coursework and field placements. Borrow only after checking the current federal loan rules with the aid office; eligibility and borrowing options can depend on when a student began a program.
View the chart data as a table
Projected job growth 2025-2035 by counseling career path (U.S., BLS) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Mental Health Counselors
18
Marriage & Family Therapists
14
Postsecondary Teachers
7
Psychologists
6
School & Career Counselors
3
Rehabilitation Counselors
2
All occupations
3
Master's applicants generally need a bachelor's degree and must meet the individual school's admission requirements, which may include prerequisite coursework, references, a statement of purpose, and an interview. Doctoral applicants should expect the program to examine prior graduate preparation and professional goals. Verify current requirements directly with North Dakota State University or the University of Mary; admission to one counseling track does not imply admission to another.
Before applying, send your transcript for a prerequisite and transfer-credit review. Ask whether prior graduate credits can replace required courses without disrupting credential eligibility. An accepted transfer credit that does not count toward the counseling sequence may save nothing, while a missing prerequisite can extend the schedule.
Typical master's coursework covers counseling skills, lifespan development, ethics, assessment, research, group counseling, and supervised practicum and internship. Clinical tracks also emphasize mental health assessment and treatment; school tracks address counseling in educational settings and work with students, families, and school systems. Exact course titles and fieldwork requirements vary by program (North Dakota State University; University of Mary).
Compare required courses against the credential you seek, not just electives that sound appealing. Ask for a curriculum map showing when fieldwork begins and whether key courses are offered often enough to support your planned graduation date.
The clearest choice among the programs discussed here is school counseling versus clinical mental health counseling; counselor education and supervision is an advanced doctoral direction. Related interests such as addiction, family work, or rehabilitation may be explored through coursework, placements, later training, or separate credentials. An interest area named in a course is not necessarily a formal specialization or authorization to practice it.
Work backward from the job posting or license you want. If you hope to provide clinical treatment, compare clinical curricula and licensing preparation. If you want to serve K-12 students, prioritize school credential alignment. If you primarily want to teach future counselors, examine doctoral admissions, research expectations, and funding.
Begin with the role and state where you intend to work. North Dakota's Board of Counselor Examiners oversees professional counselor licensure, while school credential questions should be checked with the state's relevant education authority. Degree completion, programmatic accreditation, supervised experience, examinations, and the eventual state credential are separate checks; none should be inferred solely from a program's name.
Use this sequence to narrow the list and uncover expensive mismatches before enrollment:
Name the intended role and ask the appropriate North Dakota authority which education and subsequent steps apply.
Ask each program for its current accreditation status, curriculum-to-credential explanation, fieldwork rules, and recent program-level outcomes where available.
Obtain comparable total-cost and term-by-term estimates, including aid, placement expenses, and time away from work.
Confirm where you can complete supervised training and whether the schedule remains workable if a required course or placement is delayed.
A red flag is an assurance that graduates "can get licensed" without identifying the credential, jurisdiction, and requirements still outstanding. Rankings are useful for building a shortlist, but that written verification should determine the final choice.
View the chart data as a table
Projected job growth 2025-2035 - Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (U.S.) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
18
All occupations
3
A school-counseling graduate may pursue student-support positions after meeting applicable school credential rules. A clinical mental health graduate may pursue supervised counseling work and, after satisfying board requirements, licensed practice. Counselors interested in addiction or rehabilitation should check whether an employer or separate credential requires additional specialty preparation. A doctorate can support counselor education, research, and supervisory ambitions; it is not a shortcut around practice-license rules.
If you are changing careers, compare the degree against your current income and the credential required by your target employer. Some adjacent support roles may offer a way to test your interest before taking on graduate debt, but they do not confer the scope of practice of a licensed counselor.
View the chart data as a table
Reported total program cost distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
$28,000–$29,999
3
$30,000–$31,999
0
$32,000–$33,999
0
$34,000–$35,999
0
$36,000–$37,999
0
$38,000–$39,999
0
$40,000–$41,999
2
The national outlook differs by specialty. In its 2025-2035 employment projections, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, compared with 3% for school and career counselors and advisors. Those are U.S. occupation projections, not forecasts of North Dakota vacancies; the difference reinforces why a clinical applicant and a school applicant should not rely on the same job-market argument.
For a local decision, check current openings with school districts, health systems, behavioral health providers, and agencies in the communities where you could work. Note the required license, supervision offered, work setting, and pay range. Demand for a credentialed counselor does not necessarily translate into an entry-level opening in a particular town, especially if you cannot relocate.
2027 Most Affordable Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in North Dakota
Investing in education is a consequential decision. Research.com developed its counseling rankings to help readers compare programs using consistent evidence rather than advertised tuition alone. The team evaluates graduate outcomes, applicable licensure exam results, accreditation and institutional eligibility, and program cost; it checks the underlying data for quality, credibility, and accuracy.
The Most Affordable ranking orders programs by cost. For context, Research.com's separate Best ranking first combines completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure exam pass rates (20%), CACREP recognition (16%), and federal Title IV eligibility (4%). Criteria that do not apply are reweighted, and cost contributes a smaller share - about 7% - to its final score. The approach applies to online and on-campus programs. The underlying sources are:
IPEDS database - institutional enrollment, completions, and cost reporting.
Use the ranking to identify programs to investigate, then request a current, personalized cost estimate and verify the credential pathway yourself. More detail on Research.com's ranking approach is available in its methodology.
# 1 position
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Master
School Counseling (Master's)
Delivery mode: campus
91.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Feb 1 (priority); reviewed again Apr 1 if spots remain unfilled
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Completed application; minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (or 3.0 on 10 graduate credits); personal and professional references; detailed statement of purpose. School Counseling applications due February 1 (reviewed again April 1 if spots remain).
Additional requirements
A completed application; personal and professional references; a detailed statement of purpose
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
North Dakota State University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 91.1/100, supported by $28,406 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 2 position
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Master's)
Delivery mode: campus
91.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
typically 3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
53.5%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
February 1
Class size
18
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Completed application; minimum undergraduate GPA 3.0 (or 3.0 on 10 graduate credits); personal and professional references; detailed statement of purpose
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
North Dakota State University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 91.1/100, supported by $28,406 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 3 position
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Doctor
Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.)
Delivery mode: campus
91.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
4-7 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
50%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Priority: Feb 1; Hard deadline: Apr 1 (for fall admission)
Class size
2
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Applicants must hold a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program (or have the degree approved by faculty) prior to entering Practicum.
Additional requirements
Meet NDSU Graduate School minimum admission requirements; master's degree in counseling or a closely related CACREP-aligned field (CACREP graduates preferred); previous professional experience;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
North Dakota State University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 91.1/100, supported by $28,406 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 4 position
University of Mary
Master
Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
81.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
As little as 20 months (accelerated track); 32 months (extended track)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2021-22)
Licensure exam pass rate
93% (2025)
Application deadline
Fall and Summer starts; apply by March 1 for early admission
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree; preference for Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice or related human service field
Additional requirements
Application and fee, official transcripts, resume/CV, two professional recommendations, 1-page statement of purpose
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 Mary earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 81.5/100, supported by $41,700 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 5 position
University of Mary
Master
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
81.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Between 20 and 32 months, depending on your choice of track
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
81% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
97% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
97% (2025)
Application deadline
March 1 (priority for early admission; fall and summer starts only)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree, preference given to degrees in Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a closely related Human Service field
Additional requirements
General application form, application fee, official transcripts, resume/CV, two professional recommendations, 1-page Statement of Purpose
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 Mary earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 81.5/100, supported by $41,700 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in North Dakota
Is the most affordable counseling program automatically the best choice?
No. Compare the full cost, aid, completion time, placement access, and fit with your intended credential. A cheaper program that cannot support your career goal may cost more to correct later.
Do I need a master's degree to become a licensed counselor?
Professional counselor licensure involves graduate education and additional requirements. Check the current degree, supervised experience, and examination rules with the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners before choosing a program.
Can I complete an online counseling degree without in-person training?
Do not assume so. Online coursework can still be paired with supervised practicum or internship at an approved site. Ask the program about travel, placement approval, and supervision.
Is school counseling the same qualification as clinical mental health counseling?
No. They prepare students for different roles and credential pathways. Choose the track aligned with the setting where you want to work.
How should I compare a public university with a private nonprofit university?
Compare each program's actual net cost, curriculum, fieldwork logistics, schedule, and credential alignment. Ownership alone does not establish affordability or return on investment.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
