The cheapest counseling degree is not necessarily the least expensive route to the job you want. A program's field placements, eligibility for state licensure, and time away from work can change its real cost. This guide accompanies the 2027 Most Affordable Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the West, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which counseling programs are worth considering. You'll learn how to compare costs, credentials, training formats, and career prospects before applying.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in West
For prospective licensed therapists, a low tuition figure matters only if the degree's courses and supervised training satisfy the requirements of the state where they plan to practice.
The U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025; BLS projects employment in that occupation to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035. Neither figure predicts an individual graduate's earnings.
Compare each Western program's resident tuition, required credits, placement travel, and likely completion time. There is no single regional price that captures those differences.
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in West?
Counseling degrees prepare students for different roles, not one interchangeable credential. A bachelor's degree can support entry-level work in human services, but independent clinical counseling generally requires a qualifying graduate degree and subsequent state licensure. A school counseling master's instead targets work in educational settings; a doctorate is primarily for advanced research, teaching, or supervision. Requirements come from the relevant state board or education agency, not the degree title alone.
The distinction matters across the West. Someone intending to practice in California should check California's educational requirements before choosing a program based in Wyoming, Nevada, or New Mexico. Students seeking school-based roles should check the state's school-counselor credential rules separately from clinical licensure rules. Courses commonly combine counseling theory, assessment, ethics, and supervised work with clients or students.
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in West?
Clinical and addiction counselors may work in community mental health agencies, hospitals, outpatient practices, and substance-use treatment programs. School counselors work in schools; marriage and family therapists may work in clinics or private practice after meeting licensing requirements. Rehabilitation counselors also work with disability-service and vocational-rehabilitation organizations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Location affects the choice of program as well as the eventual job search. A placement near a large metropolitan area may offer a different mix of agencies than one in a rural community; a convenient placement is valuable only if it provides the supervision and client experience your intended credential requires. Ask programs where students actually complete placements and whether opportunities are available near your home.
Salary depends on the occupation, employer, location, and experience - not simply on having a counseling degree. The following national medians are for occupations associated with different counseling paths; they are not Western graduate starting salaries (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 occupational wages).
Career path
U.S. median annual wage, May 2025
What to compare
Mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
Clinical licensure preparation and local employer demand
School counseling
$64,330
School credential eligibility and district pay schedules
Marriage and family therapy
$66,940
State-specific coursework and supervised-experience rules
A higher occupational median does not establish that one degree has a better return. Compare the program's total borrowing and earnings lost while studying with plausible pay for the specific role and place where you expect to work.
The programs associated with this ranking point toward different credentials and places to study. Their most useful distinctions are the career path and campus arrangement they identify; confirm current credits, placements, accreditation, and costs directly with each school before treating two options as equivalent.
University of Wyoming, master's counseling program: The university publishes a dedicated admissions process for its master's program. For applicants comparing it with a school-counseling-only degree, the first question is which Wyoming pathway and placement arrangement matches their intended credential; verify those details with the department (University of Wyoming).
University of Wyoming, Casper pathway: Wyoming maintains separate admissions information for counseling study in Casper. That location-specific pathway may reduce relocation needs for a Casper-area student, but applicants should confirm where classes and required placements occur before comparing its total cost with study elsewhere (University of Wyoming).
New Mexico Highlands University, graduate education offerings: Its graduate education catalog is the key source for identifying the counseling degree and its current requirements. This option merits a close catalog-to-licensing-board comparison for students planning to work in New Mexico rather than assuming a counseling title establishes eligibility (New Mexico Highlands University).
San Francisco State University, MS in Counseling: Its degree bulletin provides the program-level curriculum against which applicants can check their intended concentration. That distinction is particularly useful when comparing a broadly titled counseling degree with a program explicitly named for clinical or school practice (San Francisco State University).
San Francisco State University, marriage, family, and child counseling concentration: The university publishes a separate bulletin entry for this concentration. Its named focus gives prospective family-therapy applicants a more targeted curriculum to check against California's marriage and family therapist requirements (San Francisco State University).
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: UNLV identifies a dedicated clinical mental health degree rather than treating school and clinical preparation as the same route. It is the more directly relevant UNLV option for applicants aiming at clinical counseling, subject to Nevada board review of educational requirements (University of Nevada, Las Vegas).
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, MEd in School Counseling: This is a separately named education degree for school counseling. Applicants seeking a school-based career should compare its credential alignment with the clinical MS rather than choosing between them on tuition alone (University of Nevada, Las Vegas).
For a quality-focused comparison beyond price, see the best counseling programs. A program highlight describes a feature to investigate, not an assurance of admission, placement, or licensure.
A counseling master's commonly takes about two years of full-time study; part-time enrollment often extends it to three or more years. The actual timeline depends on required credits, course scheduling, and when practicum and internship can be completed. A bachelor's degree typically takes about four years full-time, while a doctorate takes additional years beyond graduate preparation.
An accelerated schedule can lower living expenses or time away from a career, but it may leave less room for paid work during placements. Ask whether the school guarantees annual access to required courses and what happens if a placement is delayed.
Online study can reduce commuting or relocation costs across the West, especially for students far from a campus. It does not remove in-person practicum or internship obligations. On-campus study may simplify access to nearby placement partners, but proximity does not guarantee a suitable site or supervisor.
For either format, confirm whether the program accepts placements in your state, who secures and approves sites, whether any campus visits are required, and whether the curriculum meets the rules where you intend to seek licensure. The most popular counseling programs offer another comparison, but popularity cannot answer those location-specific questions.
There is no single published price that accurately represents every counseling degree in the West: bachelor's and graduate programs, state-resident and nonresident rates, and public and private institutions have different cost structures. An undergraduate institution-wide average would be a misleading substitute for the price of a particular counseling master's. Use each school's current graduate tuition schedule and program requirements to make a like-for-like comparison (National Center for Education Statistics; institutional tuition schedules).
Build a total-cost estimate from tuition for all required credits, mandatory fees, books, placement travel, possible relocation, and income forgone during unpaid training. Subtract grants or assistantship funding before comparing likely borrowing. The most valuable counseling programs provide a complementary view when the lowest advertised price is not the only consideration.
Students can investigate institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, employer tuition benefits, state-supported aid where eligible, and federal loans. Aid rules differ by degree level and residency; complete the FAFSA and request a written award estimate for the specific program (Federal Student Aid).
Graduate PLUS requires particular care for 2027 applicants. Under the current federal transition rules, it is generally unavailable to new graduate and professional borrowers beginning July 1, 2026. A student who received a Direct Loan for the same program before that date may qualify for a limited transition exception; confirm individual eligibility and time limits with Federal Student Aid and the school's aid office. Do not build a financing plan around Graduate PLUS without that confirmation (Federal Student Aid).
View the chart data as a table
Reported total program cost distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
$0–$19,999
2
$20,000–$39,999
34
$40,000–$59,999
30
$60,000–$79,999
12
$80,000–$99,999
4
$100,000–$119,999
3
Master's applicants generally need a bachelor's degree and the materials specified by the program, which may include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, and an interview. Psychology coursework can help, but do not assume every school requires the same major or prerequisites; check its current admissions page (institutional admissions offices).
Before applying, distinguish three separate checks: whether you meet admission requirements, whether the degree meets the intended state credential's education rules, and whether you can complete required placements. Transfer-credit acceptance is a fourth question for applicants who have already taken graduate courses; ask for a written evaluation rather than assuming previous credits will shorten the degree.
Graduate curricula commonly include counseling theories, helping skills, ethics, human development, assessment, research, and supervised practicum and internship. Clinical routes may add diagnosis and treatment planning; school routes may emphasize student development and school systems; family-therapy routes may emphasize relationships and family systems (CACREP; institutional program catalogs).
Course names alone are not enough for a licensure check. Ask the program to map required courses and field experience to the current rules of the state where you expect to practice, particularly if the school and intended workplace are in different states.
Common directions include clinical mental health, school, addiction, marriage and family, and rehabilitation counseling. These are not merely elective clusters: they can lead toward different workplaces, supervisors, examinations, or state credentials (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state licensing and education agencies).
Choose the intended occupation first, then compare the corresponding degree or concentration. A short certificate may help an already qualified professional develop a specialty, but it should not be assumed to replace the graduate degree and supervised experience required for independent clinical practice.
Start with the state and role you want after graduation, then work backward to the credential. This sequence helps prevent an inexpensive but costly mismatch.
Identify the applicable state licensing board or school-credential agency and its current education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements.
Verify institutional accreditation and, where relevant, CACREP program accreditation; ask the state board how it evaluates the specific degree and concentration.
Request the required-credit total, tuition and fees, aid estimate, course schedule, and placement policies in writing.
Compare realistic completion time, likely debt, income forgone, and available program outcomes - not tuition alone.
Ask recent graduates or the department where placements occurred and whether graduates pursuing your intended credential encountered additional coursework requirements.
CACREP accreditation is programmatic, while institutional accreditation applies to the school; neither automatically grants a license. State rules govern eligibility, and supervised experience and examinations may continue after graduation (CACREP; state licensing boards). Be wary of a program that cannot clearly explain its credential pathway or placement process.
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 bachelor's graduate might seek a supervised support role in behavioral health or social services. A suitably educated master's graduate may pursue school counseling credentials or begin the steps toward clinical, addiction, rehabilitation, or family-therapy licensure, depending on the degree and state. Licensed professionals may later move into supervision, administration, or private practice; counselor education and research commonly call for doctoral study (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state credentialing agencies).
The investment makes the most sense when the program leads toward a clearly identified role you want and its full cost fits your likely career trajectory. If you mainly want exposure to the field before committing to graduate training, an entry-level role may be a less expensive first step.
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
National demand varies sharply by specialty. BLS projects employment growth of 18% for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3% for school and career counselors. That makes the intended occupation - not a broad "counseling jobs" label - the useful starting point for a career decision (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025-2035 Employment Projections).
Those are U.S. projections, not forecasts for every Western state or graduate. Review openings and employer requirements in the state and community where you expect to work, particularly if you cannot relocate. A strong national outlook cannot offset a degree that does not qualify you for the local credential.
2027 Most Affordable Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the West
Investing in a counseling degree is a consequential decision, so Research.com evaluates affordability alongside evidence about program quality and outcomes. Its team checks multiple education data sources to make the ranking more credible and useful for narrowing a shortlist - not to imply that the lowest-priced program is the right choice for every student.
The ranking draws on these sources:
IPEDS database: institutional reporting on costs, enrollment, and completions.
Research.com's 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 cost; it should be read alongside the other measures rather than as a promise of low debt or licensure eligibility. Learn more about the approach on the Research.com methodology page.
# 1 position
University of Wyoming
Master
Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
97.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years (full-time cohort, Laramie)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
61
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Laramie: November 30, 2026 (for fall 2027)
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required only for international applicants (GRE 291 minimum); not required for domestic applicants
Prerequisites
Transcripts from all institutions; minimum 3.0 GPA (domestic); no GRE for domestic applicants (international: GRE 291, TOEFL 80/IELTS 6.5); three recommendation letters; 3-4 page personal statement; admissions packet; resume/CV; interview day.
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 Wyoming earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.5/100, supported by $19,602 total tuition (estimated) and 61 credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 2 position
University of Wyoming
Master
Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
97.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years (full-time cohort, Laramie)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
61
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Laramie: November 30, 2026 (for fall 2027)
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required only for international applicants (GRE 291 minimum); not required for domestic applicants
Prerequisites
Transcripts from all institutions; minimum 3.0 GPA (domestic); no GRE for domestic applicants (international: GRE 291, TOEFL 80/IELTS 6.5); three recommendation letters; 3-4 page personal statement; admissions packet; resume/CV; interview day.
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 Wyoming earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.5/100, supported by $19,602 total tuition (estimated) and 61 credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 3 position
New Mexico Highlands University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Concentration in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
96.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
anywhere between 2.5 and 6 years; most students finish in three
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
100%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
50% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
85% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
80% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: April 1; Spring: October 15; Summer: March 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree; minimum 3.0 GPA (provisional admission possible for those who do not meet GPA requirement)
Additional requirements
University Graduate application ($25 fee); written statement (educational goals, motivation, contribution to profession); transcripts from all institutions attended; 2 professional recommendations; resume/CV of relevant work experience
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
New Mexico Highlands University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.5/100, supported by $20,925 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 4 position
San Francisco State University
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
96.40
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester units
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Fall: December 15 (fall admission only)
Application process
Cal State Apply
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Recommended undergraduate courses: theories of personality/counseling, development through the lifespan, psychopathology, and an introduction to the field of counseling.
Additional requirements
Cal State Apply application with supplementary materials, letters of recommendation, personal statement, work/volunteer experience, minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 units, writing sample after admission.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
San Francisco State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.4/100, supported by $21,060 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester units. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 5 position
San Francisco State University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
96.40
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
College Counseling and Student Affairs
Required credits
60 semester units
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Fall: December 15 (fall admission only)
Application process
Cal State Apply
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Recommended: undergraduate courses in theories of personality/counseling, lifespan development, psychopathology, and an introduction to counseling; paid or volunteer experience with diverse populations is an important factor.
Additional requirements
Cal State Apply application with supplementary materials, letters of recommendation, personal statement, work/volunteer experience, writing sample after admission; minimum GPA 3.0 in last 60 units.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
San Francisco State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.4/100, supported by $21,060 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester units. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 6 position
San Francisco State University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling: Concentration in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
96.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Minimum 2 years (2 academic years)
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester units
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
88% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Fall: December 15
Application process
Cal State Apply
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Recommended: undergraduate courses in theories of personality/counseling, lifespan development, psychopathology, and introduction to counseling; minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 units.
Additional requirements
Cal State Apply application with supplementary materials, letters of recommendation, personal statement, work/volunteer experience with diverse populations.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
San Francisco State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.4/100, supported by $21,060 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester units. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 7 position
University of Wyoming
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (hybrid cohort, UW at Casper)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
UW at Casper: November 30, 2027 (for fall 2028; a cohort is admitted every 3 years)
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required only for international applicants (GRE 291 minimum); not required for domestic applicants
Prerequisites
Transcripts from all institutions; minimum 3.0 GPA (domestic); no GRE for domestic applicants (international: GRE 291, TOEFL 80/IELTS 6.5); three recommendation letters; 3-4 page personal statement; admissions packet; resume/CV; interview day.
Additional requirements
Application and fee; transcripts; three recommendation letters; GPA 3.0; GRE not required for domestic applicants (international: GRE 291, TOEFL 80 / IELTS 6.5); interview day by invitation.
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 Wyoming earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 95.9/100, supported by $21,780 total tuition (estimated) and 61 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 8 position
University of Wyoming
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (hybrid cohort, UW at Casper)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
88.2% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
UW at Casper: November 30, 2027 (for fall 2028; a cohort is admitted every 3 years)
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required only for international applicants (GRE 291 minimum); not required for domestic applicants
Prerequisites
Transcripts from all institutions; minimum 3.0 GPA (domestic); no GRE for domestic applicants (international: GRE 291, TOEFL 80/IELTS 6.5); three recommendation letters; 3-4 page personal statement; admissions packet; resume/CV; interview day.
Additional requirements
Application and fee; transcripts; three recommendation letters; GPA 3.0; GRE not required for domestic applicants (international: GRE 291, TOEFL 80 / IELTS 6.5); interview day by invitation.
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 Wyoming earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 95.9/100, supported by $21,780 total tuition (estimated) and 61 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 9 position
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Master
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum GPA of 2.75 for all undergraduate work (3.00 for the last two years of undergraduate work).
Additional requirements
Transcripts of all college-level work; resume; three letters of recommendation; a writing sample; a structured personal interview for final applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
University of Nevada-Las Vegas earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 93.9/100, supported by $24,627 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 10 position
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Master
Master of Education - School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
73% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
University of Nevada-Las Vegas earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 93.9/100, supported by $24,627 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 11 position
University of Nevada-Reno
Master
M.A. in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately 3 years (including summers) of full-time enrollment
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
67 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
There are no undergraduate prerequisites for this program; but you must have completed an undergraduate degree by the time you enroll in this program.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
University of Nevada-Reno earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 93.1/100, supported by $25,678 total tuition (estimated) and 67 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 12 position
University of Nevada-Reno
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately 3 years (full-time, including summers)
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
67 semester credits
Program completion rate
90% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No undergraduate prerequisites; undergraduate degree must be completed before enrolling.
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts; letter of intent/statement of career goals; resume; three professional recommendation letters; interview if invited. Reviewed for dispositions, academic potential (GPA, coursework) and counseling career fit.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
University of Nevada-Reno earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 93.1/100, supported by $25,678 total tuition (estimated) and 67 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 13 position
University of Nevada-Reno
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately 3 years of full-time enrollment (including summers)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
67
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application process
Apply Nevada (UNR Graduate School)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
There are no undergraduate prerequisites for this program; but you must have completed an undergraduate degree by the time you enroll in this program.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; letter of intent/statement of career goals including track; resume; three professional letters of recommendation; interview; qualified in judgment of program faculty
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
University of Nevada-Reno earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 93.1/100, supported by $25,678 total tuition (estimated) and 67 credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a regionally/nationally accredited institution, provided student meets prerequisite coursework: Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, Statistics.
Additional requirements
Graduate application; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; TOEFL 79 iBT / IELTS 6.0 for non-native English speakers; three academic/professional recommendation letters; personal interview for qualifying applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Utah Valley University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 91.7/100, supported by $27,579 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 15 position
University of Nevada, Reno
Doctor
Ph.D. in Education: Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
91.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (assuming entry with a Master's Degree in Counseling)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
72 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: Dec. 15
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling from a CACREP-accredited institution; professional experience
Additional requirements
Undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.00+; CACREP master's; resume/CV; statement of intent with philosophy of education; three letters of recommendation; one scholarly writing sample; signed disposition form; February on-campus interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
University of Nevada, Reno earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 91.7/100, supported by $27,594 total tuition (estimated) and 72 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 16 position
The University of Montana
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA
Delivery mode: campus
89.40
/ 100
Final score
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
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 15, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
No specific undergraduate degree required; recommended (not required) background includes developmental psychology, abnormal psychology or child/adolescent psychological disorders, and basic statistics/education measurement.
Additional requirements
Current resume (CV); 3 letters of recommendation; official transcripts from all higher-education institutions; personal statement; official GRE scores optional.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
The University of Montana earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 89.4/100, supported by $30,781 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 17 position
University of Colorado at Denver
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
88.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 to 4 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
63 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: January 15; Spring: September 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Basic statistics course (undergraduate or graduate level) required prior to enrollment or may be completed during the first year.
Additional requirements
3 recommendation letters; official transcripts; resume/CV; written statement; $50 application fee; required half-day group interview; English proficiency for international applicants
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 Colorado at Denver earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 88.9/100, supported by $31,442 total cost (tuition and fees) and 63 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 18 position
California State University-San Bernardino
Master
M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
6 semesters (Fall/Spring, Years 1-3)
Specialization
Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester units
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024)
Licensure exam pass rate
40% (2024)
Class size
16
Application process
Cal State Apply
Additional requirements
GPA of 3.0 or higher, personal statements, and letters of recommendation
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
California State University-San Bernardino earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 87.7/100, supported by $33,174 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester units. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 19 position
Adams State University
Master
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Fall cohort: 5 semesters; Spring cohort: 7 semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
82% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
77% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (or in final year of undergraduate study pending verification of degree receipt).
Additional requirements
Online application, $30 application fee, five short essay questions (200-300 words each), two online recommendation forms from professional (non-family) sources, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Adams State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 87.2/100, supported by $33,868 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; undergraduate GPA requirements apply
Additional requirements
Online application, $30 non-refundable application fee, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, two (2) letters of recommendation forms
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Adams State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 87.2/100, supported by $33,868 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in West
What is the cheapest counseling degree?
The cheapest option depends on residency, required credits, fees, aid, and placement costs. Compare complete program estimates for the same career goal rather than annual tuition alone.
Can I become a licensed counselor with a bachelor's degree?
Independent clinical counseling generally requires a qualifying graduate degree plus state-specific post-degree steps. A bachelor's degree may qualify you for other support roles (state licensing boards).
Does an online counseling master's qualify for licensure?
It may, but delivery format does not determine eligibility. Check the curriculum and supervised training against the rules of the state where you plan to seek a license.
Is CACREP accreditation required?
Requirements vary by state and credential. Check the relevant board's current rules and the accreditation status of the specific program, not just the university (CACREP; state licensing boards).
How long will a counseling master's take?
About two years full-time is common; part-time study can take three or more years. Fieldwork availability and course scheduling can change either timeline.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
