An affordable online counseling degree can become expensive if it requires unexpected travel, delays graduation, or does not meet the requirements for your intended Ohio credential. This guide helps prospective students and working professionals compare program costs, formats, clinical training, and career paths before enrolling. It will feature the 2027 Most Affordable Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Ohio, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which counseling programs are worth considering. Use the ranking alongside the checks below to identify a program that fits both your budget and your goal.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in Ohio
The lowest tuition is not necessarily the lowest total cost: compare required credits, fees, travel, placement costs, aid, and time away from work.
For Ohio clinical mental health counseling, check the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board's education and supervised-experience requirements before enrolling; an online degree alone does not confer a license.
The U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025, with 18% projected employment growth for 2025-2035; these national BLS figures are context, not a prediction of an Ohio graduate's pay.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in Ohio?
Most students seeking to practice counseling pursue a master's degree after a bachelor's degree. Online coursework may cover assessment, counseling techniques, ethics, research, and multicultural practice, but supervised client-facing training remains a substantial in-person commitment. "Online" describes course delivery, not an exemption from fieldwork or state credential requirements.
The first decision is the credential you want. The paths below lead toward different workplaces and oversight, so a less expensive program in the wrong track may be a poor investment.
Program path
Best fit
Requirement to verify
Clinical mental health counseling master's
Students seeking clinical counseling roles
Whether the curriculum and supervised training satisfy Ohio's counselor licensure rules
School counseling master's
Students aiming to counsel pupils in schools
Whether the program supports the Ohio school counselor credential sought
Counseling bachelor's or certificate
Students exploring the field or building related skills
Which jobs it supports without implying eligibility for independent clinical practice
A bachelor's degree or short certificate can be useful preparation, but neither should be mistaken for a licensure-qualifying counseling master's. Confirm the intended credential with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board or the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, as appropriate.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in Ohio?
Work settings depend more on specialization and credential than on whether classes were online. Clinical mental health counselors may work in community behavioral health, outpatient treatment, hospitals, or private practice when appropriately licensed. School counselors work in educational settings under school credential rules; addiction-focused graduates may seek positions in treatment organizations subject to the employer's and Ohio's credential requirements (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board; Ohio Department of Education and Workforce).
Location affects the practical value of an online program. A student outside a major metro area may save regular campus travel yet still need a nearby approved practicum or internship site. Ask each program whether it helps secure placements in your part of Ohio and whether evening or weekend supervision is feasible before assuming you can keep your current work schedule.
Pay varies by role, credential, employer, experience, and location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median annual wage of $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors and $64,330 for school and career counselors and advisors. These occupational medians are not starting salaries, Ohio-specific wages, or estimates of what completing a particular degree will earn.
For an investment decision, compare the occupations your chosen program actually prepares you to enter. A school counseling degree should not be evaluated using a clinical counselor's wage simply because both titles contain "counselor." Compare your likely post-degree earnings with your current pay, expected borrowing, and the time needed to obtain the relevant credential, rather than treating a national median as a promised return.
Programs with similar names can point toward different credentials, and a school's online offering may differ from its campus offering. The distinctions below focus on each program's stated path or published program information; confirm current credits, tuition, accreditation status, fieldwork arrangements, and delivery mode directly before applying.
Ohio University - online school counseling: Its program is explicitly presented as online and school-counseling-focused (Ohio University, program page). It is a clearer starting point for a prospective school counselor than a general counseling degree, though students should confirm placement and Ohio credential alignment.
Heidelberg University - Master of Arts in Counseling: The named MA offers a counseling graduate-degree option rather than a school-counseling-only program (Heidelberg University, program page). Applicants should identify the exact track, its delivery format, and its licensing destination before comparing its price with specialized school programs.
Wright State University - Master of Education in School Counseling: The MEd names school counseling as its destination, distinguishing it from the university's clinical mental health degree (Wright State University, program page). It merits consideration when school credential preparation, rather than clinical practice, is the goal.
Wright State University - Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health concentration: The clinical mental health concentration makes the intended practice area explicit (Wright State University, program page). Compare its clinical placement requirements with your work schedule instead of assuming it is interchangeable with the school counseling MEd.
Malone University - School Counseling: This is the school-directed option among Malone's listed counseling programs (Malone University, program page). Ask how its school fieldwork is arranged locally if you cannot travel regularly to campus or a distant placement.
Malone University - Counseling: Its separately presented counseling program gives applicants an alternative to Malone's school-counseling path (Malone University, program page). Verify the precise degree, concentration, and credential alignment rather than using the broad program title to infer clinical licensure eligibility.
University of Toledo - School Counseling: The program sits within the university's counselor-education offerings and identifies school counseling specifically (University of Toledo, program page). Students comparing public-university options should request its current residency-based price and school-placement requirements.
Walsh University - online School Counseling: Walsh identifies this as an online, school-focused counseling option (Walsh University, program page). It may suit a working applicant seeking that credential path, provided any scheduled sessions and school placements fit their availability.
Walsh University - online Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This online program identifies clinical mental health, rather than school counseling, as its focus (Walsh University, program page). Its appeal depends on whether its supervised clinical training can be completed at approved sites accessible to the student.
Capital University - counseling program listing: Capital provides a program entry in its academic bulletin, a useful place to inspect formal degree requirements rather than rely on a short marketing description (Capital University, academic bulletin). Confirm that the listed curriculum, delivery mode, and applicable catalog year match the credential and online format you need.
A counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years of full-time study; part-time study can take longer. The actual timeline depends on course sequencing, required credits, placement availability, and whether a student must reduce work hours for supervised training. Ask for a term-by-term plan that includes practicum and internship, not just classroom courses.
An accelerated schedule can reduce time out of the workforce but may concentrate fieldwork and make paid employment harder to maintain. Students prioritizing speed can compare fastest counseling programs, then check whether the advertised finish time applies to their track and enrollment status.
The central difference is where and when academic instruction happens; both routes can require in-person supervised practice. Online coursework can reduce commuting and widen program choice, while campus study may simplify access to faculty, classmates, and nearby training relationships. Neither delivery mode alone establishes program quality or Ohio credential eligibility.
Before choosing online study, ask whether classes are live or self-paced, how often campus visits are required, who approves placement sites, and whether the program can support supervision near your home. A campus option may cost more in travel or lost work time; an online option may do the same if its required site visits are frequent or distant. Compare best counseling programs only after separating instructional format from clinical-training logistics.
There is no single reliable price for an "online counseling degree" that covers Ohio public and private institutions, different master's tracks, residency rules, and varying credit requirements. Published institutional tuition averages are not a substitute for a track-specific graduate price. NCES IPEDS cost data can help compare institutions, but applicants need each program's current graduate tuition and mandatory charges to estimate their own bill.
Request a written total-program estimate: required credits multiplied by the applicable per-credit rate, plus mandatory fees, travel, books, background checks, and any placement-related expense. Check whether a public university charges different rates by residency or delivery mode, and whether tuition may change while you are enrolled. For a value comparison, put that estimate beside aid, likely debt, completion time, foregone earnings, and the probability that you can finish; institution type alone does not determine return on investment. The most valuable counseling programs offer another lens beyond sticker price.
Students at eligible institutions can submit the FAFSA for a determination of federal aid eligibility. Graduate students should ask the financial aid office about applicable federal loans, institutional scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition assistance, and payment plans; eligibility and award amounts depend on the student, institution, and program (Federal Student Aid). Online enrollment does not by itself establish or rule out federal aid eligibility.
Ask whether scholarships continue during part-time enrollment or internship terms, when borrowing is disbursed, and whether an assistantship conflicts with required placement hours. Compare net cost after grants and employer support, then estimate debt at graduation. A small tuition discount may be less valuable than aid that lets you complete fieldwork without extending your degree.
View the chart data as a table
Reported total program cost distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
$30,000–$34,999
1
$35,000–$39,999
0
$40,000–$44,999
3
$45,000–$49,999
7
$50,000–$54,999
0
$55,000–$59,999
1
A counseling master's generally requires a bachelor's degree, an application, transcripts, and materials specified by the program; schools may also request recommendations, a statement of purpose, an interview, or prerequisite coursework. Requirements vary, so do not assume a psychology bachelor's is mandatory - or that any bachelor's automatically satisfies every prerequisite. Use the institution's current admissions page for the exact track (individual university admissions requirements).
Before paying an application fee, ask admissions to evaluate outstanding prerequisites and any graduate transfer credits in writing. Also confirm whether you can meet background-check and placement-site requirements. Applicants comparing easiest counseling programs should distinguish a manageable admissions process from an easy route to licensure: supervised training and state requirements still apply.
Master's curricula commonly include counseling theory, helping skills, assessment, diagnosis where relevant, ethics, research, group counseling, multicultural counseling, and supervised practice. Clinical mental health tracks may emphasize treatment planning and psychopathology; school tracks may emphasize student development and counseling in educational settings. Specific titles and requirements vary by university and track (university program catalogs; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Read the course sequence rather than just the catalog summary. A course available only once a year can delay graduation if a transfer credit is rejected or a placement starts late. Ask for the current curriculum map and determine which requirements must be completed before practicum.
The most consequential choice in this program set is between school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. School counseling prepares students for work with pupils and school systems; clinical mental health counseling focuses on providing mental health services in settings such as agencies and outpatient care. Other programs may offer addiction-related coursework or additional emphases, but a concentration's name alone does not establish eligibility for a separate credential (Ohio Department of Education and Workforce; Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
Choose the population and work setting first, then check the corresponding Ohio credential rules against the complete degree plan. Switching paths after fieldwork begins can add courses or placements, undermining the apparent savings of a cheaper program.
Start with the job and credential you want, then compare programs on requirements that can change your total cost or eligibility. A low price matters only if you can complete the program and pursue your intended career.
Identify the Ohio license or school credential you intend to seek and ask the relevant state authority which education and experience rules apply.
Verify the institution's accreditation and the specific program's CACREP status, if applicable; do not assume institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation are the same (U.S. Department of Education; CACREP).
Get written confirmation of delivery mode, campus visits, approved placement locations, required credits, and transfer-credit decisions.
Compare total estimated cost after aid, probable borrowing, time to completion, and earnings you would forgo during fieldwork.
Ask each program for recent completion, placement, and applicable exam-result information, including the reporting period and what the figures measure.
Red flags include a price quote that omits fees, vague answers about local placements, or an assurance that graduation automatically produces a license. If a school cannot explain how its curriculum maps to your intended Ohio credential, pause before depositing.
View the chart data as a table
Programs by specialization (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
School Counseling
7
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
5
A clinical mental health master's may support a path toward clinical counseling positions after the applicable Ohio licensing steps. A school counseling master's may support a path toward an Ohio school counselor credential. Some graduates also pursue related roles in student services, community programs, or behavioral health organizations, but job titles and permitted duties depend on the employer and credential held (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board; Ohio Department of Education and Workforce).
For someone seeking independent clinical practice, a non-licensure-focused certificate or broadly titled counseling degree is usually the wrong shortcut. For someone who wants to help students within schools rather than provide clinical services, a school-specific pathway may avoid paying for coursework that does not advance that goal. Treat the degree as one stage of the career path, not the final authorization to practice.
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 offers context, not an Ohio hiring forecast. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3% for school and career counselors and advisors over the same period. These are different occupational categories; the gap is a reason to investigate the market for your intended role, not a reason to choose a clinical track if you want to work in schools.
Ohio opportunities also depend on local employers, placement access, and whether an applicant has the required credential. Review current openings in the counties where you can work, noting license requirements, schedules, and pay ranges. Then compare those roles with the program's stated preparation. This employer-level check is more useful for a career changer than assuming a national projection translates directly into a local job offer.
2027 Most Affordable Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Ohio
Investing in a counseling degree is an important decision, especially when a lower advertised price may not reflect the full cost of clinical training. Research.com evaluates program information and cross-checks education data to make its rankings useful, credible, and accurate. The affordability ranking helps readers identify lower-cost options; it should be used alongside a review of licensure fit, delivery requirements, and individual financial aid offers.
Research.com used the following data sources to create its counseling rankings:
IPEDS database - institutional data, including reported prices and completions.
Across its counseling rankings, Research.com considers graduate outcomes, applicable licensure-exam pass rates, CACREP programmatic accreditation, federal Title IV eligibility, and program cost. Its Best ranking first combines completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure-exam results (20%), CACREP recognition (16%), and Title IV eligibility (4%); weights are adjusted when a measure does not apply. Cost then accounts for about 7% of the final Best score. Other rankings order programs by the dimension named in the ranking. Read more about the approach on Research.com's methodology page.
# 1 position
Ohio University-Main Campus
Master
Online Master of Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
88.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
6-7 semesters
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.90 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
97% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: November 2, 2026; Summer 2027: March 4, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (Verbal and Quantitative) required if bachelor's GPA is below 2.9
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in any discipline
Additional requirements
Bachelor's degree; transcripts with 2.9+ GPA (GRE V+Q required if lower); two letters of recommendation; 3-5 page personal statement; resume/CV; English proficiency; interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Ohio University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 88.5/100, supported by $31,980 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 2 position
Heidelberg University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
80.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately 2 calendar years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional requirements
Graduate application, transcripts, two recommendation letters, a 2–3-page personal statement of professional goals, and Ohio BCI and FBI background checks. Admission is conditional; a faculty interview after nine credits is required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Heidelberg University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 80.6/100, supported by $42,900 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 3 position
Wright State University-Main Campus
Master
Master of Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
80.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5- 3.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
67% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: December 1; Spring: August 1
Application process
direct (Wright State Graduate School application)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum 3.0 GPA (conditional admission possible with department approval); three letters of recommendation; statement of educational and professional goals; required group interview. GRE temporarily waived.
Additional requirements
Graduate School application; minimum 3.0 GPA; three letters of recommendation; statement of educational and professional goals; required 3-hour group interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Wright State University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 80.2/100, supported by $43,477 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 4 position
Wright State University-Main Campus
Master
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Concentration
Delivery mode: hybrid
80.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5- 3.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
56% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: December 1; Spring: August 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Graduate School application; 3.0 GPA (conditional below with approval); three recommendation letters; goals statement; required 3-hour group interview; GRE not required (petition if below GPA minimum without GRE).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Wright State University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 80.2/100, supported by $43,477 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 5 position
Malone University
Master
Master's in School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
79.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
75% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Transcripts, recommendations, and resumes (materials required to meet application deadlines)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Malone University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 79.1/100, supported by $45,000 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 6 position
Malone University
Master
Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
79.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
70% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2025-26)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Transcripts, recommendations, and resumes (per rolling admissions requirements); baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with minimum GPA.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Malone University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 79.1/100, supported by $45,000 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 7 position
University of Toledo
Master
Master of Arts in Counselor Education with a School Counseling Concentration
Delivery mode: online
77.80
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 to 3 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
67% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring: September 15; Fall/Summer: January 15
Application process
direct (UToledo College of Graduate Studies application)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Completed bachelor's degree; preference for 3.0 undergraduate GPA or better
Additional requirements
Graduate School Admissions Form, transcript, three letters of recommendation, 2-3 page paper on why becoming a School Counselor and personal suitability; interview
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 Toledo earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 77.8/100, supported by $46,756 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 8 position
Walsh University
Master
M.A. in Counseling and Human Development – School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
77.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Just over three years (part-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required if cumulative GPA is below 2.75
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, resume, notarized affidavit of good moral character, interview, writing sample. GRE or MAT scores required if cumulative GPA is below 2.75.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Walsh University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 77.5/100, supported by $47,265 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 9 position
Walsh University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
77.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Just over 3 years (part-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
88%
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
82%
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required if cumulative GPA is below 2.75
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, completed before CHD coursework begins. The online concentration is unavailable to residents of California and New York.
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts; three recommendations; notarized affidavit of good moral character; resume; faculty interview and writing sample; 3.0 GPA preferred; GRE/MAT only if GPA below 2.75; TOEFL for international applicants; criminal-history disclosure.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Walsh University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 77.5/100, supported by $47,265 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 10 position
Capital University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
76.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
64 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
96.4% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Priority Deadline: December 1; Final Deadline: March 15
Class size
31
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution, with a satisfactory GPA, usually a minimum of 3.0 (B); applicants below 3.0 are reviewed individually and, if admitted, placed on a probationary period.
Additional requirements
Online application; statement of intent; three professional references; resume or CV; official transcripts from all institutions; signed Statement of Assurance of Good Moral Character; in-person interview if invited. Fall admission only.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Capital University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 76.5/100, supported by $48,640 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 64 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 11 position
Capital University
Master
Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
76.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (full-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
64 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
75% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Priority: December 1; Final: March 15
Class size
4
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution; no specific undergraduate major or coursework required.
Additional requirements
Writing sample/statement of intent, three letters of professional reference, current resume/CV, official transcripts from all institutions attended, and an admissions interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Capital University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 76.5/100, supported by $48,640 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 64 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 12 position
John Carroll University
Master
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
71.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
as few as 2.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Rolling; for best consideration - Fall: Aug 1; Spring: Dec 1; Summer: Apr 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
An undergraduate degree in a recognized area from an accredited institution; undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; Resume/CV; Two letters of recommendation; Statement of Purpose (400-600 words); Faculty Interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
John Carroll University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 71.5/100, supported by $55,500 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in Ohio
Can I become a licensed Ohio counselor with an online master's?
Potentially, if the degree and supervised training meet the applicable Ohio board requirements and you complete all other licensing steps. Confirm the exact program and intended license with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board before enrolling.
Are online counseling degrees entirely remote?
Usually not. Online courses may be remote, but practicum or internship requires supervised field experience; programs may also require live classes or campus visits.
What is the cheapest online counseling program in Ohio?
That depends on your residency, track, transfer credits, aid, and required fees. Use the affordability ranking to build a shortlist, then request a total-program estimate from each school.
Is CACREP accreditation the same as university accreditation?
No. CACREP recognizes specific counseling programs, while institutional accreditation applies to the college or university. Check both separately and ask how each relates to your intended credential (CACREP; U.S. Department of Education).
Is a school counseling degree interchangeable with clinical mental health counseling?
No. The tracks prepare students for different roles and credential requirements. Choose based on the Ohio workplace and authorization you want, not on a similar-sounding degree title.
Is an online counseling master's worth the cost?
It can be if it fits your career goal, supports the required credential, and has an affordable completion plan. Compare net cost, debt, fieldwork-related lost earnings, and realistic job options against staying in your current role or choosing another program.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
