An affordable online counseling degree is only a good deal if it prepares you for the work - and, when necessary, the license - you want. This guide accompanies the 2027 Most Affordable Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which programs are worth considering. Whether you are entering counseling or changing careers, you will learn how to compare total costs, clinical training, state requirements, timelines, and career prospects before you enroll.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in America
The least expensive advertised program may cost more overall if its tuition rate excludes nonresident charges, required visits, placement expenses, or extra terms; compare written estimates for the entire degree.
A counseling master's is generally the relevant path for independent clinical licensure, but online study does not waive supervised training or state-board requirements. Confirm eligibility in the state where you intend to practice before paying a deposit.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $59,350 for the occupation covering mental health and substance abuse counselors and projects 18% employment growth from 2025 to 2035. Those national figures describe occupations, not the earnings or placement of a particular program's graduates.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in America?
"Online counseling degree" can mean an undergraduate introduction to the field, a licensure-oriented master's, or a post-master's credential. These are not interchangeable. For someone seeking independent mental health practice, the central question is whether a master's curriculum matches the education requirements of the intended state licensing board. A bachelor's can support entry into related human-services roles, but it does not ordinarily substitute for a clinical counseling master's (state licensing boards).
Expect online lectures, case discussions, assessment and ethics coursework, followed by supervised work with clients in person at an approved site. Some programs also require campus visits or live online meetings. Before choosing a low-price option, ask who finds placements, whether sites near you are approved, and whether the school has assessed your state's licensure requirements.
The right investment depends on your goal. A licensure-oriented master's makes more sense for prospective therapists than a general counseling-studies degree; a school counseling program is a better fit for a prospective school counselor than a clinical track. If you want a nonclinical helping role without the time and expense of supervised professional preparation, compare the job's actual credential requirements before committing to a master's.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in America?
Graduates may seek roles in outpatient behavioral health, hospitals, community agencies, addiction treatment, schools, rehabilitation services, or private practice, depending on their specialization and credentials (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). A degree alone does not authorize independent practice: state licensure, supervised post-degree experience, and examinations may still be required.
Location matters even when classes are online. A student living far from campus may still need a nearby approved placement, and a graduate moving across state lines may face different licensing rules. School counseling candidates should check the education agency in the state where they want to work; clinical candidates should check that state's counseling board. If relocation is likely, compare both states' rules before enrolling.
Pay depends more on the occupation, location, experience, and setting than on whether coursework was online. The table shows national occupational medians - not starting salaries or outcomes attributable to any listed school - using May 2025 wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career direction
Median annual wage, May 2025
Mental health and substance abuse counseling
$59,350
School counseling
$64,330
Marriage and family therapy
$66,940
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
The differences can inform a career choice, but they are not a reason to select a specialization by salary alone: marriage and family therapy, for example, has its own licensing pathway. To judge whether a degree is financially worthwhile, compare your likely earnings before enrollment with plausible earnings in the specific role you can qualify for, then account for aid, borrowing, time out of work, and the years needed to complete licensure.
The programs below illustrate why "affordable counseling" is not a single educational path. Their named degrees point toward different professional goals; compare the current catalog, delivery requirements, clinical placements, total price, and state-eligibility disclosures before treating any of them as interchangeable. Program descriptions are attributed to the respective universities.
Fort Valley State University - M.S. Ed. in School Counselor Education: The school-counselor focus distinguishes this option from the university's mental health degree. It is the more relevant starting point for applicants who want to examine school-based preparation and their state's educator-credential rules (Fort Valley State University).
Fort Valley State University - M.S. in Mental Health Counseling: This degree targets mental health counseling rather than school counseling. Prospective clinical practitioners should compare its required coursework and supervised training against the licensing board rules where they plan to practice (Fort Valley State University).
Columbus State University - M. Ed. in School Counseling: The M. Ed. designation and school-counseling focus give applicants an education-oriented alternative to the university's clinical mental health M.S. It is relevant to students targeting school roles rather than independent clinical practice (Columbus State University).
Columbus State University - M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Its explicitly clinical focus makes the degree the closer match for applicants seeking mental health practice instead of a school counseling credential. Verify its current modality and the board requirements of your intended practice state (Columbus State University).
East Carolina University - M.S. in Counselor Education: The degree's counselor-education identity makes its available professional pathways the key comparison point. Applicants should confirm which pathway is offered online and whether that pathway fits their intended credential, rather than relying on the degree title alone (East Carolina University).
East Carolina University - Counselor Education department: The department's program information provides a place to examine how the M.S. pathways and field training are organized. This is particularly useful if you are comparing school-focused and clinical goals within one university (East Carolina University).
North Carolina Central University - M.A. in School Counseling: This is the school-focused choice among the university's named counseling M.A. options. Applicants seeking school employment should prioritize its educator-credential alignment over the clinical or career counseling titles (North Carolina Central University).
North Carolina Central University - M.A. in Career Counseling: Its career-counseling focus is a meaningful distinction for applicants interested in vocational decision-making rather than assuming every counseling master's leads to psychotherapy practice. Confirm the jobs and credentials it is designed to support (North Carolina Central University).
North Carolina Central University - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Among the university's listed M.A. choices, this is the one explicitly directed toward clinical mental health. It merits closer review by prospective therapists, especially for placement arrangements and licensure eligibility outside North Carolina (North Carolina Central University).
These are program-fit distinctions, not claims that one school has better outcomes or a lower net price than another. For a broader quality-oriented comparison, consult the best counseling programs alongside each institution's current disclosures.
A licensure-oriented counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years of full-time study; part-time enrollment can extend it. Your actual schedule depends on course sequencing, when a practicum or internship begins, and whether you can secure an approved site. Finishing classes faster does not eliminate any post-degree supervised experience your state requires for independent licensure (state licensing boards).
An accelerated schedule can reduce time away from higher-paying work, but only if you can realistically accommodate clinical hours and course load. If speed is your priority, compare the fastest counseling programs and ask for a term-by-term plan showing fieldwork - not just the advertised minimum completion time.
The principal difference is where academic instruction happens, not whether counseling skills require live practice. Online delivery may reduce commuting and make coursework workable around a job, while campus study can simplify access to in-person classes and nearby placement networks. Either format may include face-to-face clinical training, synchronous meetings, or visits to campus; requirements vary by program.
Choose online study if its timetable helps you complete the entire degree and you can access approved supervision locally. Consider campus study if you need a more structured schedule or the online school cannot support a suitable placement near you. Ask both formats how they arrange field sites and document hours: those answers matter more than the delivery label when preparing for licensure.
There is no single national counseling-program price that reliably represents what an online applicant will pay. Institution-wide graduate tuition figures can obscure differences in residency, program fees, required credits, and clinical training; they should not be presented as a counseling-specific average (National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS). A public university's advertised resident rate may also be unavailable to an out-of-state online student.
Compare written total-program estimates, including tuition for every required credit, mandatory fees, travel or campus visits, placement-related costs, and any additional term needed to finish fieldwork. Then subtract grants and employer support - not loans - to estimate the amount you must pay or borrow. A lower tuition rate can lose its advantage if it comes with higher fees or a longer completion schedule. For another cost-versus-outcome lens, see the most valuable counseling programs.
Students in eligible programs may be able to use federal aid, institutional scholarships, employer tuition assistance, or state programs, subject to each program's rules. Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and confirm the school's Title IV eligibility and your individual eligibility; online delivery alone does not determine whether federal aid is available (Federal Student Aid).
Graduate borrowing rules deserve special attention for a 2027 enrollment decision. Under federal changes effective July 2026, new graduate students generally cannot take out Graduate PLUS loans; limited transitional eligibility may apply to students who borrowed for the same program before the change, subject to federal conditions and time limits. Confirm your status with the school's aid office and Federal Student Aid before using a loan estimate that assumes Graduate PLUS is available. A scholarship reduces cost; a loan finances it and must be repaid (Federal Student Aid).
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
For a counseling master's, expect a completed bachelor's degree and an application that may include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, and an interview. Schools set their own academic prerequisites and admissions standards; an undergraduate counseling major is not universally required. Clinical-placement sites may impose additional screening requirements (institutional admissions and program policies).
Do not confuse being admitted with being eligible for a future license. Before applying, ask whether the exact program and track meet the educational requirements in your intended state, whether any required undergraduate courses are missing, and whether your location affects online enrollment or placements. If you are looking for a less restrictive admissions route, the easiest counseling programs can be a comparison point - but admissions accessibility does not resolve licensure fit.
Licensure-oriented programs commonly cover counseling theories, human development, assessment, research, ethics, multicultural counseling, and supervised clinical skills. A school track may emphasize student development and school systems; a clinical mental health track may place more emphasis on diagnosis and treatment planning. The particular course titles matter less than whether the completed curriculum satisfies your state board's subject-area requirements (CACREP; state licensing boards).
Review the catalog's practicum and internship sequence alongside the academic courses. If you work full time, ask when client-facing hours occur and whether evening or weekend placements are feasible locally. A program can deliver lectures asynchronously while still requiring clinical hours at times you cannot accommodate.
Common paths include clinical mental health, school, addiction, rehabilitation, career, and marriage and family counseling. Their names are not merely electives: different roles can involve different degree expectations, credentials, practice settings, and regulators (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state licensing boards). A career counseling degree, for instance, should not be assumed to meet the same clinical license requirements as a clinical mental health degree.
Start with the job you want, then work backward to its credential. If you want to practice therapy, compare clinical curricula against your state board's rules. If you want to work in a public school, check the state education agency's school counselor requirements. Choose an addiction or rehabilitation emphasis only after checking whether employers and regulators in your intended setting require additional credentials.
Use affordability as a screen, not the final decision. Accreditation, state authorization, licensure fit, placement support, and the likelihood that you can finish are all capable of changing the value of a seemingly inexpensive offer. Institutional accreditation and CACREP programmatic accreditation are different checks; a state board may specify which program characteristics it accepts (U.S. Department of Education; CACREP; state licensing boards).
Before accepting an offer, get written answers to these questions:
Does this exact degree and specialization satisfy the educational requirements of the state and license or school credential I intend to pursue?
Is the institution accredited, and does this specific counseling program hold any programmatic accreditation relevant to my goal?
What is my total price at my residency rate after grants, including required visits and placement expenses?
Who secures an approved placement near me, and what happens if a site falls through?
What are the program's current completion, examination, and employment outcomes, and which graduating cohort do they describe?
A useful return-on-investment comparison also accounts for completion probability, foregone earnings, debt and interest, your present income, plausible post-degree income, and how long it takes to become licensed. Treat missing outcome data, vague placement promises, or an assertion that online graduation automatically qualifies you for practice as reasons to investigate further - not details to overlook.
View the chart data as a table
Programs by specialization (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
143
School Counseling
83
Counselor Education and Supervision
20
Rehabilitation Counseling
17
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
10
Addiction Counseling
9
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
7
College Counseling and Student Affairs
2
Career Counseling
1
A graduate's route depends on the specialization and subsequent credentials. Clinical mental health graduates may pursue supervised practice toward a state counseling license; school counseling graduates may seek the state's school counselor credential; others may pursue career or rehabilitation services. Marriage and family therapy follows a distinct professional pathway rather than being an automatic outcome of any counseling degree (state licensing boards; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Think in stages: identify an entry role or supervised position, meet the relevant examination and experience requirements, and only then evaluate roles requiring independent licensure. If your desired job does not require a counseling master's, ask employers what credential they actually accept before investing in one.
View the chart data as a table
Reported total program cost distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
$0–$19,999
10
$20,000–$39,999
122
$40,000–$59,999
131
$60,000–$79,999
20
$80,000–$99,999
6
$100,000–$119,999
3
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for the occupation encompassing substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That points to substantial national demand, but it is not a placement forecast for an individual graduate, specialty, or city. School counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and other paths have different outlooks (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections).
Compare local postings for the exact role you want: note which licenses employers request, whether they hire prelicensed clinicians, and where supervised positions are available. Demand in one state does not make an online degree portable by itself. The soundest career plan connects a qualifying program, an accessible placement, a workable route through state credentialing, and employers that hire at each stage.
2027 Most Affordable Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA
Investing in a counseling degree is a consequential decision, particularly when a low advertised tuition rate may not reflect the full cost of clinical training. Research.com's team examined program data to make the ranking more credible and useful for comparing affordability, while recognizing that a ranking cannot replace a personalized cost estimate or a state licensure check.
Research.com uses the following sources in its counseling rankings:
IPEDS database - institutional enrollment, completion, and price information.
Research.com's broader counseling evaluation considers program completion, employment or doctoral admission, applicable licensure-exam pass rates, CACREP programmatic accreditation, federal Title IV eligibility, and cost. The Best ranking first weights completion at 40%, employment or doctoral admission at 20%, applicable licensure-exam pass rates at 20%, CACREP recognition at 16%, and Title IV eligibility at 4%; unavailable or inapplicable criteria are reweighted. Cost contributes about 7% of its final score. Rankings named for a particular dimension, including affordability, order programs by that dimension rather than by the Best ranking's composite score. The approach applies to both online and campus programs. Readers can review further details on Research.com's methodology page.
# 1 position
Fort Valley State University
Master
M.S. in School Counselor Education
Delivery mode: online
100.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
almost two years by taking three courses per semester
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
April 15
Application process
GradCAS
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Passed GACE Program Admissions exams (Basic Skills tests in Reading, Writing, and Math), OR certification as a teacher in Georgia, OR exemption via SAT, GRE, or ACT scores; undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.
Additional requirements
Completed Graduate Application, professional resume, statement of purpose (550-600 words), three professional recommendations (FVSU form), official transcripts (cumulative GPA >=2.75), immunization records.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Fort Valley State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 100.0/100, supported by $16,140 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 2 position
Fort Valley State University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Master of Science)
Completed graduate application; professional resume; 550–600-word statement of purpose; three professional recommendations; official transcripts from every postsecondary institution attended; immunization records.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Fort Valley State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 99.8/100, supported by $16,380 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 3 position
Columbus State University
Master
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
99.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Completion Time: 3 Years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: Priority Dec 1; Final March 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution; minimum 2.75 GPA (regular) or 2.50 (provisional); resume; statement of purpose; faculty interview. Teaching experience and teacher certification are not required.
Additional requirements
Resume, Statement of Purpose, successful completion of an interview with departmental faculty; minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (regular) or 2.50 (provisional)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Columbus State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 99.2/100, supported by $17,250 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 4 position
Columbus State University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
99.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Years (Full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 (regular admission) or 2.50 (provisional admission)
Application deadline
Priority: Dec 1; Final: Mar 1 (Fall admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
An earned undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
Additional requirements
Resume, Statement of Purpose, successful completion of an interview with departmental faculty, minimum GPA (2.75 regular / 2.50 provisional)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Columbus State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 99.2/100, supported by $17,250 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 5 position
East Carolina University
Master
Master of Science in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: hybrid
98.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (full-time)
Specialization
College Counseling and Student Affairs
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 15 (priority: November 3)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite coursework; all majors considered. Requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA, demonstrated leadership/work experience, three letters of recommendation, a Statement of Intent, and a departmental interview.
Additional requirements
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA; demonstrated leadership/significant work experience; three letters of recommendation; Statement of Intent; departmental interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
East Carolina University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 98.4/100, supported by $18,377 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 6 position
East Carolina University
Master
Master of Science in Counselor Education – School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
98.40
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
47.6%
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
82% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 15 (priority: November 3)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
All undergraduate majors are considered; no specific prerequisite coursework stated.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all institutions; at least three letters of recommendation from supervisors/former professors; Statement of Intent; minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA; demonstrated leadership or significant work experience.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
East Carolina University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 98.4/100, supported by $18,377 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 7 position
East Carolina University
Master
Master of Science in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: hybrid
98.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
60% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
93% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 15 (priority: November 3)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite coursework; all majors considered. Requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA, demonstrated leadership/work experience, three letters of recommendation, a Statement of Intent, and a departmental interview.
Additional requirements
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA; demonstrated leadership/significant work experience; three letters of recommendation; Statement of Intent; departmental interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
East Carolina University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 98.4/100, supported by $18,377 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 8 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
School Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: hybrid
97.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Spring: no admission; Summer: no admission
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.9/100, supported by $19,078 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 9 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
Career Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: hybrid
97.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Career Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
GradCAS
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and an undergraduate major of at least 30 semester hours in counselor education or a related area; educational research and statistics coursework is part of the program.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; interview required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.9/100, supported by $19,078 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 10 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: hybrid
97.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
GradCAS (Liaison)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00, with 3.0 or better in an undergraduate major (or related area) of at least 30 semester hours in the graduate field; international applicants need TOEFL 500 or equivalent.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; an interview is required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.9/100, supported by $19,078 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 11 position
University of West Georgia
Master
Master of Education with a Major in Professional Counseling, Clinical Mental Health
Delivery mode: hybrid
96.80
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-1/2 years or 7 semesters of full-time study
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
94% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
79% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Online Graduate Application ($55 fee), official transcripts, resume, personal statement (3-5 page double-spaced essay)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of West Georgia earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.8/100, supported by $20,505 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 12 position
New Mexico Highlands University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
96.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
anywhere between 2.5 and 6 years; most students finish in three
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
100%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
80% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 1; Spring: October 15; Summer: March 15
Class size
9
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree
Additional requirements
University graduate application ($25 fee), written statement, transcripts from all institutions, 2 professional recommender ratings, resume/CV
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.
# 13 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.
# 14 position
New Mexico Highlands University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling – Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
96.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-time load is 9 credits per semester; program can take 2.5 to 6 years, most students finish in three years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
98.5%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
60% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring: Oct 15; Summer: Mar 15; Fall: Apr 1
Class size
53
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
Additional requirements
Graduate application ($25 fee), written statement addressing educational goals/motivation/contribution to profession, transcripts from all institutions attended, 2 professional recommendation letters, resume/CV documenting 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.
# 15 position
University of North Texas
Master
Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.
Delivery mode: online
96.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: March 15; Spring: October 20
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of North Texas earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.4/100, supported by $21,167 total tuition and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 16 position
Valdosta State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: online
96.00
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
84% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
March 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in any major; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application; official transcripts from all prior institutions; 250-500 word statement on plans in the chosen Counselor Education track; lawful presence verification if applicable; TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Valdosta State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.0/100, supported by $21,634 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 17 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.
# 18 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.
# 19 position
Fort Hays State University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling)
Delivery mode: online
95.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
can be completed in 2-3 years of study
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Summer: March 1 priority, April 1 final; Fall: June 1 priority, July 1 final; Spring: October 1 priority, November 1 final
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree, background in counseling or human services; minimum 3.00 GPA in last 60 hours of undergraduate credit.
Additional requirements
Proof of 3.00 GPA in last 60 undergraduate hours; two letters of reference; Professional Goals Statement; official transcripts and proof of degree conferral; group interview via videoconference; completed background check.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Fort Hays State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 95.4/100, supported by $22,482 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 20 position
Fort Hays State University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Delivery mode: online
95.40
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Summer: Jan 15 priority / Feb 15 final; Fall: Mar 15 priority / Apr 15 final; Spring: Sep 15 priority / Oct 15 final
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite coursework listed. Requires a bachelor's degree with minimum 3.00 GPA in the last 60 credit hours, a 1-2 page personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a completed background check.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, proof of 3.00 GPA in last 60 undergrad credit hours, 1-2 page personal/professional goals statement, two letters of recommendation, background check (Validity Screening Solutions)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Fort Hays State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 95.4/100, supported by $22,482 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in America
Can I become a licensed counselor with an online degree?
Potentially. Online coursework does not itself prevent licensure, but the exact degree, clinical training, supervised experience, and examinations must satisfy the board in the state where you seek a license (state licensing boards).
Is a bachelor's in counseling enough to practice therapy?
Generally not for independent clinical counseling. Check your state board's required graduate education and supervised-experience rules before choosing an undergraduate or graduate path (state licensing boards).
Are online counseling programs fully remote?
Not necessarily. Practicums and internships typically involve supervised work with clients, and some programs require live online sessions or campus visits. Request the full attendance and placement schedule.
Does CACREP accreditation guarantee a license?
No. CACREP accredits programs; state boards issue licenses and set additional requirements. Check both the program's current status and your intended state's rules (CACREP; state licensing boards).
What is the cheapest way to compare programs fairly?
Ask each school for a written estimate covering the whole degree at your residency rate, including fees, required visits, and likely placement costs. Compare those estimates after grants, then check whether each program qualifies you for your intended career.
Is an affordable online counseling master's worth it?
It can be if it fits your credential goal, you can complete its fieldwork, and the full cost is reasonable relative to your career plans. A low tuition figure alone cannot establish its value.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
