Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from) Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) : Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (100% Online, No GRE Required)
The Chicago School : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)
Colorado Christian University : Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum (100% online, or hybrid format. )
Our Lady of the Lake University : Online Master of Arts - School Counseling (Earn a Master of Arts in Counseling – 100% Online)
Walsh University : Online Master's in School Counseling (100% Online. Field Experience Support Services. Faith-based.)Why Is CACREP Accreditation Important?
Competency in counseling is demonstrated through knowledge, skills, and professional values. Furthermore, counselors must take an online counseling program that is regionally accredited to be eligible for ranking.
In most states, earning a Master's in Counseling is the first step toward becoming a licensed counselor. On top of that, these states require that students obtain master's-level degrees that CACREP accredits. This standard and preference for CACREP-accredited programs solidifies CACREP as the premier accreditation board for counseling degrees.
Even though CACREP is not the sole accrediting body for counseling degrees, CACREP accreditation ensures the professional standard that applies to all counselor programs. CACREP-accredited counseling degrees have similar program substance, classes, research, techniques, and processes. Employers know what can be expected from graduates who finished a CACREP-accredited program.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Mid-America Christian University (MACU)
Master of Science (MS) in Counseling
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
✔ Online
100% Online |
Expand your impact with an online counseling degree rooted in faith-based practice. Mid-America Christian University offers the largest Master of Science (MS) in Counseling program in Oklahoma, with emphasis areas in addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Explore the online MS in Counseling at MACU. Learn More |
| The Chicago School
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required. |
This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
| Colorado Christian University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
Optional program emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Substance Use Disorders. Learn More |
| Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master of Arts - School Counseling
|
✔ Online
|
OLLU’s Master of Arts in School Counseling curriculum helps students of all ages get the most out of their education by assessing and finding solutions to common behavioral and learning problems, promoting psychological health, and implementing effective career development planning. Learn More |
| Walsh University
Online Master's in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited, HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required |
Whether you’re a teacher wanting to expand into counseling to further support your students, or a professional wanting a fulfilling career helping young people thrive academically, emotionally, and mentally, Walsh University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development–School Counseling degree can give you the skills and knowledge you need to make a positive impact. Become a licensed school counselor to make a difference in the lives of children, adolescents, and teens. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Cheapest CACREP Accredited Online Programs
Graduate degrees in mental health and counseling can be expensive. Finding a CACREP-accredited program that fits your budget is essential.
Traditional vs. Online Programs
- Traditional Programs: On-campus with face-to-face lectures and discussions.
- Online Programs: More cost-effective, especially post-COVID-19. Online programs save on meals, transportation, and provide flexible scheduling.
- Rural Scholarship
- Military Scholarship
- Dr. Nicholas Vacc Scholarship (Doctoral)
Explore our range of CACREP-accredited online counseling programs to find an affordable option that aligns with your career goals.
The following schools are ranked and organized based on net tuition data stored in the IPEDs Database. Analysis took place June 2024
| University | Net Price ($) |
|---|---|
| Lamar University | 13,351 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | 13,430 |
| University of the Cumberlands | 14,654 |
| Wright State University | 15,455 |
| Lock Haven University | 15,583 |
| Bellevue University | 15,794 |
| North Carolina State University | 16,239 |
| Lindsey Wilson College | 16,538 |
| Freed-Hardeman University | 17,099 |
| Regent University | 17,120 |
| Oregon State University | 18,010 |
| Malone University | 18,203 |
| Grace College | 18,393 |
| University at Buffalo | 19,344 |
| Union Institute & University | 22,311 |
| Gallaudet University | 22,616 |
| Messiah University | 23,560 |
| Concordia University-Irvine | 24,483 |
| Bradley University | 24,835 |
| St Bonaventure University | 25,187 |
| Colorado Christian University | 25,681 |
| Northwestern University | 28,230 |
| Liberty University | 28,561 |
| Wake Forest University | 29,214 |
| Midwestern State University | 29,412 |
| East Carolina University | 30,563 |
| Winston-Salem State University | 31,287 |
| Fort Hays State University | 32,540 |
| Pepperdine University | 33,712 |
| William & Mary | 34,567 |
Tips for Funding a CACREP Accredited Degree
Now that you understand the importance of choosing a CACREP-accredited program and have browsed the cheapest CACREP-accredited online counseling programs, the next step is funding.
Considering funding options while looking at the cheapest CACREP-accredited online programs will help you decide which is best for you. Finding the money for a counseling degree is hard, but it doesn't have to be impossible.
You can fund your way to a CACREP-accredited degree in two ways:
Scholarships
Scholarships are financial aids that are usually based on merit, such as exemplary academic, athletic, or creative achievement. It usually covers partial or full funding to students, typically sponsored by corporations, universities or colleges, non-government organizations, private foundations, philanthropists, and other organizations with certain backgrounds or passions.
The National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCF) recognizes that supporting counselors in training is integral to their organization's mission. The Foundation offers the following scholarships to "increase the number of counselors committed to helping priority underserved communities":
Grants
Like scholarships, grants are also awarded by individuals or groups that support certain causes and interests. However, grants are awarded based on the student's financial need and are usually sponsored by the federal government, state colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations.
Changing the face of counseling, the NBCC has helped increase diversity in the counseling profession since 2012 with the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP).
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)
The Chicago School - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Colorado Christian University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Master of Arts - School Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
Walsh University - Online Master's in School Counseling (HLC Accredited)
What are the Benefits of Graduating from a CACREP Accredited Program?
You can look at the benefits of graduating from a CACREP-accredited program from two points of view: as a student and as a program administrator.
As a student, a CACREP accreditation certifies that your program’s content and quality have been assessed and satisfy industry standards. You can be sure that the program is reliable on a professional and financial level and that the necessary knowledge and skill areas are covered.
Accreditation in the United States is a unique peer review system of quality assurance. So when a counseling program conducts self-assessment, it shows that the program’s administrators have clearly defined the program’s objectives and thought about the strategies they are employing to achieve them. Prospective students, employers, and other educators can access the mission statement, goals, and objectives. With this information accessible to the general public, the program shows that it wants to be held responsible for its educational activities and helps prospective students choose the best counselor education program.
How Do Schools Become CACREP Accredited?
Institutional and specialized accreditation are both available in the United States. Institutional accreditation considers the entire organization. Inside such institutions, professional preparation programs are examined by specialized accreditors like CACREP.
To become accredited, CACREP requires a counselor education program to “fulfill certain requirements or standards regarding institutional settings, program mission, and objectives, program content, practicum experiences, student selection, advising, faculty qualifications and workload, program governance, instructional support, and self-evaluation.”
It is also important to remember that CACREP accredits the degree-specific program and not the department or college it is housed.
