








Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
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Grand Canyon University
Bachelor's Degree in Counseling
HLC Accredited |
✔ 100% Online
Affordable with No Out of State Tuition |
Programs include BS in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse; BS in Psychology; and BS in Behavioral Health Science. Learn More |
Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ 100% Online
Over 14 Specializations Available |
Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More |
Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
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✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling; and Advanced Studies in Human Behavior and Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD). Learn More |
Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
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✔ 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 |
NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
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✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete Learn More |
Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
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✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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✔ 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 |
Sacred Heart University
Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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✔ Online
Ask representative |
Social justice focus, Developed with CACREP standards as a foundation. Learn More |
Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
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✔ 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 |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs







2023-2024 Most Affordable Online Counseling Degrees
Many entry-level counseling jobs require you to have a bachelor’s degree. The good news is that there are many universities that offer this degree online for an annual tuition of $13,000 or less. Here are five colleges that offer affordable online counseling degrees.
Fort Hays State University
If you want to specialize in addiction counseling after college, look into Fort Hays State University. Considered among the most affordable online colleges for counseling degrees, this school makes it possible to complete your degree online via videos, labs, tests, discussion boards, and more.
Annual Tuition: $8,000
Degrees Available:
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Addictions Counseling
- Bachelor of Science in Sociology – Addictions Counseling
Courses You’ll Take:
- Introduction to addictions
- Individual counseling for addictions
- Families and addictions
- Group counseling for people with addictions
- Ethics in counseling
- Pharmacology
Aspen University
If your career goal is to help people who are battling addiction, attending Aspen University may be right for you. It’s one of the most affordable online colleges for counseling degrees, allowing you to get an understanding of addiction theory, psychology, and sociology via online courses.
Annual tuition: $5,400
Degrees Available:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Studies
Courses You’ll Take:
- Addiction theories
- Medical terminology
- Pharmacology
- Substance abuse
- Psychology of addiction
- Crisis intervention
The University of Maine at Augusta
Another of the most affordable online counseling degrees to consider is the one you can earn from the University of Maine at Augusta. In fact, this school offers five counseling degrees you can choose from if you’re planning to attend college remotely for your counseling career.
Annual Tuition: $9,200
Degrees Available:
- Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services
- Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services – Addiction Counseling
- Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services – Child & Family Services
- Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services – Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation
- Post-Baccalaureate of Science in Mental Health and Human Services
Courses You’ll Take:
- Introduction to human services
- Case management
- Introduction to substance use disorder
- Counseling in human services
- Community mental health
Lindsey Wilson College
Another one of the most affordable online counseling degrees is the BA in Human Services and Counseling that you can get from Lindsey Wilson College. With a teaching staff of experts with a diverse array of degrees, you can expect to learn the basics of counseling by the time you graduate.
Annual tuition: $12,800
Degrees Available:
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Counseling
Courses You’ll Take:
- Counseling theory
- Human services
- Substance abuse
- Lifespan development
- Group counseling
- Case management and intake
Southern Wesleyan University
If your goal is to provide counseling services to families and married couples, Southern Wesleyan University is worth checking out. You can choose one of two counseling-related degrees to complete online.
Annual Tuition: $13,000
Degrees Available:
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services – Marriage and Family Services
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services – Counseling
Courses you’ll take:
- Introduction to counseling
- Multicultural counseling
- Practical counseling skills
- Child development
- Adult development
- Sex, courtships, and marriage
Most Affordable Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees
If you want to specialize in helping people who are addicted to dangerous substances, you’ll need a degree that teaches you the skills for this job. Some of the most affordable online substance abuse counseling degrees cost less than $12,000. Here are some examples of such programs.
East Central University
A degree from this school will prepare you to work with a population of people who have been struggling with addiction and are ready for rehabilitation.
Annual Tuition: $9,700
Degrees Available:
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Counseling – Rehabilitation
Courses You’ll Take:
- Fundamentals of counseling
- Case management
- Rehab counseling
- Intervention techniques
University of Central Arkansas
Thanks to its online program, you don’t have to live in Arkansas to attend this school and feel fully prepared to work with people who need addiction treatment.
Annual Tuition: $8,600
Degrees Available:
- Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies – Treatment
Courses you’ll take:
- Drug education
- Theory of prevention
- Theory of addiction
- Case management
University of Cincinnati
This school offers one of the most affordable online substance abuse counseling degrees you can get without leaving your house for class.
Annual Tuition: $10,500
Degrees Available:
- Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling
Courses you’ll take:
- Substance abuse counseling
- Long-term substance abuse counseling
- Counseling for families
- Alcoholism
Liberty University
If you want a degree in psychology with an emphasis on addiction recovery, this school is an affordable option to consider.
Annual Tuition: $11,700
Degrees Available:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Addiction and Recovery
Courses you’ll take:
- Social psychology
- Behavior modification
- Psychology and Christianity
University of South Dakota
If you want to choose from a variety of the most affordable online substance abuse counseling degrees, this school may be right for you, as you can pick from three degrees.
Annual Tuition: $10,550
Degrees Available:
- Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling and Prevention – Prevention
- Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling and Prevention – Treatment
Courses You’ll Take:
- Study of alcohol abuse
- Study of drug abuse
- Families and drug issues
- Ethical issues in the substance abuse field
Most Affordable Online School Counseling Degrees
If you want to be a counselor in a school, you will likely need a master’s degree. Here are some online school counseling degrees that cost less than $12,000 per year:
University of Cumberlands
If you plan to get the education you need to counsel students from preschool to 12th grade, the University of Cumberlands is a good start. This degree program’s low tuition should fit into nearly any budget for a master’s program in school counseling.
Annual Tuition: $4,800
Degrees Available:
- Master of Arts in Education – School Counseling P-12
Courses You’ll Take:
- Counseling students with diverse needs
- Ethical issues in school counseling
- Group counseling at school
Campbellsville University
This is another school that offers an affordable degree that will teach you the skills you need to counsel kids from preschool to the last year of high school.
Annual Tuition: $5,400
Degrees Available:
- Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling (P-12)
Courses You’ll Take:
- Counseling students affected by substance abuse
- Counseling students affected by abuse
- Developmental basics in elementary school
- Developmental basics in middle and high school
Lamar University
This school offers two of the most affordable online school counseling degrees you can get, preparing you to go into a career where you can confidently counsel kids of all ages.
Annual Tuition: $7,780
Degrees Available:
- Master of Education in School Counseling
- Master of Education in Counseling and Development – Professional School Counseling
Courses You’ll Take:
- Human growth and development
- Foundations of counseling
- Multicultural counseling
- Group counseling techniques
- Individual counseling techniques
Kansas State University
If you want to help advise students on what classes to take and what career goals to consider, you’ll need a degree in academic advising. Kansas State University offers one of the most affordable online school counseling degrees of this kind.
Annual Tuition: $8,650
Degrees Available:
- Master of Science in Academic Advising
Courses You’ll Take:
- Research methods in education
- Student development theory
- College students with special needs
- Foundations of academic advising
Creighton University
If you want several master’s degrees to choose from, this school may be a good fit for you. It offers four of the most affordable online school counseling degrees.
Annual Tuition: $10,500
Degrees Available:
- Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Health
- Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Health – PK-12 Guidance Counseling
- Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Health – Elementary School Counseling
- Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Health – Secondary School Counseling
Courses You’ll Take:
- Mental health issues in children and teens
- Research in school counseling
- Ethical issues for school counselors
Most Affordable Online Master’s Counseling Degrees
Whether you want to be a family therapist, school counselor, substance abuse counselor, career counselor, or a related title, you will likely need a master’s degree to start. If you’re worried about how you’ll be able to pay for your degree, you should check out some of the most affordable online master’s counseling degrees you can get without having to drive to a college campus every day. All of these programs cost $13,000 or less per year.
North Carolina State University
If you want to study to become a therapist or a related role in clinical mental health, this school offers an affordable degree program that lets you take all courses online.
Annual Tuition: $11,700
Degrees Available:
- Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Courses You’ll Take:
- Career counseling and development
- Theories of counseling
- Group counseling
Clarks Summit University
This school offers two of the most affordable online master’s counseling degrees available, so all you have to do is choose the one you want and then apply.
Annual Tuition: $8,775
Degrees Available:
- Master of Science in Counseling
- Master of Arts in Counseling
Courses You’ll Take:
- Career counseling
- Human development
- Group counseling
- Human sexuality
- Crisis and trauma counseling
Washburn University
This school offers a graduate degree that will prepare you to counsel families and individuals alike, giving you the skills you need for a career in counseling a variety of populations.
Annual Tuition: $10,010
Degrees Available:
Master of Arts in Family and Human Services/Addiction Counseling
Courses You’ll Take:
- Pharmacology
- Diagnosing substance abuse disorders
- Group counseling
- Ethics in counseling
Houston Baptist University
This school has three counseling graduate degrees to choose from, so you should consider it no matter what specialty you’re considering for this career.
Annual Tuition: $10,400
Degrees Available:
Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling
Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling – Professional Life Coaching
Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling – Marriage and Family
Courses You’ll Take:
- Multicultural counseling
- Psychopathology
- Psychotherapy
- Group counseling
Adams State University
This college offers two of the most affordable online master’s counseling degrees you can get. Whether you want to specialize in school counseling or clinical mental health, Adams State University may be right for you.
Annual Tuition: $11,350
Degrees Available:
Master of Arts in Counseling – School Counseling
Master of Arts in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health
Courses You’ll Take:
- Multicultural counseling
- Lifespan development
- Family counseling
- Couples counseling
Discover more affordable counseling degrees online by exploring our cheapest CACREP accredited online counseling programs page.