Working as a counselor not only helps others, it also offers job security with the ever-increasing demand for mental health services. Many states require a master’s degree to work as a licensed or certified counselor, and many counseling programs offer their master’s degree in counseling online to make getting the necessary education easier. Remote learning also makes working while in school possible.
Even with the accessibility of online learning, paying for graduate education is still a major hurdle. This guide helps prospective counselors figure out how to pay for their online master’s degree. It also overviews how online counseling master’s degree programs work and how to find the most affordable program.
18 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs for 2023
Choosing the right Master’s in Counseling program is a personal decision, and cost is a significant factor. While enrolling in a program you can afford is important, you don’t want to skimp on academic quality. The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) provided several quality metrics to help determine the most affordable and accessible high-quality online master’s in counseling programs for 2022. Learn more about how we developed our ranking system by clicking on the “About the ranking” button below.
Texas A&M University – Kingsville has two online master’s-level counseling programs to choose from. The first one is the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This is a hybrid program with most classwork offered online, but in-person internships and fieldwork experiences are required. Completion of this program will prepare graduates for Texas licensure as a Professional Counselor. Students also get to decode between two specializations: rural mental health counseling and school counseling. The second program is the Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance. It’s also a hybrid program with online coursework and in-person internships.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $6,157/semester (in-state); $14,345.00/semester (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance
- Credits: 48
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $6,157/semester (in-state); $14,345.00/semester (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Albany State University’s Master of Education in Counselor Education is an online program that combines the convenience of remote learning with the effectiveness of in-person instruction. For example, the bulk of the classes can be taken online, but students must also complete 700 hours of clinical fieldwork. The Master of Education program also has three concentrations available. These include school counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, and clinical mental health counseling. Depending on the concentration selected, students will need to complete 60 or 63 credits to graduate. Finally, regardless of which concentration a student picks, they’ll also have the opportunity to further customize their education with electives.
Program Highlights:
Master of Education in Counselor Education
- Credits: 60-63
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $300.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Western New Mexico University’s Master of Arts in Counseling is specifically designed to prepare students to become licensed school counselors, licensed mental health counselors, and licensed rehabilitation counselors in New Mexico. As a result, enrolled students can choose from the following four specializations: clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and addiction counseling. To provide the most convenient learning possible, most courses can be completed 100% online, with a mix of asynchronous and synchronous coursework. The former requires students to use the Canvas online class management system, while the latter requires the use of Zoom. In addition to online classes, students will complete an in-person practicum, where they can obtain the necessary fieldwork experience.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: About three years
- Cost: $3,364.11/semester (in-state); $5,807.61/semester (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
The Master of Health Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program from Catawba College combines the flexibility of online learning and the in-person experiential learning of internships to prepare students to take and pass the National Counselor Exam. As a result, 100% of the coursework is available online and in-person learning will come primarily through providing clinical services to real clients, but with appropriate supervision. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to become North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associates. Graduates will also be qualified to obtain their National Certified Counselor credentials. Currently, the MHS program is in the process of obtaining CACREP accreditation.
Program Highlights:
Master of Health Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $599.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
The Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offered by Fort Hays State University stands out in how it provides instruction to students. Like other programs, it offers many courses online, but also requires students to complete in-person learning. In addition to the coursework, students must complete a 600-hour internship and a 100-hour practicum. The program at Fort Hays stands out because its coursework is split between remote learning and on-campus learning. Roughly 50% of the classes must be completed by visiting the campus on Fridays and Saturdays. Upon graduation, students will be ready for licensure in the state of Kansas as a Licensed Professional Counselor or a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $298.55/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ABHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ABHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ABHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ABHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
5 Ways to Save on your Master’s Degree in Counseling
For most students, tuition is the biggest hurdle to enrollment. Thankfully, there are several options available to help pay for the cost of your online counseling master’s degree. Below are some of the funding options available to those considering the most affordable online masters in mental health counseling programs.
-
Scholarships, grants, and fellowships created for Counseling Master’s students.
Scholarships, grants, and fellowships are ideal forms of financial aid because they don’t have to be paid back. Many are available directly from schools offering online counseling degree programs. For example, the Master of Education in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling from William and Mary offers various scholarships with awards from $2,300 to $5,000. Learn more about other scholarships and related opportunities through OMD’s scholarships and resources guide.
-
Work-Study or Assistantships
Work-study gives part-time jobs based on financial need and provides money to help pay for the education. Assistantships are a type of academic employment where students usually get paid in the form of tuition discounts in return for helping one or more faculty members with certain tasks. For students who must already be on campus, some online master’s in counseling programs, like Fort Valley State University’s on-campus work-study opportunities, have some options available.
-
Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs
Employer tuition reimbursement programs are an employment benefit or perk where employers pay for some or all of your advanced education. Employees may need to continue working while taking classes, but exactly how the tuition reimbursement program works varies among employers. Generally, employers ask employees to continue working for them for a set number of years after graduation. If the employee fails to honor this agreement, they may need to reimburse their employer for the money spent on their education.
-
Payment Plans
Payment plans are a great option for those who have the money to pay for their education but need a bit of flexibility in doing so. The terms of a payment plan depend on the specific school, but they usually work by charging a modest fee, maybe $100 or so, to pay tuition throughout the semester instead of all at once. Usually, no interest is charged, and students make payments each month. Payment plans are more popular at the undergraduate level, but they do exist for some online master’s degree counseling programs, such as at Capella University.
-
Paid Internships
Accredited master’s degree programs in counseling require hands-on training through internships and/or practicums. These often take hundreds of hours to complete. To help students pay for their education, some schools, like William James College, offer stipends while students complete these in-person requirements. This is a great option for those who can’t use their full-time job experience to satisfy internship and practicum academic requirements.
FAQs about Affordable Master’s Programs in Computer Science
Q. What impacts the affordability of an online master’s program?
One of the biggest factors in affordability is whether a school is private or public. This difference may not matter for out-of-state students who will likely pay out-of-state tuition rates that rival that of private universities. In addition, some programs charge the same tuition regardless of a student’s residency status, so this factor may not matter. The true cost of attendance is also impacted by grants and scholarships as well as a school’s transfer credit policy.
Q. What is the ROI of an online master’s degree in Computer Science?
Earning a master’s degree in counseling improves your professional prospects, especially with compensation. For example, a mental health counselor who treats families only needs a bachelor’s degree and receives a median salary of $48,520. With a master’s degree in counseling, a mental health counselor is eligible to become a licensed family therapist and could increase their median salary to $49,880. The biggest benefit is the potential for even higher salaries with the top 10% of family therapists earning $96,520 and the top 10% of mental health counselors earning only $77.980.
Q. How can I ensure that an affordable Master’s in Counseling program is high-quality?
The best way to ensure you’re getting a quality education is to enroll in an accredited counseling program, such as one accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). In addition to accreditation, look at career services and networking opportunities. You’ll also want a program that prepares you for state licensure. If possible, look for statistics showing what percentage of graduates find a counseling-related position within a certain period after graduation.
Q. Is an online master’s degree more affordable than an in-person one?
Sometimes the tuition rate for online students is cheaper or the same as the tuition rate for in-state students. Other times, the tuition rate is the same for all students, but distance learning and self-paced curriculums make it easier for students to pay for their degrees. For instance, by adjusting the pace of learning, students can work while in school. In addition, not having to travel to campus means students can avoid travel and moving expenses.
Q. Can job experience count towards a master’s degree and help cut costs?
Many online counseling master’s programs let students obtain academic credit for work experience relevant to their degrees. There are variations in how this credit works, though. For example, schools differ in how many experience credits they let a student earn or what kind of class credits a student can replace with work experience.
Q. How can I know if an affordable master’s degree program is right for me?
This depends on what you need in a program. For example, one program could have the lowest tuition but only allow you to take classes full time, which might mean you can’t work while in school. If you don’t plan on working, perhaps an accelerated program letting you finish your degree early is ideal. To decide if a program is affordable, make a list of program characteristics that are important to you and go from there.