The COVID-19 pandemic has brought mental health topics to the forefront, making therapy more mainstream, less stigmatized, and more accessible than ever before. According to the APA in October of 2023, the demand for therapy only continues to increase. This shift in how society views and tackles mental health results in a positive career outlook for marriage and family therapists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow by 16% by 2030, much faster than average.
This increase translates to about 12,000 new jobs and rising demand for competent and compassionate clinicians. A Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is one of the main educational routes to becoming a marriage and family therapist. This page spotlights some of the most affordable online MFT master’s programs and shows you the elements to consider when choosing the right program for you.
Most Affordable Online MFT Programs in 2023
Choosing an MFT program typically includes considering factors like program reputation, networking opportunities, and location. The deciding factor, though, is usually affordability. The following section highlights some of the most affordable online MFT programs for 2023, determined using key affordability and quality metrics from data approved by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). These rankings also spotlight core academic requirements and program-specific admission information. For more details on our ranking methodology, click the “About the ranking” button below.
With a master’s degree in family counseling from the University of Alabama, students obtain a thorough knowledge of the systematic approaches to family counseling that will guide them in working with families and family-related issues in counseling and social science fields. This program does not prepare graduates for professional licensure, making it better suited for those who desire expanded knowledge in family counseling issues, those who already hold a license and are seeking clinical practice, or clergy who are exempt from licensure and want to build stronger counseling skills. For students’ convenience, this program is available entirely online, with 8-week course formats.
Program Highlights:
MS in Family Counseling
- Credits: 33
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $429/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
UMass Global’s MA in marriage and family therapy was designed by scholar-practitioners based on their years of clinical experience. Throughout their studies, students are grounded in the systemic instruction of theoretical practices as they prepare to support and serve the therapeutic needs of individuals, couples, families, and communities. Faculty mentors provide students with educational and professional guidance, as well as field support to provide answers to practicum-related questions. Once students reach graduation, they’re well-prepared to ethically determine and administer the most beneficial therapeutic interventions for a range of clients. UMass Global’s program is built for working adults, offering classes fully online for convenient scheduling.
Program Highlights:
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $695/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: WSCUC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
At the University of Holy Cross, students enrolled in the online master’s program in counseling may choose from specializations in clinical mental health counseling, marriage, couple and family counseling, or school counseling. This program provides students with the fundamental skills and clinical experience hours needed to become professional counselors or proceed to a PhD program. After completing core coursework online, UHCNO works with students to provide placement for a practicum and two internships at their chosen site. Master’s program students also have the opportunity to showcase research and present alongside faculty at the annual Law and Ethics Counseling Conference in New Orleans. This online program includes two to three synchronous weekly classes, with assignments that can be completed on students’ schedules.
Program Highlights:
Master’s in Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3-4 years
- Cost: $680/credit
- Mode: Fully Online, with clinical requirements
- Accreditation: CACREP
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Fresno Pacific University’s MA in marriage and family therapy provides theologically-oriented counselors the opportunity to develop the skills and insight needed to practice counseling in clinical settings, faith-based treatment centers, and church settings. This hybrid program includes on-campus and online coursework in clinical assessment, human development, cross-cultural counseling, and discipleship. FPU’s unique program curriculum integrates aspects of Christian theology, psychological theory, personal character development, and professional practice into the educational experience. While enrolled in the program, students are strongly encouraged to participate in individual counseling to foster experiencing and understanding of the therapeutic process. Fresno’s MFT degree is approved by the Board of Behavioral Science and covers content areas required for licensure in Arizona.
Program Highlights:
Marriage and Family Therapy, MA
- Credits: 65
- Length: 3-5 years
- Cost: $550/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: ATS and WASC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
Abilene Christian University’s online master’s program for marriage and family therapy was built to equip busy working adults with the leadership and Christian vocational service necessary to become marriage and family therapists. Based on their unique career goals, students can choose from concentrations in child and adolescent therapy, general therapy, therapy with military families, or trauma treatment. ACU’s program supplies real-world training in couples therapy, family and child therapy, mental illness concerns, and substance abuse and addiction, emphasizing assessment and diagnosis skills. Once they’ve earned a degree, graduates can sit for the Marriage and Family Therapy National Examination to obtain licensure.
Program Highlights:
Online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
- Credits: 60
- Length: 33 months
- Cost: $825/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: COAMFTE
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
With Alliant International University-San Diego’s MA in marital and family therapy, students gain knowledge in behavioral science, mental health counseling, and how to address issues in dysfunctional family interactions. With over 300 hours of direct client contact, 100 supervision hours, and a minimum of 100 professional development hours, students will gain 600 of the 1,300 hours required to apply toward their licensure. Alliant’s MFT emphasizes cultural competency and readying students to help individuals and families from any home structure or circumstance. Students also have the option to pursue an additional CAADE-accredited specialization in chemical dependency, which prepares them for in-depth work with individuals, couples, and families facing the challenges of addiction. Coursework can be completed entirely online, making it convenient for students to study on their own schedules.
Program Highlights:
MA in Marital and Family Therapy
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $950/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: COAMFTE
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
Funding Your Online Master of Family Therapy Degree: 5 Ways to Save
While graduate school usually comes with a significant price tag, there are many ways you can cut costs. Financial resources include scholarships, loans, and paid internships. Highlighted below are popular avenues to help graduate students mitigate the cost of their master’s programs. Keep reading to learn how you can save money while enhancing your career options.
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Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships Created for MFT Students.
Grants, fellowships, and scholarships are all popular options for MFT grad students. From institutional funding to private scholarships, these awards and opportunities can cover the cost of books or substantial portions of your tuition. The Family Institute at Northwestern University, for example, awards a generous $25,000 per year, while the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy offers annual diversity scholarships of up to $3,000. You can learn about more scholarship options on our page detailing scholarships for master’s students.
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Work-Study or Assistantships
Though work-study programs and assistantships may be hard to come by for online students, in-person and hybrid students may find them more accessible. At Appalachian State University, options for MFT students include assisting faculty with research, becoming resident assistants, and working in various administrative positions. When researching potential MFT programs, contact the school’s financial aid office to inquire about potential work-study or assistantship opportunities.
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Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs
Students in online graduate programs often also work full-time. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement opportunities for these employees, funds that can be used to cover the cost of books and other school-related expenses. Similar options include loan reimbursement programs through federal groups like the National Health Service Corp and Indian Health Service, and state-based programs like the California State MFT Stipend Program.
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Payment Plans
For students who can pay for school as they attend, tuition payment plans allow them to make continuous smaller payments. This option can save students thousands of dollars in student loan interest. Payment plans are interest-free and typically only require a one-time fee to enroll.
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Paid Internships
Gaining hands-on experience is an essential part of your MFT program, and internships provide an opportunity to practice learned skills in a safe environment while also building a professional network. While not all internships are paid, some organizations and governmental departments do provide some compensation. The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, for example, hosts a paid internship program that compensates interns for 20 hours of work each week.
FAQs about Affordable MFT Programs
Q. What impacts the affordability of an online MFT Program?
A program’s cost is often the biggest factor for most master’s students. If a program is private or public can dramatically impact tuition rates as can your status as an in-state or out-of-state student. Additionally, online students can often graduate with lower overall costs because of the absence of campus-based fees and travel expenses.
Q. What is the ROI of an online MFT program?
Earning an MFT degree often comes with significant costs, so it’s reasonable to consider your return on the investment. Marriage and family therapists earn a median salary of about $50,000 per year, according to the BLS, and the field is projected to grow by 16% by 2030. In addition, the top 10% of earners make more than $96,520. This means that the ROI for an MFT is likely quite good.
Q. How can I ensure that an affordable MFT program is high-quality?
When researching potential MFT programs, remember that the best schools hold institutional accreditation from long-established groups like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). In addition, some school’s programs also have programmatic accreditation that ensures it meets rigorous professional standards. Program data regarding graduation and job placement rates are also valuable. Reaching out to alumni can also provide a helpful perspective on the quality of an MFT program.
Q. Is an online MFT more affordable than an in-person MFT?
While the tuition rates for online programs typically mirror that of on-campus options, online students often pay slightly less. Without campus-based fees and costs associated with traveling to campus, online learners can save money on gas, food, and even housing. Additionally, some online programs allow students to complete an accelerated curriculum and graduate more quickly.
Q. Can job experience count towards an MFT and help cut costs?
Graduation requirements vary among schools. However, many MFT programs act as pathways to licensure with rigid academic requirements. In addition to standard coursework, online learners must complete hundreds of hours of clinical experiences through practicum and internship opportunities. The only way to know for sure if job experience can count toward an MFT is to check with programs of interest.
Q. How can I know if an affordable MFT program is right for me?
Picking an affordable MFT program that is right for you is a personal choice that depends on factors like cost, program duration, and whether it’s entirely online or has an in-person component. Regardless of your specific needs, best practice points to reaching out to prospective schools and starting a dialogue with someone in the department.