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Most Affordable Online Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs of 2024
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs of 2024
Find your online counseling program in minutes!
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Pursuing an online master’s degree in counseling can be a transformative step towards a rewarding career, empowering individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of others. However, the financial aspect of graduate education is a crucial consideration for many prospective students. This article will explore various budget-friendly alternatives for pursuing a master’s degree in counseling through online programs.
However, we understand that affordability should not come at the expense of educational quality. Here, we explore in greater detail the variables that impact the affordability of programs and the possible cost reductions that learners can achieve. By highlighting these programs, we aim to equip aspiring counselors with valuable insights and enable them to make informed decisions that align with their financial goals.
Cost Breakdown for an Online Master’s in Counseling Program
Several factors contribute to the cost of an online master’s in counseling degree. Understanding those factors can help you set a budget and determine which program is right for you.
Tuition: The primary cost of an online degree is tuition, which is typically assessed based on how many credits a student takes per term. Students enrolled in a program full-time may pay a flat, per-term tuition rate. Tuition varies from school to school. For the most accurate information, students should consult with their school’s financial aid office to determine their tuition rate, how tuition is assessed, and what payment options students have.
Fees: Most schools charge additional fees to cover expenses not subsidized by tuition. For example, online students may be charged a virtual classroom technology fee to pay for online course platforms or tech support. Students in counseling programs may also be required to pay for background checks and clearances to complete internship and practicum requirements at clinical sites. When budgeting for your online master’s in counseling program, consult with a financial aid counselor to get clarification about fees.
Personal technology: Reliable hardware and internet access are essential for online degree program success. Before beginning your program, assess your technology set-up and determine if you need to upgrade your computer, webcam, microphone, or internet service to ensure everything will work smoothly. Check with your school to find out if they partner with retailers or companies to offer students discounts on essential tech supplies.
Books and supplies: Even in online programs, students will still need textbooks and other learning materials in hard copy or digital formats. The Education Data Initiative reports that the average postsecondary student spent between $628 and $1,200 for books and supplies during the 2021-2022 academic year. If your program requires an internship, you may also need to purchase business attire and pay for transportation costs to the internship site.
Factors Influencing the Cost of an Online Master’s in Counseling Program
Institutions set their tuition prices based on multiple factors, including the type of college, its business model, and student residency status.
Public vs. private institution
Public colleges typically have two tuition rates: one for students who reside in the state where the school is located and one for students who are from out-of-state. This is because public schools use state tax dollars to fund their operations. Resident students pay a lower tuition rate because they have already subsidized part of their tuition through taxes. However, some online degree programs charge all students the in-state tuition rate, regardless of where they live. Meanwhile, private colleges charge all students the same tuition rate regardless of residency, because they don’t receive any tax revenue. Because private colleges rely more heavily on tuition as a source of revenue, they tend to have higher tuition rates than public colleges.
Nonprofit vs. for-profit
Another college classification status is non-profit and for-profit. All public and most private universities are non-profit, which means they must reinvest revenue into the institution through faculty and staff salaries, infrastructure, student services, and more. For-profit schools operate like corporations, with the primary goal of earning a profit. Tuition rates may be lower, but because for-profit schools typically invest less in faculty, infrastructure, and other student resources, students at for-profit schools may receive a different quality of education than those at non-profits. Students considering for-profit schools should carefully review how the institution invests its money and its student outcomes.
Student military status
Many schools offer discounted tuition rates to students who are currently serving in the military or are veterans. Spouses and children of active-duty service members and veterans may also be eligible for special tuition rates. Students who think they might be eligible should consult the school’s financial aid office for more information.
Number of credits and completion time
The total number of credits a student must complete to earn their master’s in counseling degree also influences the total cost of the program. Online master’s in counseling programs typically require 30-60 credits, and programs that require more credits cost more.
The 50 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
This list features some of the most affordable online master’s in counseling programs in the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the most affordable online master’s in counseling programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
How to Pay for an Online Master’s in Counseling Degree
There are many ways to pay for an online master’s in counseling degree, with most students using some combination of the methods outlined below:
Out-of-pocket
The most direct way to pay for an online degree is by using your own money, known as paying ‘out-of-pocket.’ The majority of students use a combination of out-of-pocket payments and other methods to cover tuition and other education expenses. If you plan on paying some or all of your tuition out-of-pocket, inquire with the school’s financial aid office to find out if they allow students to pay in installments throughout the term.
Federal student loans
As part of the Federal Student Aid (FSA) program, the U.S. Department of Education offers Direct Unsubsidized Loans to students in graduate programs. To determine their eligibility for federal student loans, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). These education loans have interest rates and repayment terms set by Congress and are generally more favorable than private education loans. Learn more about applying for student loans with the Ultimate FAFSA Guide.
Private education loans
Because there are limits on how much students can borrow in federal student loans, some individuals may need to turn to private education loans to fully cover their education expenses. Students can borrow money for school through private lenders like SoFi, Sallie Mae, and Ascent. The interest rates and repayment terms for private education loans are set by lenders based on current market rates and the borrower’s credit history. Therefore, they may be less favorable than terms for federal student loans. Students who need to use private education loans to help pay for their degrees should keep an eye on interest rates throughout the year to lock in the most favorable terms possible.
Scholarships
One of the most advantageous ways to pay for an online master’s in counseling is with scholarships. This form of aid is considered gift aid because scholarships don’t need to be repaid. Most schools offer scholarships based on merit or financial need. For need-based scholarships, students must typically submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered. There are also many external sources for scholarships, such as professional organizations, non-profits, community and religious organizations, and private scholarship funds.
Grants
Like scholarships, grants don’t require repayment. Grants are typically awarded to students with a demonstrated financial need. Individual schools and states award grants to graduate students.
Work-study
The FSA program also awards work-study funding to eligible students. In this program, students work part-time for their college in exchange for an hourly wage. Work-study positions exist in various college departments, and online students should inquire about available remote work-study positions. Work-study jobs pay at least the federal minimum wage, although many, especially for graduate students, pay more.
Employer tuition assistance
Many employers offer tuition assistance benefits to employees to help them develop new skills or prepare for advanced roles. Policies vary from company to company, but employers will typically reimburse students for some or all of their tuition expenses after successfully completing a course or program. If you’re planning on working while earning an online master’s in counseling, find out if your employer has tuition assistance benefits you can use.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Counseling Degree?
A career in counseling involves helping individuals, families, couples, and other groups cope with mental and behavioral health challenges. It’s one of many related but distinct professions dedicated to caring for those with mental and behavioral health issues. Counselors typically provide brief, targeted treatment for a specific issue or concern. This focus is different from psychotherapy, which helps patients through long-term therapies. It also differs from social work, which addresses these issues from a group or community perspective.
Most individuals pursue a master’s in counseling so they can qualify for professional licensure, which is a requirement for many counseling positions and for those who want to open a private practice.
Counselors work in various settings, including inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, schools, hospitals, substance abuse recovery centers, correctional facilities, and more. With the rise in telehealth practices, counselors can also provide services virtually from their homes or offices.
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors — Advise people on a range of issues related to mental health and behavioral challenges and provide support, including for prevention, to help clients recover from addiction, modify problem behaviors, or improve mental health.
Median annual salary: $53,710
Projected employment growth (through 2031): 18%
New jobs projected: 42,000 per year
Couples and family counselors — Focus on working with specific populations, such as families or intimate partners, who may require specific interventions to address group dynamics.
Median annual salary: $58,510
Projected employment growth (through 2031): 15%
New jobs projected: 5,900 per year
School or career counselors — Work in educational settings to help students discover their aptitudes and plan for life after graduation, including applying to college. Career counselors can work in college settings or for other agencies and will help clients set and achieve short- or long-term goals for their careers.
Median annual salary: $61,710
Projected employment growth (through 2031): 5%
New jobs projected: 26,600 per year
How to Choose the Online Master’s in Counseling that’s Right for You
The first step in choosing an online master’s in counseling is reflecting on your educational and career goals. Do you want a general counseling degree, or do you want to focus on a particular sub-field of counseling? Consider where you plan on working after you graduate so you can select a program that meets the state’s requirements for professional licensure. Consider whether a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree suits your needs better.
It’s also helpful to determine your course delivery format and scheduling needs. Decide if you’ll attend school full-time or part-time, as not all programs offer a part-time enrollment option. For online courses, students typically choose between synchronous or asynchronous programs. In a synchronous program, students attend virtual classes at predetermined times, similar to a traditional learning experience. This format offers more opportunities for interaction with classmates and faculty but requires that students be available at specific times. Asynchronous programs are more flexible, as there are no class meetings, and students can complete their lessons and assignments on their own schedule.
Research schools and programs
There are many ways to gather information about online master’s in counseling programs. The best place to start is usually the school’s website, which publishes information about accreditation, curriculum, clinical requirements, faculty, and more. Students can also contact admissions counselors for more information. Attending virtual open houses or information sessions for online students can give prospective students insights into the program’s culture.
During the research process, students should get answers to the following questions:
Who are the faculty, and what are their qualifications?
What clinical experiences does the program require? Are students assigned clinical placements, or must they find their own?
How do online students interact with faculty and classmates?
What support services do online students have access to, including tutoring, tech support, career advising, and counseling?
What financial aid resources are available, including scholarships and grants?
Review application and eligibility requirements
Each online master’s in counseling program sets its own requirements for applications and admissions. Students can usually get this information from the school’s website or by contacting an admissions counselor.
Applicants to an online master’s in counseling can expect to submit the following:
Application and fees
Official transcripts from all undergraduate schools attended
Letters of recommendation from faculty, employers, or colleagues
Some programs may require students to have a bachelor’s degree or undergraduate coursework in counseling or a related field, while others may want students to show professional experience.
If there are specific application deadlines, submit all application materials promptly to ensure your decision, and potentially your enrollment, is on time.
