This article explores the 18 cheapest CACREP-accredited online counseling programs for the 2025-2026 school year. We’ll cover why CACREP accreditation is essential for students looking to enroll in online graduate counseling programs and how program applicants can still find affordable online programs that meet CACREP’s requirements.
Why Find An Affordable Online Counseling Program That Is CACREP Accredited?
For those looking to pursue a career in the field of mental health, degree program accreditation, modality, and cost are three of the largest factors that applicants must consider. If an online counseling program is CACREP accredited, it means that the program in question has received recognition or a “stamp of approval” from an accreditation body for meeting the guidelines and standards set by the profession to which the degree is applicable. For example, in the humanities and social sciences fields, an accredited program ensures that it prepares students with the necessary competencies to meet potential licensure requirements upon graduation.
The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is an accrediting body for close to a thousand master’s and doctoral degree programs. This accreditation agency evaluates counseling and related educational programs to ensure students receive the education and training needed to be successful in their careers upon graduation. They assess the legitimacy and standards of programs to ensure they meet state and national guidelines and requirements.
Are There Affordable Online CACREP Accredited Counseling Programs?
Whether you decide between programs that are CACREP accredited or not, the cost of the program is another factor that makes its way into your decision-making process. With the rising cost of education, the price tag is an important factor to consider for many people. Fortunately, there are a variety of affordable mental health counseling programs across the country, including many offered online, don’t require the gre, and that have received accreditation by CACREP.
This article aims to highlight 18 affordable CACREP accredited master of counseling programs based online to help you make a more informed decision on choosing a program that meets the criteria on your wishlist from accreditation status, cost, and modality perspective. Programs on this list are very diverse in nature and offer many different specializations and formats, and all pricing has been updated based on the 2025 school year.
Affordable CACREP Accredited Programs Quick Facts
- Number of Fully Online CACREP Accredited Programs: Over 500
- Most Affordable Online CACREP Accredited Counseling Program: NC Central University
- Length of an Affordable Online CACREP Accredited Program: 2-3 years
- Price Range For a In-state Public Online Counseling Program: $16,000-$20,000
- Price Range For Affordable Private Online Counseling Program: $20,000-$40,000
- Lowest Cost Out of State Online CACREP Program: $20,820 (Midwestern State)
Featured Accredited Counseling Programs
Table of Contents
18 Most Affordable Online CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs
In many cases, someone seeking a graduate degree program is already employed full-time and hoping to expand their education. For many, choosing a program that accommodates both their desired price tag and works with their already busy schedule is a must. Online master of counseling programs are a great option for those already working full-time and hoping to obtain an advanced degree on their own time.
Our Ranking Methodology
These programs are listed under the CACREP directory as “online” and ranked from most to least affordable, and includes 13 clinical mental health counseling programs. The first batch of programs cost under $20,000 for in-state residents. They are ranked by total tuition to complete the program, and students who take longer than the standard allotted time to complete might incur higher fees.
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online
Length:
This fully accredited online and on-campus program comes in at $299.23 per credit hour for 60 credits. Not only is this program affordable and accredited, it also offers the flexibility of on-campus and online coursework.
Total Program Cost: In-state Tuition: $17,954 ($299/credit), $22,997.5 with fees
Program Overview:
Accredited by both CACREP and the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP), North Carolina Central University offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that prepares counselors to work in clinical capacities such as agencies, hospitals, or prisons. This program provides students with a comprehensive curriculum and supervised experiences leading to future state licensure. A unique feature of this program is that students can take additional coursework to obtain certification as Clinical Addiction Specialists.
Why We Like This Program:
- Career Counseling Pioneer: First CACREP-accredited online program in the field.
- Triple Accreditation: All tracks fully CACREP and IRCEP endorsed.
- Life-Span Focus: Prepares for counseling across age groups and settings.
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- NCCU offers Graduate Tuition Rewards for students who are residents of North Carolina
- For North Carolina non-residents, the school provides Graduate Tuition Remission options which can reduce total tuition amounts
Program:
Master of Science in Counselor Education Online
Length:
The CACREP-accredited online master of counseling program at East Carolina College of Education is $283.12 per credit hour and is designed with flexibility in mind. Students can tailor their 60 semester hours to meet their future career goals by offering elective courses that help students develop a well-rounded approach to counseling.
Total Program Cost: In-state: $18,290 ($304/credit)
Program Overview:
With the mission of promoting human development and learning by preparing culturally competent professional counselors, East Carolina College of Education offers three counseling specializations. Students can choose between clinical mental health, school, or student affairs counseling. Students are expected to work within the highest ethical standards while engaged in both the classroom and clinical sites.
Why We Like This Program:
- Addiction Focus: Specialized training in substance use counseling.
- Experiential Learning: Includes growth groups and personal counseling.
- Global Standards: Recognized by CACREP and IRCEP.
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- ECU offers Federal Work-Study, which can be used to offset costs associated with full or part time study
- A range of scholarships are available for online students that are funded by the College of Education, ECU, or university donors
- The ECU scholarship portal (ECUAWard) provides up to date information on available scholarships
Program:
Master of Education in Counselor Education Online
Length:
Completing this program requires 60 credit hours, costs $308 per credit hour, and offers three specializations: clinical mental health, school, and rehabilitation counseling.
Total Program Cost: $18,480, totalled to $18,885 with fees
Program Overview:
Based out of Georgia, Albany State University offers an online master of counseling program with accelerated and traditional routes. For those seeking to complete their degree quicker to get into the field faster, the accelerated option gives students this choice. For those seeking a more relaxed pace of coursework, the traditional route is available. Albany State University seeks to educate students at a pace that works for them and enables them to complete field experiences in their community instead of traveling.
Why We Like This Program:
- Flexible Entry: Summer and fall start options, part-time available.
- Mission-Driven: Emphasizes holistic student development.
- State Approved: Recognized by Georgia’s Professional Standards Commission.
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- For online students that reside within commuting distance of campus, the school offers graduate assistantships for students that meet certain criteria (GPA + work hours + good financial standing)
- Albany State University offers institutional scholarships through its Foundation
Program:
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
The online master of counseling program at Midwestern State University costs $404 per credit hour and contains 60 credit hours. Graduate students are often offered merit scholarships and other grants based on academic performance, and are also offered opportunities for graduate assistantships that offset the cost of tuition.
Total Program Cost: In-state: $24,268 ($404/credit) and Out-of-state: $31,168 (one of the more affordable out-of-state options for students). See here for costs.
Program Overview:
Midwestern State University offers an online master of counseling program that meets the requirements for licensure as a counselor in most states due to CACREP accreditation. Midwestern State University aims to provide students with necessary coursework, training and supervision to students seeking to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) upon graduation. Graduates can expect to work in areas such as private practices, hospitals, and community clinics. The program is also geared towards preparing students to provide mental health counseling services within a school setting, and the program integrates an internship experience, along with the completion of the TExES test that falls in line with guidelines and requirements by the state for the Texas Counselor certification.
Why We Like This Program:
- Flexible Formats: Offers both hybrid and fully online delivery options.
- Accreditation Duration: CACREP-accredited through October 31, 2028.
- Licensure Preparation: Curriculum designed to prepare students for LPC licensure.
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- Graduate assistantships are available to online students as long as they meet GPA and course load requirements
- MSU has an online scholarship manager system where students are automatically matched with scholarships that align with their information
- It is specifically noted that certificate and non-degree seeking students do no qualify for scholarships
Program:
Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
This program consists of 60 credit hours that cost $351 each. Examples of coursework that will be taken include human growth and development, treatment planning and case management, foundations of counseling and ethical development, crisis counseling, and psycho-pharmacology for counselors.
Total Program Cost: In-State Tuition: $16,810.80, $24,235 w/ fees, Out-of-state: $34,740, review totals here
Program Overview:
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center boasts an online master of counseling program that uses the latest technology in education to provide learning to students across Texas and the United States. Students in this program can expect to learn about counseling in office and telehealth settings. In addition to receiving their Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, graduates of this program can also receive the Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-THM) Credential.
Why We Like This Program:
- Telehealth Training: Emphasizes both clinical and distance counseling skills.
- Robust Curriculum: Includes crisis counseling and psychopharmacology.
- Licensure-Ready: Prepares for state licensure and national certifications.
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- Assistantships for both teaching and research are offered at the department level and through these students qualify for tuition assistance programs
- Texas Tech’s Graduate School offers General Fellowships, from $3,000 to $5,000 per year
- For students completing research, The Graduate Student Research Support awards up to $1,500 a year
Program:
Master of Science in Professional Counseling – Hispanic Mental Health Counseling
Length:
The Master of Science in Professional Counseling with a focus on Hispanic Mental Health Counseling takes approximately three years to complete.
Total Program Cost: In-State: $24,600 ($200.53/credit)
Program Overview:
Texas A&M Corpus Christi offers a Master of Science in Professional Counseling with a focus on Hispanic Mental Health Counseling provides a learning experience that prepares graduates to support Hispanic and Latine cultures from a mental health perspective. While classes are taught in english, the program covers cultural and language topics that uniquely prepare graduates to assist Growing hispanic cultures in Texas and various other places in the United States.
Why We Like This Program:
- Program Tracks: A unique focus that provides students with a distinct area of focus (hispanic and latine mental health)
- Online, Synchronous Course Delivery: Synchronous evening courses so that individuals can continue to work full time while also experiencing live conversations
- Designed for Texas Licensure – Graduates are prepared to sit for the LPC exam in Texas
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- Texas A&M Corpus Christi provides non-residents with the opportunity to pay the in-state tuition rate through a unique state-sponsored scholarship
- Health services fee is waived for students that are 100% online and over 100 miles from campus
- The Business Office provides students with a payment plan option (through SAIL)
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online
Length:
This program requires students to complete 60 credit hours for the price of $390 per credit hour. Those who complete the program have the option to obtain a Mental Health Certificate in addition to their state licensure.
Total Program Cost: $24,675 ($410/credit + fees)
Program Overview:
Central Methodist University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The CACREP-accredited online Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program is a professional development program designed to prepare graduates with knowledge and skills necessary to apply for licensure in Missouri as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This program uses evidence-based practices to educate students on competently treating people from all stages of life and backgrounds. It prepares students for future employment in correctional facilities, mental health centers, psychiatric institutions, or private practices.
Why We Like This Program:
- Virtual Clinic: Online simulated counseling center for training.
- Diverse Outcomes: Graduates work in prisons, clinics, and private practice.
- Accredited Through 2026: CACREP endorsement secured.
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- Outside of lower tuition rates, Central Methodist University does not offer much tuition support for it’s online students outside of Federal Student Loans
Program:
MAE in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
Tied with Wayne State College, Chadron State College costs $400 per credit hour and requires 60 credits to graduate. Graduates of the clinical mental health counseling program at Chadron State not only meet state counseling licensure requirements but also the requirements for the Provisional Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (PLADC) license in Nebraska. It is also possible for students to take extra coursework and complete additional practicum/internship experiences to obtain licensure as a school counselor.
Total Program Cost: $24,720 ($412/credit)
Program Overview:
Chadron State College is based in Nebraska and prepares students for future employment as clinical mental health counselors. The mission of this program is to prepare highly effective counselors equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to serve a diverse community of clients.
Why We Like This Program:
- No GRE Needed: Streamlined admissions process.
- Low Cost: Around $3,300 per semester for online students.
- Meets State Standards: Curriculum aligns with Nebraska licensure.
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- For students that can make it to campus, graduate assistantships are available that will wave tuition for up to 18 credits
- Chadron offers a Non-Resident Scholars Program for students that have a GPA of 3.5 or higher
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
Students at Evangel University can complete their master’s degree in just nine semesters and be prepared to take counseling licensure exams such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). This program costs $420 per credit hour and requires 60 credit hours to graduate.
Total Program Cost: $25,200 ($420 per credit without fees), and $27,225 with fees
Program Overview:
Offering online and on-campus programs, Evangel University’s master of counseling program integrates Christian faith into the counseling practice. Students will receive practical and theoretical training that will prepare them to offer mental health services in areas such as community health clinics, hospitals, and substance abuse programs.
Why We Like This Program:
- Faith-Based Education: Integrates Christian principles into counseling education.
- Live Online Classes: Weekly synchronous sessions via Microsoft Teams.
- Accreditation Validity: CACREP-accredited through October 31, 2027.
Program:
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
This 60-credit-hour program can be completed in two to three years and costs $429 per credit hour. Each course is completed in an intensive but informative eight weeks.
Total Program Cost: $25,740 ($429/credit), and around $26,000 with fees
Program Overview:
The University of West Alabama offers a master of clinical mental health counseling program that is designed to help students develop their counseling techniques, theories, and principles. This program is CACREP-accredited and includes a mentorship program in which each student is paired with a one-on-one mentor. In addition to a robust education and mentorship, this program offers career path guidance that helps students decide which jobs to pursue after graduation.
Why We Like This Program:
- Affordable Tuition: Approximately $429 per credit hour.
- Residency Component: Includes a mandatory four-day on-campus residency.
- Accreditation Duration: CACREP-accredited through March 31, 2032.
Program:
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
The curriculum consists of 60 credit hours for $449 per credit hour. The master of counseling program at the University of the Cumberlands takes between two and three years to complete and will conclude with students participating in a practicum and internship.
Total Program Cost: $26,940 ($449/credit hour), and no fees according to their One Price Promise
Program Overview:
This institution has a clinical mental health program that is focused on preparing students for a career in the field, where students meet the national and state requirements for professional licensure as Licensed Professional Counselor. Students are offered the opportunity to specialize in addiction counseling, which increases their competitiveness upon graduation and when looking for employment.
Why We Like This Program:
- 100% Online Delivery: Offers fully online CACREP-accredited master’s programs.
- Multiple Specializations: Includes Clinical Mental Health and Addiction Counseling tracks.
- Accreditation Status: Recognized by CACREP for meeting professional standards.
Program:
Master’s of Counseling
Length:
Tied with Adams State University with a price of $475 per credit hour, the master of counselor program at Troy Universtiy requires 60 credit hours to graduate. This program has five specializations that students can choose from, including clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, student affairs counseling, substance abuse counseling, and school counseling.
Total Program Cost: In-state: $28,500 ($475/credit, and Out-of-state: $57,000 ($950/credit)
Program Overview:
Those who have the gift of listening and a passion for helping others should look no further than Troy University. Troy offers a well-rounded master of counseling program that allows students to take their education to the next level. This program includes coursework in professional orientation and ethics, counseling diverse populations, facilitation skills and counseling techniques, and research methodology. This program is offered both online and on-campus and, therefore, offers the flexibility needed for working professionals.
Why We Like This Program:
- Fully Online Tracks: Offers Clinical Mental Health, Rehabilitation, and School Counseling entirely online.
- Hands-On Residencies: Includes two 3-day in-person residencies for skill-building and networking.
- Expert Faculty: Instructors bring niche credentials, like early childhood mental health specialization
Program:
Online MSEd in Counseling
Length:
The masters of counseling program at Northern State costs $484.10 per credit hour and requires 60 credits to graduate. Those enrolled at Northern State University may finish their program in as little as two years, which is on the lower end of timeframes for CACREP-accredited master of counseling programs.
Total Program Cost: $29,040 ($484/credit), and almost $32k with fees
Program Overview:
Northern State University offers an online master of counseling program that is advertised as administering both asynchronous and synchronous coursework. This program is designed for busy individuals, as most classes can be completed on the student’s own time. Enrollees can expect that future coursework in this program will focus on hands-on counseling experience, ethical practices, and cultural aspects of the field.
Why We Like This Program:
- Program Options: Provides Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling specializations.
- Digital Delivery: Approved for online delivery since March 2020.
- Supportive Faculty: Experienced professionals fostering an inclusive learning environment
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- NSU offers Graduate Assistantships, although the website doesn’t clearly notate whether online students can apply
- The university provides multiple options for students completing graduate school, including Foundation Scholarships and program specific scholarships
Program:
Master of Arts in Counselor Education
Length:
Cost of attendance is $504 per credit hour and 60 credit hours are to graduate. 91% of full-time students receive financial aid, with over 100 scholarships offered yearly. Additionally, full-time students exceeding 12 credit hours, could take up to 16 credits with no additional cost. Students are provided with additional grants, scholarships, loans, and special programs to offset the cost of attendance.
Total Program Cost: $31,308 ($521.80/credit)
Program Overview:
Adams State University offers a Master of Arts degree and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education. Both programs are CACREP accredited. The Master of Arts degree is a 60-credit-hour program that meets the academic and training requirements to qualify for professional licensure in Colorado. The MA degree offers two areas of emphasis including Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling. Students take courses completely online with the requirement to attend a week-long lab twice in the program. The Ph.D. program is also offered online and requires four one-week summer residencies.
Why We Like This Program:
- Hybrid Format: Online coursework with two required one-week on-campus residencies.
- Licensure Preparation: Meets Colorado’s academic requirements for LPC licensure.
- Accreditation Coverage: CACREP-accredited in all delivery models.
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
Marshall University costs $418 per credit hour and requires 60 credit hours to graduate. In addition to education in specializations such as mental health and school counseling, students may also obtain a certificate in Violence, Loss, and Trauma Counseling.
Total Program Cost: $32,085 ($534.75/credit)
Program Overview:
Since 1961, Marshall University has provided a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The online CACREP-accredited program offers training to grow the workforce for in-demand jobs. The program encourages flexibility in coursework and advertises that their program can be completed anywhere in the country or the world—graduates of this program work in roles such as school, substance abuse, and mental health counselors.
Why We Like This Program:
- Program Tracks: Offers Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling specializations.
- Hybrid Course Delivery: Combines synchronous and asynchronous online courses.
- Accreditation Status: CACREP-accredited through October 2025.
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- Marshall University provides Graduate Assistantship Positions through it’s College of Education that online students can qualify for
- Marshall has multiple internal scholarships including the Scholar-Based Mental Health Scholars Program and Higher Education for Learning Problems Center (H.E.L.P.) scholarships
Program:
Master of Education in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization
Length:
The program can be completed in as few as five semesters, but is generally completed in six. There is a small tuition fee added to the total program cost for that extra semester.
Total Program Cost: $32,185 (if a student completes in 5 semesters)
Program Overview:
The School of Professional Counseling (SPC) offers a Master of Education in Counseling on-campus, online, and through community college relationships. The program itself is influenced by the population of Appalachia and it’s distinct and unique mental health needs, given the schools proximity to this area.
Why We Like This Program:
- Program Focus: The program curriculum is influenced by the citizen of Appalachia, allowing graduates to learn from this experience and introduce informed mental health solutions to their own communities
- Courses Through Community Colleges: The university has unique relationships with local community colleges, allowing remote students the ability to take classes at these locations if they are near by
- Optional Certificates: The program also offers options certificates in Substance Abuse Counseling and Traume-Informed Counseling, allowing graduates to hone-in on specific treatment areas
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- There is a COUN Graduate Assistant Placement (assistantship) option for students to assist faculty while receiving compensation for their time
Program:
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Online
Length:
The program is 60 credit hours, but students can transfer in up to 50% of the total credits from another program.
Total Program Cost: $34,800 ($580/credit for full time graduate students), and $37,080 with fees
Program Overview:
Liberty University’s Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is one of the few national brands that provides a CACREP accredited counseling program online for under $35,000. The university has raised tuition under 5% over the past ten years, and students can be confident that tuition rates will stay the same as they pursue their education.
Why We Like This Program:
- LPC Focus: The program is specifically designed to prepare graduates to become Licensed Professional Counselors in Virginia and beyond
- Intensives: While the programs is predominantly online, there are two intensive courses that starting Fall 2026 will need to be completed in Lynchburg, Virginia
- 8 Start Dates: The program has rolling admissions, meaning program enrollees do not have to wait until fall or spring to enroll in courses
What Additional Financial Support Is Offered:
- Military and Veterans: The university provides significant discounts to military veterans and their spouses. For this program, tuition drops from $580/credit to $290/credit
- Liberty provides specific scholarships for online students who hold high GPA’s and are in good enrollment statuses
Cheapest CACREP Accredited Online Programs by State
The following table provides the cheapest cacrep accredited online programs for each state. For students looking to find the cheapest program, often completing the programs in their home states and in-turn being able to take advantage of in-state tuition is the best path.
| State | City | Cheapest Institution | Program Name | Degree | Credits Required | In-State Tuition (Credit Hour) | Mandatory Fees | Total Tuition | Total Cost |
| AZ | Phoenix | Grand Canyon University | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. | $62.00 | $600.00 | $1,300.00 | $37,200.00 | $38,500.00 |
| AK | Fairbanks | University of Alaska Fairbanks | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.Ed. | $60.00 | $378.00 | $3,360.00 | $22,680.00 | $26,040.00 |
| AK | Fairbanks | University of Alaska Fairbanks | School Counseling | M.Ed. | $60.00 | $378.00 | $3,360.00 | $22,680.00 | $26,040.00 |
| AL | Livingston | University of West Alabama | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. | $60.00 | $429.00 | ~$50–$60/term tech fee → $300–$360 | $25,740 | $26,040–$26,100 |
| AL | Livingston | University of West Alabama | School Counseling | M.Ed./M.S. | $60.00 | $429.00 | ~$50–$60/term tech fee → $300–$361 | $25,740 | $26,040–$26,101 |
| CA | Irvine | Concordia University Irvine | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.A. | $60.00 | $695.00 | $60/term | $41,700.00 | $42,060.00 |
| CO | Alamosa | Adams State University | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.A. | $60.00 | $504.00 | $1,068.00 | $30,240.00 | $31,308.00 |
| GA | Albany | Albany State University | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.Ed. | $60.00 | $308.00 | $405.00 | $18,840.00 | $18,885.00 |
| KY | Williamsburg | University of the Cumberlands | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.A. | $60.00 | $449.00 | $0.00 | $26,940.00 | $26,940.00 |
| MO | Springfield | Evangel University | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. | $60.00 | $420.00 | $2,025.00 | $25,200.00 | $27,225.00 |
| MO | Springfield | Evangel University | School Counseling | M.S. | $60.00 | $420.00 | $2,025.00 | $25,200.00 | $27,225.00 |
| NC | Durham | North Carolina Central University | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.A. | $60.00 | $299.23 | $5,043.68 | $17,953.80 | $22,997.48 |
| NE | Chadron | Chadron State College | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.A.E. | $60.00 | $400.00 | $720.00 | $24,000.00 | $24,720.00 |
| SD | Aberdeen | Northern State University | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S.Ed. | $60.00 | $484.10 | $3,000.00 | $32,040.00 | $29,040.00 |
| TX | Wichita Falls | Midwestern State University | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.A. | $60.00 | $404.00 | NA | $24,268.00 | $24,268.00 |
| VA | Lynchburg | Liberty University, Counselor Education & Family Studies | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.A. | $60.00 | $580.00 | $2,280.00 | $34,800.00 | $37,080.00 |
| WV | South Charleston | Marshall University | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.A. | $60.00 | $534.75 | $3,000.00 | $32,085.00 | $35,085.00 |
Accredited Online Counseling Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable CACREP Accredited Counseling Programs
Why Is CACREP Accreditation Important When Reviewing Affordable Programs?
CACREP accreditation is important as it makes sure that a program aligns with the national requirements for counseling and mental health graduate education. For online programs, CACREP accreditation is even more important, as if a student pursues a master’s in counseling through a program out of their state, if the program is not CACREP accredited, it might not meet their home state’s licensing requirements.
Do All CACREP Accredited Programs Meet My State’s Licensing Requirements?
As of 2025, all states accept CACREP accredited degree programs towards their licensing requirements. Many states also require CACREP accredited or CACREP aligned programs, such as North Carolina, Ohio, and Florida.
What Type of Financial Aid Exists for CACREP Accredited Programs?
All CACREP accredited programs qualify for federal financial aid due to the fact that they have met accreditation status. One top of this, many programs also offer scholarships and financial assistantships to applicants.
Outside of Tuition, What Additional Items Should Students Review When Looking at CACREP Accredited Online Programs?
While tuition is generally the bulk of the cost associated with a degree program, additional costs can add up. Application fees, technology fees, books and cost of living can all inflate the total cost of a program.
