Choosing to attend graduate school is a big decision. Another big decision is figuring out what program to apply for and which universities to consider. Many people looking to study mental health counseling must also choose to enroll in programs accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) or one accredited by another body.
Accreditation means that the academic 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 field, an accredited program ensures the program prepares students with competencies for possible licensure requirements upon graduation from that program.
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.
Whether you decide between programs that are CACREP accredited or not, the cost of the program may also be 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. There is a great variety of mental health counseling programs across the country, some offered online and others on campus, along with their accreditation status.
This article aims to highlight 30 master of counseling programs based online and on campus to help you make a more informed decision on choosing a program that meets the criteria on your wishlist from accreditation status, cost, and how the program is offered. 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.
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15 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.
These programs are listed under the CACREP directory as “online” and ranked from most to least affordable.
Program:
MEd in Counselor Education
Length:
Students enrolled at Augusta University may choose from two counseling specializations, including school and clinical mental health counseling. Each specialization requires 60 credit hours to graduate at a cost of $236 per credit hour, making it the most affordable online program.
Total Program Cost: $14,160
Program Overview:
Georgia-based Augusta University offers a CACREP-accredited, online Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This program includes evening courses to accommodate working individuals and requires many field experiences to give students a full job overview. The mission of Augusta University is to excel in the preparation of practitioners and leaders in professional counseling and school counseling settings for diverse populations in different stages of life.
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
This program consists of 60 credit hours that cost $272.43 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: $16,345.80
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.
Program:
Master of Science in Counselor Education
Length:
The 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: $16,987,20
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.
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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: $17,940
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.
Program:
Master of Education in Counselor Education
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
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.
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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: $23,400
Program Overview:
Central Methodist University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The CACREP-accredited 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.
Program:
Masters 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: $24,000
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.
Program:
Master’s in Counseling
Length:
Also based in Nebraska, Wayne State College costs $400 per credit hour and requires 60 credit hours to complete. This program offers three specializations: clinical mental health, school counseling, and higher education/student affairs counseling.
Total Program Cost: $24,000
Program Overview:
Counselors help people make decisions and take action in their lives. To help train and educate future counselors, Wayne State College offers a Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree based online. This program is designed to prepare students for future licensure and providing services in community clinics and private practices. Students will learn to collaborate with others for the benefit of clients through counseling, social justice, and advocacy.
Program:
Master’s in Counseling
Length:
The masters of counseling program at Northern State costs $400.55 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: $24,033
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.
Program:
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
The 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: $24,240
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.
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: $25,080
Program Overview:
Since 1961, Marshall University has provided a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Program:
Master of Arts in Counselor Education
Length:
Cost of attendance is $475 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: $28,500
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.
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: $28,500
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.
15 Most Affordable On-Campus CACREP-Accredited Master Counseling Programs
While many on-campus master’s of counseling programs are designed for working professionals, they require the ability to attend regularly scheduled in-person courses. Many people thrive more with in-person classes and a hands-on approach to learning. However, choosing an on-campus program also requires the ability to choose between ones that are affordable and meet other desired criteria.
Southern states dominate the list of the most affordable on-campus CACREP-accredited master of counseling programs with 11 of them being offered in the South. The following programs are listed in order of least to most expensive.
Program:
MSEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
This program requires 60 credit hours and costs $181 per credit hour. When three to four classes are taken per semester, it can be completed in five to seven semesters (about two and a half years).
Total Program Cost: $10,860
Program Overview:
Located in Central Georiga, Fort Valley State University offers the most affordable master of counseling program on this list. The mission of the master of science in clinical mental health counseling program at Fort Valley is to educate graduates to work with a diverse population of clients in various settings. Upon graduation, students can expect to demonstrate relevant counseling knowledge, integrate appropriate counseling skills, work with multiple professionals, and have a multicultural view of society.
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
This CACREP-accredited counseling program requires 60 credit hours to graduate and costs $210 per credit hour. Graduates must take courses on human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, the helping relationship, group dynamics and processes, lifestyle/career development, individual appraisal, research and evaluation, and professional orientation.
Total Program Cost: $12,600
Program Overview:
The Master of Science in Counseling program at Columbus State University prepares students to work in settings including mental health centers, community agencies, hospitals, residential treatment facilities, or corrections. This program, in Georgia on the Alabama line, encourages collaboration among counselors and other professionals to provide quality care for all clients. Mental health counseling graduates from Columbus State University will have the skills needed to empower others to change their future.
Program:
Master of Education in Professional Counseling
Length:
Graduates of this program must complete 60 credit hours for $241 per credit hour. Students may choose between a school counseling or clinical mental health counseling specialization. The school counseling specialization requires two and a half years of full-time study, whereas the clinical mental health counseling specialization requires three years.
Total Program Cost: $14,460
Program Overview:
The Master of Education in Counseling program at the University of West Georgia is the third program in Georgia on this list. It is designed for graduate students preparing for employment as professional counselors in schools, community agencies, and colleges or universities. The program boasts a 100% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and a 100% job placement rate.
Program:
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
The program at Wayne State College is on this list twice due to being an affordable option for online learning. Wayne State College requires 60 credit hours to graduate and charges $245 per credit hour. At this time, the program is offering scholarships through the HRSA behavioral health grant to help reduce the cost even further and fill the growing need for counselors.
Total Program Cost: $14,700
Program Overview:
Counseling at Wayne State College is flexible and offers many options, including on-campus and online courses. The program helps students learn to collaborate with others for the benefit of self, school, community, and the profession through counseling, social justice, and advocacy. In conjunction with the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN), supplemental student training, field experience, and funding opportunities are available.
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
The master of counseling program at New Mexico State University requires 60 credit hours to complete and costs $261.80 per credit hour. Those enrolled can expect to complete the program in an intensive two years of classroom and on-site experience.
Total Program Cost: $15,708
Program Overview:
Located in the desert mountains of New Mexico, this program prepares graduates to pursue licensure as Clinical Mental Health Counselors. The master of counseling program prepares students for careers in agencies, including hospitals, private practices, community mental health, and corrections. Enjoy classes with a view of the Organ Mountains in a synchronous, face-to-face setting.
Program:
Master of Science in Professional Counseling
Length:
This program requires 60 credit hours to graduate, with a price of $271.33 per credit hour. Students enrolled will complete courses such as counseling theories and career, grief, and multicultural counseling.
Total Program Cost: $17,279.80
Program Overview:
Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi offers training in four major areas: addictions, clinical mental health, marriage and family, and Hispanic counseling. Upon completion of this program, graduates would have met the requirements for licensure in Texas and other states due to CACREP-accreditation. Each student in this program will have their progress monitored by faculty who will ensure that students are on page to meet all graduation and licensure requirements.
Program:
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
Although the program is intensive, it requires a typical 60 credit hours for $272 per credit hour. The program includes other courses, such as Trauma Counseling and Treatment Planning, in addition to the eight core areas. Those enrolled can expect to graduate and meet all education requirements for licensure in North Carolina and other states that require CACREP-accreditation.
Total Program Cost: $16,320
Program Overview:
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University offers two concentrations: clinical mental health and clinical rehabilitation. The clinical mental health counseling designation indicates curricular experiences encompassing each of the eight core areas of professional counseling, including Professional Identity, Social and Cultural Diversity, Human Growth and Development, Career Development, Helping Relationships, Group Work, Assessment, and Research and Program Development.
Program:
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
This program requires 60 credit hours and costs $290.60 per credit hour. With scholarships, this program could even come at a decreased cost. Those enrolled have the opportunity to complete both the mental health and school counseling programs to gradaute with a dual major and increase chances of after graduation employment.
Total Program Cost: $17,436
Program Overview:
Located in sunny Fort Myers, Florida, students in this program take coursework in human development, legal and ethical issues, career development, appraisal methods, counseling theories, group work, practicum, and research. These are the eight core areas of CACREP-accredited and help graduates of the program meet licensure requirements in Florida and many other states in the U.S. The master of arts program prepares students become eligible for internship status and then licensure.
Program:
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
Following CACREP standards, this program requires 60 credit hours to graduate. The cost of the program is $295.56 per credit hour and there are scholarships available to offset the cost.
Total Program Cost: $17,739.60
Program Overview:
Offered in both Norman and Tulsa, Oklahoma, this program can be done on weekends to accommodate the working professional. The clinical mental health counseling track prepares graduates for careers in counseling and emphasizes critical thinking, social justice, and multicultural competencies. This program is ideal for those pursuing licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) as this program meets requirements for Oklahoma and other states. Graduates can work in settings such as hospitals, outpatient, inpatient, and private practices.
Program:
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
Aligned with CACREP standards, this program requires 60 credit hours to graduate. Each of those credits will cost $298.73 per credit hour. Along with mental health courses, those enrolled will also have the ability to take additional addiction counseling courses. With just three additional courses in addictions, students will be eligible for licensure as Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists in North Carolina.
Total Program Cost: $17,923.80
Program Overview:
The master of counseling program at North Carolina Central University prepares students who will work in clinical capacities in mental health settings such as agencies, private practices, hospitals, and prisons. The program provides students with comprehensive curricular and supervised experiences for initial licensure in North Carolina and other states that follow CACREP standards. Along with CACREP accreditation, this program is also an endorsed member of the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP).
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Length:
This program requires 60 credit hours to graduate and costs $315 per credit hour. Those enrolled in this program can choose from four different tracks: marriage and family, clinical mental health, counseling in ministry, and counselor education and supervision.
Total Program Cost: $18,900
Program Overview:
Located in the Big Easy, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary advertises themselves as a “biblically sound” counselor training and preparation program. This program aims to provide evidence-based education and training to help prepare future counselors to work in settings such as private practices, church counseling centers, and hospitals. Students enrolled in this program have the option to join the Student Counseling Association to network with other student counselors and faculty members. Students in this program begin their field experience in the Leeke Magee Christian Counseling Center which is equipped with conference rooms, individual counseling rooms, play rooms and audio/video recording equipment.
Program:
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
This Master of Arts program meets all requirements for counseling licensure in North Carolina and other states by following CACREP accreditation standards. This program is 60 credit hours and costs $318.89 per credit hour. Those enrolled at Appalachian State can expect to graduate in two to three years.
Total Program Cost: $19,133.40
Program Overview:
In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains lies Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. This program allows students to follow their passion for helping people recognize and overcome their challenges. Faculty of Appalachian State encourage students throughout the program and educate them in evidence-based practice that will help them work as counselors in settings such as agencies, hospitals, and correctional facilities.
Program:
MSEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Length:
The program at Purdue Northwest requires 60 credit hours and will take about three years to complete. The cost of this program is $320.35 per credit hour. In addition to counseling courses, students have the opportunity to take additional classes to graduate with a certificate in Expressive Arts. The arts are a big part of healing in many communities and having the ability to graduate with additional certificates increases a students chances of landing a job after graduation.
Total Program Cost: $19,221.00
Program Overview:
Purdue University Northwest offers a Master of Science in Education program that prepares students to develop a strong professional identity, provide individual and group counseling, and offer consultation to a diverse population. To help prepare for work as a counselor, Purdue Northwest offers a student-driven counseling center that is available for community members to receive mental health services.
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
Length:
This program is 60 credit hours and offers three emphasis areas for study. The three areas of emphasis that students may choose from include: clinical mental health, addiction, and school counseling. This program costs $320.57 per credit hour. After completing this program students will be prepared for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs), or Certified School Counselors (CSSs).
Total Program Cost: $19,234.20
Program Overview:
Also located in Oklahoma, the Master of Science in Counseling program at Northeastern State University familiarizes students with the use of scientific thought and principles as applied to the practice of professional counseling to prepare for a counseling career or further advance study. Northeastern State commits itself to shaping the future of Oklahoma as the educational partner of choice, setting a standard of excellence in academics and cultural competency.
Program:
Master’s in Counseling
Length:
Each concentration requires 60 credit hours of coursework and costs $321 per credit hour. To help offset some of the cost, students enrolled in the school counseling program can apply for scholarships and grants offered by the state to get more counselors into schools.
Total Program Cost: $19,620
Program Overview:
Closing out this list we are back in New Mexico at New Mexico Highlands University. The counseling program offers three concentrations to suit each students passions: clinical mental health, rehabilitation, and school counseling. This program offers online and on-campus courses to meet the scheduling needs of working students or parents looking to go back to school. In addition to classroom work, students will also be required to complete fieldwork practicum and internships off campus. New Mexico Highlands University understands that counselors often need counselors of their own and therefore offers mental health services to their students.
