The Best Counseling Programs of 2024

A bachelor's degree in counseling can lead to new and exciting career opportunities. Here, we list the best online counseling programs.
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Updated February 6, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Do you want to help people address issues that are affecting their lives? Do you want a versatile degree that allows you to pursue various careers across many settings? If so, attending a counseling program and earning a counseling degree may offer an ideal pathway.

Explore the top counseling programs, typical counselor job duties, salary ranges, and licensing requirements with this in-depth guide.

Featured Online Counseling Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Why Enroll in a Counseling Program?

Counseling is one of the key helping professions. Counselors assist people to identify and address problems that are affecting their lives. They work in many settings and specialties, such as family and marriage, health, substance misuse, and school and career counseling. An online bachelor's counseling program can prepare you to pursue work directly in the counseling field or continue into a master's degree.

Each state maintains specific regulations for counseling licenses and scope of practice, including who can carry the professional title of counselor. Check your state or the state where you would like to practice to make sure you understand the requirements.


Counseling Programs Rankings Summary

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 East Central University
Ada, OK
$5,791 $15,151 65%
#2 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH
$10,099 $25,433 85%
#3 Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls, GA
$21,490 $21,490 62%
#4 Arizona Christian University
Glendale, AZ
$28,874 $28,874 76%
#5 University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, CA
$12,000 $12,000 93%

The Best Counseling Programs

See Our Rankings Methodology

#1 The Best Counseling Programs of 2024

East Central University

  • Ada, OK
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $322

Out-of-State | $639

Credits to Graduate: 124

Oklahoma's East Central University offers a bachelor's in human services counseling program students can complete online in 2-4 years. Learners can concentrate on counseling or rehabilitation. The broad-based counseling option prepares graduates for entry-level counselor positions. The rehabilitation concentration trains disability specialists who can focus on clients' addictive, behavioral, and physical challenges. 

Students earn 44 credits of general education and 24 credits of core counseling courses, including fieldwork. The remaining credits comprise concentration and elective classes. East Central University accepts up to 94 transfer credits.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,791
Out-of-state
$15,151
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,402
Out-of-state
$10,792
Retention Rate
57%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
3,350
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 The Best Counseling Programs of 2024

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Semester:

In-State | $6,785

Out-of-State | $6,965

Credits to Graduate: 60-120

The University of Cincinnati's bachelor's in substance use counseling program trains professionals to help people overcome drug and alcohol addictions and meets academic requirements for licensure in Ohio and many other states. Designed for both full-time students and working professionals interested in advancing their careers, coursework is entirely online and can take less than three years to complete.

The curriculum includes clinical assessment and diagnostics, developing cultural competencies, pharmacology, and societal factors associated with substance use. Existing substance abuse counselors may receive credit for their work experience. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,099
Out-of-state
$25,433
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,224
Out-of-state
$24,966
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
40,329
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 The Best Counseling Programs of 2024

Toccoa Falls College

  • Toccoa Falls, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: $380 for online students; $11,625 per semester for full-time (12-19 credits), on-campus study 

Credits to Graduate: 126

Students majoring in counseling psychology at Toccoa Falls College can study on campus or online and choose between concentrations in counseling in ministry or social work. Learners can also minor in marriage and family counseling or psychology. The curriculum prepares graduates to enter helping professions or for graduate study. Courses include Christ-centered counseling, crisis and trauma therapy, counseling for addictions, and premarital and marital counseling. 

Graduates can qualify for positions as counseling psychologists, clinical social workers, group counselors, and school counselors.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$21,490
Out-of-state
$21,490
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,240
Out-of-state
$12,240
Retention Rate
57%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
1,764
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 The Best Counseling Programs of 2024

Arizona Christian University

  • Glendale, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: $450 for online students; $16,249 per semester for full-time (12-18 credits), on-campus study

Credits to Graduate: 62 (plus liberal arts foundation courses)

The bachelor's in behavioral health concentration in counseling at Arizona Christian University features emphasis areas in counseling or coaching. Counseling students focus on practical skills for the workforce or graduate studies. Coaching centers on helping clients with individual personal growth. Both options integrate psychology and the Christian faith and require 135 internship hours. 

Core courses include Christian integration in practice, general principles of psychology, group counseling, coaching principles, and human development. The Glendale, Arizona-based program offers online or on-campus study.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,874
Out-of-state
$28,874
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
48%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
1,053
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
24% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 The Best Counseling Programs of 2024

University of Massachusetts Global

  • Irvine, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: $500

Credits to Graduate: 120

The University of Massachusetts Global offers a bachelor's in psychology, which prepares interested students for counseling graduate programs. The online curriculum provides the foundation for entry into a master's program in marriage and family therapy or professional clinical counseling.

Courses emphasize different aspects of counseling, and learners focus on applying psychological theories to real life, preventing mental disorders, working with various populations, and understanding individual differences in normal and abnormal behaviors and mental and emotional health. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,000
Out-of-state
$12,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,240
Out-of-state
$12,240
Retention Rate
19%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
9,798
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
99% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

How Much Does a Counseling Program Cost?

The cost of attending a counseling program depends on several factors, including location, prestige, and financial aid availability. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that, in 2021-2022, the average annual cost of attendance for a bachelor's degree was $30,031 — $21,878 at public schools and $47,962 for private schools. These figures include tuition and fees, along with room and board.

Attending a counseling program online can help you save on costs like travel, relocation, and rent. You may have additional costs to cover a reliable high-speed internet connection, textbooks, and supplies.

Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.

Common Courses in Counseling Programs

During your counseling program, you will complete general education courses, specialized classes, and fieldwork observations. Coursework explores ways to apply theoretical concepts, along with effective and ethical practice. You may also be able to pursue a formal or informal concentration focused on a particular type of counseling or client population.

Common courses in undergraduate counseling programs include:


Career and Salary Outlook for Counseling Program Graduates

Most counseling careers require a degree from a master's in counseling program. As a bachelor's degree-holder, you may still be able to work in a counseling setting, depending on state regulations and certification requirements. Check with your state to confirm regulations and requirements.

Substance Misuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor

Substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors conduct assessments of patient needs, establish counseling objectives, and help clients find solutions for their challenges. Substance misuse counseling has a particularly wide range of state requirements. These counselors may work as independent practitioners in healthcare or for government agencies, among other options.

Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $49,710

Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): +18%

School and Career Counselor

School and career counselors work with middle, high, and college students. They may also assist adults as independent practitioners. Many counseling programs have specialty tracks for this subset of the field. Depending on your state, you may be able to practice as a career advisor or coach without an advanced degree.

Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $60,140

Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): +5%

Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation counselors work with people who have experienced serious accidents or illnesses. They help patients understand and respond to the life changes that the accident or health conditions have caused. In addition to general healthcare and independent practice settings, rehabilitation counselors may specialize and work in the military or teams of first responders. Not all counseling programs have extensive coursework in this area.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $38,560

Projected Growth Rate (2021-2031): +11%

Marriage and Family Therapist

These therapists help couples and families understand and resolve conflicts. Their work often involves one-on-one meetings with each spouse or family member, as well as sessions with both spouses or all family members. This concentration ranks among the most popular pathways in counseling programs.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $49,880

Projected Growth Rate (2021-2031): +14%


Certifications and Licensure for Counseling

Many states require counselors to hold licensure to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include a master's degree and at least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. In addition to licensure, counselors can pursue optional certifications to demonstrate their skills and advance their careers. The three counseling certifications below accept bachelor's-trained applicants.

AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor

A candidate for this credential must hold a bachelor's degree in human services from an accredited college or university, along with at least 1,000 hours of professional sexuality counseling experience.

EAGALA Certified Mental Health Professional

Each candidate must hold an accredited mental health bachelor's degree. They need to complete a pre-training webinar, a five-day onsite course, and other post-training requirements to earn certification.

National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II

To qualify for this credential, a candidate must hold a bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field, along with a state-issued credential in the field and 6,000 hours of relevant work experience.


Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Careers

What is the difference between a therapist and a counselor?

In general, a therapist helps in the short term to identify and address problems that affect an individual's internal emotions and behavior. Counseling focuses more on providing support for interpersonal interactions and ongoing advice.

What is the best degree for a counseling career?

The best degree for a counseling career is typically a master's degree. This degree level meets licensing requirements in most states. Master's counseling programs also offer more specialization opportunities than bachelor's programs.

What skills do you need to be a counselor?

Some necessary skills to become a counselor include communication abilities, empathy, attention to detail, and cross-cultural competence. Good counseling programs teach these in both theory and practice.

How long does it take to complete a counseling degree?

Full-time students typically take four years to complete most bachelor-level counseling programs and an additional 2-3 years to complete a master's counseling program. If you have advanced placement credits, an associate degree, or other college credits, you may be able to finish faster. Part-time enrollment extends these timelines.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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