The Best Counseling Programs

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 September 14, 2023

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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.


Online Bachelor's in Counseling Programs

See Our Rankings Methodology

#1 The Best Counseling Programs

Johnson University

  • Knoxville, TN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Tennessee-based Johnson University educates degree-seekers online and at its Knoxville campus. With 21 distance programs, the private institution provides academic programs with in-person and convenient online formats. After completing the bachelor's in pastoral care and counseling from the school, graduates often enter rewarding careers.

Enrollees can pursue the online program to access flexible enrollment options that make earning a degree easier. The virtual classroom environment allows distance learners to complete course requirements from any location. Undergraduates typically require four years to earn the 120 credits required for the bachelor's degree.

Learners with financial need can submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal grants and loans. Financial aid counselors help students locate and apply for scholarships, grants, and loans. To fund their education, 97% of the school's undergraduates receive financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,480
Out-of-state
$15,480
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,350
Out-of-state
$10,350
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
1,037
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 The Best Counseling Programs

The King's University

  • Southlake, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

With a main campus in Southlake, Texas, The King's University provides 18 program options for students to pursue. Learners can study in person or in a distance learning format. To prepare for careers, undergraduate students can pursue the school's online bachelor of biblical counseling.

Enrollees pursuing the online degree benefit from scheduling flexibility. Students gain transferable critical thinking and communication skills, which apply to careers in a variety of fields. Degree-seekers apply knowledge gained from coursework, including specialized electives, to complete hands-on experiences such as internships. Undergraduates consult with faculty mentors and academic advisors to select classes aligning with their interests and career goals.

Online learners at the institution pay affordable tuition rates. Students can consult with financial aid counselors to explore funding options, such as scholarships and grants.

The King's University Numbers:

Number of Online Students: 373

Percent of Students Admitted: 74%

Total Bachelor's Programs: 7

Transfer Credits Accepted: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,280
Out-of-state
$11,280
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,820
Out-of-state
$8,820
Retention Rate
69%
Admission Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
610
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
61% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools

#3 The Best Counseling Programs

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

To graduate with the bachelor of science in substance abuse counseling, learners complete general education coursework, along with core and upper-division major classes. Specialized electives and hands-on experiential learning opportunities prepare degree-seekers for positions in counseling. Undergraduates and alumni can receive online advising from faculty advisors and career counselors.

To graduate with the bachelor's degree, learners complete general education coursework, along with core and upper-division major classes. Specialized electives and hands-on experiential learning opportunities prepare degree-seekers for positions in Counseling. Undergraduates and alumni can receive online advising from faculty advisors and career counselors.

The accredited institution meets federal requirements to distribute aid programs like the Pell Grant. For details about application deadlines and requirements, prospective applicants can contact an admissions advisor.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Numbers:

Total Bachelor's Programs: 113

Online Bachelor's Programs: 11

Number of Online Students: 19,270

Applicants Admitted: 77%

Graduation Rate: 71%

Average Cost Per Credit: $732

Accepts Transfer Credits: Yes

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,476
Out-of-state
$24,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,790
Out-of-state
$24,532
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
39,263
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 The Best Counseling Programs

Toccoa Falls College

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

The programs at Toccoa Falls College help professionals advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. This bachelor's in counseling psychology prepares graduates for career advancement or for further schooling. The school enrolls 1,189 students in its online programs.

Online learning often appeals to students with children or other responsibilities. A bachelor's degree can qualify graduates for advanced career opportunities. Students without transfer credits typically need about four years to graduate.

Toccoa Falls College Facts:

Percent of Students Who Graduate: 46%

Students Awarded Financial Aid: 82%

Students Awarded Loans: 37%

Average Price Per Credit: Unavailable

Average Net Price: Unavailable

Allows Transfer Credits: No

Toccoa Falls College has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$22,414
Out-of-state
$22,414
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
1,833
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

#5 The Best Counseling Programs

Hobe Sound Bible College

  • Hobe Sound, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Hobe Sound Bible College is a private institution based in Hobe Sound, Florida. Learners can study in person or in a distance learning format. Degree-seekers can choose from the school's 25 program options, with 18 programs available online. One option includes a bachelor of arts in counseling.

The school confers the counseling degree to individuals who complete all requirements, including earning at least 120 credits. Students pursuing the online degree complete core courses, general education requirements, and upper-division classes. Learners consult with faculty mentors to select classes aligning with their interests and career goals. Internship opportunities allow enrollees to gain professional experience, which they can add to their resume.

The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees can qualify for federal financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant. The school reports that 79% of its student body receives financial aid to fund their education. Admissions advisors help individuals understand the application requirements for their prospective program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,990
Out-of-state
$5,990
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,650
Out-of-state
$7,650
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
177
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Association for Bibical Higher Educaiton

#6 The Best Counseling Programs

Washburn University

  • Topeka, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Online learners can enroll in the convenient bachelor of applied science in family and human services - addiction counseling program at Washburn University. The online program's flexible scheduling options can make it easier for busy students to complete degree requirements. Graduates of the online bachelor's program can qualify for entry-level careers in the field.

Degree-seekers gain foundational knowledge during core classes and complete advanced coursework to develop specialized skills. In addition to core courses, learners select elective classes based on their interests and take general education courses. Graduates can apply the critical thinking and analytical skills gained during general education coursework to careers in a variety of fields. Learners consult with faculty mentors to select classes aligning with their interests and career goals.

The public institution offers 28 online programs, along with in-person programs at its campus in Topeka, Kansas. The school's academic offerings include nine online bachelor's programs. The institution holds accreditation, which means students with financial need to qualify for federal grants and loans.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,594
Out-of-state
$19,346
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,306
Out-of-state
$18,788
Retention Rate
69%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,285
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 The Best Counseling Programs

Clarks Summit University

  • South Abington Township, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private institution, Clarks Summit University educates students from its South Abington Township, Pennsylvania, campus. The institution's academic programs feature online and in-person learning formats. Of the school's 40 programs, degree-seekers can pursue 11 in an online format. The online bachelor of science in counseling features a curriculum designed to prepare enrollees for diverse careers.

Degree-seekers pursuing the online bachelor's degree earn at least 120 credits to graduate. The curriculum includes general education courses, core classes within the major, and electives. The program features electives, allowing learners to tailor the curriculum to their professional goals. Internship opportunities allow students to gain professional experience, which they can add to their resume.

At the accredited institution, enrollees who demonstrate financial need can qualify for federal aid, such as the Pell Grant. The school reports that 100% of undergraduates fund their education through financial aid. For details about application deadlines and requirements, prospective applicants can contact an admissions advisor.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,082
Out-of-state
$26,082
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,160
Out-of-state
$8,160
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
41%
Students Enrolled
771
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
64% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#8 The Best Counseling Programs

Oral Roberts University

  • Tulsa, OK
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Oklahoma, Oral Roberts University is one of the best schools for online degrees. Bachelor's programs at this school expose students to both liberal arts and skills training. The school enrolls 622 students in its online programs.

Most undergraduate students complete the bachelor of arts in Christian caregiving and counseling in about four years. The program's flexible learning format is ideal for working professionals. Learners may pursue bachelor's studies to qualify for career advancement.

Oral Roberts University at a Glance:

Price Per Credit: Unavailable

Undergrad Tuition: $28,998 per year

Average Price With Aid: Not Known

Student Admission Rate: 68%

Percentage of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 99%

The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting body.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,998
Out-of-state
$28,998
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,960
Out-of-state
$12,960
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
4,160
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
15% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 The Best Counseling Programs

Crown College

  • Saint Bonifacius, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Crown College's online bachelor of science in alcohol and drug counseling is ideal for students interested in counseling careers. The online counseling program features flexible enrollment options that benefit working professionals.

Enrollees can attend classes at Crown College's campus in Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota. Students in any part of the country can enroll in the school's 29 online programs. The institution also offers 10 bachelor's programs for online degree-seekers.

The online counseling degree features core courses, general education requirements, and upper-division classes. Graduation requirements for the bachelor's program include required coursework and at least 120 credits. Enrollees complete core and specialized coursework meeting high academic standards.

Learners in any field can access support services such as tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling. Undergraduates and alumni can explore their professional options with the help of faculty advisors and career counselors. Financial aid counseling can help students explore options for reducing out-of-pocket expenses, including work-study programs, scholarships, and grants.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,480
Out-of-state
$26,480
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,720
Out-of-state
$9,720
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
1,522
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 The Best Counseling Programs

Ohio Christian University

  • Circleville, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Ohio Christian University is a Circleville-based private institution. In addition to in-person programs, the school educates students through 18 online programs. The online bachelor's in substance abuse counseling features a curriculum designed to prepare learners for careers.

Degree candidates complete core and advanced coursework. The curriculum features upper-division requirements, which help learners develop transferable soft skills. Full-time undergraduate degree-seekers typically require four years to complete the 120-credit bachelor's program.

The school offers support services, including academic advising and career counseling, for online and on-campus learners. The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees can submit the FAFSA and determine whether they qualify for federal financial aid.

Ohio Christian University at a Glance:

Undergraduate Admission Rate: Not Known

Total Programs: 33

Total Bachelor's Programs: 22

Online Bachelor's Programs: 11

Awards Transfer Credits: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,533
Out-of-state
$13,533
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,765
Out-of-state
$10,765
Retention Rate
61%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,843
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
84% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning 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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