2025 Most Affordable UU直播s for Counseling Degrees
Earning an affordable online counseling bachelor's degree allows students to develop professional skills in mental health support, addiction treatment, and crisis intervention 鈥� without taking on excessive student debt. Our rankings highlight the cheapest online counseling degrees based on tuition, but we go beyond cost by analyzing key factors such as student satisfaction, graduation rates, financial aid availability, and more.
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Budget: Hobe Sound Bible College and City Vision University offer some of the lowest tuition rates while maintaining strong student support.
- Best for High-Earning Potential: The University of South Dakota reports competitive median earnings among counseling graduates ($43,948).
- Best for Career-Focused: Purdue Global and Liberty University provide specialized tracks in Addiction Counseling and Crisis Intervention.
We manually collect and verify tuition costs to ensure accurate, up-to-date rankings. All student reviews referenced are based on surveys we collect. For details on how we collect and analyze our data, visit our methodology page.
2025 Most Affordable UU直播s for Counseling Degrees
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobe Sound Bible College | Hobe Sound (FL) | $7,200 | |
| City Vision University | Kansas City (MO) | $8,000 | |
| Nicholls State University | Thibodaux (LA) | $9,064 | |
| Waldorf University | Forest City (IA) | $9,900 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | Manchester (NH) | $9,900 | |
| University of South Dakota | Vermillion (SD) | $10,643 | |
| Purdue Global | Indianapolis (IN) | $11,130 | |
| New England College | Henniker (NH) | $11,250 | |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg (VA) | $11,700 | |
| Bay Path University | Longmeadow (MA) (and 1 other) | $12,300 | |
| Nelson University | Waxahachie (TX) | $12,900 | |
| Ohio Christian University | Circleville (OH) | $13,500 | |
| Colorado Christian University | Lakewood (CO) | $14,820 | |
| UMass Global | Multiple Locations | $15,000 | |
| Florida Tech - Online | Melbourne (FL) | $15,600 | |
| Arizona State University, Online | Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others) | $17,220 |
A Closer Look at the Most Affordable Counseling Bachelor鈥檚 Degrees Online
When exploring online counseling programs, affordability is often a primary consideration, but there's more you should consider when making your decision. The online schools highlighted in our rankings each offer unique strengths, from personalized learning environments to specialized program features.
Let's delve into how these institutions compare and contrast, offering valuable insights for prospective online counseling students.
Affordability: The First Step in Smart Decision-Making
Affordability is a cornerstone of our ranking, with tuition ranging from a budget-friendly $7,200 at Hobe Sound Bible College (HSBC) to a still-competitive $17,220 at Arizona State University (ASU). Although ASU sits at the higher end of the affordability spectrum, its large-scale online presence with over 50,000 distance learners enrolled, and a high retention rate of 85%, demonstrate value beyond just tuition costs. The vast online infrastructure and a 90% recommendation rate from its students speak to the overall student satisfaction and solid support systems available.
Notably, City Vision University (CVU), Nicholls State University (NSU), and Waldorf University also shine in affordability, with annual costs under $10,000.
Plus, these institutions not only ease the financial burden of education but also often complement low tuition with substantial financial aid. For example, New England College (NEC) students receive an average financial aid package of $29,272, ranking in the top 8% nationally.
Faith-Based vs. Professional Licensure Paths: What鈥檚 Right for You?
For students seeking a faith-based approach to counseling, schools like Colorado Christian University (CCU), HSBC, CVU, and Nelson weave Christian teachings into their programs. This can be a major advantage if you鈥檙e planning to work in pastoral counseling, faith-based addiction recovery, or Christian ministry settings.
HSBC, for example, integrates 30 credit hours of Bible studies into its curriculum, ensuring students graduate with both counseling knowledge and a strong theological foundation. It also prepares students for certifications as pastoral or biblical counselors, a unique offering for those interested in counseling within religious communities.
颁痴鲍鈥檚 Bachelor of Arts in Addiction Counseling also takes a Christian perspective but aligns its courses with Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) requirements, bridging faith-based education with professional credentials.
In contrast to a Christian counseling degree approach, programs at Purdue Global and the University of South Dakota (USD) focus on professional addiction counseling training, preparing students for state licensure and industry-recognized certifications.
鲍厂顿鈥檚 program is NASAC-accredited, meaning it meets the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission鈥檚 standards. (This is a key credential for students looking to enter licensed addiction counseling roles.) USD also stands out with its 750-hour practicum, providing extensive real-world experience that employers highly value.
Purdue Global offers a Peer Recovery Support Specialist Micro-Credential, which can give students a head start on certification and improve job prospects right after graduation.
Why does this matter for online students? Unlike in-person students who may have access to local internships and networking opportunities, online learners need to ensure their program provides clear pathways to certification and licensure in their state. Without this, they may struggle to turn their counseling degree into a viable career.
Personalized Learning Environments: Student-to-Faculty Ratios
A personalized learning experience can significantly enhance educational outcomes. HSBC boasts a standout student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, ensuring individualized attention and support. NEC and CVU follow closely, with ratios of 7:1, promoting close-knit academic communities.
In contrast, larger institutions like Liberty and Purdue Global maintain higher ratios, reflecting their scale and well-established digital infrastructure but potentially impacting the degree of personalized interaction.
Graduation, Retention, and Earnings: Indicators of Success
The ultimate measure of a program鈥檚 value often lies in its outcomes 鈥� whether students successfully complete their degrees, stay engaged throughout their studies, and ultimately achieve meaningful career success.
A school鈥檚 graduation rate reflects how many students complete their degrees, while retention rates show how many continue their studies after the first year. Both are strong indicators of a counseling program鈥檚 ability to keep students engaged and provide necessary academic support.
CVU leads in this area with a 100% graduation rate, a remarkable statistic that suggests an exceptionally supportive environment. Given that CVU specializes in Addiction Counseling with a faith-based approach, this high completion rate may reflect both a well-structured curriculum and a strong sense of community that helps students stay on track.
ASU boasts a retention rate of 85%, placing it in the top 15% of schools nationwide. This suggests that most students find ASU鈥檚 online learning experience engaging and supportive enough to continue their studies. With over 50,000 online students, ASU鈥檚 ability to maintain such high retention demonstrates a well-developed virtual infrastructure with accessible faculty, advising, and career resources.
USD also performs well with an 82% retention rate, indicating strong student satisfaction and institutional support. This is especially relevant for counseling students, as 鲍厂顿鈥檚 750-hour practicum and Addiction Counseling specialization suggest that hands-on training contributes to student success.
In contrast, some institutions struggle with lower completion rates, which can be a red flag. Purdue Global, for instance, has a 17% retention rate, suggesting that a significant portion of students may face challenges in completing their degrees. While Purdue Global offers strong affordability and career-focused credentials (such as its Peer Recovery Support Specialist Micro-Credential), students should consider whether they鈥檒l receive the level of academic and professional guidance needed to persist through the program.
Earnings data, where available, provide a crucial layer of insight when evaluating an online counseling program鈥檚 return on investment (ROI). Even though counseling is often a mission-driven profession rather than a high-earning field, salary outcomes still matter.
Programs that lead to higher salaries can help graduates afford professional certifications, pursue advanced degrees, and build financial security while working in a field dedicated to helping others.
USD reports a median salary of $43,948, and while this figure may not be the highest among all psychology or counseling degrees, it represents a solid return on investment when paired with 鲍厂顿鈥檚 affordable tuition of $10,643. This affordability ensures that graduates can enter the workforce with less financial burden, making their degree a more cost-effective choice over time.
What Sets These Counseling Schools Apart?
Several institutions present distinctive program features worth highlighting:
- SNHU offers a 12-credit embedded certificate in Data Literacy in Psychology, which can add a valuable analytical skillset to a counseling degree.
- Purdue Global integrates practical opportunities like the Psychology Club and internships, blending academic and professional development.
- Bay Path University (BPU) offers interactive experiences such as agency visits and conference presentations, enriching both practical skills and academic knowledge.
- Florida Tech emphasizes child advocacy, blending psychology with community-oriented roles that prepare students for careers in youth counseling and support services.
What Are Online Counseling Students Saying?
Students pursuing counseling-related degrees in online programs frequently highlight the importance of faculty support, practical training, and a strong sense of connection despite the virtual format. At Nicholls State, Cassaundra Cook (2015) described the specialist in school psychology program as "phenomenal," praising the small class sizes and 鈥渇补尘颈濒测-辞谤颈别苍迟别诲鈥� atmosphere that allowed faculty to provide individualized attention.
Similarly, Lindsay Wrinkle (2014) from USD noted that the addiction studies program offered 鈥渁 lot of hands-on experiences that enhance learning opportunities,鈥� reinforcing the value of real-world preparation in counseling fields.
For many students, accessibility to professors and structured support are key factors in their success. At Purdue Global, Ann (2021) appreciated the 鈥渢ailored attention from instructors,鈥� while Ali Feyzi (2020) emphasized that the counseling coursework was both challenging and directly applicable to real-world settings.
These firsthand experiences emphasize the importance of faculty engagement, practical training, and well-designed online structures in preparing students for meaningful careers in counseling.
Expert Advice for Online Counseling Students
Navigating a Career in Counseling: Insights from Clint Kreider, LMFT
LMFT
Clint Kreider, a licensed therapist, highlights the growing accessibility of online counseling education while acknowledging both its strengths and challenges.
While his own master鈥檚 in clinical psychology was earned in a traditional setting, he has seen online programs empower those who need flexibility. 鈥淭he biggest advantage? Flexibility to integrate learning with real life,鈥� he explains, sharing how one colleague completed an online degree while navigating sobriety, allowing her to prioritize therapy sessions alongside academics. However, he notes that online students must be proactive in seeking deeper engagement:
The biggest challenge was replicating the spontaneity of in-person case discussions. Online students must be proactive鈥攋oining virtual peer groups or seeking mentorship to bridge that gap.
Clint stresses that empathy and curiosity are fundamental, even beyond technical qualifications. 鈥淚n counseling, empathy and curiosity are your bedrock skills 鈥� no degree teaches those, but they鈥檙e honed through practice,鈥� he says.
He advises students to pursue diverse internships in addiction centers, schools, or private practices to build practical experience. Additionally, for those focusing on child development, he underscores the importance of trauma-informed care: 鈥淎 certification in play therapy or ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) can set you apart.鈥�
His insights highlight that while credentials are critical, transformative learning often comes from real-world interactions, as he reflects, 鈥淥ne of my most transformative lessons came from a teen in rehab who taught me more about resilience than any textbook.鈥�
For those pursuing an online counseling degree, Clint advises selecting accredited programs (COAMFTE or CACREP) to ensure rigorous training and sufficient clinical hours. He urges students to treat their coursework like professional client hours by scheduling structured study time and simulating case discussions over Zoom. With the field shifting toward telehealth, he believes adaptability will be an asset.
Most importantly, he reminds future counselors that therapy is not just a profession, but a calling: 鈥淭his work demands you confront your own biases and wounds. Therapy isn鈥檛 a career鈥攊t鈥檚 a calling that requires you to grow as fiercely as your clients.鈥�
To sustain their passion, he warns against burnout and stresses the need to establish healthy professional boundaries early. His ultimate message? Success in counseling is not just about knowledge, but about the commitment to showing up, listening, and growing alongside clients in an ever-changing field.
Choosing the Best Fit for Your Career Goals
Choosing a budget-friendly online counseling program involves balancing affordability with academic quality, support services, and long-term career potential. Whether prioritizing a faith-based approach, practical training, or flexible learning schedules, each of these counseling programs offers distinct advantages.
Ultimately, the right program is not just a financial investment but a strategic step toward a fulfilling career in counseling.
FAQs for Affordable Online Counseling Bachelor鈥檚 Programs
Can I Get a Counseling Degree Online?
Students today have access to a wide range of online bachelor's programs in counseling, psychology, sociology, and related fields. Some bachelor's programs offer specializations, such as addiction counseling and substance use, marriage and family, Christian counseling, offender rehabilitation, and victim advocacy. These options prepare students to meet the unique needs of specific populations in a counseling setting. If you're considering a career in counseling, earning a bachelor's degree 鈥� whether online or in-person 鈥� is often only the first step toward achieving your professional goals. Most professional counseling positions also require a master's degree in counseling for state licensure.
Online programs follow the same curriculum and degree path as campus-based programs. Many students prefer to take online classes due to their convenience, flexibility, and affordability. Some online programs include livestreaming classes held at set times, while others allow students to watch prerecorded lectures on their own time. Also, online classes are often available as accelerated part-time or full-time courses of study. Lastly, online degrees appeal to many students because they can be significantly more affordable.
All the programs listed on this page are offered through accredited colleges and universities. Accreditation ensures colleges and universities are held to universal academic standards and indicates to schools/employers that graduates have received a quality education. Students interested in pursuing a counseling degree online should always seek an accredited program.
What Are Some Career Paths for Counseling Degrees?
Individuals holding a bachelor's degree in counseling or related fields have access to several career paths, each with distinct roles, salary prospects, and job outlooks. One such role is that of a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, or mental health counselor. Substance use and addiction counselors work with individuals to help them overcome reliance on drugs, alcohol, and other substances that negatively impact their health and well-being. While a master's degree is typically required for mental health counselors, positions focusing on substance abuse and behavioral disorders may be available to those with a bachelor's degree. The median annual wage for these counselors is , with employment projected to grow by 19% through the next decade, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations.
Another viable career is that of a rehabilitation counselor, who assists clients in overcoming physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities to achieve personal and professional goals. While many positions require a master's degree, some entry-level roles are open to bachelor's degree holders. The median annual wage for rehabilitation counselors stood at in May 2023.
Credit counseling is an additional field where a bachelor's degree is often sufficient. Credit counselors advise individuals on managing debt and improving financial standing. In May 2023, the median annual wage for credit counselors was , and employment in this sector is projected to grow by 5% from 2023 to 2033.
It's important to note that while these roles may be accessible with a bachelor's degree, obtaining relevant certifications or licenses can enhance employment prospects and potential earnings.
What Are Some Common Bachelor of Counseling Courses?
Course requirements for a bachelor's in counseling differ by program but generally cover a few core subjects that prepare students to work with individuals experiencing challenges. Below are some of the most common program courses, which are intended to give students a firm foundation in the history and best ethical practices of the counseling profession.
- Ethics in Counseling: This course presents a history of ethics in counseling and the currently accepted standards of ethical behavior. Professors often present hypothetical scenarios in which the correct behavior isn't immediately clear. Students focus on learning how to build trust with clients by adhering to legal mandates governing intervention, record keeping, and patient confidentiality.
- Group Process: This course can be useful for understanding the social pressures on different client populations. Specifically, professors discuss the formation and function of various groups. The topics covered include social dynamics, leadership styles, and communication within a wider group.
- Crisis Intervention: Students study how to assess clients who are experiencing mental health crises and apply proven techniques to improve the situation. They will be asked to consider the legal landscape and the ethical requirements of intervening in both real and hypothetical situations. Students who take this course as part of a concentration (e.g., substance abuse counseling) may be able to focus their work on scenarios related to their preferred population.
- Pharmacology in Addictions Counseling: This course teaches the physiological basis of addiction. The aim is to better understand the brain chemistry underlying chemical dependency and the effects that various substances have on different body systems. This course may also cover prescription drug interactions and discuss how scientists design clinical trials to test the safety of drugs.
Is an Online Degree in Counseling Worth It?
When considering whether an online counseling degree is worth it, students should think about their professional and personal goals, why they're interested in the field, how much time and money they can invest in their education, and what they'll ultimately get out of it.
Professional counselors work directly with patients to help them overcome emotional, psychological, social, and physical difficulties that impact their personal life. Counselors connect people with the resources and tools they need to help them improve their overall health and well-being. If you feel compelled to work as a counselor, you'll likely need to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in order to become licensed, and an online degree is a viable option for either degree.
While a graduate degree in counseling is a requirement for licensure and certification, students do not need a bachelor's degree in counseling to enter a master's program or even the field. Those who earn their bachelor's degree in another field are still eligible to apply to a master's program in counseling, but they may need to complete additional prerequisites. There are also opportunities to work in counseling without a degree, such as through non-profits or working as a peer counselor, case manager, or an aid to a counselor.
Student Reviews of Online Counseling Programs
My advisor and most professors were helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable. I enrolled in my forties to complete a degree I started in the 1990s. I have attended private and public colleges and universities over the years and found SNHU's program to be different but incredibly effective. Rather than a memorize and regurgitate program, my course of study leaned heavily on the exploration of reputable, scholarly research; writing assignments; and interactive discussion to both explore the subject matter... Read More
Review Date: 11/8/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Once they have your money, it seems that they don't care. Some of the instructors can be brutal if you challenge their opinions, others simply don't care. They information is repetitive and very basic as well. Don't let the "Christian" background fool you.
Review Date: 3/2/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
This is a GREAT School that challenges you as a professional and as a Christian.
Review Date: 10/1/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The pros are that it is a Christian based university which is very important to me considering I am pursuing a career as a Christian based grief counselor. The cons, I do not have any at this time.
Review Date: 8/8/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The financial department is crooked!! The reviews that I have read speaking of this are true. Paying out of pocket for all my books, there was loans taken out that never was shown to me til after the fact. I withdrew from Post University after being told for the mod I was in enrolled in was going to cost $2500 out of pocket. In rereturn I could not afford this, now I'm being told I owe the University back $1700 back under title IV. After getting a run around from I withdrew to late or I didn't withdraw... Read More
Review Date: 3/5/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I really love how the online courses are structured and the level of interaction between the students. The coursework is intense but not overwhelming.
Review Date: 10/10/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The classes are good, so was the instructors and other students. I wanted to take out extra money out for some expenses I had and even though I was eligible for the money the financial department kept giving reasons why could not get it. I pulled out.
Review Date: 2/17/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Pros are the ability to have both online and on campus classes available. The technology is excellent and adjunct online professors are currently working in the field. Cons include the inability to have in depth real-time conversations for online courses.
Review Date: 9/10/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Liberty is a great school. The professors and lectures were top notch, many were from the top of their field. The course work was challenging and informative. I loved attending Liberty, everyone was so helpful and nice.
Review Date: 4/15/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The professors were great and very helpful. If they saw that you were trying to succeed they would help you try to reach your goals no matter how much you were struggling. The professors also help you as much as possible if you are planning on going to graduate school. They will get you all the resources you will need to apply for graduate school. As an undergrad in Counseling and community psychology there were a few of us who graduated with that degree, which I thought was great because you go... Read More
Review Date: 9/16/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Pros: Some professors are very open to student's ideas, views and suggestions. They also like to work with you when there are obstacles that might hinder students from continuing with the program. They are very flexible, and supportive of your ideas for dissertations and program presentations. Cons: The program is very disorganized when it comes to planning degree plans, responding emails, contacting program's advisors. A student figures things out as he or she moves through the program. Also, there... Read More
Review Date: 3/13/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I attended the DePaul University's School of New Learning (SNL) graduating in 1995 with a degree in Counseling. This program is very well organized and helpful to working adults like myself obtaining a college degree. I worked full time and went to school full time, which was a challenge timewise, but the schools flexible class schedules and the ability for me to create my own portfolio of classes enabled me to get my degree. I was able to get credit for close to 2 years of school through my prior... Read More
Review Date: 4/8/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I think the top pros are the faculty themselves. Each and every faculty member is fully accredited in their field and always have an open door for their students. The only cons I have are the campus is a little bit of drive in Atlanta for me, but I do not have a choice otherwise but to commute.
Review Date: 9/8/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of Valley Forge is a great place for any man or woman who wants to be trained thoroughly in their field of interest and who want to form a strong spiritual relationship with the Lord. The Professors, Faculty and Staff pour into each student that they encounter. The academic success is evident! The University of Valley Forge is focused on helping every student succeed and grow to their fullest potential. The atmosphere is safe, peaceful, and filled with the presence of the Lord. The... Read More
Review Date: 3/14/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
CCCB is a small college with a great community atmosphere. They offer a full-tuition scholarship, which enabled me to complete my college degree without going into debt. The teachers care about their students and their success, and go out of their way to help.
Review Date: 3/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The quality of education that I received in the Master's of Education program at the University of North Texas was paramount! Not only are the instructors highly respected in the field of Counseling, but they truly ensure that their students thrive! I often refer back to the lessons and practices that they demonstrated. In fact, 5 years later I am still able to reach out to many of my professors, as they are more than willing to serve in a mentor capacity. Although there were many options when it... Read More
Review Date: 1/20/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No