Helping You Find Quality and Affordability in Online Graduate Counseling Education
If you’re planning to become a licensed professional counselor, choosing a program with the right accreditation is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. CACREP-accredited counseling programs not only signal academic rigor—they’re also required for licensure in many states. For cost-conscious graduate students, the challenge is finding a program that balances affordability, flexibility, and licensure readiness without compromising on quality.
Fortunately, more universities now offer online CACREP-accredited programs that are both accessible and budget-friendly. These options make it possible to pursue your counseling degree while continuing to work, care for family, or stay rooted in your community.
This guide will help you identify some of the cheapest CACREP-accredited programs online while ensuring you understand what CACREP means and why it matters for your career. We’ll also break down what to look for in an affordable program, explore cost-saving tips, and highlight the potential return on investment once you graduate.
What Is CACREP and Why It Matters
CACREP stands for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. It is the leading accrediting body for graduate-level counseling programs in the United States. CACREP accreditation assures students and employers that a program meets nationally recognized standards for counselor education.
For students pursuing licensure—such as becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or a similarly titled role—CACREP accreditation can be essential. Many state licensing boards either require or strongly prefer applicants who graduate from CACREP-accredited programs. Some states even limit licensure eligibility to graduates of these programs.
In addition to licensure readiness, CACREP accreditation offers several important benefits:
- A standardized curriculum that includes core coursework in ethics, diagnosis, assessment, and multicultural counseling
- Field experiences (practicum and internship) that meet national guidelines
- Greater mobility across state lines if you move and seek licensure elsewhere
- Increased credibility when applying for jobs, internships, or doctoral study
Choosing a CACREP-accredited counseling program helps ensure that your degree will be recognized for licensure and professional advancement, both now and in the future.
What to Look For in an Affordable CACREP-Accredited Program
When evaluating the most affordable CACREP-accredited online counseling programs, price is only one part of the equation. As a prospective graduate student, it’s essential to assess the full picture—including program quality, licensure alignment, and long-term value. Here are key factors to consider:
Transparent Tuition Costs
Start by comparing tuition on a per-credit basis and estimating the total cost of the degree. Some programs clearly publish the full tuition for their entire program, while others list only credit-hour rates. Be sure to factor in how many credits are required—typically 60 for a CACREP-accredited degree—and watch for variations in course load between specializations.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
Some universities charge a flat rate for online students regardless of residency, while others differentiate between in-state and out-of-state tuition. For nonresidents, flat-rate programs can offer significant savings, especially if you’re attending from across the country.
Hidden Fees
Beyond tuition, watch for additional costs like technology fees, practicum or supervision fees, course materials, and graduation expenses. These can vary widely between institutions and should be included in your total cost estimate.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Affordable programs often offer institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, or special tuition discounts for military members, educators, or nonprofit employees. Submitting your FAFSA early and inquiring directly with admissions offices can help you unlock these opportunities.
Flexibility and Support
If you’re pursuing an online master’s in counseling, look for programs with part-time enrollment options, asynchronous classes, and field placement support. Many students balancing work and school benefit from programs that allow them to complete their practicum and internship experiences in their local area.
Licensure Readiness
A critical function of CACREP accreditation is helping graduates qualify for state licensure. Whether your goal is to become a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) or become a LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), ensure the curriculum aligns with your state’s licensure board requirements. Some programs may also help you prepare for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or other licensure-specific assessments.
By evaluating these factors together, you’ll be better equipped to identify not just the cheapest CACREP-accredited programs online, but the ones that truly offer a worthwhile investment in your future career as a counselor.
Most Affordable CACREP-Accredited Online Counseling Programs
This list features some of the most affordable online master’s-level counseling programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). To build the list, we focused on programs offering clinical mental health counseling tracks in fully online or primarily online formats. Tuition data was drawn from the most recent IPEDS figures available as of 2025 and includes both in-state and out-of-state graduate rates.
When reviewing tuition costs, it’s important to consider both in-state and out-of-state options—some programs may offer competitive rates for one group but not the other. Additionally, while tuition is a key factor, prospective students should be aware that extra program-specific fees or costs (such as technology fees or clinical placement fees) may not be reflected in the base tuition figures.
This list serves as a starting point for exploring affordable CACREP-accredited options, but the right program for any individual will depend on personal priorities, career goals, financial circumstances, and location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, be sure to visit each program’s official webpage.
Adams State University
Location: Alamosa, CO
In-state tuition: $7,704
Out-of-state tuition: $10,440
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Clinical Mental Health
Augusta University
Location: Augusta, GA
In-state tuition: $5,504
Out-of-state tuition: $18,772
Program Type: M.Ed.
Program: Master of Education in Counselor Education
Bluefield University
Location: Bluefield, VA
In-state tuition: $8,910
Out-of-state tuition: $8,910
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Counseling (MA)
Catawba College
Location: Salisbury, NC
In-state tuition: $3,594
Out-of-state tuition: $3,594
Program Type: M.HS.
Program: MHS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Chadron State College
Location: Chadron, NE
In-state tuition: $4,800
Out-of-state tuition: $9,600
Program Type: M.A.E.
Program: Online Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concordia University-Irvine
Location: Irvine, CA
In-state tuition: $8,630
Out-of-state tuition: $8,630
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health
Evangel University
Location: Springfield, MO
In-state tuition: $8,304
Out-of-state tuition: $8,304
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online)
Grace College and Theological Seminary
Location: Winona Lake, IN
In-state tuition: $7,912
Out-of-state tuition: $7,912
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Grand View University
Location: Des Moines, IA
In-state tuition: $9,108
Out-of-state tuition: $9,108
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Marshall University
Location: South Charleston, WV
In-state tuition: $7,710
Out-of-state tuition: $20,574
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Master of Arts (MA)
Midwestern State University
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
In-state tuition: $4,246
Out-of-state tuition: $5,416
Program Type: M.A.
Program: M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Nelson University
Location: Waxahachie, TX
In-state tuition: $8,280
Out-of-state tuition: $8,280
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
North Carolina Central University
Location: Durham, NC
In-state tuition: $4,740
Out-of-state tuition: $18,048
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Clinical Mental Health Program
Northern State University
Location: Aberdeen, SD
In-state tuition: $5,999
Out-of-state tuition: $11,199
Program Type: M.S.Ed.
Program: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Pennsylvania Western University
Location: Edinboro, PA
In-state tuition: $9,288
Out-of-state tuition: $9,468
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master’s in Counseling
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Location: Lubbock, TX
In-state tuition: $6,360
Out-of-state tuition: $16,440
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Troy University
Location: Troy, AL
In-state tuition: $8,550
Out-of-state tuition: $17,100
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master of Science in Counseling
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Location: Monroe, LA
In-state tuition: $6,490
Out-of-state tuition: $18,590
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master of Science in Counseling (M.S)
University of the Cumberlands
Location: Williamsburg, KY
In-state tuition: $4,260
Out-of-state tuition: $4,260
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of West Alabama
Location: Livingston, AL
In-state tuition: $6,678
Out-of-state tuition: $13,356
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tips for Lowering the Cost of a Counseling Degree
Even when choosing from the most affordable CACREP-accredited online counseling programs, there are additional ways to reduce your total out-of-pocket cost. From applying for aid to maximizing flexibility, these strategies can help you earn your degree without taking on excessive debt.
Apply Early for Financial Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to be considered for federal loans, grants, and institutional aid. Many schools also offer internal scholarships or need-based awards that require FAFSA completion. Be sure to check your program’s financial aid deadlines and explore both merit-based and need-based options.
Look Into Employer Tuition Reimbursement
If you currently work in education, healthcare, social services, or a related field, ask your employer about tuition assistance. Many school districts, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations offer professional development benefits that cover part or all of graduate tuition for counseling-related degrees.
Consider Part-Time Enrollment
Some students choose to enroll part time to avoid large upfront tuition bills. Spreading out your coursework can make the program more financially manageable, especially if you’re paying as you go or working full time during your studies.
Explore Graduate Assistantships or Work-Study
While more common in on-campus settings, some online programs still offer graduate assistant (GA) or work-study positions that come with tuition reductions or monthly stipends. These roles might include research support, tutoring, or administrative work and can sometimes be completed remotely.
Prioritize Flat-Rate or In-State Tuition Programs
Out-of-state tuition can significantly increase total program cost. To avoid this, look for online programs that offer a flat-rate tuition model for all students, or consider enrolling in a program within your state where in-state tuition applies.
By proactively researching your options and planning ahead, you can significantly reduce the financial burden of earning a graduate counseling degree—without compromising on quality, flexibility, or your long-term career goals.
Job Outlook and Return on Investment for Counseling Graduates
Pursuing a master’s degree in counseling is not only a meaningful career move—it’s also increasingly in demand. Whether you’re entering school counseling, mental health services, or addiction treatment, the job market for licensed counselors continues to grow nationwide.
Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 19 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. In 2023, there were an estimated 449,800 jobs in this category, with an expected increase of 84,500 jobs over the next decade. This growth reflects a nationwide push to expand access to mental health care and substance use treatment in schools, healthcare systems, and communities.
Salary Expectations
The median annual wage for counselors in these fields was $53,710 in 2023, or about $25.82 per hour. Salaries can vary significantly depending on your specialization, experience, and geographic location. For example, licensed counselors working in private practice or healthcare settings often earn more than those in nonprofit or school-based roles.
Counselors who pursue additional credentials, such as becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), may also command higher salaries—especially in states where CACREP-accredited degrees are preferred or required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do affordable programs meet licensure standards?
Yes—as long as a program is accredited by CACREP, it meets nationally recognized academic and training standards for counselor education. These programs are designed to prepare students for licensure, whether you’re pursuing an LPC, LMHC, or a similar credential. Just be sure to verify that the curriculum aligns with your specific state’s licensure requirements, especially regarding practicum and internship hours.
Are online CACREP-accredited degrees respected by employers?
Generally, yes. Employers recognize CACREP accreditation as a mark of academic quality, regardless of whether the program is delivered online or on campus. What matters most is that you’ve met the education and fieldwork standards required for licensure. Many online programs also include supervised clinical experiences completed locally, which adds to their credibility in the job market.
How do I verify CACREP accreditation?
You can verify a program’s accreditation by visiting the CACREP website and using their program directory. This tool allows you to search for accredited programs by institution, program type, or delivery format. You can also confirm accreditation status directly with the school’s admissions or program office.
Can I complete my practicum/internship locally?
Yes. Most online CACREP-accredited counseling programs allow students to complete their practicum and internship experiences in their own communities. These programs typically provide guidance on selecting approved sites, securing qualified supervisors, and documenting hours. This flexibility is one of the major benefits of choosing an online program, especially for working professionals or those with family commitments.
Finding the Right Program for You
Choosing a graduate counseling program is a major decision—one that can shape your career opportunities, licensure eligibility, and long-term financial well-being. If you’re looking for a degree that balances affordability with academic integrity, the most affordable CACREP-accredited online counseling programs offer a strong place to start.
As you evaluate your options, consider how each program aligns with your career goals, preferred learning format, and budget. Whether you’re pursuing clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or another specialization, it’s important to find a program that offers not just low tuition, but also strong licensure support, field placement guidance, and accreditation you can trust.
To take the next step, reach out to admissions offices, ask for a full tuition breakdown, and verify that your chosen program meets your state’s licensure requirements. With the right information—and a careful eye on cost—you can move forward with confidence toward a meaningful, impactful career in counseling.
