10 Affordable Online Master's in Clinical Psychology Programs 2025

Many roles in mental health services require a master's degree. To work in this field, there are a few options available to students, like clinical psychology master's programs or master's degrees in clinical mental health counseling.

These degrees are often available online, and they don't have to put you into deep debt. Keep reading to discover the most affordable online master's degrees in clinical psychology and clinical mental health counseling.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology?

A master's degree in clinical psychology is a graduate program that prepares students to offer mental health services in clinical settings. They're very similar to degrees in clinical counseling.

In an online clinical psychology master's degree program, you'll take your courses virtually. However, some schools may still require some on-campus experiences or in-person internships.

It's important to note that in most states, a master's in clinical psychology does not qualify you to become a licensed psychologist. However, these degrees can prepare you for a doctoral program or may allow you to provide counseling or therapy services.

How Much Does an Online Master's in Clinical Psychology Cost?

Some schools in the U.S. offer master's degrees in clinical psychology or counseling for less than $500 per credit hour; there are also those that charge over $2,000 per credit hour.

The amount you pay for your degree will depend on several factors, including:

• what school you choose
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• how many credit hours you need
• what financial aid you qualify for

All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. This determines eligibility for need-based government aid, such as scholarships and grants.

Cheapest Online Master's in Clinical Psychology Programs

Tuition costs vary significantly between schools. Below, we've highlighted some of the most affordable master's degrees in clinical psychology and counseling.

1. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University is a public, historically Black university (HBCU) in Durham, NC. It offers a master's in clinical mental health counseling online that covers topics like mental health counseling, psychological assessment, and psychopathology.

The program requires 60 credits and includes a practicum and internship. Students graduate prepared to apply for the licensed professional counselor (LPC) credential in North Carolina.

• Estimated tuition cost: $299.23 per credit (in-state); $1,038.57 per creidt (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: NCCU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

2. Southern Arkansas University

At Southern Arkansas University, students can earn an online master's in clinical mental health counseling. This program includes courses on research methods, counseling theories, human development, and more.

SAU, a public university, is located in Magnolia, AR. Its 60-credit clinical counseling program requires two internships and a clinical practicum.

• Estimated tuition cost: $329 per credit (in-state); $516 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: SAU accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. University of Nebraska at Kearney

The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers a hybrid Master of Science (MS) in clinical mental health counseling. UNK is a public university in Kearney, NE.

Most courses for this 60-credit program are online, but a few, including the clinical practicums, are in person. The degree includes electives that qualify students to become dual-licensed in alcohol and drug counseling in Nebraska.

• Estimated tuition cost: $354 per credit (in-state); $567 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UNK offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC and CACREP

4. Lamar University

The Master of Education (MEd) in clinical mental health counseling at Lamar University covers topics like human behavior, crisis intervention, and substance abuse. It requires 60 credit hours, including intensive practicum and internship experiences.

LU, located in Baumont, TX, is a public university. The clinical mental health program here meets the licensure requirements for LPCs in Texas.

• Estimated tuition cost: $360 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: LU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Chadron State College

Chadron State College is a public institution in Chadron, NE. It offers a 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in clinical mental health counseling online.

This degree program includes courses on human development and behavioral health across the lifespan and prepares students for clinical practice. Graduate students are required to participate in several clinical experiences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $412 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: CSC accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. University of West Alabama

Students at the University of West Alabama have two options for studying clinical mental health at the graduate level. The first is an MS in experimental psychology with a concentration in clinical psychology, and the other is a master's in clinical mental health counseling.

The clinical psychology program is for those who want to develop their critical thinking and research skills or pursue a doctoral degree, while the clinical mental health counseling program is for those wanting to become LPCs. UWA, a public university, is located in Livingston, AL.

• Estimated tuition cost: $429 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UWA accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CACREP

7. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online master's in clinical mental health counseling that covers the skills needed to become an LCP. U Cumberlands is a private Christian school in Williamsburg, KY.

The program requires 60 credits and includes courses on counseling techniques, private practice, marriage and family counseling, and child and adolescent counseling. Students participate in research experiences, internships, and a practicum.

• Estimated tuition cost: $449 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: U Cumberlands offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Old Dominion University

The MS in clinical mental health counseling at Old Dominion University helps graduates meet the licensure requirements to become an LPC in Virginia. It's a 60-credit program that includes clinical training and courses on substance abuse, family counseling, psychological assessment, and psychopathology.

ODU, a public research university, is located in Norfolk, VA. Students conclude the graduate program here with a 700-hour practical requirement in clinical practice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $486 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: ODU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Delaware State University

Delaware State University is a public institution in Dover, DE. It offers a Master of Science in psychology with a concentration in clinical psychology online.

This program includes a focus on psychotherapy as well as psychological assessment and research methods. It qualifies students to pursue the Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH) in Delaware.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per credit
• Financial aid: DSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

10. Adams State University

Through Adams State University, students can earn an MA in clinical mental health counseling. This program is designed to provide students with intervention and diagnostic skills and to allow students to become LPCs in Colorado.

Adams State, a public university, is located in Alamosa, CO. Students graduate prepared to serve in various mental health and healthcare environments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $504 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Adams State accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the schools on this list, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every school is regionally accredited, and clinical mental health counseling programs are also accredited by CACREP.
• Affordability: We searched to find some of the most affordable options in the country.
• Program reputation: All institutions are nonprofit and offer high-quality graduate schools.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in Clinical Psychology Degree

Master's degrees in clinical psychology are usually at least 30 credits and take between one and two years to complete. Degrees in clinical mental health counseling, typically designed to lead to licensure, are usually 60 credits and take between three and four years to complete.

Your program will cover core concepts of clinical psychology and counseling, like theories of behavior, human development, psychological assessment, and psychotherapy. If you choose a specialization, you'll have coursework on that as well.

Most programs require some type of practicum or internship. You may also participate in research labs or projects, or complete a thesis.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Clinical Psychology Master's Degrees

Completing your graduate studies in clinical psychology can help you reach your career goals. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about these programs to help you determine if this is a good path for you.

What Master's Degree Should I Get To Be a Clinical Psychologist?

If you're interested in becoming a clinical psychologist, the best option is a master's in psychology. A clinical psychology degree is ideal, but a general psychology degree works as well. This can serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a clinical psychologist.

It's important to note that a master's-level degree is not enough to allow you to become a clinical psychologist in most states. Typically, you need to complete either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) to become a psychologist.

Is an Online Master's in Clinical Psychology Worth It?

If you're dedicated to becoming a clinician who helps people, families, and communities overcome mental health challenges, a clinical psychology or clinical counseling degree is worth it.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Clinical Psychology Degree?

Clinical psychology students can pursue roles in mental health services and healthcare facilities. They can also continue on to a PsyD or PhD program.

Typically, master's in clinical mental health counseling jobs include various counseling careers, such as mental health counselor, substance abuse counselor, or behavioral disorder counselor. Both clinical psychology and clinical mental health counseling majors can find roles in areas like social services.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Clinical Psychology Online?

Most master's degrees in clinical psychology take between one and two years of full-time study to complete. Some programs offer accelerated options, and others offer part-time schedules.

Clinical mental health counseling programs take longer because they're designed to allow students to pursue licensure as an LPC. These take three to four years of full-time study.

Discover Online Clinical Psychology Degrees

Find the perfect clinical psychology program by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.