10 Affordable Online Counseling Degrees (2025)

Counselors have the vital job of helping people attain mental and behavioral health through a range of therapeutic techniques.

Counselors typically complete a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field and then attain a professional counseling license before beginning clinical practice.

Earning an affordable online counseling degree can help students gain an important qualification while minimizing financial stress and retaining a flexible schedule.

List of Affordable Counseling Degrees Online

Here are some fantastic affordable online counseling degrees.

1. Waldorf University

Waldorf University's online counseling program allows students to earn a high-quality degree entirely online.

Students will learn about psychological assessment, family and marriage counseling, addiction and substance abuse counseling, as well as general mental health.

Undergraduate tuition is an affordable $325 per credit hour, and the Waldorf Book Grant provides students with textbooks at no additional cost.

Online students can access a range of scholarships and should contact the financial aid team for more details.

2. Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University offers an affordable online counseling degree through its remote learning platform.

The program is designed to give students the ethical standards, clear communication, and interpersonal skills needed to succeed as a counselor.

The per credit cost of the online program is only $275 and there is no out-of-state tuition charge.

Courses are delivered online in a flexible eight-week format.

3. Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University is a great choice for an economical counseling degree in a remote format.

The degree takes approximately four years to complete and costs $286 per credit hour. Students can customize their degree with the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Graduates have often gone on to work in rehabilitation centers, schools, or social services organizations.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University's popular online campus offers a psychology program with a number of counseling specializations.

Students can choose to concentrate in:

• Christian Counseling
• Crisis Counseling
• Addiction & Recovery
• Life Coaching

The degree is 120 credits and consists of eight-week asynchronous classes. Most students take about 3.5 years to complete the degree.

The tuition cost for the online undergraduate program is $390 regardless of which state students live in and military benefits are available.

5. Capella University

Capella University's online bachelor's degree in psychology is perfect for aspiring counselors.

The program is entirely online and is offered in two formats. The GuidedPath format offers more structure while the FlexPath format offers greater schedule flexibility.

Students can save money by earning credit for prior learning experiences. An accelerated master's track is also available.

Tuition costs $350 per credit hour or $2,500 per 12-week term for students who choose the FlexPath option.

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University was an early adopter of online education and they offer a wide range of affordable online degrees.

Counseling students can choose between concentrations in addiction studies or general mental health.

The degree is 120 credits and students can transfer in up to 90 credits. Tuition costs $330 per credit hour.

There are no application fees or SAT/ACT requirements for the program.

7. University of Maryland Global Campus

Students looking for an affordable online counseling degree should consider the University of Maryland's Global Campus.

The psychology program will give students the theoretical knowledge, professional standards, and practical skills to make an impact as counselors.

The curriculum includes classes such as lifespan development, abnormal psychology, and theories of personality, as well as a capstone project.

Tuition costs $318 per credit for in-state students, $499 for nonresidents, and $250 for military members.

8. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online psychology degree that will prepare graduates for a career in counseling.

Students will enhance their counseling skills by learning how to work with others, communicate, and listen effectively.

A low student-to-faculty ratio enables faculty to guide students and develop personal relationships.

Tuition costs $9,875 per year and students will receive free textbooks.

9. University of Central Florida

Students interested in a career in counseling can select the clinical psychology track at the University of Central Florida.

The degree is 120 credits and all classes can be completed online. State residents will pay only $179 per credit hour.

Students will master topics such as abnormal psychology and developmental psychology as they learn how the human mind works.

10. Florida International University

Florida International University offers students the chance to earn a respected degree without leaving their homes.

In-state tuition costs $235 per credit hour and the degree takes about four years to complete.

Students will learn about the psychology of infancy and childhood, personal adjustment, human growth and development, and the psychology of sexual behavior.

Every student is paired with a personal success coach to ensure students are ready to thrive after graduation.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Counseling Cost?

Finding an affordable online counseling degree is an important concern for many students.

Students typically pay between $315 and $445 per credit hour for online undergraduate counseling programs. The total average cost for a bachelor's degree in counseling ranges from $38,000 to $57,000.

How To Make an Online Counseling Degree Affordable

Finding the financial resources to fund a degree can seem like a challenge. Thankfully, there are several forms of financial aid students can benefit from.

Each program's financial aid department helps students identify grants and scholarships that can reduce the cost of tuition.

Students should fill out the FAFSA form to determine their eligibility for need-based forms of aid such as the Pell Grant.

Is an Online Counseling Degree Worth It?

Counseling is a rewarding profession that creates a positive impact on society. Due to the responsibility associated with the position, counselors require significant training.

An affordable online degree in counseling is a great step for students pursuing a career in counseling. The investment in the cost of the degree is typically returned through career earnings.

Find an Affordable Degree in Counseling Online Today

Find an affordable online counseling degree and embark on a rewarding journey toward being a counselor. An online counseling degree can save you time and money as you earn this crucial qualification.