The Takeaway for Students
- Counseling careers are growing much faster than average
- You can begin a counseling career with a bachelor’s degree
- An online counseling degree lets you earn credentials on your own schedule
Counseling is one of the fastest-growing professions in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), The counseling profession is expected to grow at a very rapid 19% rate over the next decade. They work with patients dealing with substance abuse, mental health, and behavioral issues. Counselors evaluate and assess patient/client needs and develop plans, including coping strategies. We find counselors in schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities, nonprofit agencies, and government services.
To begin your path to becoming a counselor, you’ll want to earn an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related area. Psychology programs offer concentrations or minors in counseling, teaching theories, skills, strategies, research methods, etc. A bachelor’s in psychology will qualify you for entry-level positions working with clinical psychologists or you can pursue advanced studies that can lead to professional licensure.
Why You Can Trust College Consensus
College Consensus has been committed to producing unbiased and comprehensive college rankings that combine expert opinions and student reviews since 2017. Our transparent methodology aggregates data from trusted rankings experts, verified student reviews, and the National Center for Education Statistics. This combination ensures that our rankings are uniquely balanced, reflecting professional assessments, real experiences of students, and the objec. Our editorial team and subject matter experts rigorously review all content to ensure that users receive accurate, up-to-date information. Advertisers have no influence over our rankings or editorial decisions.
- Over 3,000 accredited colleges and universities evaluated for our rankings.
- Data from multiple well-regarded ranking sources and student review platforms.
- All rankings are updated regularly and undergo strict verification.
- A transparent methodology that balances expert opinions and student feedback.
- Only a select few top-rated institutions based on a combination of criteria make the cut.
Methodology: How We Ranked the 10 Best Online Counseling Bachelor’s Degree Programs
For our rankings of online programs, we consider core questions:
- Is the program accredited?
- Is the program available online?
- Is the program fully online?
- Is the program flexible?
From those basic requirements, we consider two other factors:
- Reputation (according to Consensus Score)
- Affordability (according to NCES data)
- Unigo
- My Plan
- Niche
- Grad Reports
- U.S. News Reviews
- Unigo
- U.S. News
- My Plan
- Washington Monthly
- Niche
- Forbes
- Grad Reports
- Wall Street Journal
- U.S. News Reviews
- Wallet Hub
Summary: Top 10 Online Counseling Degrees
| Rank | School | Cost | Student Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Washington State University – Global Campus | $29,073 | 79.6 |
| 2. | Southern New Hampshire University | $16,450 | 77 |
| 3. | East Central University | $17,542 | 79.3 |
| 4. | Grand Canyon University | $17,450 | 67.5 |
| 5. | University of South Dakota | $12,942 | 76.8 |
| 6. | Regent University | $20,686 | 77.4 |
| 7. | Faulkner University | $23,920 | 76.6 |
| 8. | Colorado Christian University | $39,266 | 77.8 |
| 9. | Central Washington University | $26,771 | 73.3 |
| 10. | University of Cincinnati | $30,582 | 76.7 |
1
Private: Washington State University
Pullman, WA
Washington State University’s fully online BS in Psychology will train you in the fundamentals of theory and scientific methods. WSU offers three online concentrations:
- Behavior/Cognition
- Social/Motivational
- Clinical/Developmental
You get access to several WSU Global Campus resources such as eTutoring, library services, and others. To reduce the cost of books, WSU offers several psychology courses through Open Education Resources (OER), offering free academic texts instead of hard-cover books. WSU has a rolling admission policy, with three application deadlines throughout the year.
What the Experts Say
Washington State has a Consensus Score of 51.8 based on published rankings.
What the Students Say
College Consensus gives WSU a Student Consensus Score of 79.6 based on published reviews.
What the Data Says
- Degree: Clinical Counseling concentration
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $29,073
Acceptance Rate: 85%
2
Private: Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
Southern New Hampshire University’s online Mental Health Psychology BA degree is built for flexibility. You can set a foundation for graduate study and licensure, or you can use it as a springboard for another career. With 8-week terms, 24/7 support, and flexible scheduling, you can earn your degree while working and apply what you learn right away.
What the Experts Say
Southern New Hampshire University does not have a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Students give SNHU a 77 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BA in Psychology – Mental Health
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $16,450
Acceptance Rate: 86%
3
Private: East Central University
Ada, OK
East Central University’s online Psychology BS in Behavioral Health promises you strong connections with professors with real-world experience in counseling. The curriculum includes core courses in counseling, such as fundamentals of interviewing, case management, and an internship. You’ll also learn interventional techniques, counseling services, group counseling, and more. Students with prior education can transfer up to 90 credits.
What the Experts Say
East Central University does not have a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
The Student Consensus Score of 79.3 shows overall satisfaction.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS Psychology – Behavioral Health
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 2-4 years
- Average Tuition: $17,542
Acceptance Rate: 65%
4
Private: Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
The online BS in Counseling from Grand Canyon University can get you prepared for licensure in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse counseling. GCU’s program focuses on working with diverse populations, with emphasis on family dynamics, ethics, and addiction counseling theory. GCU also makes it easy to move into their online Addication Counseling or Christian Counseling master’s programs. GCU is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE) and the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC).
What the Experts Say
College Consensus has not given GCU a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Student reviews give Grand Canyon a 67.5 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Counseling – Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $17,450
Acceptance Rate: 78%
5
Private: University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD
The University of South Dakota offers an online BS in Addiction Counseling and Prevention. Students can further specialize in Treatment or Prevention. USD’s program is the only one in the state accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). In addition, USD students have a 100% pass rate for the national licensure exam, proving South Dakota’s online counseling degree is top-level.
What the Experts Say
The University of South Dakota does not have a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
USD student reviews give the school a 76.8 Student Consensus score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $12,942
Acceptance Rate: 99%
6
Private: Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
Regent University’s online BS in Psychology offers a Clinical Counseling concentration for students who want to become counselors. Students learn crucial elements of counseling such as:
- case management
- treatment planning
- referral
- crisis intervention
Regent also offers numerous scholarship opportunities for deserving students.
What the Experts Say
Regent University has no College Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Students give Regent a 77.4 Student Consensus Score based on reviews.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Psychology – Clinical & Counseling Psychology
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $20,686
Acceptance Rate: 41%
7
Private: Faulkner University
Montgomery, AL
Faulkner University’s online BS in Counseling Psychology gives you a flexible, affordable route to a career in counseling. With a faith-based curriculum, Faulkner prepares students for marriage and family counseling, addiction counseling, juveniles, and more. Plus, Faulkner’s program is a perfect stepping stone to a graduate degree.
What the Experts Say
College Consensus has not given Faulkner University a score.
What the Students Say
Based on published reviews, Faulkner earns a 76.6 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: Counseling Psychology BS
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $23,920
Acceptance Rate: 82%
8
Private: Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, CO
The online BA in Applied Psychology from Colorado Christian University includes a concentration in Clinical Counseling. You’l study topics like:
- behavioral patterns
- human psychological development
- personal and social interactions
CCU prepares you for a range of careers in substance abuse counseling, human resources, organizational psychology, etc. You’ll also take graduate-level courses with a concentration in clinical counseling. Online courses run for about 5-weeks, with small class sizes and direct interaction with professors.
What the Experts Say
CCU has no College Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Student reviews give CCU a 77.8 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BA in Applied Psychology – Clinical Counseling – transfer 90 credits
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $39,266
Acceptance Rate: 71%
9
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
Central Washington University’s online Psychology Counseling degree completion program is nationally ranked as one of the best. Application for this program requires at least 90-credit hours of college-level courses from an accredited school. The 60-hour track offers more electives; the 45-hour track means you’ll complete a second major or a minor. The same faculty teaches online as they do on-campus, following the same curriculum except for the additions we’ve mentioned. The CWU Psychology Department has a full suite of psychology courses, including studies in counseling, substance abuse and dependence, behavioral issues (abnormal, sexuality, adjustment), and more.
What the Experts Say
Central Washington University has no Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
CWU earns a 73.3 Student Consensus Score based on published rankings.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BA in Psychology – Counseling
- Credits: 45-60
- Time to Complete: 2 years
- Average Tuition: $26,771
Acceptance Rate: 90%
10
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH
The University of Cincinnati’s online BS in Substance Abuse Counseling degree offers the clinical and diagnostic tools for successful group counseling and appropriate strategies to encourage recovery and prevent relapse. The 60-120 credit hour curriculum covers basic skills necessary to counsel addiction patients and allows you to practice substance abuse counseling techniques. If you’re a transfer student from an Ohio community college, you’ll want to check out the school’s articulation agreements with several area colleges.
What the Experts Say
University of Cincinnati has no Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Student reviews give University of Cincinninati a 76.7 score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $30,582
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
Why Should I Get My Counseling Degree Online?
Since online education took off in 1989, colleges and universities have recognized that they could reach more students who, because of work and family obligations, may need a more flexible learning environment. In 2019-20, more than half of all U.S. students enrolled in at least one online course. That figure substantially increased in the fall of 2020 with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when more than 44% of undergraduates enrolled in completely online degree programs.
It’s important to realize that online degrees typically offer the same coursework taught by the same faculty as on-campus students experience.
The benefits of earning an online degree are numerous. Some of those advantages include:
Work-Life Balance – an online curriculum allows you to set your own pace while attending to personal responsibilities as well as remaining employed
Flexibility – Many online degrees provide greater flexibility than in-person degrees with 24/7 access to classes. You’re also able to participate in online discussions with other students and faculty. You’ll still need to meet specific timelines for assignments, however.
Financial Savings – Most online courses are shorter in duration than campus classes which save you money on tuition and allow you to earn your degree in less time. You can also save money on living expenses such as housing, transportation, and food.
But there are many less obvious benefits too:
Online Programs Expand School Choices – Online degrees provide you with far more options than you may realize. Numerous colleges and universities have interstate agreements which accept online students to programs, opening up your ability to choose the best programs for you. You’ll also find that many of schools charge online students the same tuition rate as in-state, on-campus students.
Financial Assistance – Students who financially qualify are able to receive federal financial aid for online studies. Schools may also offer scholarships for online students. You’ll want to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) in order to be considered for assistance. If you’re working, you’ll want to check with your Human Resource office to see if your employer offers any tuition assistance for studies related to your employment.
Skills – Completing an online degree will help you in improving your time management and motivational skills. You’ll also enhance your technical skills and learn new ways to think of things.
An undergraduate, online degree lends itself well to advance studies such as a master’s or Ph.D.
What Kind of Degree Should I Get to Become a Counselor?
When deciding on your undergraduate major with the goal of becoming a counselor, you’ll need to remember that a bachelor’s degree will prepare you for entry-level positions. To become a licensed counselor, you’ll need a master’s and possibly a doctorate. That said, here are some degrees you may want to consider:
- Psychology – this is one of the most popular majors at many schools and provides a solid foundation in human behavior, ethics, problem-solving, and more
- Human Services – with this degree, you may study human behavior, crisis intervention, case management, assessment, etc.
- Sociology – again, with a sociology degree, you’ll have courses in human behavior, individual and group interactions, cultures, and others
- Education – in this degree, you’ll study psychological influences, as well as social and cultural environments, learning theories, and more
Why do people seek out counselors? Everyone’s reason is unique, but in general, it’s because you need help coping with life events. Big, life-changing decisions, mental health concerns, better understanding of our motives and beliefs, and more. People often seek counseling to develop healthier approaches to personal development, break old (and sometimes destructive) habits, change disruptive thought processes, and just improve our self-image. There are countless other reasons.
Counselors need specific skills in communication and listening, patience, being non-judgemental, developing trust and respect, be empathetic and accepting of individuals and diversity. Being able to problem solve and being flexible are useful attributes as well.
Don’t confuse a counselor with a therapist. Although often used interchangeably, there is a major difference in education, training, and licensure requirements.
How Much Can I Make as a Counselor?
It’s hard to say, but we can give you estimates based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics and employment sites like PayScale, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, etc.
According to the BLS, the average salary for a psychology degree is $50,000 annually and PayScale reports s a $65k average salary. For an Education degree BLS cites $35,000 to $60,000, A Georgetown University salary survey found a median $41,000 for Human Services (Georgetown University). The American Psychological Association estimates that 38% of psychology undergraduates earn a minimum annual salary of $60k. ZipRecruiter sets a national median salary for a Sociology degree at $41286 a year. Indeed provides a national average range for over 15 possible careers with bachelor’s degrees in these majors, from teachers at $23,426 per year to sales managers at $79,972.
While these figures are just estimates based on an undergraduate degree, keep in mind other factors that influence how much you’ll make with a particular bachelor’s degree. Your geographic location and the business or industry in which you’re employed are great influencers of your overall compensation. You should also include benefits such as a 401k, paid sick and vacation days, child care options, healthcare insurance, etc. when considering how much you’ll make with a bachelor’s degree.
