Finding the best affordable counseling degree programs helps undergrads start their human service career off strong without mountains of loan debt. Cost-effective counseling degree programs keep tuition low so students have enough funds left to attend graduate school afterward. Counseling bachelor’s majors will introduce the impactful techniques therapists use to remedy client problems. Counselors are increasingly needed to enhance people’s lives physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. The U.S. News & World Report recognized behavioral disorder counselors for having America’s 50th best job. After all, the World Health Organization found mental illnesses affect one in four, or 450 million, people globally. Among the most prevalent are depression, anxiety, dementia, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. According to the National Institutes of Health, 19.7 million Americans battle alcoholism and drug addiction. Getting a top-value counseling degree will lead to meaningful careers treating these conditions.
Our Methodology
First, Affordable Schools sought to guide caring undergrads toward the most affordable university for counseling degree options that teach therapeutic skills on budget. Our ranking began with an advanced search on the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator database. We selected only four-year bachelor’s majors in counseling fields, including addiction treatment and pastoral ministry. Our results identified an initial pool of 25 U.S. institutions. We individually reviewed the average yearly tuition and fees at each one. We utilized the in-state attendance cost for full-time students taking one year of study. Public out-of-state prices were recorded solely for reference. Our team assigned each economical counseling degree one to five points based on the following affordability scale.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 Points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 Points
$15,001 and Up: 1 Point
Second, the AS Staff looked for cheap counseling degree programs that keep classes small. Average class size tells counseling majors how interactive their studies will be. Schools with low student-faculty ratios help learners form stronger bonds with their teachers. Experienced professors will be more readily available to counsel pupils about their grades, careers, and lives. Student-faculty ratios are also linked to more hands-on counseling opportunities, including clinical practicum and volunteer service. Close-knit cohorts learn more about each other and practice therapy strategies firsthand. Thus, we recorded the latest student-faculty ratio published by the College Navigator. Our researchers devised the following scale to reward counseling schools that facilitate student engagement.
Points:
10:1 or Less: 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 Points
Greater Than 15:1: 1 Point
Third, Affordable Schools picked graduation rate to be the last ranking factor. We used the College Navigator’s data on graduation for the 2018-19 academic year. We recorded the exact percentage of every 100 pupils that finished their bachelor’s successfully. Note graduation rates show the number of pupils who culminate their curriculum within six full years. Universities with higher graduation rates generally have the highest quality education. More students are satisfied enough with the academics, campus climate, and amenities that they remain there. In effect, more counseling majors gained enough credits to satisfactorily enter master’s licensure programs, so we gave each university one to three points for their graduation rate. We added up all points given, kept the 15 highest scorers, and placed the affordable colleges for counseling degree courses in descending order by tuition.
Points:
Less than 30 Percent: 1 Point
Between 30 and 50 Percent: 2 Points
More than 50 Percent: 3 Points
Ranking the 15 Best Affordable Counseling Degree Programs
15. Bob Jones University
Greenville, SC
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Hosting the CoRE Biblical Counseling, Psychology & Mental Illness Conference each February, Bob Jones University is a nonprofit, conservative Christian school founded in 1927 that enrolls 2,750 Bruins from 43 countries across 60 top-value majors on its 205-acre Greenville campus with the 300-volume Mack Library. In 2019, Bob Jones had the NCCAA Game Plan 4 Life Character Award recipient. Bob Jones accepted the 2019 SCPA General Excellence Award for The Collegian. The U.S. News & World Report ranked BJU 34th in the South Region. BJU was crowned America’s 15th top value by Educate to Career, 57th best religious college on Niche, and 279th top private university in Forbes.
Bob Jones University stands 15th among affordable colleges for high-value counseling degree programs with an annual price of $18,150 for everyone. The Division of Ministries grants an economical Biblical Counseling B.S. dedicated to Matthew 28:18-20 for reconciling lost persons with their Creator through God’s Word. Chaired by Dr. Greg Mazak, the top, 120-credit, SACS-accredited major splits into six tracks: Cross-Cultural Service, Pastoral Care, Women’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Worship Leadership, and Apologetics. Undergrads can also join Missions Advance, serve from Bangladesh to Brazil, intern at Shepherd’s Gate, volunteer with Wilds Christian Camp, and attend the Student Leadership Seminar.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Biblical Counseling
In-State Tuition: $18,150
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,150
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent
14. Martin University
Indianapolis, IN
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Surpassing its 40th year as Indiana’s only Predominantly Black Institution (PBI), Martin University is a private, adult-oriented nonprofit founded by Boniface Hardin and Jane Edward Schilling in 1977 that gifts $2.16 million annually to aid 655 undergrads within “Circle City.” In 2019, Martin had an American Association for Access Equity and Diversity Award recipient. Martin University earned the 2016 Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust Grant. College Factual ranked Martin 59th for religious studies and sixth for mental health services. Martin was proclaimed the Midwest’s 77th best bang for the buck in Washington Monthly. Indianapolis boasts the 27th lowest U.S. cost of living on Niche.
Martin University is Affordable Schools’ 14th best accredited college for high-quality counseling degree majors with an annual $13,200 cost of attendance. Belonging to the Consortium of Urban Education, the Undergraduate Division launched an inexpensive Addictions Counseling B.S. in 2016 to address current drug abuse epidemics. Overseen by Dr. Charlesetta Smith Staley, the low-cost 120-credit, HLC-accredited curriculum progresses through courses like Emancipatory Narratives and Crisis Intervention to a capstone project. Students could also intern at Fairbanks Center, earn the Dr. James Trippi Scholarship, continue for the Community Psychology M.S., serve with Drug Free Marion County, and visit Africa.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Addictions Counseling
In-State Tuition: $13,200
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,200
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 4 percent
13. St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Esteemed for its Center of Health & Wellness Innovation’s “Hey, You Okay?” Initiative, St. Cloud State University is a public, four-year AASCU member founded in 1869 that budgets $236 million to serve 12,788 undergrad Huskies across 200 affordable majors on a 100-acre Minnesota campus near Beaver Islands. In 2013, St. Cloud State won the ASCA Innovative Program of the Year Award. SCSU accepted a 2019 CIS Abroad Going Places Award of Excellence. The U.S. News & World Report ranked St. Cloud 118th in the Midwest. SCSU was deemed America’s 273rd best value in Forbes, 295th top party school on Niche, and 24th best university by the Institute for International Education.
St. Cloud State University scored the 13th spot among affordable colleges for top-value counseling degree options with a low $8,265 in-state price. At Brown Hall, the School of Health & Human Services presents a cheap B.S. in Chemical Dependency Counseling that fulfills Minnesota’s LADC certification for treating substance abuse. Directed by Dr. Amy Hebert Knopf, the inexpensive 120-credit, HLC-accredited path has 99 percent job placement after courses like Addiction Diagnosis and Family Psychodynamics. Huskies might also engage in the Alcohol Diversion Program, join Active Minds, intern at the Mayo Clinic, semester in Scotland, continue for an M.S. in Counseling, and minor in Psychology.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Dependency Counseling
In-State Tuition: $8,265
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,499
Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
12. Metropolitan State University
St. Paul, MN
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Running its Domestic & Sexual Violence Crisis Hotline 24/7 in Founders Hall, Metropolitan State University is a public, coed MNSCU System constituent opened in 1971 that’s endowed for $3.2 million to teach 6,302 full-year Muskrats across 46 cheap majors at its Twin Cities campus on East 7th Street. In 2017, MSU earned the National Association for Addiction Professionals’ Emerging Leader Award. Metro State had the 2018 IFO Advancement of Multicultural Issues Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Metropolitan State in the top 165 Midwest colleges. MSU was labeled America’s 372nd most liberal school on Niche and 190th best master’s institution in Washington Monthly.
Metropolitan State University is our ranking’s 12th most affordable university for high-value counseling degree studies with a $7,789 in-state tuition total. At Midway Center, the College of Community & Public Affairs provides an inexpensive Alcohol and Drug Counseling BS focused on preventing overdoses through effective substance use treatment. Managed by Dr. Francis Schweigert, the low-cost 120-credit, HLC-accredited sequence prepares for the Minnesota LAPC exam with courses from Case Management to Pharmacology. Undergrads may also add the Violence Prevention Minor, join Metro Students for Recovery, intern at Hennepin County Medical Center, and volunteer with the Tubman Family Alliance.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
In-State Tuition: $7,879
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,980
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent
11. College of St. Joseph
Rutland, VT
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Designated a Green Cross Academy of Traumatology accredited training site in 2018, the College of St. Joseph is a small private, nonprofit Roman Catholic ACCU member that’s endowed for $3.1 million to educate 350 undergrad Fighting Saints on a 117-acre Rutland campus. In 2019, CSJ had the Sisters of St. Joseph Humanitarian Award of Excellence recipient. Note the CSJ Board of Trustees was featured by The Boston Globe for weighing closure options in 2019. The U.S. News & World Report ranked St. Joseph among the top 47 Northern colleges. CSJ was chosen America’s 344th best health professions program by College Factual and 429th top value on Niche.
The College of St. Joseph snagged the 11th spot among affordable colleges for top-value counseling degree courses with yearly tuition of $18,250 and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The Psychology & Human Services Division offers the economical B.S. in Community Development and Counseling or B.S. in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services to enter helping professions. Led by Dr. Robert Walsh, the 120-credit, NEASC-accredited programs integrate at least 240 practicum hours into courses like Human Growth and Abnormal Psychology. Learners can also pledge Alpha Delta Omega, join the Blue & White Society, participate in Community Days, shadow in the Counseling Services Center, and tour Japan.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Community Development and Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services
In-State Tuition: $18,520
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,520
Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate: 54 percent
10. Mid-Atlantic Christian University
Elizabeth City, NC
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Devoting the Heritage Hall 1st Floor to its Counseling Services Center, Mid-Atlantic Christian University is a nonprofit, four-year NAACP member founded by the Restoration Movement in 1948 that’s educating 218 Mustangs with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio on the Pasquotank Riverfront campus. In 2019, MACU started the Melvin Styons Outstanding Counseling Student Award. MACU had a 2018 Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year honoree. College Factual ranked Mid-Atlantic Christian 113rd for religious vocations and 357th for gender diversity. MACU was America’s 339th top value in The Economist and 14th best baccalaureate school in Washington Monthly.
Mid-Atlantic Christian University is the 10th most affordable accredited university for economical counseling degree programs with $15,300 tuition everywhere. Based on Proverbs 15:22, the Department of Marketplace Ministry awards a low-cost B.A./B.S. in Counseling and Psychology for undergrads called to assist mankind through struggles. Headed by Dr. David King, LPCS, the high-value, 120-credit, SACS-accredited plans require a Biblical Studies minor plus courses from Human Sexuality to Counseling Theories. Students could also intern at Lindley Habilitation Services, access Watson-Griffith Library, celebrate Sneak Day, gain ACA membership, earn the Presidential Scholarship, and join the Army ROTC.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Counseling and Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Psychology
In-State Tuition: $15,300
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,300
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 28 percent
9. Trinity Baptist College
Jacksonville, FL
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Eligible for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Matching Program, Trinity Baptist College is a private, nonprofit Christian CIC member created in 1974 that’s endowed for $5.5 million to employ 28 full-time faculty inspiring 377 Eagles on its 148-acre Hammond Boulevard campus. In 2019, Trinity Baptist received the NCCAA National Sportsmanship Award. TBC was placed on the 2017 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll. College Factual ranked TBC the 40th best Baptist institution and 107th most popular psychology school nationwide. Best Value Schools named Trinity Baptist College as Florida’s 29th top choice. Jacksonville is the 60th cheapest city on Niche.
Trinity Baptist College finished ninth among affordable colleges for economical counseling degree opportunities with a yearly cost of $12,140. At the Classroom Building, the Christian Counseling Program grants a low-cost Bachelor of Science to sharpen empathetic problem-solving skills for Church ministry positions. Advised by Dr. James Buckner, the inexpensive, 120-credit, TRACS-accredited option accepts $30 applications year-round for students with an average 3.07 GPA to begin courses like Biblical Doctrine and Cognitive Therapy. Undergrads can also join the Traveling Ministry Team, intern at Northwest Behavioral Health, serve with Where Grace Abounds, attend the Student Summit, and venture to India.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Christian Counseling
In-State Tuition: $12,140
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,140
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent
8. Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Collaborating with Fairbanks for the Adolescent Addiction, Learning and Recovery Project since 2013, Indiana Wesleyan University is the largest private, nonprofit CCCU member that’s endowed for $190.8 million to employ 1,070 faculty serving 13,802 Wildcats. In 2018, Indiana Wesleyan had the ISCA Exemplary Counselor Educator of the Year Award winner. IWU accepted the Counselors for Social Justice’s 2017 Reese House Advocate of the Year Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Indiana Wesleyan 32nd in the Midwest. IWU was picked America’s 216th top value in Money, 81st safest campus on Niche, and 358th best university by Times Higher Education.
Indiana Wesleyan University came in eighth with an affordable distance education counseling degree program that bills only $9,816 each year. On Blackboard or in Marion, the Division of Behavioral Sciences confers a high-value B.S. in Addictions Counseling for nontraditional students to bring hope to substance abuse patients. Chaired by Dr. Betty Jane Fratzke, the inexpensive, 120-credit, HLC-accredited major requires 22 months of accelerated, seven-week courses like Abnormal Behavior plus 350 practicum hours for LADC licensure. Wildcats can also volunteer with Grace House for Recovery, join Reclaiming Eros, attend God on the Green, and enter the John Wesley Honors College.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Addictions Counseling
In-State Tuition: $9,816
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,816
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent
7. University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Home to the Vermillion Prevention Coalition for Youth Binge Drinking since 2010, the University of South Dakota is the Mount Rushmore State’s oldest public, coed flagship that’s affiliated with 12 Rhodes Scholars and endowed for $258 million to teach 7,435 undergrad Coyotes across 205 affordable majors. In 2017, South Dakota had the SDCA Gordon Poling Counseling Administrator Award recipient. The University had the 2012 SDAAPP Distinguished Addiction Service Award honoree. The U.S. News & World Report ranked South Dakota 226th nationwide. USD was selected America’s 298th best faculty on Niche, 201st top research institute in Forbes, and 345th best value by Money.
The University of South Dakota landed seventh for an affordable online counseling degree opportunity with an average $9,061 in-state cost. On Desire2Learn or at Julian Hall, the School of Health Sciences offers an inexpensive Addiction Studies B.S. that produces certified counselors ready to ethically tackle alcohol and drug dependence. Outlined by Dr. Francis Zavadil, the low-cost, 120-credit, NASAC-accredited curriculum has 12 internship credits among classes like Addictive Family Systems and Native American Addiction. Majors might also attend the CASPPA Conference, practice at Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health, join Psychology Club, and pursue the Mental Health Counseling Certificate.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies
In-State Tuition: $9,061
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,425
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
6. University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, LA
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Boasting the state-of-the-art Thomas E. Chambers Counseling & Training Center, the University of Holy Cross is a nonprofit, coed Roman Catholic ACCU member founded by Marianites in 1916 that employs 104 faculty teaching 997 undergrads with an average 20 ACT score at a 40-acre New Orleans campus. In 2017, UHC had an American Association of State Counseling Boards Life Membership Award recipient. The 2018 LCA Distinguished Professional Service Award finalist was a Holy Cross alumnus. Holy Cross ranked 22nd in the South on the U.S. News & World Report. UHC was also America’s 225th best value in Forbes and 158th top Catholic school on College Factual.
The University of Holy Cross is Affordable Schools’ sixth best accredited university for its top-value counseling degree studies with a $14,180 annual rate. On Woodland Drive, the Behavioral Sciences Department presents an economical B.S. in Addictions Counseling and B.S. in Social Counseling to prepare mental health advocates for uplifting people. Directed by Dr. Carolyn White, LPC, the low-cost, 120-credit, SACS-accredited pathways require 3.0 major GPAs in courses like Juvenile Delinquency and Diagnostic Interviewing. Students may also pursue the Early Entry M.A., pledge Chi Sigma Iota, join the Purple Key Society, intern at the Townsend Outpatient Center, and volunteer with HandsOn New Orleans.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Addictions Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Social Counseling
In-State Tuition: $14,180
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,180
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
5. Southern University at New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Sponsored by the Jed Foundation in 2018 for its Counseling Center’s ULifeline Project, Southern University at New Orleans is a public, selective historically Black TMCF member that’s endowed for $3.1 million to support 2,356 coed Knights on its 17-acre “Big Easy” campus. In 2018, New Orleans had an ACA Tomorrow’s Counselors Award finalist. SUNO received the Southern States Communication Association’s 2010 Dwight L. Freshley Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Southern the 55th best HBCU nationally. SUNO was declared America’s 353rd best location on Niche, 225th best human sciences program on College Factual, and 121st top value in Washington Monthly.
Southern University at New Orleans made the top five among affordable colleges for best-value counseling degree programs with in-state tuition averaging $7,033. Adjacent to Pontchartrain Park, the College of Arts & Sciences delivers a cheap B.S. in Addictive Behaviors Counseling and Prevention that meets Louisiana certification requirements for drug treatment. Organized by Dr. Evelyn Harrell, the economical, 120-credit, SACS-accredited sequence spans subjects from Sociology to Clinical Psychopharmacology. Undergrads could also intern at Odyssey House, join Phi Beta Sigma, participate in the Psychology Mentoring Program, attend the SUAF Leadership Summit, enter the Honoré Center, and explore Italy.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Addictive Behaviors Counseling and Prevention
In-State Tuition: $7,033
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,934
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 25 percent
4. South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary
Deerfield Beach, FL
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Partnered with Faith Farm Ministries for its Addiction Recovery Credit Program since 2014, South Florida Bible College is a private, nonprofit seminary opened by the Christian Love Fellowship that’s affordably enrolling 545 students at its five-acre Deerfield Beach campus outside Miami. In 2018, SFBC earned a Strike Force 421 Grant with Living Water Counseling Center. South Florida Bible College had a 2016 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award finalist. College Factual ranked SFBC 145th for clinical counseling and 200th for theology courses. AffordableColleges.com featured SFBC among the 50 best Biblical values. Christian Universities Online named SFBC in the 50 most beautiful.
South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary has Affordable Schools’ fourth best high-value counseling degree that charges $6,900 yearly. The Division of Behavioral Sciences presents a low-cost B.A. in Christian Counseling online on Moodle or in Deerfield Beach for Christian servant leaders to empower hurting people. Advised by Dr. Joseph Lewis, the inexpensive, 120-credit, ABHE-accredited pathway splits into two specializations: Marriage & Family Counseling or Clinical Counseling. Individuals might also transfer from the A.A. in Psychology, earn the First Responders Scholarship, intern at Holtz Children’s Hospital, run for Student Council, and utilize the Counseling Services Center.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling
In-State Tuition: $6,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,900
Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate: N/A
3. Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NM
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Planning its 17th Annual Family Counseling Center’s Conference for September 2019, Western New Mexico University is a public, Hispanic-serving LSC member that gifts $10.22 million to aid 3,500 Mustangs from 18 countries across 70 affordable fields at an 83-acre Silver City campus near Gila National Forest. In 2019, WNMU won the Heritage Preservation Award for Fleming Hall. Western New Mexico had the 2017 Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Legacy Award recipient. Washington Monthly ranked Western New Mexico University 596th overall. WNMU was proclaimed America’s 192nd most popular human services program by College Factual and 337th best faculty on Niche.
Western New Mexico University stands as the third best affordable accredited college for counseling degree studies with a $6,066 in-state rate. The School of Behavioral Sciences delivers a cheap B.A./B.S. in Chemical Dependency Counseling at Phelps Dodge Hall or online on Canvas for undergrads to administer drug abuse treatment. Led by Dr. Wen-Chi Chen, the low-cost, 120-credit, HLC-accredited options fulfill NAADAC standards with 300 practicum hours atop courses like Dual Diagnosis and Social Problems. Mustangs may also volunteer with the SpiritHorse Freedom Riders, pursue the Psychology Certificate, join Circle K International, and job shadow at Border Area Mental Health Services.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Chemical Dependency Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Dependency Counseling
In-State Tuition: $6,066
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,539
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 26 percent
2. Minot State University
Minot, ND
Total Points: 9
Program Website
Selected to participate in the Connect Model Suicide Prevention Training Program in June 2018, Minot State University is a public, coed NSIC member that’s endowed for $23.8 million to educate 1,979 full-time and 936 part-time Beavers from 46 states with 70 percent retention. In 2018, Minot State had the NDCA Friend of Counseling Award recipient. Minot State University earned a 2018 North Dakota INBRE Institutional Development Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Minot 248th for undergraduate teaching. MSU was called America’s 246th top public school on Niche, 398th top value by WalletHub, and 270th best social service program on College Factual.
Minot State University is our list’s second most affordable university for high-value counseling degree studies with a $7,064 price and 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Since 1987, the College of Education & Health Sciences has provided the inexpensive B.S. Degree in Addiction Studies focused on curbing illicit or prescribed drug misuse. Coordinated by Dr. Vicki Michels, the economical, 120-credit, NASAC-accredited program couples courses like Evolutionary Psychology and Behavior Modification with nine-month practica for certification. Beavers might also join Addiction Studies Club, intern at Trinity Health, engage in Slaaten Learning Center, serve in Costa Rica, enter the HOPES Program, and minor in Fitness & Wellness.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,064
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,064
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
1. Hobe Sound Bible College
Hobe Sound, FL
Total Points: 9
Program Website
Belonging to the Focus on the Family’s Christian Counselors Network, Hobe Sound Bible College is a private, four-year CCCU member opened by Rev. Stephen Herron in 1960 for the Holiness Movement that’s now educating 233 students from 12 states in the Port St. Lucie Metro near Jupiter Island. In 2010, HSBC had the Virgil A. Mitchell Excellence in Pastoral Ministry Award recipient. Hobe Sound welcomed an Immokalee Foundation Taking Stock in Children Grant winner in 2017. College Factual ranked HSBC 159th for gender diversity and 64th for Biblical studies majors. Great Value Colleges placed Hobe Sound Bible 14th for the Sunshine State with an ADE Tuition Scholarship.
Hobe Sound Bible College wins the top spot for affordable colleges for best-value counseling degree programs with annual pricing of $6,595 anywhere. Dedicated to James 1:19, the Professional Studies Department has a cheap B.A. in Counseling that produces board-certified Biblical counselors for healing hurts through spiritual intervention. Overseen by Dr. Andrew Graham, the inexpensive, 120-credit, ABHE-accredited option provides seven minors: education, music, child evangelism, TESOL, aviation, pastoral ministries, and intercultural studies. Students could also select the A.A. in Counseling, intern at Port St. Lucie Hospital, mentor at Summer Breeze Camp, join the Ministry Team, and travel to Jamaica.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Counseling
In-State Tuition: $6,595
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,595
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent
What Career Options are Available with a Best-Value Counseling Degree?
Getting an affordable degree in counseling could be a stepping stone into master’s programs or gratifying careers improving the well-being of diverse clients. For example, substance abuse counselors help individuals cope with withdrawal and recovery after long-term alcohol or drug addiction. Behavioral disorder counselors develop custom treatment plans to minimize the effects of conditions like ADHD or OCD. Vocational counselors conduct aptitude testing to connect job searchers to the best professions based on their skills and interests. Pastoral counselors strive to make clients happier and healthier by enriching their spiritual beliefs. Psychiatric technicians care for and monitor mentally ill patients at inpatient centers to ensure their safety. Assistant behavior analysts work under BCBA supervision to help adults or children remedy problematic behaviors. Other potential careers include health educator, human service assistant, college admission counselor, correctional treatment specialist, and case manager.
How Much Do Affordable Counseling Degree Graduates Make?
Picking affordable colleges for counseling degree majors is suggested because entry-level community services jobs frequently have modest earning potential. In May 2018, CNN reported that the starting salary for bachelor’s graduates was $50,390. However, the Department of Labor listed a median annual wage of $44,630 for addiction and behavioral disorder counselors. Mental health counselors reaped average profits of $46,050. Guidance and school counselors made a mean salary of $60,160. Community health workers were compensated $43,480 on average. Social service managers had median pay of $65,320 each year. Psychiatric technicians reported mean annual income of $37,760. Correctional treatment specialists had wages of $34,630 to $94,770. Social workers brought home average revenue of $49,470. Rehabilitation counselors earned a median $35,630 wage. Salary.com documented mean pay of $49,100 for pastoral counselors and $71,700 for employee assistance counselors.
Is the Job Outlook Good After Low-Cost Counseling Degree Programs?
Attending an affordable university for counseling degree studies can lead to graduate school or gainful employment in a growing human services field. Open Minds reports that the United States has a $195.6 billion mental health market rife with opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of addiction and behavioral disorder counselors will increase quickly by 23 percent for 60,300 new positions. Before 2026, there will be 13 percent more school and career counseling jobs available. Marriage and family therapists can expect a 23 percent increase this decade. Demand for community health workers will rise by 16 percent. Overall hiring of social workers will jump up 16 percent to 791,800 total employment. Openings for psychiatric technicians are increasing by 6 percent. Social service managers have a bright 10-year outlook of 18 percent growth. Now’s an excellent time to choose from these best affordable counseling degree programs and make a difference in people’s lives.
AS Staff
September 2019
This concludes our ranking of the top 15 best affordable counseling degree programs (bachelor’s) in 2019.
Other Rankings of Interest:
25 Online Bachelor’s Colleges Under $10K Net Price
25 Online Public Bachelor’s Colleges with the Least Four-Year Tuition Change
25 Most Affordable Private Nonprofit Colleges Offering Online Bachelor’s Degrees
25 Most Affordable Bachelor’s-Granting Historically Black Colleges/Universities
15 Best Affordable Environmental Studies Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
15 Best Affordable Healthcare Management Degrees Programs (Bachelor’s)
15 Best Affordable Forensic Science Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
15 Best Affordable Biology, Biochemistry, Zoology Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
The Best Colleges
The Lowest Costs
The Highest Returns