15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor's Degrees in Counseling

According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), the job growth expectation between 2012-2022 for Counseling-related work is relatively high, depending on the area of counseling. For example, during that period, job opportunities for Rehabilitation Counselors is expected to be 20%. For Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors, it is expected to be 31%. The national average is 11% increase for all jobs during the same duration. (See Reference section for links to OOH.

The following list of Counseling-related degrees continues our series of “Affordable Schools” for various bachelor’s degree programs. This includes bachelor’s degrees that are either strictly in Counseling, including Minors in Counseling or a related area of study, as well any suitable bachelor’s program which, with certification, leads to a Counsellor position. Note that there is a wide range of subject areas covered in this list.

NOTES:

As accreditation can change or only be valid regionally, please verify accreditation of any college to which you are planning to apply.
See the “Methodology” section of the ranking list article 15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Marketing for an explanation of the process we use to rank colleges in each list.
NCES data is subject to change and some of these “affordable degrees” guides may use more recent data than described in the Methodology.
For the full list of programs covered to date, please check our School Rankings page.

15: Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University (EWU) is a public university established in 1882 as the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy. EWU’s main campus is located in Cheney, WA, about 15 miles southwest of Spokane, WA. It also has various campuses/centers throughout Washington State, including in Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Longview, Seattle, Spokane, and Vancouver.

EWU offers several areas of study in Counseling. Its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interdisciplinary Studies: Addiction Studies (ADST) enables students to become certified Chemical Dependency Professionals and seek out jobs as addiction counselors, or pursue graduate studies. Like all EWU degrees, the ADST BA requires 180 credits (approx. 45 courses), with 51 credits for the major (incl. a senior-year capstone). Other ADST options include: a 29-34 credit ADST Counseling & Prevention Minor; a 30-credit ADST Graduate Certificate; a 12-15 credit ADST Foundation Certificate; and a 12-credit Suicide Assessment, Treatment, and Management Certificate. Among other Counseling-related programs available are: EWU’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Developmental Psychology, which provides for a personalized pre-counseling elective package; and its BA in Children’s Studies, which can lead to becoming an adoption counselor or child care resource counselor. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 46%.
Transfer-out rate: n/a.
In-state tuition: $7,972.
Out-of-state tuition: $21,066.
Yearly average net price: $11,954.
Student population: 13453.
# undergraduates: 12411.
Campus setting: Town: Fringe.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

14: Trinity Baptist College

Trinity Baptist College (TBC) is a private, not-for-profit, Christian college that was established in 1974. It is located in Jacksonville, FL, some 150 miles roughly north of Orlando, FL.

TBC offers two areas of study in Counseling. The first is its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biblical Studies with a concentration in Christian Counseling. This degree provides opportunities for students to become Christian Counselors (providers of counseling based in a Christian worldview). It also prepares students for graduate studies, for those who want to become licensed counselors. To graduate with this BS requires the completion of 128 course-hours (approx. 50 courses), including about 36 hours of biblical studies. The counseling portion of the degree requires more than 50 hours of courses (incl. abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, ethics in counseling, marriage & family counseling, theology of Christian counseling, and a senior-year counseling practicum). Finally, TBC’s BS in Biblical Studies with an Interdisciplinary Studies concentration (PDF, p. 80-81) allows for a 9- or 16-hour component study in Counseling. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 41%.
Transfer-out rate: n/a.
In-state tuition: $10,110.
Out-of-state tuition: $10,110.
Yearly average net price: $11,798.
Student population: 389.
# undergraduates: 366.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: B.

13: Wayne State College

Wayne State College (WSC) is a public college established in 1910 as the Nebraska State Normal School. (It was originally established in 1891 as the private Nebraska Normal College). WSC is part of the Nebraska State College System. It is located in Wayne, NE, about 100 miles northwest of Omaha, NE. Its has a satellite campus in South Sioux City, NE.

WSC offers two main areas of study in Counseling. Its Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Service Counseling (HSC) prepares students for careers as alcohol & drug counselors, case managers, family service workers, and residential counselors. Both degrees require at least 120 hours (approx. 40 courses), with 55 being for the HSC major (incl. courses in addictive disorder counseling, group counseling, interviewing skills, social psychology, and a senior-year HSC internship). The primary difference between the degrees is the BA’s foreign language requirement. WSC also has four other degree options that can lead to potential counseling careers. Although not specifically focused on counseling, the BA & BS degrees in Sociology and Psychology have led recent graduates to positions as probation counselors and residential counselors, respectively, among other careers. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 49%.
Transfer-out rate: 38%.
In-state tuition: $5,604.
Out-of-state tuition: $9,804.
Yearly average net price: $11,307.
Student population: 3470.
# undergraduates: 2969.
Campus setting: Town: Distant.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

12: University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university that was established in 1907 as the Arkansas State Normal School. UCA is located in Conway, AR, about 160 miles west of Memphis, TN.

UCA offers three areas of study in Counseling. The Bachelor Of Science (BS) in Addiction Studies (AS) offers two tracks — Treatment and Prevention. Both allow graduates to qualify for the first level of state certification for addiction counselors or preventionists, or to proceed to graduate studies. Both require 120 credit-hours (approx. 40 courses), with 26 for AS core courses & related requirements (incl. abnormal psychology, drug education, and human anatomy & physiology). The AS Treatment Track has 29 hours of required courses (incl. addiction counseling, group counseling, and a substance-abuse practicum). The AS Prevention Track, meanwhile, has 25 hours of required courses (incl. community health problems, program planning, a prevention practicum, and a health-education internship). Finally, the 18-hour AS Treatment minor expands employment opportunities for students in behavioral, health, or social sciences. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 45%.
Transfer-out rate: 18%.
In-state tuition: $7,889.
Out-of-state tuition: $13,806.
Yearly average net price: $11,051.
Student population: 11698.
# undergraduates: 9842.
Campus setting: City: Small.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

11: Minot State University

Minot State University (MSU) is a public university established in 1913 as Minot Normal School. MSU is located in Minot, ND, about 500 miles northwest of Minneapolis, MN. The school offers Extended Learning through the Minot Air Force Base (some 15 miles north of MSU); North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND; Bismarck State College in Bismarck, ND; and its online degree programs.

MSU provides three areas of study in Counseling, all in Addiction Studies. With MSU’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Addiction Studies, students who finish their degree need only complete a nine-month practicum (available through MSU) and a qualifying exam, to become Licensed Addiction Counselors (LACs) in North Dakota. To graduate, Addiction Studies BS students must complete 120 credits (approx. 40 courses). This includes 38-40 credits for General Education requirements (courses in communications, composition, history, humanities, math, science, and social science). The core studies portion of the BS requires 66 credits (incl. courses in counseling, family dynamics, physiological psychology, psychopharmacology, and an addiction studies practicum). The 24-credit minor and 12-credit concentration in Addiction Studies are available as supplements for related majors, which helps students planning to become LACs or wanting to have a specialty in this topic. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 40%.
Transfer-out rate: n/a.
In-state tuition: $6,225.
Out-of-state tuition: $6,225.
Yearly average net price: $11,047.
Student population: 3410.
# undergraduates: 3116.
Campus setting: Town: Remote.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

10: Western New Mexico University

Western New Mexico University (WNMU) is a public university established in 1893 as the New Mexico Normal School. Its main campus is in Silver City, NM, about 280 miles southeast of Phoenix, AZ. WNMU also has four learning centers (Deming, NM; Gallup, NM; Lordsburg, NM; and Truth or Consequences, NM) and various online program options.

WNMU provides three areas of study in Counseling. The Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in Chemical Dependency meet New Mexico’s education and practicum requirements for becoming a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC). They also prepare students for careers as clinic directors or case managers, or allow them to pursue graduate studies in counseling. Both degrees require 120-128 credit-hours (approx. 40-42 courses), including 41 hours for General Education requirements and 34 for supporting coursework (mainly psychology and sociology courses). Chemical dependency courses take up 52 hours (incl. addiction counseling, co-dependency, pharmacology, and a senior-year internship). The difference between the degrees lies in the BS’s additional math/ science/ computer science requirements vs. the BA’s Spanish language requirements. Finally, WNMU’s 24 credit-hour Chemical Dependency minor supplements related majors or prepares students for the LADAC credential. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 21%.
Transfer-out rate: n/a.
In-state tuition: $5,346.
Out-of-state tuition: $13,184.
Yearly average net price: $10,994.
Student population: 3557.
# undergraduates: 2849.
Campus setting: Town: Remote.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

9: City Vision University

City Vision University (CVU) is a private, not-for-profit, Christian university that was established in 1998 as the Rescue College. From 2008-15, it was known as City Vision College. CVU is an accredited, online institution located in Kansas City, MO. Its distance learning programs are designed for students from underserved communities.

CVU offers two areas of study in Counseling, starting with its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Addiction Studies (AS). This degree is designed to help students gain state certification as an addictions counselor (some states may also stipulate additional requirements, such as work experience). To graduate, students must complete 120 credits (approx. 40 courses). This includes 30 credits for General Education courses (English & communications, humanities & fine arts, mathematics & natural sciences, and social & behavioral sciences). The major itself also requires 30 credits (incl. courses in case management, family issues & recovery, group counseling, mental illness & addiction, recovery dynamics, and a senior-year practicum). CVU’s internship opportunities can help with job readiness and/or gaining tuition scholarships. Finally, a 30-hour AS Certificate is available for those looking to address the educational requirements for certification in their state. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: n/a.
Transfer-out rate: n/a.
In-state tuition: $6,000.
Out-of-state tuition: $6,000.
Yearly average net price: $10,409.
Student population: 80.
# undergraduates: 72.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing available: No.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+, although the degree programs are online.

8: Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University (YSU) is a public university established in 1908. YSU is located in Youngstown, Ohio, about 50 miles roughly east of Akron, OH, and about 66 miles roughly northwest of Pittsburgh, PA.

YSU has two unique areas of study in Counseling called Pre-Counseling Tracks. These combine with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy or Religious Studies (RS) to prepare students for graduate work in Counseling (and the professional licensure this enables). Each BA provides a deeper & broader understanding of the religious traditions, cultural beliefs, and/or philosophical concepts that guide people’s behaviors & decision-making and defines their relationships. Students require 124 semester-hours (approx. 41 courses) to graduate. This includes 31 hours in the respective major (each with a senior-year capstone). For Philosophy majors, that 31 hours includes courses in ethics or knowledge theory, logic, and modern philosophy. For RS majors, that 31 hours covers courses providing a comparative and individual study of various religions. The Pre-Counseling track, meanwhile, requires 18-21 hours of courses (incl. abnormal psychology, foundational helping skills, and psychotherapy). See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 33%.
Transfer-out rate: n/a.
In-state tuition: $8,317.
Out-of-state tuition: $8,557.
Yearly average net price: $10,117.
Student population: 12503.
# undergraduates: 11267.
Campus setting: City: Small.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

7: Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) is a public university established in 1884 as Louisiana State Normal School. NSU is part of the University of Louisiana System. Its main campus is in Natchitoches, LA, some 230 miles northeast of Houston, TX. Classes can also be taken online, or at satellite campuses in Alexandria, LA; Leesville, LA; and Shreveport, LA.

NSU offers four areas of study in Counseling, all of which provide career opportunities in addiction counseling, either on the treatment or prevention side. (Each degree option also prepares students for graduate studies, which can lead to becoming a licensed counselor). The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Addiction Studies requires 120 semester-hours (about 40 courses) to graduate. This includes 30 hours for Addiction Studies courses (incl. addiction counseling and group counseling) and another 30 for Psychology courses. NSU’s BS in Psychology also requires 120 hours of courses; it can be taken with Substance Abuse or Prevention Specialist concentrations. Each option requires 48 hours of Psychology courses (incl. a senior-year capstone) and 12 in the respective concentration (plus a field experience option). Finally, an 18-hour minor in Addiction Studies is available to supplement various related majors. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 38%.
Transfer-out rate: n/a.
In-state tuition: $6,863.
Out-of-state tuition: $17,651.
Yearly average net price: $9,488.
Student population: 9002.
# undergraduates: 7898.
Campus setting: Town: Remote.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

6: Our Lady of Holy Cross College

Our Lady of Holy Cross College (OLHCC) was established in 1916 as Holy Cross Normal (School). This private, not-for-profit, Roman Catholic college is located in New Orleans, LA, on the Westbank of Orleans Parish. OLHCC also offers online study options and holds some classes at its North Shore satellite location in Covington, LA, some 50 miles to the northwest.

OLHCC offers six Counseling degrees: two Bachelor of Science (BS), two Associate of Science (AS), and two concurrent BS/Master of Arts (MA). The BS degrees are in Addiction Counseling and Social Counseling. Both require 120 course-hours (approx. 40 courses) and enable students to pursue graduate studies or seek entry-level behavioral science opportunities within “a variety of institutional, agency, community, and educational settings.” Both have similar overall curriculums, except the Addiction Counseling BS has more specified counseling courses while the Social Counseling BS has more psychology/counseling electives. Both BS degrees also have an Early Entry option (PDF, p. 138-139) that allows senior-year students to enter the Counseling MA program and eventually receive their BS & MA degrees concurrently. Finally, OLHCC offers two 61-hour AS degree options: Addiction Counseling and Juvenile Counseling. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 29%.
Transfer-out rate: n/a.
In-state tuition: $10,310.
Out-of-state tuition: $10,310.
Yearly average net price: $9,028.
Student population: 1095.
# undergraduates: 902.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing available: No.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: B+.

5: Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College (RIC) is a public college that was established in 1854 as the Rhode Island State Normal School. This college, the oldest public institution of higher education in the state, is located in Providence, RI, some 50 miles southwest of Boston, MA.

RIC has one area of study in Counseling, the school’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemical Dependency/Addiction Studies (CDAS). The CDAS BS is designed to prepare students for entry-level/counselor-in-training positions in substance abuse/addictions. Students can also pursue eventual certification as an Advanced Chemical Dependency Professional (ACDP) or graduate studies in counseling or a related field. CDAS BS students require 120 credit-hours (approx. 30 courses) to graduate. Forty (40) of those hours are for General Education courses (incl. academic writing, comparative studies, history, literature, math, qualitative/scientific reasoning, and visual/performing arts). Another 68 hours are for the degree’s major requirements (incl. courses in abnormal psychology, drugs & chemical dependency, physiological psychology, and psychological intervention; plus a practicum, research course, and internship). See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 43%.
Transfer-out rate: n/a.
In-state tuition: $7,602.
Out-of-state tuition: $18,300.
Yearly average net price: $8,372.
Student population: 8641.
# undergraduates: 7518.
Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.

4: Southern University at New Orleans

The Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) is a public university established in 1956. It is part of the Southern University System, America’s only historically black college/university system. SUNO is located in New Orleans, LA, and has a satellite campus some 10 miles south in the Westbank of Orleans Parish. The school also provides various online learning options.

SUNO offers four areas of study in Counseling, starting with its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Addictive Behaviors Counseling & Prevention (ABCP). The ABCP BS prepares students for certification as substance abuse counselors, gambling addiction counselors, or prevention specialists, or so they can continue on to graduate studies. ABCP BS students must complete 120-123 credit-hours (approx. 40 courses), with 39 hours for addiction counseling education (incl. two internships). SUNO’s Associate of Arts (AA) in ABCP requires 62 credit-hours and can serve as a precursor to the BS or a supplement for professionals seeking a specialization in an area of addiction counseling. The 18-hour ABCP minor supplements a variety of related majors. Those completing the minor are eligible for a Certificate of Completion, an 18-hour option that is also available separately to community members seeking ABCP training. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 12%.
Transfer-out rate: n/a.
In-state tuition: $5,218.
Out-of-state tuition: $6,517.
Yearly average net price: $7,531.
Student population: 2103.
# undergraduates: 1658.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: B+.

3: Baptist College of Florida

The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) is a private, not-for-profit, Christian college established in 1943 as the Florida Baptist Institute. BCF is located in Graceville, FL, about 90 miles northwest of Tallahassee, FL, in the northwestern part of the state (Florida Panhandle). BCF offers distance education through facilities in Jacksonville, FL; Orlando, FL; Panama City, FL; and its online campus.

BCF offers two areas of study in counseling. The primary offering is BCF’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Counseling. This BA prepares students to become Christian counselors or continue on to graduate studies to become professionally licensed counselors. Students must complete 120 semester-hours (approx. 40 courses) to graduate, including 33 hours for General Education requirements and 18 for the biblical/theological foundation. Of the 60 hours required for the major, 18 are for the biblical/theological concentration, including courses in biblical hermeneutics and Christian doctrine. The 42 hours for the Christian Counseling part of the major includes courses in developmental psychology, marriage and family, personality theory, and abnormal psychology, plus a counseling practicum and a directed research course. BCF also offers an 18-hour minor in Christian Counseling that can supplement a variety of majors. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 47%.
Transfer-out rate: 27%.
In-state tuition: $9,700.
Out-of-state tuition: $9,700.
Yearly average net price: $6,812.
Student population: 486.
# undergraduates: 458.
Campus setting: Town: Distant.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

2: Hobe Sound Bible College

Hobe Sound Bible College (HSBC) is a private, not-for-profit, Christian college that was established in 1960 as Hobe Sound Bible Institute. HSBC is located in Hobe Sound, FL, on South Florida’s Atlantic coast, about 100 miles north of Miami. The school also offers several online degree options.

HSBC has several areas of study in Counseling, starting with its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Counseling. With this BA, students can become board-certified biblical or pastoral counselors, or continue on to a Master’s in Counseling (leading to professional licensure). To graduate, students need 132 semester-hours (approx. 45 courses), including 30 hours for the Bible Core, 36 for the Counseling major, and 6 for a senior-year internship. The Counseling major can also be combined with such minors as Intercultural Studies, TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages), Music, and Teacher Education. These options increase semester-hour requirements to 150. HSBC’s Associate of Arts (AA) in Counseling, meanwhile, requires 65 semester-hours. Finally, the 18-hour minor in Counseling can be combined with various majors, including Ministerial Studies, Music Education, and Elementary Education. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 69%.
Transfer-out rate: n/a.
In-state tuition: $5,920.
Out-of-state tuition: $5,920.
Yearly average net price: $4,607.
Student population: 251.
# undergraduates: 251.
Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: B.

1: California State University-Los Angeles

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA, CSULA) is a public university established in 1947 as Los Angeles State College. It is part of the California State University system and is located in Los Angeles, CA, about 5 miles roughly east of the city’s downtown core. Some online program options are available and in 2016 a Downtown (DTLA) campus will open.

Cal State LA offers five areas of study in Counseling, starting with its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Rehabilitation Services (RS). This BS prepares students for human services positions (such as disability center resident counselors, caseworkers, and job coaches) or graduate studies in counseling. The degree requires 180 units (approx. 45 courses), with 93-103 for the major (incl. counseling courses and RS field work). A 23-24 unit RS minor is available for students in related majors. The school’s Specialist in Alcohol & Drug Problems Certificate is a 57-60 unit program that includes an internship and prepares students for work in therapeutic, rehab, or consultant settings. Starting in 2016-17, an 18-unit (6-course) Veteran Services Certificate will combine RS and Mental Health Counseling courses. Finally, the new DTLA campus will offer adult learners a 27-unit Alcohol & Drug Counseling Certificate. See site for additional requirements/details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 41%.
Transfer-out rate: 2%.
In-state tuition: $6,348.
Out-of-state tuition: $17,508.
Yearly average net price: $2,735.
Student population: 24488.
# undergraduates: 20681.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing available: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Counseling