The demand for qualified mental health professionals continues to grow across the United States, with Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) playing a crucial role in delivering accessible and effective care. For those considering this rewarding career path, earning a counseling degree is a necessary first step—but the cost of graduate education can be a major barrier.
Fortunately, many schools now offer affordable online counseling degrees—options that are more budget-friendly than many traditional programs while still meeting licensure requirements. While graduate school is still a substantial financial commitment, these programs aim to reduce costs without compromising on quality or flexibility.
This guide spotlights some of the cheapest online LPC programs for the 2025–2026 academic year. Whether you’re just beginning your search or narrowing down your options, understanding how to find high-quality, low-cost programs can help you make a smart investment in your future.
What to Look For in an Affordable Online LPC Program
To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), you’ll typically need to earn a master’s degree in counseling from a program that includes both academic coursework and supervised clinical experience. While degree titles can vary—such as Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or similar—the curriculum must meet your state’s licensing requirements. Choosing the right program is an essential step toward licensure and a career as a counselor.
When researching an online master’s in counseling, affordability is only part of the equation. To ensure the program supports both your budget and your long-term career goals, consider the following key factors:
Accreditation
Look for a CACREP-accredited counseling program. Accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) ensures the curriculum meets national standards and can streamline the licensure process in many states.
Online Flexibility and Program Format
Consider whether the program offers asynchronous courses, synchronous class meetings, or hybrid formats. Some programs follow a cohort model with structured timelines, while others allow more flexibility to move at your own pace.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
Many public universities offer discounted tuition to in-state residents, but some online programs have a flat-rate tuition regardless of residency. Verifying these details early on can help you avoid unexpected costs.
Clinical Requirements and Support
All LPC programs require clinical fieldwork, including a practicum and internship. These must usually be completed in person. Look for programs that offer support in securing placements and provide qualified local supervisors to meet your state’s requirements.
Total Program Cost
Beyond tuition, factor in additional expenses such as student fees, textbooks, clinical liability insurance, and technology costs. The most affordable programs are transparent about total costs and often provide tuition calculators or breakdowns online.
Some of the Most Affordable Online Counseling Programs for Aspiring LPCs
This list highlights some of the most affordable online master’s-level counseling programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). All featured programs include a clinical mental health counseling track and are offered in fully online or primarily online formats.
How We Built This List
To create this list, we focused on CACREP-accredited programs that offer online pathways to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), particularly those with a clinical mental health counseling specialization. We began by analyzing tuition data from the most recent IPEDS release (as of 2025), including both in-state and out-of-state graduate rates.
However, base tuition doesn’t always reflect a program’s true cost—especially for online degrees, which often come with additional fees such as technology charges, clinical placement costs, or program-specific surcharges that aren’t captured in standard tuition figures. To get a clearer picture, we gathered per-credit tuition rates directly from institutional websites, estimating when necessary (for example, when schools only provided flat semester rates or total program costs). While this approach helps improve the accuracy of tuition comparisons, it still doesn’t capture every fee a student might encounter. As such, the resulting estimates should be viewed as baseline tuition figures, not comprehensive cost-of-attendance totals.
To keep the list focused on value, we removed programs whose estimated tuition costs—based on per-credit rates—significantly exceeded what IPEDS data alone would suggest. Some of these programs appeared affordable at first glance but proved far more expensive after a closer review. It’s also worth noting that affordability can vary by student type. In many cases, programs are only cost-effective for in-state residents or those eligible for special tuition rates.
This list is designed as a starting point for exploring affordable, high-quality online counseling programs. The right choice will ultimately depend on your individual goals, budget, and circumstances. While we’ve made every effort to provide accurate estimates, be sure to visit each program’s official website for the most current information.
Adams State University
Location: Alamosa, CO
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Clinical Mental Health
- Per Credit Estimate: $492.80
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $29,568
Augusta University
Location: Augusta, GA
Program Type: M.Ed.
Program: Master of Education in Counselor Education
- Per Credit Estimate:
- In-State: $235.08–$236.00
- Out-of-State: $821.25–$822.00
- In-State: $235.08–$236.00
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits):
- In-State: $14,105–$14,160
- Out-of-State: $49,275–$49,320
- In-State: $14,105–$14,160
Bluefield University
Location: Bluefield, VA
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Counseling (MA)
- Per Credit Estimate: $495
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $29,700
Central Michigan University
Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration, Online)
- Per Credit Estimate: $317.20
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $19,032
Chadron State College
Location: Chadron, NE
Program Type: M.A.E.
Program: Online Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Per Credit Estimate: $400
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $24,000
Evangel University
Location: Springfield, MO
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online)
- Per Credit Estimate: $420
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $25,200
Grand View University
Location: Des Moines, IA
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Per Credit Estimate: $495
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $29,700
Marshall University
Location: South Charleston, WV
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Master of Arts (MA)
- Per Credit Estimate: $521.75
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $31,305
Midwestern State University
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Program Type: M.A.
Program: M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Per Credit Estimate:
- In-State: $404.47
- Out-of-State: $519.47
- In-State: $404.47
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits):
- In-State: $24,268
- Out-of-State: $31,168
- In-State: $24,268
North Carolina Central University
Location: Durham, NC
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Clinical Mental Health Program
- Per Credit Estimate:
- In-State: $299.23
- Out-of-State: $1,038.57
- In-State: $299.23
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits):
- In-State: $17,953.80
- Out-of-State: $62,314.20
- In-State: $17,953.80
Northern State University
Location: Aberdeen, SD
Program Type: M.S.Ed.
Program: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Per Credit Estimate: $470.45
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $28,227
Pennsylvania Western University
Location: Edinboro, PA
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master’s in Counseling
- Per Credit Estimate:
- In-State: $516
- Out-of-State: $526
- In-State: $516
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits):
- In-State: $30,960
- Out-of-State: $31,560
- In-State: $30,960
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Location: Lubbock, TX
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Per Credit Estimate:
- In-State: $272.43
- Out-of-State: $682.43
- In-State: $272.43
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits):
- In-State: $16,346
- Out-of-State: $40,946
- In-State: $16,346
Troy University
Location: Troy, AL
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master of Science in Counseling
- Per Credit Estimate: $475
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $28,500
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Location: Monroe, LA
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master of Science in Counseling
- Per Credit Estimate: $500
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $30,000
University of the Cumberlands
Location: Williamsburg, KY
Program Type: M.A.
Program: Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Per Credit Estimate: $449
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $26,940
University of West Alabama
Location: Livingston, AL
Program Type: M.S.
Program: Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Per Credit Estimate: $429
- Estimated Tuition (60 Credits): $25,740
Why Advertised Tuition Isn’t Always the Best Cost Indicator
When prospective students compare counseling programs, they often rely on advertised in-state tuition from federal sources like IPEDS. While helpful as a screening tool, these figures can be misleading when it comes to total cost—especially for online programs with per-credit pricing.
Take one university we reviewed but did not include on our final affordability list. According to its IPEDS-reported in-state tuition, the cost for a full academic year was $4,260. Over the typical two-year timeline for a 60-credit master’s program, a student might reasonably estimate their total cost to be $8,520.
But when we reviewed the university’s own website, we found that the actual per-credit tuition was $449. Multiplied by 60 credits, that brings the estimated instructional cost to $26,940—a difference of $18,420 from what a student might initially expect.
Key takeaway: Always check a university’s own tuition and fee schedule—especially per-credit rates for online programs. Published data sources often reflect traditional, full-time, on-campus enrollment and may significantly underestimate the true cost of an online degree.
Why You Should Always Check for Fees—Even in Online Programs
When comparing counseling programs based on tuition, it’s easy to overlook another major cost factor: fees. Even in fully online programs, universities often charge additional costs that can significantly affect the true cost of earning your degree.
In one program we reviewed, the in-state tuition rate was among the lowest we found—roughly $235 per credit or $2,821 per semester for full-time enrollment. Based on tuition alone, a 60-credit program might cost as little as $14,100 for in-state students.
But tuition doesn’t tell the whole story.
According to the university’s published rates for Fall 2024 through Summer 2025, online students were also charged an Online Learning Fee of $393 per semester. Over four semesters—the typical timeline for a two-year master’s program—that adds $1,572 in fees, bringing the true estimated cost to around $15,700, even for in-state residents.
For out-of-state students, the per-credit tuition was more than $820, pushing total instructional costs above $49,000—and that’s before fees are added in.
Key takeaway: Even modest fees can add thousands of dollars to a program’s bottom line. Because fee structures vary widely depending on your location and enrollment format, it’s essential to review the university’s most current tuition and fee schedule—not just rely on the base tuition rate.
Tips for Managing Costs in Counseling Degrees
Pursuing an online counseling degree doesn’t have to mean taking on overwhelming debt. With a little planning and resourcefulness, you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and make your education more affordable. Here are some practical strategies to consider:
- Complete the FAFSA
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to determine your eligibility for federal grants, low-interest loans, and work-study opportunities. Some states and schools also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid. - Explore State and Institutional Aid
Many states offer scholarships or loan repayment programs for students entering mental health professions. Colleges and universities may also provide merit-based or need-based aid specific to their counseling programs. - Look for School-Specific Scholarships
Some online counseling programs offer internal scholarships, assistantships, or fellowships. These awards may be based on academic performance, financial need, or professional interests. - Consider Part-Time Study or Tuition Reimbursement
If you’re working while earning your degree, a part-time schedule may allow you to spread out tuition costs. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement benefits—especially if you plan to continue working in a related field. - Use Open Educational Resources
To reduce textbook costs, ask whether your courses use free or low-cost learning materials, such as open educational resources (OERs). Some schools prioritize affordable content as part of their commitment to accessibility.
Career Outlook for Licensed Professional Counselors
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) are trained to support individuals facing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. They provide counseling services in a variety of settings and often work with diverse populations experiencing stress, trauma, addiction, or other life transitions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 19% from 2023 to 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth reflects continued demand for mental health services, especially in underserved communities and integrated healthcare settings.
In 2023, there were approximately 449,800 jobs in this field. The median annual wage was $53,710, with an hourly rate of $25.82. Most positions require a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, along with supervised clinical experience through an internship or residency.
Common Work Environments for LPCs
LPCs are employed in a range of settings, including:
- Community mental health agencies
- Private practice
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Schools and universities
- Substance abuse treatment centers
- Correctional facilities
Work environments may vary based on specialization, such as clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or rehabilitation counseling.
FAQ: Affordable Online Counseling Programs
What’s the difference between CACREP and non-CACREP programs?
CACREP-accredited programs follow national standards for counselor education, including specific coursework and clinical training requirements. While some states require or prefer CACREP accreditation for licensure, others allow graduates of non-CACREP programs to become LPCs if they meet coursework and supervision guidelines. Before enrolling, check with your state’s licensing board to confirm what’s accepted.
Can I complete LPC licensure entirely online?
Many programs allow you to complete coursework online, but licensure always requires in-person clinical training. This includes a supervised practicum and internship, which you’ll usually complete at an approved site near where you live. Some programs help coordinate local placements or provide support in meeting your state’s requirements.
Are cheap programs lower in quality?
Not necessarily. A lower tuition rate doesn’t always reflect the quality of instruction or training. Some affordable online LPC programs are housed in public universities that receive state funding, which helps keep costs down. Accreditation, faculty credentials, student support, and licensure outcomes are better indicators of program quality.
How do I know if my program qualifies for licensure in my state?
Every state has its own LPC licensure requirements, including approved degree types, required coursework, clinical hours, and exams. Start by reviewing your state’s licensing board website. Many boards publish a checklist of education and training criteria, and some even list pre-approved programs. You can also contact program advisors to confirm alignment with your state’s standards.
Finding the Best Fit for Your Budget and Goals
Choosing the right online counseling program means balancing affordability with long-term career value. A lower-cost degree can help you enter the counseling field with less financial stress, but it’s just as important to ensure the program prepares you for LPC licensure in your state.
Before enrolling, take time to:
- Review your state’s licensure requirements
- Compare total program costs, not just tuition
- Confirm whether the program is CACREP-accredited
- Reach out to admissions advisors with questions
- Explore financial aid, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement options
An affordable education doesn’t mean compromising your future. With the right research and planning, you can find a high-quality, budget-friendly online counseling program that aligns with your goals—and sets you on the path to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.
