Best Online Master’s in Counseling Programs of 2025

Counselors help people overcome addiction, relationship problems, and other challenges. Learn more about the best online counseling master’s programs.

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Updated December 2, 2024

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You’ve come to the right place to explore the best online master’s programs for 2025. BestColleges’ independent research and ranking practices help us recommend top programs aligning with in-demand counseling careers. You can also rest assured that our featured online master’s in counseling programs provide the same education you’d receive on campus.

Online counseling master’s programs offer more than a pathway to a fulfilling career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for substance abuse counselors to grow by 19% between 2023-2033. Careers with this growth rate feature many open positions for recent graduates.

Featured Online Master’s in Counseling Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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In this Article

Top Online Master’s in Counseling Programs of 2025

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$51,869

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$51,869

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

12%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$62,391

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$62,391

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

22,801

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$51,869

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$51,869

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$51,869

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$51,869

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

12%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$62,391

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$62,391

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

22,801

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearOnline

$22,062

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,062

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,500

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

20,877

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,062

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,062

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearOnline

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,062

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,062

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,500

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

20,877

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI4 yearCampus + Online

$14,160

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,160

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

82%

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$27,580

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,580

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

1,781

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,160

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,160

Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,160

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,160

Acceptance Rate

82%

Online Enrollment

49%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$27,580

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,580

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

1,781

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Is a Counseling Degree Worth It?

The best online master’s programs provide the education and experience to gain state licensure and start a career. However, working in the counseling field presents many challenges. Consider the following pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros

Counselors help people overcome significant mental health and behavioral challenges.
Many specializations exist, such as school and clinical counseling.
Counselors see their work’s benefit to individuals and society firsthand.

Cons

You may need to go into debt to help pay for a master’s degree.
Working with people in crisis can cause heightened stress levels.
Counseling sessions may occur outside of regular working hours.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Counseling Program

Both counselors and therapists need a master’s degree in counseling. While the two professions used to be considered different, nowadays, any professional practicing psychotherapy is a therapist — including master’s level counselors.

Finding the best online counseling master’s programs requires comparing cost and flexibility. Some online public universities charge all degree-seekers the in-state tuition rate. They may also use an asynchronous curriculum, a great choice for working professionals.

Program lengths also differ among universities. A typical full-time program takes about two years to complete. Degree-seekers with busy personal or work schedules should consider programs with a 3-4-year part-time track.

Note which online master’s in counseling programs hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP-accredited master’s programs offer a rigorous educational experience.