For those brave enough to become counselors they understand that it takes patience, empathy, and hard work. The same is true when striving to become a Christian Counselor, whether it’s Christian Counseling for Addiction, Marriage, and Family, or Pastoral Counseling. Not only do specialists want to help individuals emotionally and physically but they want to aid individuals spiritually and open their hearts unto Christ. If you’ve ever been interested in doing life-changing work that uplifts individuals every day then becoming a Christian Counselor may suit you.
Below we’ve compiled a list of the most affordable colleges to attend for an Online Masters in Christian Counseling. These universities are all unique in their own way but the one thing they have in common is that they’re all dedicated to serving Christ, and uplifting their students spiritually. When earning your online christian counseling master’s degree at one of these schools, you’ll be impressed by the amount of time and knowledge the faculty put into your success. You’ll get hands-on experience as well as research opportunities. Students graduating from these christian education programs have felt confident earning their licensure and beginning their faith-driven career.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online master’s in Christian counseling degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in July of 2022.
2023 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Master’s in Christian Counseling
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| #1 | Bob Jones University | $13,757 |
| #2 | Trevecca Nazarene University | $16,258 |
| #3 | Amridge University | $17,618 |
| #4 | Houston Baptist University | $18,932 |
| #5 | Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | $19,405 |
| #6 | Maranatha Baptist University | $19,788 |
| #7 | Faulkner University | $20,500 |
| #8 | Missouri Baptist University | $21,782 |
| #9 | Ohio Christian University | $22,901 |
| #10 | Southwestern Assemblies of God University | $23,976 |
| #11 | Regent University Online | $24,888 |
| #12 | Dallas Baptist University | $25,301 |
| #13 | Crown College | $25,796 |
| #14 | Liberty University | $29,382 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Master’s in Christian Counseling
1. Bob Jones University
Average Net Price: $13,757
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
At Bob Jones University individuals broaden their horizons and develop talents all while seeing the world through a Christian lens. The university values its students’ time which is why it keeps a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 in all classes. The vibrant community that encompasses the university is why so many students choose Bob Jones University. Although this institution has a higher tuition rate, students find themselves choosing it because of the noteworthy values it instills.
A Master’s of Arts in Biblical Counseling at Bob Jones University is both christ-centered and scripture-based. In this master’s degree program, students will learn critical skills in counseling and psychology from a biblical perspective. You’ll study topics such as depression, addiction, finances, and marriage. Students become advanced as they’re trained by professionals and participate in internships where they get to perfect their skills.
2. Trevecca Nazarene University
Average Net Price: $16,258
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Founded in 1901, Trevecca Nazarene University has been serving thousands of students and building community leaders. Trevecca instills values of lifelong learning, global awareness, and social consciousness into their graduates. These attributes help carry individuals into advanced careers and leadership roles. Faculty and staff at TNU promise to model the values of the university and be mentors to all who may need it.
In Trevecca’s Nazarene University Master’s of Arts in Religion-Pastoral Counseling program students are equipped with the skills to serve God and his children. Students will develop tools to construct Christian responses to everyday struggles amongst clients. One of the most important traits in a counselor is somebody who understands diversity, in this program, you’ll learn how to assist individuals from different backgrounds with a Christlike view.
3. Amridge University
Average Net Price: $17,618
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Amridge University opened its doors in 1967 and has since been a leader in offering higher education all online. The university encourages lifelong learning, leadership, and service to communities, family, and church. Amridge University is dedicated to keeping the spirit of Christ in all they do. Not only do students feel spiritually lifted but they value the honorable education and endless opportunities. 88% of graduates are employed in their field of choice after completing their degree.
Those seeking a Christian counseling degree at Amridge University have two options to choose from, Master’s of Divinity in Marriage and Family Therapy or Master’s of Divinity in Professional Counseling. In both programs, graduates become skilled in leading and counseling through biblical texts, understanding cultural differences, and utilizing major theories recognized by professional counselors.
4. Houston Baptist University
Average Net Price: $18,932
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
In the titular Houston Area, Houston Christian University believes that education should be about more than just getting a job. They emphasize a combination of scholarly excellence with a Christian foundation to ensure that our students receive an education that is both rigorous and meaningful.
HCU’s online graduate programs are designed to provide students with the flexibility to balance their education with work and family obligations. HCU’s online Masters Degrees include a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Education (M.Ed.), a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL), and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs are designed to be completed in as little as 12 months and to grant on-campus students access to the same experienced faculty and resources as on-campus courses.
5. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Average Net Price: $19,405
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Located in historic Kansas City, Missouri, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary keeps Christian values of knowing, being, and doing. Students come from a wide variety of cultures, economic, and geographical backgrounds making the university an inviting and unique campus for all who attend. Individuals choose Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary because they’re ready to become skilled in ministry.
The Master’s of Theological Studies in Biblical Counseling is prepared so students can serve in churches, biblical counseling centers, and other ministry centers. Each student will gain their own unique strategy in biblical counseling, these distinctive skills aid in addressing the most pressing needs of each client. You’ll take classes such as Christian ethics, The Helping Relationship, History of Christianity, and Diagnosis/Treatment of Addiction Disorders.
6. Maranatha Baptist University
Average Net Price: $19,788
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Maranatha Baptist University has a motto to be “To the Praise of His Glory”, this motto is deeply held in everything the institution accomplishes. The university is a privately owned school with faculty members experienced in their professions and skilled in biblical scripture. Students appreciate the Christ-centered environment and the feeling of belonging as they achieve their goals.
At Maranatha Baptist University your achievement is their top priority, they offer exceptional associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees. Among their many desirable programs, they have their Master’s in Biblical Counseling offered 100% online. In this program, students gain skills in classes such as Counseling Survivors of Abuse, Counseling Addictive behavior, and Holy Land Tour. This program was rated #6 on the nation’s Most Affordable Online Master’s in Christian Counseling Degrees in 2020.
7. Faulkner University
Average Net Price: $20,500
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Faulkner University is a private university partnered with the Church of Christ and is located in Montgomery, Alabama. Established in 1942, FU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, nursing, law, and theology. Faulkner is committed to providing students with a strong education grounded in Christian values and principles. The university emphasizes small class sizes so students can receive personalized attention to ensure that each student receives the support and clarification they need to grasp the concepts they are taught.
Faulkner’s Master of Arts in Family Life Ministry helps graduates to enter the work field with a solid skill set in personability, religious studies, and problem-solving. This allows graduates to be capable in helping clients and lay members of congregations in navigating repentance and mental health recoveries. Faulkner strives to help these students in both secular and religious aspects of their lives.
8. Missouri Baptist University
Average Net Price: $21,782
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Students who wish to feel valued in an inviting community attend Missouri Baptist University. This is an institution that keeps a motto of, “social change through service and leadership”. At Missouri Baptist University creativity flourishes, relationships strengthen, and lives are enriched. Missouri Baptist University allows students the potential to change the world around them.
A graduate degree from Missouri Baptist University gives students the skills to advance them in their careers. A Master’s of Arts in Christian Ministry-Biblical Counseling at MBU is an advanced online program. Students enjoy this program because it allows them to practice important skills needed to be successful counselors while they help further the Kingdom of God. The program is taught through rigorous academics and plenty of hands-on learning.
9. Ohio Christian University
Average Net Price: $22,901
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Ohio Christian University (OCU) is a private, non-profit university located in Circleville, Ohio. The university was founded in 1948 and is affiliated with the Churches of Christ in Christian Union. OCU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, counseling, and theology. The university also has an online program for students who prefer to study remotely. OCU is committed to providing a faith-based learning experience and encourages students to develop their spiritual lives in addition to their academic pursuits. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all over the United States and from many different backgrounds.
OCU offers an online Master of Arts in Christian Counseling degree program. The program is designed for individuals who want to become professional Christian counselors or for those who are currently working in the field and want to enhance their skills and knowledge. The program is fully online and can be completed in as little as 18 months.
10. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Average Net Price: $11,972
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Southwestern Assemblies of God University provides a personalized and interactive education experience on a small, welcoming campus. Students can develop close relationships with classmates and strengthen their faith through chapel services and faith considerations built into the curriculum. Students can experience a sense of community through the provided intercollegiate and intramural sports, dorm competitions, and can engage in a variety of local music and arts events on campus and explore nearby cities.
Southwest Assemblies of God University, or SAGU, offers over 70 degrees, including a Master of Divinity degree with options for specialization in counseling, chaplaincy, and many others. This degree option allows for students to graduate with skills necessary for aiding others in navigating their repentance, traumas, and mental illnesses. SAGU’s curriculum incorporates the study of God and his dealings with man into the secular study of counseling to help graduates heal their mind and their soul.
