If you are somebody who wants to advance your counseling skills and become specialized in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, school psychology, or any other field of professional counseling, then earning your online phd in counseling psychology is your next step. Potential careers after graduating with a Ph.D. in Counseling include becoming a marriage and family therapist, research director, or professor. The variety of professions that are open to you is endless. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for an individual who’s earned a counseling phd is $83,000.
Below we’ve compiled a list of the top 6 most affordable online doctorate in counseling degree programs. These general psychology programs are not only affordable but rank among the best universities to attend in the nation. You’ll be taught by mental health counseling professionals with years of experience who can attend to your needs and prepare you for all the challenges you’ll face in a professional counseling career. Many of these doctoral programs offer concentrations or specializations allowing students to design their education around their specific interests. Doctoral students in any one of these programs take courses in working on intensive researc and finish a dissertation before graduation. The experience gained with this online Ph.D. program will make your resume stand out when looking for employment.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online doctorate in 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 2021
Accredited Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.2022 Most Affordable Online Doctorate in Counseling Degrees
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| 1 | University of Louisiana-Monroe | $10,846 |
| 2 | University of the Cumberlands | $13,746 |
| 3 | Capella University | Tuition and Fees |
| 4 | Eastern University | $24,011 |
| 5 | Regent University | $24,888 |
| 6 | Liberty University | $29,382 |
6 Most Affordable Doctorate in Counseling Degrees Online
1. The University of Louisiana-Monroe
Average Net Price: $10,846
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is located in one of the largest cities in Louisiana, causing it to be full of culture with plenty of outdoor activities. The university is home to 8,489 students and 1,272 graduate students, with more than half of graduate students taking courses 100% online. This highly-rated institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Louisiana at Monroe has one upstanding doctorate in counseling online program, their Doctorate of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy – Systemic Studies degree. A concentration of systemic studies looks into the origin of systemic family therapy and dives into the concepts of stability and change. This clinical mental health counseling program is 2-years long and requires a dissertation before graduation. You’ll be taking courses in the art of creative transformation, after therapy, family medicine, improvisation, qualitative/ethnographic research, social ecology, and much more.
2. University of the Cumberlands
Average Net Price: $13,746
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of the Cumberlands is a Christian education institution located in Williamsburg, Kentucky. The university ranks among the top best national universities according to U.S. News and World Report and places #62 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. The school holds a strong acceptance rate of 74% and a graduation rate of 44%. UC is dedicated to providing quality education through student-centered and broad academic programs.
The University of the Cumberlands offers 4 different doctorate counseling psychology programs, including Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision, Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision – Addiction, Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision – Advanced Counseling, and Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision – Leadership. You’ll be taking courses in advanced counseling theories/skills, ethical/legal issues in CES, multicultural issues in counseling/education, and the change process.
3. Capella University
Average Net Price: Tuition and Fees
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Capella University is known for being an online university, giving students the power over how and when they finish their degrees. What makes the institution so unique is that individuals can choose how they wish to learn through the school’s two online learning formats. Everybody thrives and learns in different ways; as a student-centered university, Cappella wants you to have full control over your education.
The university offers a multitude of diverse degrees and programs ranging from bachelor’s to doctorate levels. Among its many programs, Capella University has two online PhD in counseling programs, including Counselor Education and Supervision (CACREP-accredited) and Advanced Studies in Human Behavior. In these programs, you’ll be taking courses in advanced counseling practice, foundations of advanced social science research/design, and leadership/advocacy in counseling.
4. Eastern University
Average Net Price: $24,011
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation:MSCHE
Eastern University was built upon core values of excellence, authenticity, stewardship, thoughtfulness, enthusiasm, relationships, and innovation. EU is a private Christian university with an acceptance rate of 66%. The university was ranked #103 in Regional Universities North by U.S. News and World Report. Eastern University is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Eastern University’s graduate enrollment is a little more competitive, with only 707 being accepted into their graduate program. Among their many doctorate programs, EU has two counseling programs, including Doctor of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, and Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy. In these programs, you’ll be taking an array of different courses, including couples therapy theory, holistic approaches to prevention/enrichment in family systems, human development/family systems, professional standards/ethics, and trauma/family systems.
5. Regent University
Average Net Price: $24,888
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Regent University was founded upon values of excellence, innovation, and integrity. Regent University has earned a ranking among the nation’s best universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Along with their national ranking, the university is ranked #100 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. This institution is Christ-centered and hopes to instill a stronger faith within students as they continue their educational journeys.
Regent University has two doctorates in counseling programs, Ed.S. in Educational Leadership – Educational Psychology and a Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies with concentrations in human services counseling, addictions counseling, biblical counseling, grief counseling, human services/student affairs, marriage/family ministry, pastoral counseling, life coaching, and trauma/crisis counseling. With so many different psychology program specializations, choosing this degree path gives you the opportunity to make the degree specific to your interests. No matter which counseling psychology program is chosen, you can look forward to greatly advancing in your professional psychology career as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment for psychologists will increase by 14% over the next ten years.
6. Liberty University
Average Net Price: $29,382
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Liberty University offers six programs within a doctorate of counseling including, Ed.D. in Community Care & Counseling, Ed.D. in Community Care & Counseling: Traumatology, Ph.D.: Counselor Education & Supervision, Doctor of Ministry: Pastoral Counseling, Doctor of Worship Studies: Pastoral Counseling, and an Ed.D. in Community Care & Counseling: Marriage & Family. With so many different counseling program degrees to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find your passion and begin your professional career. Before graduation, students must complete a dissertation that exemplifies their knowledge and research skills.
Further Resources