Key Takeaways
- Kansas has only a small pool of CACREP-accredited counseling programs, making careful comparison of each option essential.
- Net prices among top-ranked programs range from roughly $12,569 to $16,261 per year after aid.
- Licensure requires two tiers through the BSRB: the entry-level LPC and the fully independent LCPC.
- BLS data shows Kansas counselor salaries vary significantly by specialty, licensure level, and work setting.
Kansas counts only a handful of CACREP-accredited counseling master's programs, yet demand for licensed clinicians consistently outruns supply, especially in school counselor roles and rural areas. That imbalance forces applicants to weigh affordability and BSRB recognition with extra care.
Among the 12 Kansas schools ranked for 2026, net price after aid ranges from $12,600 to over $32,000 annually, with public universities predictably charging the least. A majority of programs now deliver coursework online or in a hybrid format, letting students stay local while completing clinical hours.
For working Kansans, the most viable route to licensure runs through hybrid programs designed around a work schedule, a shift that rewrites the math of cost and access.
Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Kansas
This 2026 ranking highlights Kansas counseling programs that combine strong affordability with flexible delivery, giving priority to net price, financial aid availability, and online or hybrid access. Because Kansas has a relatively small pool of counseling master's programs, only about seven school counseling options statewide, every CACREP-accredited or otherwise well-regarded program on this list represents a meaningful choice for prospective students. Institution-level outcomes such as median graduate debt and ten-year earnings are drawn from federal data and reflect all graduates at the school, not a single program. Program-level earnings are not yet available for these counseling tracks.
- Net price and financial aid
- Online or hybrid availability
- Accreditation and licensure alignment
- Graduate debt levels
- Institutional graduation and retention
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University delivers two CACREP-accredited, 60-credit-hour master's tracks in counseling, one in school counseling and one in clinical mental health counseling, both offered in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with limited on-campus intensives. With an in-state tuition of $4,949 and a net price of $12,569, FHSU is the most affordable public option on this list. Median graduate debt sits at $21,000, while institution-wide ten-year median earnings reach $48,928. A 15-to-1 student-faculty ratio and 90% acceptance rate make entry accessible without sacrificing mentorship.
- CACREP-accredited 60-credit-hour hybrid program
- Prepares graduates for Kansas KSDE licensure
- Covers developmental counseling theories and evidence-based practices
- Includes supervised practicum and internship placements
- Focuses on academic, social, and emotional student development
- Meets national and Kansas state certification standards
- CACREP-accredited 60-hour hybrid curriculum
- Prepares students for Kansas LPC licensure
- Includes telemental health coursework
- Emphasizes multicultural counseling competencies
- Faculty mentorship throughout clinical training
- Practicum and internship opportunities in community settings
M.S. in Counseling, School Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Washburn University
Washburn University in Topeka offers a fully online Master of Arts in Family and Human Services with an Addiction Counseling concentration, designed to prepare students for Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) or Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC) credentials in Kansas. In-state tuition is $9,945, and the net price of $15,280 is paired with one of the lowest median graduate debt figures in this ranking at $18,127. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 53%, and ten-year median earnings reach $49,774 institution-wide.
- Fully online program with full-time or part-time pacing
- Meets NAADAC and Kansas BSRB standards
- Prepares for LAC or LMAC credentials in Kansas
- Holistic, integrative approach emphasizing wellness and diversity
- Fieldwork completed in the student's own community
- No standardized test scores required for admission
- Graduate certificate option also available
Master of Arts in Family and Human Services, Addiction Counseling — Online
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University offers a fully online Master's in School Counseling comprising 48 credit hours, making it one of the more streamlined options in Kansas. In-state tuition is $9,470, with a net price of $15,784 and median graduate debt of $18,969. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of about 57%, the highest among the public universities in this ranking's top five. No GRE is required for applicants with a 3.0 GPA or above, and the program includes thesis, research problem, or coursework completion paths.
- Fully online 48-credit-hour program
- No GRE required with 3.0 or higher GPA
- Thesis, research problem, or coursework options
- Prepares graduates for Praxis II and certification
- Open to non-education majors with additional coursework
- Strong regional reputation in psychology and counseling
- Affordable tuition with flexible online delivery
Master's in School Counseling — Online
Wichita State University
Wichita State University provides a CACREP-accredited M.Ed. in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling track, available in a hybrid format with concentrations in addiction counseling and sports counseling. WSU also offers an 18-credit graduate certificate that helps licensed clinical mental health counselors transition into school counseling. In-state tuition of $7,986 and a net price of $13,194 make WSU the second most affordable public institution on this list. Median graduate debt is $20,500, and institution-wide ten-year earnings are $51,532.
- CACREP-accredited 60-credit-hour hybrid program
- Prepares for Kansas LPC licensure
- Addiction Counseling concentration available
- Sports Counseling concentration available
- Clinical internship required for graduation
- Emphasizes professional ethics and multicultural competency
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required for admission
- 18-credit hybrid certificate program
- Designed for already-licensed professional counselors
- Meets Kansas KSDE school counseling licensure requirements
- Requires minimum 3.25 graduate GPA
- Includes internship and practicum components
- Focuses on consultation, leadership, and advocacy
M.Ed. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling track — Hybrid
Clinical Mental Health Counselor to School Counselor Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Emporia State University
Emporia State University is one of only three CACREP-accredited school counseling programs in Kansas and one of the few fully online options in the state. Its M.S. in School Counseling is a 60-hour online program that leads to dual licensure in school counseling and LPC, with no prior teaching license required. ESU also offers a hybrid M.S. in Clinical Counseling with concentrations in clinical mental health counseling and addictions counseling. In-state tuition is $8,843, net price is $16,261, and median graduate debt is $19,500.
- CACREP-accredited 60-hour fully online program
- Leads to dual licensure: school counseling and LPC
- No teaching license required for admission
- Tuition at $355 per credit hour
- Mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes
- Scholarships available for qualified applicants
- Faculty with PreK-12 school counseling experience
- CACREP-accredited hybrid format
- Thesis and non-thesis completion options
- Comprehensive mental health curriculum
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1
- Prepares for Kansas LPC licensure
- Covers psychopharmacology and co-occurring disorders
- CACREP-accredited hybrid program
- Focus on substance use and co-occurring disorders
- Includes psychopharmacology coursework
- Personalized faculty attention
- Flexible coursework for working professionals
- Prepares students for professional addiction counseling roles
Master of Science in School Counseling — Online
M.S. in Clinical Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
M.S. in Clinical Counseling, Addictions Counseling — Hybrid
Ottawa University-Kansas City
Ottawa University's Kansas City campus in Overland Park offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Counseling with a Christian and Spiritual Counseling concentration, requiring 60 to 63 credit hours and 900 client contact hours through practicum and internship. Tuition is $13,002 regardless of residency, and the program meets licensure requirements in Kansas, Arizona, and Wisconsin. With a 6-to-1 student-faculty ratio, it delivers some of the most individualized graduate instruction in the state. Institution-wide ten-year median earnings are $55,552.
- Hybrid format combining online and on-campus learning
- 60 to 63 credit hours required
- 900 client contact hours through field placement
- Integrates faith perspectives into clinical practice
- Meets licensure requirements in Kansas, Arizona, and Wisconsin
- HLC-accredited institution
- Small 6-to-1 student-faculty ratio
Master of Arts in Counseling, Christian and Spiritual Counseling — Hybrid
Kansas State University
Kansas State University's CACREP-accredited Master's in School Counseling is delivered in a hybrid format and reports a 100% Praxis exam pass rate. K-State is one of only three CACREP-accredited school counseling programs in Kansas, and no prior teaching license is required, making it attractive for career changers. In-state tuition is $12,089, with a net price of $19,406 and median graduate debt of $21,250. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 71%, the highest among all institutions in this ranking. K-State also houses a fully online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision.
- CACREP-accredited hybrid program
- 100% Praxis exam pass rate
- No prior teaching license required
- Certificate in Counseling Military Connected Students available
- Scholarships and assistantships offered
- Rapid employment record for graduates
- Serves both rural and urban Kansas students
- Fully online CACREP-accredited doctoral program
- 96 credit hours including dissertation
- Prepares graduates for academic and supervisory roles
- Scholarly writing sample required for admission
- Financial aid available
- Open to candidates with a bachelor's degree
Master's in School Counseling — Hybrid
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision — Online
Ottawa University-Online
Ottawa University's online division delivers a fully online M.A. in Education with a School Counseling focus, structured in accelerated 8-week terms that can reduce time to completion for working adults. The program meets certification requirements in Kansas and Arizona. Tuition is $13,002 regardless of state of residence, and median graduate debt is $21,500. Ottawa Online also offers fully online degrees in addiction counseling at both the bachelor's and master's levels, broadening its appeal for students interested in substance use treatment careers.
- Fully online with accelerated 8-week terms
- Meets Kansas and Arizona certification requirements
- Multicultural counseling and trauma-informed care focus
- Comprehensive school counseling model curriculum
- Practicum completed in school settings
- CAEP-accredited program
- Career development strategies included
- Fully online program format
- CAADE-accredited curriculum
- Prepares for LASAC credential
- Covers ethics, treatment planning, and assessment
- Meets most state licensure requirements
- Flexible pacing for working professionals
Master of Arts in Education, School Counseling — Online
Master of Science in Addiction Counseling — Online
University of Saint Mary
The University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth offers a 48-credit hybrid Master's in School Counseling completable in about 2.5 years, with course options available online, on-ground, or remotely. Tuition runs $410 per credit hour, and no GRE is required. Both teaching and non-teaching backgrounds are welcome. The institution's net price is $22,519, and median graduate debt is $22,018. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of about 48%, and institution-wide ten-year earnings reach $59,483, the second highest among schools in this ranking.
- 48-credit hybrid program, completable in 2.5 years
- No GRE required for admission
- $410 per credit hour tuition rate
- Open to both teachers and non-teachers
- Accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education
- Online, on-ground, or remote course options
- 11-to-1 student-faculty ratio
- Rolling admissions with January and August starts
Master's in School Counseling — Hybrid
Friends University
Friends University in Wichita offers a 60-credit, COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Family Therapy with on-ground classes in Wichita and Kansas City. Although it is not a clinical mental health counseling program per se, it prepares graduates for marriage and family therapy licensure with a strong emphasis on systemic, clinical, and multicultural competencies. Median graduate debt is $25,000, and net price is $27,715. Students in the program collectively provide over 10,000 hours of relational services annually, reflecting its clinical intensity.
- COAMFTE-accredited 60-credit program
- On-ground classes in Wichita and Kansas City
- Daytime and evening cohort options
- Completable in approximately 24 months
- Systemic, clinical, and multicultural competency training
- Students provide over 10,000 relational service hours yearly
- Admission includes informational meeting and interview rounds
Master of Science in Family Therapy — Hybrid
MidAmerica Nazarene University
MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health track, completable in 33 months through a hybrid learning model. The program meets licensure requirements in Kansas, Missouri, and most other states. Notably, median graduate debt is just $15,000, the lowest figure among all schools in this ranking. A Christian Faith and Counseling emphasis is available for students who want to integrate spiritual perspectives. Net price of $32,165 is higher than most public options, but the RISE Opportunity Scholarship and other financial aid may offset costs.
- CACREP-accredited 60-credit-hour hybrid program
- Completable in 33 months
- Meets licensure in Kansas, Missouri, and most states
- Lowest median graduate debt among ranked schools at $15,000
- Remote attendance option available
- Emphasizes advocacy, diagnosis, and assessment
- RISE Opportunity Scholarship available
- Hybrid format with remote options
- 60 credit hours required
- Integrates Christian faith into clinical practice
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
- Comprehensive interview required
- Designed for diverse clinical settings
Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health track — Hybrid
Master of Arts in Counseling, Christian Faith and Counseling emphasis — Hybrid
Ottawa University-Ottawa
Ottawa University's main Ottawa, Kansas campus provides a hybrid Master of Arts in Counseling with multiple concentrations, including clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and gerocounseling. The program requires 900 hours of supervised field placement and meets licensure requirements in Kansas, Arizona, and Wisconsin. Tuition is $12,562 regardless of residency. Median graduate debt is $21,500, and institution-wide ten-year earnings are $55,552. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of about 28%, which prospective students should weigh alongside the program's breadth of concentration options.
- Hybrid program with 39 core and 15 concentration credit hours
- 900 clinical contact hours required
- Meets licensure requirements in multiple states
- Multiple concentration options available
- Projected career growth of 23% in the field
- Comprehensive exam and portfolio required
- Hybrid delivery with on-site supervision
- Six concentration options including gerocounseling
- 900 hours of supervised field placement
- Covers group counseling, psychological testing, and ethics
- Practicum and internship preparation included
- Transfer credit may be accepted
- Fully online program format
- CAADE-accredited curriculum
- Prepares for LASAC credential
- Covers ethics and treatment planning
- Meets most state licensure requirements
- Flexible for working professionals
Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy — Hybrid
Master of Science in Addiction Counseling — Online
How We Ranked Kansas Counseling Programs
Most rankings bury their methodology or rely on subjective reputation surveys that favor well-known brands over affordability. This list takes a different approach: we prioritize what matters most to students entering a field with modest starting salaries and high student debt, specifically net cost, financial aid reach, and post-graduation earnings.
Affordability-Weighted Methodology
Our ranking weighs three core factors heavily: net price (the actual out-of-pocket cost after institutional aid), the share of students receiving Pell Grants (a proxy for how accessible a program is to lower-income students), and median earnings one to two years after graduation. Programs that combine low net costs with strong earnings outcomes and meaningful financial aid access rank higher. This is not a prestige contest; it is a value calculation designed to surface programs that deliver real economic mobility. Whether you are pursuing a general counseling master's programs online track or a specialized clinical focus, the same affordability logic applies.
Data Sources and Limitations
All data come from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Where available, we use program-level earnings and debt figures specific to counseling master's degrees. When program-level data are not yet published, we fall back to institution-wide graduate outcomes. Graduation rates reflect the entire institution, not individual programs, because the federal government does not yet require program-specific completion reporting for master's degrees. Net price figures are sector-conditional averages (graduate students, full-time enrollment) and should not be treated as personalized estimates. Your actual cost will depend on your financial aid package, residency status, and enrollment intensity.
Transparency as a Trust Signal
By disclosing our criteria and data sources up front, we give you the tools to verify our claims and make your own comparisons. No ranking is perfect, but ours is accountable. If a program's net price, aid generosity, or earnings change in next year's federal data, its position in our ranking will change accordingly.
Questions to Ask Yourself
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Kansas
CACREP accreditation is one of the most important markers to look for when evaluating counseling programs in Kansas. As of 2026, the state has a limited number of CACREP-accredited counseling programs, which makes understanding your options especially critical before you apply.
Current CACREP-Accredited Programs in Kansas
According to the official CACREP directory, Kansas currently has two accredited programs, both housed at Kansas State University:1
- School Counseling (Ed.S.): Accredited through 2032.2 Available on campus at the Manhattan and Olathe locations as well as online. This program transitioned from a master's-level (M.S.) format to an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree; the former M.S. program's accreditation ended in August 2023.
- Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.): Accredited.3 This is the only CACREP-accredited doctoral counseling program in the state, designed for those pursuing advanced roles in teaching, supervision, or research within the counseling field.
As of the 2025-2026 directory cycle, no Kansas programs hold a pending CACREP accreditation status, and no programs are reported as recently losing accreditation.1
Why CACREP Accreditation Matters in Kansas
For students pursuing licensure through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB), graduating from a CACREP-accredited program can streamline the process considerably. The BSRB recognizes CACREP standards when reviewing educational qualifications, so holding a degree from an accredited program reduces the likelihood of needing supplemental coursework or additional documentation during your licensure application.
Beyond the Kansas border, CACREP accreditation is widely recognized across the country. If you plan to relocate or practice in another state after graduation, a CACREP-accredited credential simplifies license portability. Many state licensing boards either require or strongly prefer candidates who graduated from accredited programs, and some will not grant licensure to graduates of non-accredited programs without additional steps.
Employers also tend to favor candidates from CACREP-accredited programs. Community mental health counselor roles, school district positions, hospital jobs, and private group practices frequently list CACREP credentials as preferred or required in job postings. Hiring managers view accreditation as a quality assurance signal that graduates have completed rigorous clinical training and met national standards.
What This Means for Kansas Students
The small number of CACREP-accredited options within the state means Kansas students often look beyond state lines, particularly at online programs offered by out-of-state institutions. If you are considering an online program from another state, verify that it holds current CACREP accreditation and confirm that the program's clinical placement requirements can be fulfilled in Kansas. Students interested in the doctoral track can explore counseling doctoral programs to compare accredited options nationwide.
For those specifically interested in clinical mental health counseling at the master's level, note that no Kansas-based program currently holds CACREP accreditation in that specialty area. Students pursuing that track should evaluate whether out-of-state online clinical mental health counseling programs or non-accredited Kansas programs with strong BSRB alignment best serve their career goals.
Related Articles
Online vs. On-Campus Counseling Programs in Kansas
Choosing between online and on-campus formats is one of the most practical decisions you will make when pursuing a master's in counseling in Kansas. Both paths can lead to the same licensure outcome, and many Kansas schools now use a hybrid model that blends online coursework with required in-person practicum and internship hours. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) does not differentiate between online and on-campus degrees when evaluating licensure eligibility, so your choice should come down to lifestyle, budget, and learning preferences.
Pros
- Online programs offer scheduling flexibility that lets working professionals complete coursework on evenings and weekends.
- Tuition for online programs is often effectively lower once you factor in eliminated commuting, parking, and relocation costs.
- Online enrollment can open access to out-of-state CACREP accredited programs, sometimes at flat or in-state tuition rates.
- Hybrid models used by many Kansas schools pair online lectures with local practicum placements, giving students the best of both formats.
- Kansas BSRB treats online and on-campus degrees equally for licensure, so an online credential carries the same professional weight.
Cons
- On-campus students typically benefit from stronger in-person networking with faculty, supervisors, and local clinical sites.
- Securing practicum and internship placements can be easier when a program has established relationships with nearby agencies.
- The cohort community built through face-to-face classes can provide peer support that is harder to replicate in asynchronous online settings.
- Some specialized electives or lab-based courses may only be offered on campus at certain Kansas institutions.
- Online learners must be disciplined self-starters, as the reduced structure can make it harder to stay on pace without regular class meetings.
Child Counseling Specializations and Certificates in Kansas
Graduate training in child and adolescent counseling has become more specialized as the field recognizes that working with young clients demands distinct theoretical frameworks, developmental awareness, and intervention techniques. Kansas universities offer a handful of pathways for counselors to build child-focused expertise, though options remain more limited than in neighboring states with larger graduate ecosystems.
Graduate Certificates and Concentrations
Wichita State University offers a 15-credit-hour Child / Play Therapy Graduate Certificate designed for students who already hold a master's degree in counseling or a related field.1 The certificate is delivered in a hybrid format combining online coursework with campus-based requirements, and it includes a 100-hour play therapy practicum structured to meet Association for Play Therapy (APT) training standards.1 This credential is well-suited for licensed counselors seeking to differentiate their practice or fulfill prerequisites for Registered Play Therapist (RPT) status.
Beyond Wichita State, most Kansas master's programs in counseling do not currently offer formal child or adolescent specializations embedded within their degree structures. The University of Kansas operates a Clinical Child Psychology Ph.D. program, but this track serves students pursuing doctoral-level training in psychology rather than master's-level counseling.2 Kansas State University's Human Development and Family Science programs touch on lifespan development but do not include a standalone graduate certificate in child counseling or play therapy.3
Practicum and Field Placement Settings
Students pursuing child-focused coursework typically complete practicum hours in settings where young clients are the primary population. Common placements include public and private school districts, where counselors work with students navigating academic stress, behavioral concerns, and social-emotional development. Pediatric clinics and children's hospitals provide opportunities to support families coping with chronic illness, trauma, or developmental challenges. Child advocacy centers offer supervised experience in forensic interviewing and trauma-informed care for abuse survivors, a pathway closely related to childhood trauma counseling. Community mental health centers round out the placement landscape, serving children and adolescents with a wide range of diagnoses and presenting concerns.
Career Differentiation and National Credentials
A child counseling certificate or concentration stacks with a general master's degree to signal specialized competence to employers, managed care panels, and referral sources. In competitive markets, this differentiation can translate into higher caseloads, school-district hiring preferences, or private-practice niches. For a broader look at what these credentials can lead to, see our guide on how to become a child counselor.
National credentials further strengthen a child counselor's professional profile. The National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors, provides a portable baseline certification recognized across states. The Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential, granted by the Association for Play Therapy, requires 150 hours of play therapy-specific instruction, 500 hours of supervised play therapy clinical experience, and documented case studies. Earning the RPT after completing a Kansas child counseling certificate positions counselors as subject-matter experts in developmentally appropriate therapeutic modalities.
How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Kansas
Kansas issues two tiers of professional counseling licensure through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB). The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is the entry-level credential, allowing you to practice under supervision. The Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is the fully independent license, earned after accumulating supervised clinical experience and passing an additional exam. Note that for renewals on or after July 1, 2025, the BSRB now requires 3 hours of continuing education in diagnosis and treatment planning, in addition to the existing 3 ethics hours, within each 30-hour CE cycle.
Kansas Counselor Salaries Compared: What the Data Shows
Salary expectations shape how prospective students evaluate graduate programs, and Kansas counseling graduates enter a job market where earnings vary significantly by specialty, licensure level, and work setting. Understanding these distinctions helps you project realistic income after completing your degree.
Kansas Counselor Salaries by Specialty
Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Kansas shows meaningful salary differences across counseling specialties.12 Educational, guidance, and career counselors earn the highest median wages in the state, with annual pay typically falling between $55,000 and $60,000.2 Mental health counselors in Kansas earn median salaries in the $50,000 to $55,000 range, while substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors earn slightly less, with median wages between $48,000 and $52,000.1
These figures represent Kansas-specific data and differ from national medians. School counselors working in public K-12 settings often benefit from district salary schedules and benefits packages that boost total compensation beyond base pay.
Counselor vs. Therapist Pay in Kansas
A common question prospective students ask is whether counselors or therapists earn more. In Kansas, these titles overlap considerably, and salary differences depend more on licensure level and employment setting than job title alone. A Licensed Professional Counselor working toward full licensure typically earns less than a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has completed supervised practice requirements and can practice independently, bill insurance directly, and establish private practices. For a closer look at the path to full clinical licensure, see our guide to licensed professional counselor online degree options.
Clinicians in private practice or specialized treatment centers often outearn those in community mental health agencies or school settings, though agency positions frequently offer more predictable hours and comprehensive benefits.
Program-Level Earnings and ROI
Program-level earnings data from the College Scorecard is not yet available for most Kansas counseling programs, making direct comparisons between specific schools difficult at this time. However, institutional data provides useful context for evaluating return on investment.
Median graduate debt across Kansas counseling programs in our rankings ranges from roughly $15,000 to $25,000. When compared to Kansas counselor salaries in the $48,000 to $60,000 range, most graduates can expect their degree investment to pay off within a few years of entering the workforce. Programs with lower tuition, such as Fort Hays State University and Emporia State University, offer particularly favorable debt-to-earnings ratios for budget-conscious students. Students interested in the addiction counseling degree track should note that substance abuse counselor salaries in Kansas sit at the lower end of the spectrum, so choosing an affordable program is especially important for maximizing ROI.
Most Affordable Kansas Counseling Programs at a Glance
Among the top-ranked Kansas counseling programs, the average net price (what students typically pay after grants and scholarships) ranges from $12,569 at the most affordable option to $16,261 at the highest. That spread of roughly $3,700 per year can add up over a two- or three-year master's program, so it is worth factoring into your decision alongside program fit and accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Counseling Programs
Prospective counseling students in Kansas often share a common set of questions about degree types, licensure steps, and program formats. Below are answers grounded in current Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) standards and program data to help you plan your path with confidence.
