What you’ll learn in this article…
- CACREP accreditation streamlines Kentucky LPCC licensure and is accepted in all 50 states for credential portability.
- Several Kentucky programs, including the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University, offer GRE-free admission paths.
- Annual graduate tuition at public Kentucky universities ranges roughly from about $10,000 to $16,000 for in-state students.
- Full LPCC licensure requires a qualifying master's degree, 4,000 supervised hours, and a passing score on the NCE or NCMHCE.
Kentucky ranks among the states with the most acute mental health workforce shortage, and demand for licensed professional counselors continues to outpace supply across rural and urban counties alike. The programs ranked below reflect a wide range of delivery formats and tuition structures, with annual net prices spanning from roughly $9,000 at Murray State University to over $19,000 at Campbellsville University. Several schools now offer fully online master's tracks, and a growing number have eliminated the GRE as an admissions barrier, making advanced training more accessible to working educators and career changers.
The article ahead covers ranked programs, CACREP accreditation standards, child and adolescent counseling specializations, Kentucky's LPCC licensure pathway, and detailed cost comparisons. Whether you are weighing online flexibility against on-campus clinical immersion or trying to identify which programs meet the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors' education requirements, the data and analysis that follow are drawn directly from institutional disclosures and federal reporting. Most Kentucky counseling graduates pursue the LPCC credential, which requires 4,000 supervised clinical hours and passage of the National Counselor Examination before you can practice independently.
Ranked: Best Online Master's in Counseling Programs in Kentucky
These are Kentucky's strongest online and hybrid programs in counseling, weighted for affordability and student outcomes. Each entry below covers the institution as a whole, so you can see how the counseling offerings, delivery formats, and concentrations fit together before comparing individual programs. Graduation rates and earnings figures are university-wide: they describe the institution, not one counseling track.
Factors considered
- Share of Pell Grant enrollment
- Net price after financial aid
- Availability of online delivery
- CACREP accreditation where available
- Graduation and retention rates
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Original research on individual programs — cacrep.org
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- CACREP accreditation directories — cacrep.org
University of the Cumberlands
A private university in Williamsburg, the University of the Cumberlands has built its counseling footprint around online delivery for working adults in Kentucky. It offers three distinct paths: a school counseling master's for already-licensed educators, a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling master's, and an online doctoral program in counselor education and supervision. Tuition runs on a flat per-credit, locked rate, which keeps costs predictable. Federal data puts median earnings for former students about ten years after entry near $45,000.
- 30 total credit hours
- Completes in just over a year
- Designed for already-licensed educators
- Leads to additional certification in school counseling
- Online delivery for working teachers
- Coursework in student development and family engagement
- University lists the program as accredited
- CACREP accredited
- $449 per credit with a locked tuition rate
- 60 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum and two letters of recommendation
- Practicum and internship included
- Comprehensive exam (CPCE) required
- Financial aid available
- 66 total credit hours
- Synchronous online classes
- Entrance exam required
- 3.5 GPA minimum
- Thesis required
- Free textbooks included
- Clinical practicum and internship
- Prepares graduates for counselor educator roles
Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling — Online
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Online
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Doctorate — Online
Morehead State University
Morehead State University is a public institution whose online counseling master's is aimed squarely at Kentucky educators. The school counseling track runs 36 credit hours in about 18 months with 8-week terms, a cohort structure, and alignment with state certification standards and rank advancement. The university's overall graduation rate sits just above 50 percent, and federal earnings data for former students lands near $43,000 roughly a decade after entry.
- 36 total credit hours, completed in about 18 months
- 100 percent online delivery
- 8-week course terms in a cohort structure
- Entrance exam required: GRE or MAT
- GRE waiver available for high-GPA applicants
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Leads to provisional Kentucky school counselor certification
- Cited among the most affordable online counseling master's programs
Master of Arts in Counseling (School Counseling) — Online
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling and Practical Theology for students who want to counsel from a theological framework. The 60-credit program can be completed on campus, online, or a mix of both, and includes practicum work with video-recorded sessions for distance students. Note that this degree does not lead to state licensure; it points instead toward certification through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors and counseling roles in churches and ministry organizations. Earnings and net price figures are not reported for this institution in the federal data used here.
- 60 total credit hours over two years
- $332 per credit
- On campus, online, or hybrid delivery
- ACBC certified training center
- Does not prepare graduates for state licensure
- Practicum includes video-recorded sessions for distance students
- Digital textbooks and Logos Max tools included
- Thesis option available
Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling and Practical Theology — Hybrid
Murray State University
Murray State University is a public university in western Kentucky with a hybrid Master of Arts in School Counseling built on the ASCA National Model. Students complete 42 credit hours plus 450 clinical hours in school settings, with distance learning and virtual meetings that suit working educators. Graduates can pursue provisional school counseling certification in Kentucky and use the Prior Learning Assessment to earn credit for relevant professional experience. Federal data shows median earnings for former students around $44,700 about ten years after entry.
- 42 total credit hours
- $375 per credit
- 450 clinical hours in school settings
- Built on the ASCA National Model
- Hybrid format with distance learning and virtual meetings
- Full-time and part-time options
- Prior Learning Assessment for eligible professionals
- Prepares students for P-12 school counseling certification
Master of Arts in School Counseling — Hybrid
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University brings unusual breadth to this list, combining a CACREP-accredited marriage, couple, and family counseling master's, a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling master's that prepares graduates for LPCC licensure, and a short online addictions education certificate that can stack with either degree. The marriage and family program includes clinical training at the university's on-campus family counseling center. Formats for the master's programs are hybrid, with in-person requirements for the clinical mental health track. Median earnings for former students sit near $43,900 about a decade after entry.
- CACREP accredited
- Hybrid format with campus and online components
- Clinical training at the on-campus Talley Family Counseling Center
- Prepares students for marriage and family therapist licensure
- Hands-on work with couples, families, and individuals
- 12 total credit hours
- Courses available fully online
- Rolling admissions with fall, spring, and summer starts
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Interdisciplinary electives from multiple departments
- No required course sequence
- Prepares students for addictions counseling roles
- CACREP accredited
- 60 total credit hours
- Hybrid format with in-person requirements
- Prepares graduates for LPCC licensure in Kentucky
- Two concentration options
- Deadlines: October 1 for spring, March 1 for fall
- Faculty interview required for admission
- Comprehensive exam required for graduation
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, Master's — Hybrid
Addictions Education Graduate Certificate — Online
Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Online
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville offers a fully online Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services with a school counseling concentration, and the program is CACREP-accredited. The 36-credit sequence requires no entrance exam and includes 100 supervised practicum hours, with reduced tuition for active-duty military students and support for employer reimbursement. Graduates are positioned for Kentucky Provisional School Counselor Certification. Median earnings for former students, about $53,900 a decade after entry, are the highest among the Kentucky public universities included here.
- CACREP accredited
- 36 credit hours across 12 courses
- 100 percent online, no entrance exam required
- 100 supervised practicum hours
- $638 per credit; $250 per credit for active-duty military
- Leads to Kentucky Provisional School Counselor Certification
- Rank I eligibility for Kentucky teachers
- Employer reimbursement and military benefits supported
Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services, School Counseling — Online
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University is a private Christian institution that leans fully online, and its counseling-related offerings span a graduate certificate in school counseling, a master's in school counseling, and a Master of Social Work with an addiction focus. The certificate is a short path for educators who already hold a school counseling master's and need standard certification, while the master's requires no entrance exam and finishes in about 18 months. The social work track prepares students for licensed clinical drug and alcohol counselor credentials. Median earnings for former students are about $41,600 roughly ten years after entry, and the institution's overall graduation rate is under 50 percent.
- 12 total credit hours across four courses
- Completable in as little as one year
- 100 percent online
- $319 per credit with a $0 application fee
- Accepts up to 9 transfer credits
- No teaching certification required
- Designed for educators who already hold a school counseling master's
- 48 total credit hours over about 18 months
- 100 percent online with no campus visits
- $319 per credit
- 400 clinical hours
- No entrance exam required
- Accepts up to 12 transfer credits
- Faith-based curriculum with an assigned academic advisor
- Scholarships and military benefits available
- 450 clinical hours
- Prepares students for Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor credentials
- Trauma-informed emphasis
- Coursework in motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Training in DSM-5 diagnosis
- Online interactive learning platform
Graduate Certificate in School Counseling — Online
Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling — Online
Master of Social Work, Addiction Area of Focus — Online
Lindsey Wilson College
Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia focuses on rural and Appalachian Kentucky, and its counseling programs are designed with those communities in mind. The CACREP-accredited Master of Education in Counseling offers a mental health counseling track, and a 13-credit substance abuse counseling certificate can be stacked alongside it for state credentialing. A hybrid doctoral program in counselor education and supervision is also available for practicing counselors. Median earnings for former students are around $41,100 a decade after entry.
- 13 total credit hours
- Offered online, on campus, or at community sites
- Non-degree admission available
- Prepares students for substance abuse counselor credentialing
- State board support in five states
- Can be completed alongside the M.Ed. in counseling
- 3.0 GPA minimum and three professional evaluations
- CACREP accredited
- 60 total credit hours
- Online and community-based formats
- Transfer up to 15 credits
- Graduate assistantship opportunities
- Substance abuse certificate can be stacked with the degree
- Personal growth group required
- Exit exam required for graduation
- 63 total credit hours
- Hybrid delivery with a fall cohort start
- Requires a master's degree in counseling
- Thesis required
- Graduate assistantships available
- Cohort-based structure
- Financial aid available
Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Education in Counseling, Mental Health Counseling — Online
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision — Hybrid
How We Ranked Kentucky Counseling Programs
Ranking graduate counseling programs means translating dozens of data points into a single list that helps prospective students compare options at a glance. Below is a transparent look at how we built this year's rankings for Kentucky.
Data Sources We Relied On
All quantitative data comes from two federal repositories: the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). These are the same datasets that federal agencies, accreditors, and financial aid offices use, so the numbers reflect verified institutional reporting rather than self-promotional claims.
What We Weighted and Why
Our scoring formula emphasizes affordability because cost is consistently the top concern students raise when choosing a counseling program. If you are still exploring degree levels, our guide to the best online master's in counseling programs offers a broader national perspective. The factors and their relative influence are:
- Net price: The average cost of attendance after institutional, state, and federal aid has been applied. This figure captures what a typical student actually pays, not the sticker price.
- Financial aid metrics: The share of students receiving grants or scholarships and the average aid package size both factor in.
- Graduation rate: Drawn from IPEDS at the institution level, not isolated to one program. A strong completion rate signals adequate student support, advising, and course scheduling.
- Scorecard earnings: Post-graduation earnings data reported through the College Scorecard, which links enrollment records to tax data. Where program-level earnings are not yet available, we used broader institutional figures.
- Online availability: Programs offering fully online or hybrid delivery received a modest boost, reflecting the flexibility working adults in Kentucky often need.
Accreditation as a Baseline, Not a Variable
Every school in our ranking holds regional accreditation, and we note CACREP status where it applies. However, accreditation was treated as a pass/fail filter rather than a scored variable. A program either met the threshold or it was excluded from consideration entirely.
Important Caveats
Graduation rates are institution-wide figures because IPEDS does not break them out by individual graduate program. Similarly, net price is an average across all aided students at a given school, so your personal cost may differ based on residency, enrollment intensity, and the aid package you negotiate.
Because our formula tilts toward affordability, students whose primary concern is research output, faculty prestige, or brand recognition may want to weigh those factors on their own. No single ranking can capture every priority, so treat this list as a starting point rather than a final verdict.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you need a CACREP-accredited program to pursue LPCC licensure, or are you on a school counseling track?
Will you be working full-time while completing your degree?
Are you interested in specializing in child or adolescent counseling, or do you prefer a general clinical mental health track?
How important is completing the program without taking the GRE?
Online Vs. On-Campus Counseling Programs in Kentucky
Choosing between online and on-campus delivery is one of the first decisions you will face when selecting a master's in counseling program in Kentucky. Both formats can lead to the same credential and the same licensure eligibility, so the right choice comes down to your personal circumstances. Here is how the two options compare across the factors that matter most.
- Online programs offer scheduling flexibility that lets working professionals and caregivers complete coursework on their own time.
- Tuition and total cost are often lower online because you avoid commuting, relocation, and many campus fees.
- Online delivery gives you access to strong programs statewide, so you are not limited to schools within driving distance.
- All programs ranked on this page include online or hybrid coursework, yet practicum and internship hours are always completed in person at an approved site near you.
- Regionally accredited, CACREP accredited online degrees carry the same weight with the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors as traditional degrees.
- On-campus programs typically coordinate practicum and internship placements more directly through established local partnerships.
- A structured, in-person class schedule helps some students maintain momentum and complete the program on time.
- Face-to-face cohort models build stronger peer networks and professional relationships that can support your career after graduation.
- Hands-on skills practice in group counseling, role plays, and labs can feel more natural in a shared physical classroom.
- Campus-based students often have easier access to faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and campus counseling clinics.
Related Articles
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Kentucky
Choosing between a regionally accredited program and one that also holds specialized CACREP accreditation can significantly affect your path to licensure and career mobility. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs sets rigorous standards for counselor education, and Kentucky's licensing board strongly favors graduates from CACREP-accredited programs when evaluating LPCC applications.1
What CACREP Accreditation Means for Your Career
CACREP accreditation signals that a counseling program meets nationally recognized standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, supervised clinical experience, and student learning outcomes. For students pursuing licensure as a licensed professional clinical counselor, graduating from a CACREP-accredited program streamlines the credentialing process. The Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors uses CACREP standards as a benchmark when reviewing educational qualifications, which means graduates from accredited programs often face fewer hurdles during license verification.1
Beyond state borders, CACREP accreditation offers portability. If you relocate after graduation, most other states recognize CACREP credentials, making license transfer more straightforward. This matters especially in a region where professionals might practice across state lines in neighboring Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, or West Virginia.
Kentucky Institutions with CACREP-Accredited Programs
As of 2026, Kentucky has seven master's-level counseling programs holding current CACREP accreditation across different specializations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Asbury Theological Seminary, Lindsey Wilson College, and University of the Cumberlands each offer CACREP-accredited programs in this track, all available online. Some may require brief campus residencies, so prospective students should verify specific requirements with each institution.
- Rehabilitation Counseling: The University of Kentucky offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling delivered online, preparing graduates for work with individuals managing disabilities.3
- School Counseling: Eastern Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, and University of Louisville each hold CACREP accreditation for their school counseling programs.1 Delivery formats for these programs may be hybrid or campus-based, and students should confirm current options directly with each university.
Online and Hybrid Availability
For working professionals or students outside major Kentucky cities, the availability of online CACREP-accredited options is notable. University of the Cumberlands, Lindsey Wilson College, and Asbury Theological Seminary provide flexible online pathways for online clinical mental health counseling programs. The University of Kentucky's rehabilitation counseling program also operates online.3 School counseling programs at EKU, NKU, and U of L may require more on-campus presence, though specific formats can vary by cohort.
Programs Without CACREP Accreditation
Some programs ranked on this page hold regional accreditation but have not yet obtained CACREP status. Graduating from a non-CACREP program does not automatically disqualify you from Kentucky licensure, but you may need to demonstrate that your coursework meets equivalent standards, which can involve additional documentation and review time. If you plan to practice in multiple states or want the most direct path to how to become a licensed professional counselor, prioritizing CACREP-accredited programs reduces potential complications down the road.
Child and Adolescent Counseling Specializations in Kentucky
A child and adolescent counseling specialization prepares you to work directly with young people facing anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral disorders, and family disruption. Rather than relying solely on talk-based methods designed for adults, these tracks train you in developmentally appropriate interventions, equipping you to meet children and teens where they are (sometimes literally on the floor with toys and art supplies). If you are exploring how to become a child counselor, understanding these Kentucky-specific pathways is a practical first step.
Play Therapy and Related Coursework
Programs with a child-focused track typically build their curricula around several core areas:
- Play therapy techniques: Theory and supervised practice in using play as a therapeutic medium, drawing on child-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and Adlerian models.
- Developmental psychopathology: Understanding how mental health conditions manifest differently across childhood and adolescence.
- Family systems: Working with caregivers and siblings as part of the treatment process, not just the identified client.
- Trauma-informed care for youth: Recognizing the effects of adverse childhood experiences and applying evidence-based interventions such as trauma-focused CBT.
The University of Kentucky offers a fully online 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy that is open to students with a bachelor's degree and designed for mental health professionals.1 Completion of this certificate can satisfy part of the educational requirements for the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential through the Association for Play Therapy (APT).1 Western Kentucky University also includes a dedicated play therapy course (CNS 569) within its counseling curriculum.3
Stacking Certificates for Specialization
If you are already pursuing or have completed a general clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) master's degree, a graduate certificate in child counseling or play therapy lets you add a specialization without committing to an entirely new degree. The University of Kentucky's play therapy certificate is a strong example of this stackable approach: 12 credits completed online that complement your existing 60-credit master's work.1 Campbellsville University offers a similar 12-credit online certificate in school guidance counseling at the Rank I level, which includes coursework on the child and adolescent population, though it requires a completed master's in school guidance counseling as a prerequisite.2
School Counseling Pathways
For those drawn to K-12 settings, Northern Kentucky University's 60-credit M.A. in School Counseling prepares graduates for the Kentucky Provisional School Counseling Certificate and covers P-12 populations.4 Eastern Kentucky University's CACREP-accredited counselor education programs also serve students interested in working with young people in educational environments.5 Students considering this route can learn more about the profession in our guide on how to become a school counselor.
Job Outlook for Child-Focused Counselors
Kentucky has been grappling with elevated rates of youth mental health challenges and persistent shortages of school counselors, particularly in rural districts. While precise vacancy numbers shift year to year, the broader trend is clear: demand for counselors trained to work with children and adolescents continues to outpace supply across the commonwealth. Earning a child-specific credential, whether through a dedicated master's concentration, a stackable graduate certificate, or alignment with APT requirements for the RPT, positions you to fill a gap that schools, community mental health centers, and pediatric practices are actively trying to close.
Kentucky's Path to LPCC Licensure at a Glance
Earning your Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential in Kentucky follows a structured progression overseen by the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. Here is the step-by-step path from graduate school to full licensure.
How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Kentucky
What are the exact steps to practice as an independent counselor in Kentucky? The path to full licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) involves earning a qualifying master's degree, completing supervised clinical hours, passing a national exam, and navigating two distinct license tiers. Understanding these stages and the timeline involved is essential for anyone planning a counseling career in the Commonwealth.
Earn a Qualifying Master's Degree
Kentucky's licensure process begins with completing at least 60 semester hours in a counseling master's program. The Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors strongly prefers degrees from CACREP-accredited programs, though graduates of substantially equivalent programs may also qualify after additional review. Your coursework must include specific content areas such as human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, helping relationships, group work, career development, assessment, research, and professional orientation. Most full-time students complete their counseling degree in two to three years, including practicum and internship requirements.
Apply for LPCA: Your First License
Once you hold your master's degree, you apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA). This is a supervised-practice credential that allows you to begin accumulating the clinical experience required for full licensure. As an LPCA, you work under the direct supervision of an approved clinical supervisor, typically a fully licensed LPCC, psychologist, or other qualified mental health professional. You cannot practice independently or advertise yourself as a counselor without supervision during this phase.
Complete Supervised Clinical Experience
Kentucky requires 4,000 hours of post-master's supervised clinical experience, including at least 1,600 hours of direct client contact. This translates to roughly two years of full-time clinical work, though many associates take closer to three years to complete the requirement while balancing supervision logistics, employment settings, and exam preparation. Your supervisor must meet state-specific qualifications and provide regular oversight of your casework.
Pass the NCE or NCMHCE
Before you can apply for full LPCC licensure, you must pass either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), both administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Most candidates sit for the exam after completing their supervised hours, though some take it earlier in the associate phase.
Apply for LPCC: Independent Practice
Once you have completed your supervised hours and passed your national exam, you apply to the Kentucky Board for full licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). This credential allows you to practice independently, open a private practice, and bill insurance directly without supervision. The entire post-master's timeline typically spans two to three years.
School Counseling: A Separate Track
Kentucky also offers school counseling certification through the Education Professional Standards Board, a distinct pathway from LPCC licensure. School counselors work in K-12 settings under education department oversight and do not need clinical licensure to practice in schools, though some pursue dual credentials.
What Pays More: LPC or LMFT?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mental health counselors in Kentucky earned a median annual wage of $51,790 in 2024, slightly below the national median of $59,190 for the same occupation.1 Marriage and family therapists are tracked separately under national data, but state-specific figures for Kentucky are not published. If you are considering the MFT route, our guide on how to become a marriage and family therapist outlines key differences. Nationally, the distinction between LPC and LMFT salaries is modest and varies more by practice setting, specialization, and experience than by credential type alone. For context, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in Kentucky earned a comparable median of $51,790 in 2024, while school and career counselors nationally earned a median of $65,140.2 Licensed mental health counselors in private practice or specialized settings in Kentucky report average salaries near $81,669, according to industry surveys, reflecting the earning potential of fully licensed, independent practitioners.3
For a complete breakdown of Kentucky's licensure requirements, supervision rules, and application procedures, consult the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors or a comprehensive licensure guide tailored to the state's current regulations.
Counseling Program Costs and Financial Aid in Kentucky
The cost of a master's in counseling in Kentucky varies significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private institution and whether you qualify for in-state rates. Among the programs listed below, annual graduate tuition at public universities ranges from roughly $10,500 to $14,644 for in-state students, while the University of Kentucky charges out-of-state students more than $36,000. Private institutions such as University of the Cumberlands stand out for remarkably low posted tuition ($3,195), though net price after aid may be higher. Keep in mind that net price figures shown here are institution-wide averages and your individual costs will vary based on enrollment status, financial aid eligibility, and program-specific fees. To offset expenses, look into HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) grants, which provide up to $10,000 in stipends for graduate counseling students who complete internships at rural or underserved sites. The NHSC Loan Repayment Program is another valuable option: licensed professional counselors who commit to working in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas can receive up to $75,000 toward student loan repayment. Kentucky students should also explore state workforce incentive programs and institutional scholarships, as several of these schools serve high proportions of Pell Grant recipients and offer need-based graduate aid.
| School | Type | Annual Tuition (In-State) | Annual Tuition (Out-of-State) | Average Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Cumberlands | Private | $3,195 | $3,195 | $14,107 | $14,911 |
| Murray State University | Public | $10,683 | $10,683 | $9,096 | $20,500 |
| Lindsey Wilson College | Private | $10,163 | $10,163 | $15,070 | $16,784 |
| Morehead State University | Public | $10,512 | $10,512 | $9,793 | $22,250 |
| Campbellsville University | Private | $9,920 | $9,920 | $19,341 | $17,156 |
| Western Kentucky University | Public | $12,140 | $18,340 | $10,990 | $22,095 |
| University of Kentucky | Public | $14,644 | $36,238 | $18,851 | $22,500 |
Several Kentucky counseling programs no longer require the GRE for admission. The University of Kentucky's online MAC program lists no required entrance exam, and Eastern Kentucky University waives the GRE for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher or a prior graduate degree. Because admissions policies can change from year to year, always verify current requirements on each program's official admissions page before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Counseling Programs
Choosing the right counseling program involves weighing cost, format, accreditation, and licensure timelines. Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask about pursuing a master's in counseling in Kentucky.
- How much does an online master's in counseling cost in Kentucky?
- Tuition varies widely depending on the institution. Online CACREP-accredited programs generally range from about $22,000 to $35,000 in total program cost for the 2025 to 2026 academic cycle. Private online clinical mental health counseling programs can run between $50,000 and $65,000. Always confirm per-credit rates, fees, and financial aid options directly with each school before committing.
- Are online master's degrees in counseling respected by employers and licensure boards?
- Yes, provided the program holds recognized accreditation. The Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors accepts degrees from CACREP-accredited programs regardless of delivery format. Employers and licensing boards evaluate the accreditation status of your program, not whether you attended in person or online. A CACREP-accredited online degree carries the same professional weight as its on-campus equivalent.
- What pays more, LPC or LMFT?
- Nationally, median salaries for licensed professional counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists are relatively close, though compensation varies by state, employer, and specialization. According to BLS national data, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors occupy overlapping salary bands. In Kentucky, factors like practice setting, years of experience, and whether you work in a metro area tend to influence earnings more than the specific license type.
- Can you get a counseling degree online in Kentucky without taking the GRE?
- Several Kentucky programs offer GRE waivers or have eliminated the GRE requirement altogether. For example, Eastern Kentucky University waives the GRE for applicants who hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, or who already have a prior graduate degree. Other institutions may follow similar policies, so check individual admissions pages for the most current GRE requirements.
- What are the CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Kentucky?
- Kentucky is home to multiple CACREP-accredited programs. Eastern Kentucky University's M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is one well-known option, requiring 60 credit hours. Other universities in the state also hold CACREP accreditation across specializations such as school counseling and addiction counseling. The CACREP directory, updated regularly, is the most reliable source for a complete and current list.
- How long does it take to become a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in Kentucky?
- The typical timeline is roughly five to seven years after earning a bachelor's degree. A 60-credit master's program usually takes two to three years of full-time study. After graduation, Kentucky requires supervised post-master's clinical experience before you can sit for the LPCC exam. This supervised practice period, combined with exam preparation and application processing, generally adds another two to three years.
- Are there child counseling graduate certificates available in Kentucky?
- Some Kentucky universities and nearby online programs offer graduate certificates focused on child and adolescent counseling or related areas such as play therapy. These certificates typically require 12 to 18 credit hours and can often be completed alongside or after a master's program. Availability changes from year to year, so prospective students should verify current offerings directly with schools of interest.
Schools by State
Southeast
Northeast
Midwest
Southwest
DC & Territories
Explore More Schools Topics
- Army Behavioral Health Specialist (MOS 68X)
- Best Christian Counseling
- Best Counseling Schools Near Me
- Best Online Addiction Counseling Degree
- Best Online Addiction Psychology Degree
- Best Online Bachelor's in Counseling Degrees
- Best Online Biblical Counseling Degree
- Best Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Best Online Counseling Degree
- Best Online Graduate Certificate in Counseling
- Best Online Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling
- Best Online Master's in Counseling
- Best Online MFT
- Best Online Pastoral Counseling
- Best Online Ph.D. in Counseling
- Best Online School Counseling
- Best Spiritual Counseling
- Counseling Careers
- Counseling Degrees
- Counseling Licensure Acronyms
- Counseling Master's Textbooks
- Counseling vs Psychology vs Social Work
- Counselor Resume Guide
- Counselor Salary
- Career Counselor
- Child Abuse Counselor
- Child Counselor
- Christian Counselor
- Community Mental Health Counselor
- Conflict Resolution Counselor
- Couples Counselor
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
- Depression Counselor
- Domestic Violence Counselor
- Geriatric Counselor
- Grief Counselor
- Licensed Pastoral Counselor
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT Guide)
- Mental Health Counselor
- Multicultural Counselor
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- School Counselor
- Spiritual Counselor
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Suicide Counselor
- Transformational Counselor
- Veterans Counselor
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
- Online Counselor
- How to Get a Counseling License
- LCPC Salary by State, Setting & Experience
- Online Genetic Counseling
- Should I Become a Therapist? How to Know If It's Right
