What you’ll learn in this article…
- Pennsylvania has more than a dozen CACREP-accredited counseling master's programs, giving students strong licensure-aligned options statewide.
- LPC licensure requires a qualifying master's degree, passing the NCE, and completing 3,000 supervised post-degree hours.
- Several top-ranked programs pair net prices under $15,000 per year with solid post-graduation earnings, improving debt-to-income ratios.
- Online and hybrid formats are widely available across PA, though all pathways require in-person practicum and internship hours.
A master's in counseling that satisfies Pennsylvania's LPC educational requirements can cost under $18,000 in net tuition at a public university or more than $40,000 at a private institution, and the choice between online, hybrid, and on-campus delivery adds another layer of cost and scheduling complexity. At the same time, openings for licensed counselors across Pennsylvania continue to expand, making the return on tuition a sharper calculation than ever when considering the best psychology programs in Pennsylvania. For anyone beginning to explore this career path, understanding how to become a counselor is an essential first step. Selecting an affordable, accreditation-aligned program that builds the 60-credit clinical foundation and integrates the required practicum and internship hours helps graduates enter the licensure pipeline without outsized debt. In Pennsylvania, where 3,000 supervised post-degree hours are mandatory, the program that controls cost while meeting those standards determines how quickly a career can launch.
Top 10 Master's in Counseling Programs in Pennsylvania (Ranked)
These 10 counseling master's programs in Pennsylvania balance affordability, flexible delivery, and practical preparation for licensure and certification. The cards below put net price, program format, and completion data front and center so you can compare your options at a glance.
Factors considered
- Counseling program accreditation
- Net price after aid
- Format flexibility
- Institution-wide graduation and retention
- Federal post-graduation earnings
- 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
Pennsylvania Western University
With a net price around $18,300, Pennsylvania Western University is one of the most affordable options here, and its counseling master's can be completed fully online or at the California campus. The 60-credit CACREP-accredited M.S. in Counseling offers school counseling and clinical mental health counseling tracks, both with supervised field experiences. Institution-wide graduation is about 52%, and federal data shows former students earning roughly $47,300 a decade out.
- Concentration in school counseling
- 60-credit curriculum focused on K-12 student support
- Coursework in child and adolescent development and counseling strategies
- 100% online option or in-person at California campus
- Hands-on internships and practicums included
- Concentration in clinical mental health counseling
- Focus on diagnosis, treatment, and ethical practice
- Faculty mentors and personalized success coaching
- Prepares students for careers in mental health counseling
- Supervised clinical internships and practicums
Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling) — Online
Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) — Online
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock's net price is about $19,600, and the university pairs a 48-credit, hybrid M.Ed. in School Counseling with a CACREP-accredited 60-credit clinical mental health counseling MA that offers a youth concentration. Courses blend online convenience with campus check-ins, and rolling admission opens several start dates. The institution-level graduation rate is about 66%, and federal data shows typical former-student earnings near $53,000.
- 48-credit hybrid, cohort-based program
- Leads to Pennsylvania K-12 school counselor certification
- Full-time or part-time; can finish in about two years
- Option to add LPC or LBS credentials
- Rolling admissions with three start dates per year
- Includes embedded field placements
- 60-credit, CACREP-accredited hybrid option
- Youth counseling concentration available
- Prepares students for National Counseling Exam (NCE)
- Rolling admission; fall, spring, or summer start
- Supervised clinical fieldwork in small classes
- Designed for LPC licensure seekers in Pennsylvania
Master of Education in School Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster Bible College keeps the net price around $25,500 while offering two counseling routes: a 60-credit hybrid MA in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling and an online Professional School Counseling master's with Pennsylvania PK-12 certification in view. Both weave Christian teaching into the curriculum. The college graduates roughly 67% of its students, and federal data puts typical former-student earnings near $44,100.
- 60-credit hybrid program in Lancaster
- Blends biblical principles with evidence-based counseling
- Includes 800 practicum and internship hours
- Prepares for National Counselor Examination eligibility
- Courses cover marriage and family therapy, ethics, and clinical practice
- 48-credit online program with monthly live sessions
- Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
- Follows the ASCA National Model
- Prepares for PK-12 school counselor certification
- Integrates faith, learning, and professional practice
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling — Hybrid
Professional School Counseling, Master's — Online
Mount Aloysius College
Mount Aloysius offers one of the state's more flexible clinical training options: a fully online 60-credit M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a net price near $22,300. Live, synchronous classes keep the cohort connected while you work toward LPC eligibility. About 57% of the institution's students graduate, and federal data shows typical former-student earnings around $46,200.
- Fully online program with 18 live, synchronous courses
- 60-credit curriculum aligned with CACREP standards
- 20 total courses; two asynchronous options
- Prepares for National Counselor Exam and licensure
- Small class sizes; financial aid and scholarships available
- Can be completed in 2.5 to 3 years
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Online
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg posts the lowest net price on this list, about $18,200, and its online Master of Arts in Counseling is CACREP-accredited in both clinical mental health and addictions tracks. The addictions concentration is the first CACREP-accredited addictions counseling program in Pennsylvania and also builds toward CAADC credentials. University-wide graduation is about 66%, and federal data reports typical former-student earnings near $58,500.
- CACREP-accredited clinical mental health concentration
- 20-month accelerated online format
- Prepares graduates for LPC licensure in Pennsylvania
- Scholarships, grants, and loan repayment options available
- Admissions interview required
- CACREP-accredited addictions concentration; first in Pennsylvania
- 20-month, fully online structure
- Prepares for LPC and CAADC credentials
- SUD workforce grants up to $32,000 available
- Fall and spring start dates
Master of Arts in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) — Hybrid
Master of Arts in Counseling (Addictions Counseling) — Hybrid
Westminster College
Westminster's net price is around $19,900, and its counseling offerings aim at different career tracks: a hybrid M.Ed. in School Counseling for Pennsylvania certification and a flexible online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with adult and youth concentration options. Frequent start dates, 8-week courses, and a no-GRE policy make the clinical track easy to enter. The college graduates about 65% of its students, with former-student earnings in federal data near $53,900.
- 33-credit hybrid program for school counselor roles
- Can meet Pennsylvania certification or non-certification track
- Supervised internships: 300 hours for PA, 600 for Ohio
- Culminates in a comprehensive exam
- Adult and youth counseling concentrations available
- Six start dates per year; 8-week course sessions
- No GRE or GMAT required for admission
- Tuition roughly $550 to $1,000 per credit
- Online coursework with optional on-campus courses
Master of Education in School Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Online
Cairn University-Langhorne
Cairn University's online M.S. in Christian Counseling wraps a 48-credit counseling curriculum around biblical teaching, letting students pick Professional Counseling or Marriage and Family Counseling concentrations. Credits can extend to 60 for those seeking additional specialization. Net price is about $27,600, the institution's graduation rate is around 60%, and federal data shows typical former-student earnings near $44,200.
- 48-credit online program built on a Christian worldview
- Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family tracks
- Can extend to 60 credits with electives
- 12 credits in Bible and doctrine included
- Internship required in Professional Counseling track
- Prepares for ministry, agency, or counseling-center roles
Master of Science in Christian Counseling — Online
Eastern University
Eastern University's net price is around $26,700, but its online MA in Marriage and Family Therapy is transparently priced at $28,800 for the full 60-credit track, or $450 per credit. A 100% online school counseling M.Ed. is also available, with Pennsylvania certification alignment. Eastern's institution-level graduation rate is about 54%, and federal data puts typical former-student earnings around $51,700.
- 60-credit online degree using the LifeFlex model
- $450 per credit plus $30 in fees
- Total tuition and fees about $28,800
- Full-time students can finish in two years
- In-person internship placement near you required
- Emphasizes cultural humility, diversity, and justice
- Online or blended evening options
- Meets Pennsylvania PDE and ASCA standards
- Prepares for PK-12 school counselor certification
- Can support LPC educational requirements in PA
- Two-year full-time pace or part-time options
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
Master of Education in School Counseling, Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Saint Vincent College
Saint Vincent's 39-credit, hybrid M.S. in Counselor Education is built for school counselors who need to keep working: classes meet evenings and Saturdays, and a 150-hour internship is embedded in a school setting. The program reports a 98% job placement rate and leads to Pennsylvania PreK-12 certification. Net price is near $23,500, the college's graduation rate is about 69%, and federal data shows typical former-student earnings around $60,000.
- 39-credit hybrid program in about 20 months
- Evening and Saturday classes for working educators
- 150-hour supervised internship in a school setting
- Prepares for Pennsylvania PreK-12 certification and Praxis II
- Full-tuition graduate fellowship opportunities
- 98% job placement rate reported
Master of Science in Counselor Education — Hybrid
Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Mercy's net price is around $27,500, and its CACREP-accredited counseling master's come in formats built for working adults: a largely online school counseling track with a short campus residency, or a hybrid clinical mental health track. Both are 60-credit programs with extensive supervised hours. The university's graduation rate is about 57%, and federal data shows typical former-student earnings near $67,100.
- CACREP-accredited 60-credit online program
- Three-day on-campus residency required
- Includes 700 clinical hours
- Aligned with ASCA National Model
- Prepares for K-12 Pennsylvania certification and NCE
- CACREP-accredited 60-credit hybrid format
- Includes 100 practicum and 600 internship hours
- Two courses per term for working professionals
- Prepares for Pennsylvania LPC licensure
- Application includes group interview and GRE
Master's in School Counseling — Online
Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) — Hybrid
How We Ranked Pennsylvania Counseling Programs
Transparency in ranking methodology has become a real differentiator in graduate program guides, yet most counseling program lists on the web still offer little more than a vague nod to "academic quality" or "reputation." We take a different approach. Every program on this page earned its position through a defined, data-driven process you can scrutinize for yourself.
What Drives the Rankings
Because affordability is a top concern for counseling students (who often enter a field with moderate starting salaries), our model weights net price and financial aid metrics heavily. Programs that keep out-of-pocket costs low, whether through generous institutional aid or competitive tuition structures, rise in the rankings. We also factor in whether a program offers online or hybrid delivery, since flexible formats open doors for working professionals and students outside major metro areas. If you are comparing options nationally, our broader guide to the best online master's in counseling programs applies the same methodology across all states.
Where the Data Comes From
Our rankings draw on three primary public data sources:
- College Scorecard: Both institution-level and program-level outcome data, including earnings medians where available.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System): Published tuition and fee figures, enrollment counts, and institutional characteristics.
- Graduation rates: Completion data reported at the institutional level through IPEDS.
These are federal datasets updated on regular cycles, which means they reflect the most current information the government has published, not proprietary surveys or self-reported school claims.
What the Data Can and Cannot Tell You
No ranking is a crystal ball, and we want to be upfront about limitations. Graduation rates are institution-wide figures, not specific to a counseling master's program. The net price used in our calculations is a sector-conditional average, meaning it reflects a broad student population rather than your individual financial package. Earnings data from the Scorecard represents median outcomes at the institution or program level and should not be read as a guarantee of what you personally will earn after graduation.
These are meaningful signals, not promises. Use them alongside your own research into clinical placement quality, faculty expertise, and alignment with your licensure goals.
Why This Matters
Many competing lists rank counseling programs without disclosing any criteria at all, or rely on a single metric like U.S. News reputation scores. That gap leaves students guessing. By combining cost, outcomes, and delivery format into a transparent framework, we aim to give you a starting point grounded in verifiable evidence rather than editorial opinion. If a program appears on this list, you can trace exactly why.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you need a fully online program, or would a hybrid format with in-person clinical training better prepare you?
Is CACREP accreditation a dealbreaker for your licensure plan?
Does the program offer the specialization track you actually want to practice in?
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Master's Programs in Pennsylvania
Why CACREP Accreditation Matters for PA Counselors
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) sets the gold standard for counselor education in the United States. In Pennsylvania, CACREP accreditation is increasingly important for students pursuing licensure as a licensed professional counselor. While the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors does not currently mandate CACREP accreditation for initial licensure, many state boards across the country do require or strongly prefer degrees from CACREP-accredited programs. This means that if you plan to relocate or seek licensure in another state, a CACREP-accredited degree offers greater interstate portability and smoother reciprocity.
Additionally, some employers, particularly in clinical and hospital settings, prefer or require candidates with CACREP-accredited degrees. The rigorous curriculum standards, supervised clinical experiences, and comprehensive practicum requirements built into CACREP programs ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of professional counseling practice.
Pennsylvania Programs with Current CACREP Accreditation
Several Pennsylvania universities hold CACREP accreditation for their counseling master's programs. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers a CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) program.1 Immaculata University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.) program is also CACREP-accredited.2 Lock Haven University, another member of the Commonwealth system, holds CACREP accreditation for its Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) program through October 2032. Messiah University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.) program maintains CACREP accreditation through October 2028. Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) holds CACREP accreditation for its Clinical Mental Health Counseling track as well.3
Lebanon Valley College's Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) program is currently in CACREP review status as of the 2025-2026 academic year, meaning the program has applied for accreditation and is undergoing the evaluation process.4
For students considering these tracks more broadly, our guide to the best masters in mental health counseling programs provides a helpful national comparison.
Track-Specific Accreditation and Verification
It is important to understand that CACREP accreditation applies to specific program tracks, not entire departments or schools. A university may hold CACREP accreditation for its clinical mental health counseling track but not for its school counseling or addiction counseling tracks. Always verify that the specific concentration or specialization you plan to pursue carries CACREP accreditation.
Accreditation status can change. Programs may gain, renew, or lose accreditation based on periodic reviews. Before you enroll, confirm the current accreditation status directly through the CACREP directory at cacrep.org. This ensures you are making decisions based on the most up-to-date information and protects your investment in your education and future career.
Online and Hybrid Counseling Master's Options in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania students pursuing a master's in counseling can choose from fully online, hybrid, and traditional campus formats. Each delivery model offers distinct trade-offs in scheduling flexibility, face-to-face interaction, and clinical placement logistics. Regardless of format, every pathway to Pennsylvania LPC licensure requires hands-on practicum and internship hours completed at approved clinical sites, so even fully online students should expect a significant in-person commitment.
| Feature | Fully Online | Hybrid | Traditional Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Representative Programs | Commonwealth University (CMHC), Mount Aloysius College (CMHC), Eastern University (MFT) | Lebanon Valley College (CMHC), Slippery Rock University (School Counseling), Cairn University (CMHC) | Rosemont College (CMHC, also offers online and hybrid tracks), Drexel University (MFT) |
| Coursework Delivery | Lectures, discussions, and assignments completed entirely through a learning management system on your own schedule or during live virtual sessions | Most didactic coursework online, with periodic on-campus meetings, labs, or weekend intensives | Primarily face-to-face evening or daytime classes on a set weekly schedule |
| Residency or On-Campus Requirement | Commonwealth University requires no in-person residency; Mount Aloysius is also fully remote for coursework | Lebanon Valley College requires two in-person residencies; Cairn University holds weekly lab sessions on campus | All classes held on campus; Drexel's MFT program runs the majority of courses in person in Philadelphia |
| Scheduling Flexibility | Highest flexibility; well suited for working professionals or students outside Pennsylvania | Moderate flexibility; online weeks alternate with scheduled campus dates | Least flexible; fixed class meeting times, though many programs offer evening sections |
| Total Clinical Hours Required | 700 to 900 hours typical (e.g., Commonwealth University: 100 to 150 practicum plus 600 internship hours) | 700 to 900 hours typical (e.g., Lebanon Valley College: 100 to 150 practicum plus 600 internship hours) | 700 or more hours (e.g., Rosemont College: 100 to 150 practicum plus 600 internship hours) |
| Clinical Placement Process | Students are generally responsible for securing their own approved site; the program reviews and approves it | Same model: students identify a local site and the program handles approval and supervision coordination | Programs may have stronger local site networks, but students still often propose their own placements |
| Best Fit For | Students balancing full-time work, those living outside major metro areas, or out-of-state residents | Students who want some peer and faculty interaction in person while keeping most study time remote | Students who prefer structured classroom learning and easy access to on-campus counseling labs and clinics |
Child Counseling Specializations at Pennsylvania Universities
Working with children and adolescents requires specialized training that goes well beyond a general clinical mental health curriculum, and several Pennsylvania counseling master's programs recognize this by offering dedicated concentrations or tracks. If you are exploring how to become a child counselor, understanding the difference between a named concentration and elective-based exposure is critical.
Programs With Named Child or Adolescent Concentrations
A handful of universities in the state build child-focused coursework directly into a formal concentration, meaning you graduate with transcript-level documentation of the specialization:
- Chestnut Hill College: The M.S. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology includes a Child and Adolescent Therapy concentration.1
- Arcadia University: The M.A. in Counseling offers a Child and Family Therapy concentration.2
- Commonwealth University: The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling features a Counseling Children and Adolescents concentration.3
- Elizabethtown College: The M.A. in Counseling Psychology provides a Child and Adolescent Counseling concentration.4
These named tracks typically bundle courses in developmental psychopathology, play therapy techniques, family systems work, and trauma-informed care for younger populations into a cohesive sequence. That structure matters when you later pursue specialty credentials or apply for positions in pediatric behavioral health settings.
Concentration vs. Elective Coursework
Not every program labels its child-focused offerings as a concentration. Lebanon Valley College, for example, identifies child and adolescent counseling as an area of expertise woven into its M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum rather than a standalone track.5 The practical difference is significant: a formal concentration guarantees a defined set of courses and often dedicated practicum hours, while elective-based exposure depends on course availability and your own initiative in selecting field placements. If working with young clients is your primary career goal, prioritize programs that name the specialization so you have a structured path from day one.
Credentials That Complement Your LPC
After completing your master's degree and earning Pennsylvania LPC licensure, you can layer on child-specific credentials. The Registered Play Therapist designation, awarded by the Association for Play Therapy, requires 150 hours of play therapy instruction and 350 hours of supervised play therapy experience. Programs that already include play therapy coursework give you a head start on those requirements. Other complementary certifications include the National Board for Certified Counselors' child and adolescent specialty credential and training in childhood trauma counseling approaches such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
When a Program Has No Named Child Track
Schools like Temple University, Lehigh University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Holy Family University do not offer a distinct child counseling concentration, but that does not mean child-focused training is off the table.6789 School counseling tracks at Lehigh and Penn center on PreK through 12 populations, and most clinical mental health programs allow you to select practicum and internship sites in school districts, pediatric hospitals, family service agencies, or community mental health centers that specialize in youth. If you attend one of these programs, be proactive: seek out elective courses in child development and family therapy, request child-centered supervision, and log hours that will count toward post-graduation credentials like the RPT.
The bottom line is that Pennsylvania offers genuine options for aspiring child counselors at every level of specialization, from fully structured concentrations to flexible clinical placements. Clarify your goals early so you can match them to a program that supports the career you actually want to build.
The Path to Pennsylvania LPC Licensure
Earning your Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Pennsylvania follows a structured sequence. Choosing a CACREP-accredited or licensure-aligned program ensures your coursework, practicum (100 hours), and internship (600 hours) satisfy state requirements from the start, reducing delays and extra coursework down the road.
Pennsylvania LPC Licensure Requirements and Program Alignment
Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania means completing a qualifying master's degree, passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE), and accruing 3,000 hours of supervised post-degree experience under a provisional license. The process is governed by the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, and recent updates clarify how telehealth and program choice shape your timeline.
Supervised Experience and the LAPC Provisional License
Before you can sit for the NCE, you must apply for the Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) credential.2 Holding the LAPC is a prerequisite for accumulating the required supervised clinical hours. The board mandates a total of 3,000 hours, with a minimum of 1,500 hours in direct client contact.3 That 50% split ensures you gain substantial face-to-face counseling skill.
Supervision follows a steady rhythm: at least two hours for every 40 hours of work, and at least half of that supervision must come from an LPC with five or more years of post-licensure experience.2 You can complete the hours in as few as two years, but you have up to six years to finish. Practically, candidates often work 30 to 40 hours per week for three months or 15 to 29 hours per week over six months to stay on track.4
Telehealth supervision is permitted when delivered through HIPAA-compliant live video, which broadens your supervisor options, especially if your clinical placement is in a rural or underserved area.4
How Program Choice Affects Your Licensure Timeline
Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program is the smoothest route. These programs already satisfy Pennsylvania's education requirements: a 60-credit curriculum, a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour internship.2 The board accepts CACREP credentials at face value, eliminating the need for a course-by-course transcript review.
If your master's is not CACREP-aligned, the board will scrutinize your transcripts to verify equivalency. Missing coursework or insufficient field experience can delay your application by months while you complete remediation. The ranked programs on our list that hold CACREP accreditation, including several online and hybrid options, are designed to meet Pennsylvania standards without extra hurdles. For a broader look at the credential itself, see our guide on licensed professional clinical counseling programs.
Pennsylvania Nuances: Endorsement and Neighboring States
Pennsylvania does not offer automatic license reciprocity. However, under Act 41, counselors licensed in another state can apply for endorsement if their credentials are substantially equivalent. This involves demonstrating education, supervised experience, and exam scores that match Pennsylvania's requirements. For counselors moving from New Jersey, New York, Delaware, or Ohio, the endorsement pathway is typical, but each application is reviewed individually, so plan for a few months of processing time.
Telehealth supervision is another Pennsylvania-specific advantage. It enables you to work with a qualified supervisor remotely, which can be a lifeline for candidates in online or hybrid programs who may not live near an approved supervisor.
Connecting Program Format to Clinical Placement
Among the programs featured in our ranking, online and hybrid models frequently offer dedicated clinical placement coordinators. These staff members help you secure practicum and internship sites that meet board supervision standards, reducing the guesswork. For instance, programs with strong community partnerships often have pre-approved sites where supervisors understand the LAPC hourly requirements and documentation. When evaluating a program, ask whether it maintains a database of placement sites and whether telehealth supervision is an accepted component of those arrangements.
Tuition, Costs, and ROI: What Pennsylvania Counseling Graduates Earn
The table below compares approximate institution-wide net prices, median graduate debt, and institution-level median earnings for Pennsylvania schools offering counseling-related programs. Net price figures reflect an approximate institution-wide average for all students receiving aid and are not a guaranteed quote for any individual graduate program. Program-level post-completion earnings are not yet available for these counseling programs, so we use institution-wide median earnings at 10 years as a proxy. For occupation-specific context, the BLS reports that substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Pennsylvania earned a median annual wage of $58,320 in 2024, while school and career counselors in the state earned $64,140. Among the schools listed, Shippensburg University stands out as the most affordable public option with the lowest net price ($23,726) and competitive graduate debt levels. Immaculata University and Saint Vincent College also offer strong value with net prices under $24,300 and moderate debt loads. The debt-to-earnings picture is most favorable at the University of Pennsylvania, where the median graduate debt of roughly $15,700 against institution-wide earnings of over $111,000 translates to a debt that represents just 14% of annual earnings. Even at programs where the ratio is less dramatic, graduates at most of these schools carry debt that falls well below one year of the PA median counselor salary, a healthy sign for long-term financial sustainability.
| Institution | Approx. Net Price (Institution-Wide) | Median Graduate Debt | Median Earnings (10 Yr, Institution-Wide) | Debt as % of Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | $28,699 | $15,715 | $111,371 | 14% |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | $23,726 | $25,000 | $56,351 | 44% |
| Saint Vincent College | $23,510 | $27,000 | $59,982 | 45% |
| Immaculata University | $24,258 | $27,000 | $75,701 | 36% |
| Gwynedd Mercy University | $27,483 | $25,000 | $67,145 | 37% |
| Lebanon Valley College | $26,979 | $27,000 | $62,621 | 43% |
| Thomas Jefferson University | $28,928 | $14,744 | $77,449 | 19% |
| Saint Joseph's University | $29,689 | $25,500 | $86,881 | 29% |
| Moravian University | $30,670 | $26,793 | $61,860 | 43% |
| Drexel University | $38,509 | $25,325 | $84,648 | 30% |
Across the ranked Pennsylvania programs, the median ratio of graduate debt to first-year earnings is a figure worth watching closely as you compare options. Several top-ranked programs pair a low net price with strong post-graduation earnings, proving that affordable does not mean low quality. Use that ratio as your personal benchmark when narrowing your shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Degrees in Pennsylvania
Choosing a counseling master's program in Pennsylvania involves weighing accreditation, cost, format, and licensure alignment. Below are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often, drawn from the data and analysis covered throughout this article.
- What are the best master's in counseling programs in Pennsylvania?
- Top-ranked programs include Duquesne University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Villanova University, among others highlighted in our ranked list above. The strongest programs combine CACREP accreditation, strong post-graduation employment rates, and competitive tuition. Our methodology section explains the specific criteria we used to evaluate and rank each program for 2026.
- How much does a master's in counseling cost in Pennsylvania?
- Tuition varies widely. Public universities such as Indiana University of Pennsylvania may charge around $13,000 to $16,000 per year for in-state students, while private institutions can exceed $30,000 annually. Total program costs typically range from roughly $30,000 to over $80,000 depending on the school, residency status, and program length. See the tuition and ROI table above for school-by-school figures.
- Can you get a master's in counseling online in Pennsylvania?
- Yes. Several Pennsylvania universities offer fully online or hybrid counseling master's programs. Edinboro University (now PennWest Edinboro) and Waynesburg University are among those with flexible online options. Most programs still require some in-person components, such as practicum and internship hours, to satisfy state licensure and CACREP standards. Our online and hybrid comparison section details available formats.
- Which Pennsylvania counseling programs are CACREP accredited?
- Pennsylvania has a strong selection of CACREP-accredited programs, including those at Duquesne University, the University of Pittsburgh, West Chester University, Marywood University, and several others. CACREP accreditation signals that a program meets nationally recognized training standards and can streamline the licensure process. A full list is provided in the CACREP section of this article.
- Are there child counseling master's programs in Pennsylvania?
- Yes. Programs at schools such as Arcadia University, La Salle University, and others offer specializations in child and adolescent counseling or play therapy. Some clinical mental health counseling programs allow students to select child-focused elective tracks. Our child counseling specializations section covers what each program offers and which credentials graduates are prepared to pursue.
- What are the LPC licensure requirements in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania requires a master's degree of at least 60 semester hours in a counseling-related field, 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (with at least 1,800 hours of direct client contact), and a passing score on the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs typically find the application process more straightforward.
- How long does it take to become a licensed professional counselor in PA?
- Most students complete a 60-credit master's program in two to three years of full-time study. After graduation, accumulating the required 3,000 supervised hours generally takes an additional two to three years working under supervision. In total, expect roughly four to six years from the start of graduate school to full LPC licensure, depending on your pace and employment setting.
More Pennsylvania Counseling Master's Programs to Consider
The following schools offer additional counseling master's and certificate programs across Pennsylvania. While they did not make our top 10 ranking, they provide strong options for students with specific preferences such as on-campus study, regional needs, or specialized concentrations.
Central Pennsylvania
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Addiction Counseling)
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Trauma-informed Counseling)
- Post Master's Certificate in School Counseling
- School Counseling (M.S.)
- Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Counseling Military Veterans and Their Families)
- Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Counseling Children and Adolescents)
- Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- Master of Arts - School Counseling (Elementary and Secondary)
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Arts in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Couple and Family Counseling, School Counseling)
Philadelphia Area
- Post-Master's Certificate in School Counseling
- Master's in School Counseling
- Master of Science in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
- Addictions Counseling Certificate
- Master of Science in School Counseling
- Master of Family Therapy (Trauma and Addiction)
- Master of Family Therapy (LGBT and Specific Populations)
- Counselor Education and Supervision, Ph.D.
- Behavioral & Health Services
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Professional School Counseling Program
- Master of Arts in Counseling
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