What you’ll learn in this article…
- Minnesota has five primary MFT programs, including COAMFTE accredited and state approved options in both online and on campus formats.
- LMFT licensure in Minnesota typically takes four to six years from the first day of graduate school.
- National MFT employment is projected to grow 13 percent between 2024 and 2034, well above the average for all occupations.
- Tuition varies widely between public and private institutions, so comparing net costs and available funding is essential before committing.
Minnesota's MFT programs range from roughly $12,000 to over $22,000 per year in tuition, with formats spanning fully online, hybrid, and traditional campus delivery. The state hosts both COAMFTE-accredited options and programs approved solely by the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, a distinction that affects licensure portability if you ever practice outside state lines.
Demand for licensed marriage and family therapists continues to climb statewide, but choosing the right program means weighing more than job prospects. Accreditation status, clinical placement networks, total credit requirements, and whether a program fits your schedule all shape outcomes. The sections ahead break down ranked programs, real costs, the LMFT supervision hours timeline, and what separates COAMFTE credentials from state approval.
Top MFT Programs in Minnesota for 2026
Minnesota offers a strong mix of MFT programs, from doctoral training rooted in research to practice-focused master's degrees with hybrid or fully online delivery. The five programs below represent the state's primary pathways to licensure as a marriage and family therapist. Each was evaluated on a composite of affordability, graduate outcomes, and institutional graduation rates, drawing on federal data and independent research to help you compare options on level ground. Where program-level earnings data is not yet available, we note that plainly so you can weigh what is known.
- Affordability and net price
- Graduate earnings outcomes
- Institutional graduation rates
- Accreditation and licensure alignment
- Clinical training depth
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities houses one of the state's most research-intensive MFT offerings: a PhD in Couple and Family Therapy built for students who already hold a clinical master's degree. With an institution-wide graduation rate of 85.3% and a median graduate debt of $19,500, it pairs strong completion metrics with manageable borrowing. Nationally recognized faculty guide a cohort-based experience blending quantitative and qualitative research methods with weekly clinical practice, and the program holds dual COAMFTE and IACSTE accreditation.
- COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited doctoral program
- Requires a completed clinical master's degree for admission
- Cohort-based model with integrated research training
- Weekly clinical practice builds hands-on competence
- Fellowships and assistantships provide financial support
- 95% of graduates report feeling prepared for research
- December 1 application deadline, 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prepares graduates for academia, supervision, or clinical leadership
PhD in Couple and Family Therapy — On-Campus
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota delivers a 48-credit Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy through a COAMFTE-accredited hybrid format that blends face-to-face sessions with online coursework. Graduate tuition is listed at $12,474 (the same for all students), with an estimated net price of $11,704, making it one of the more affordable routes in the state. The institution-wide median graduate debt sits at $21,500. Conditional admission is available for applicants with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0, and no GRE or MAT is required. Summer and fall start cohorts accommodate different pacing needs.
- COAMFTE accredited, 48 total credits required
- Hybrid delivery with face-to-face and online coursework
- 300 clinical client contact hours, 150 relational hours
- No GRE or MAT required for admission
- Conditional admission for applicants with 2.75 to 3.0 GPA
- Summer cohort offers Monday-night accelerated pacing
- Meets Minnesota Board of MFT educational requirements
- Prepares graduates for LMFT licensure with state portability
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy — Hybrid
Capella University
Capella University offers a fully online, COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy totaling 72 quarter credits. The program is priced at $512 per credit (estimated total $36,864 to $46,080 depending on transfer credits), with a median institutional graduate debt of $14,968. Note that the institution-wide graduation rate is 20%, reflecting Capella's large, non-traditional student body. Two required in-person residencies and four internship courses supervised by AAMFT-approved supervisors add clinical structure. State enrollment restrictions apply, so Minnesota residents should verify eligibility before applying.
- COAMFTE accredited, 72 quarter credits required
- Fully online with two required in-person residencies
- $512 per credit; no application fee
- No GRE or GMAT required; 2.5 GPA minimum
- Four internship courses with AAMFT-approved supervisors
- Up to 16 transfer credits accepted
- GuidedPath format with weekly assignments and discussions
- State enrollment restrictions may apply; verify eligibility
MS in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
University of St Thomas
The University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul offers a 66-credit Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a Family Psychology Concentration, specifically designed to meet Minnesota LMFT licensure requirements. The concentration adds 18 credits in family dynamics, marriage counseling, and family therapy to a strong counseling psychology core. With an institution-wide graduation rate of 76.4% and a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the program emphasizes close faculty interaction. Students choose from more than 90 practicum sites, including mental health clinics, schools, and hospitals, all supervised by licensed clinicians.
- 66 total credits; 18 dedicated to family psychology
- Meets LMFT licensure requirements in Minnesota
- Over 90 practicum site options across the Twin Cities
- Supervision by licensed clinicians at external agencies
- Fall or spring start dates available
- Covers ethics, psychopathology, diversity, and family systems
- Campus-based program on the Minneapolis campus
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Family Psychology Concentration — On-Campus
Adler Graduate School
Adler Graduate School in Minnetonka offers a 60-credit Master of Arts in Counseling with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling focus. The CACREP-accredited program can be completed in about two years full-time and requires 700 hours of field experience, including 300 direct service hours and 150 relational counseling hours. The curriculum is anchored in multicultural, trauma-informed, and social justice perspectives, with faculty mentorship woven throughout. Tuition is listed at $14,700. Note that institutional-level graduation rate, net price, and earnings data are not currently reported for this school.
- CACREP accredited, 60 total credits
- Completable in approximately two years full-time
- 700 hours of field experience required
- 300 direct client service hours, 150 relational hours
- 100-hour practicum plus 600-hour clinical internship
- Licensed supervisor oversight throughout fieldwork
- Multicultural, trauma-informed, and social justice focus
- Electronic portfolio capstone requirement
Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling — On-Campus
Minnesota MFT Programs at a Glance: Side-By-Side Comparison
The table below compares key cost, outcome, and format details for MFT programs at Minnesota schools. Keep in mind that net price is an institution-wide average drawn from federal data and reflects typical undergraduate aid packages; your actual graduate tuition bill will differ based on program-specific rates, financial aid, and enrollment status. Program-level earnings data shortly after completion is not yet available for these programs, so the table includes institution-wide median earnings at ten years post-entry as a broader reference point.
| School | Program | Credits | Format | Annual Tuition (In-State) | Annual Tuition (Out-of-State) | Inst. Net Price (Avg.) | Inst. Graduation Rate | Median Graduate Debt | Inst. Median Earnings (10 Yr.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | Ph.D. in Couple & Family Therapy | N/A (doctoral) | Campus | $22,017 | $33,249 | $16,778 | 85% | $19,500 | $69,020 |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy | 48 semester credits | Hybrid | $12,474 | $12,474 | $11,704 | 66% | $21,500 | $58,170 |
| Capella University | M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy | 72 quarter credits | Online | $15,092 | $15,092 | $17,956 | 20% | $14,968 | $42,189 |
| University of St. Thomas | M.A. in Counseling Psychology (Family Psychology) | 66 semester credits | Campus | $21,151 | $21,151 | $29,155 | 76% | $23,250 | $73,739 |
| Adler Graduate School | M.A. in Counseling: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling | 60 semester credits | Campus | $14,700 | $14,700 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Coamfte-Accredited Vs. State-Approved Programs: What It Actually Means for You
When you map out your path to becoming a marriage and family therapist, you'll quickly encounter a fork in the road: programs that carry COAMFTE accreditation and those approved solely by the state board. The distinction may seem technical, but it shapes everything from your clinical training hours to your ability to practice across state lines.
What COAMFTE Accreditation Means
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) sets a national gold standard for MFT graduate programs. These programs undergo rigorous peer review and must meet strict curriculum, faculty, and clinical experience benchmarks. Graduating from a COAMFTE-accredited program signals to employers and licensing boards that your training aligns with the highest industry expectations. To find accredited programs in Minnesota, visit the COAMFTE website and use the "Find a Program" directory to search by state and degree level. The directory is the definitive source and updates regularly.
How State-Approved Programs Differ
The Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy maintains its own list of state-approved programs. These programs satisfy Minnesota's educational requirements for LMFT licensure but have not pursued or obtained COAMFTE accreditation. While they can be a solid choice for someone committed to practicing only in Minnesota, they may lack the portability and national recognition that come with accreditation. You can find the current list on the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy website. Always confirm a program's status directly with the school, as approval lists can change.
Licensure Portability: Why It Matters Up Front
Your choice of program can affect your career mobility. COAMFTE accreditation is recognized by most state licensing boards, making it significantly easier to transfer your license if you move. In contrast, a state-approved-only program may require additional coursework or supervision when applying for licensure in another state. The Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) offers resources on interstate portability, but you should always check with the licensing board in any state where you might practice. Even if you plan to stay in Minnesota now, life circumstances change, and a nationally accredited degree keeps doors open.
Steps to Verify a Program's Accreditation Status
- Official directories: Start with the COAMFTE website for accredited programs and the Minnesota licensing board site for state approvals.
- Admissions office: Contact programs directly and ask: "Is your program currently COAMFTE-accredited?" and "What percentage of graduates pass the national MFT exam and get licensed in their target state?"
- Licensure check: Before enrolling, confirm with the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy that the program meets all educational requirements and with the AMFTRB about portability to other states you may consider.
BLS wage data is useful for gauging your earning potential, but it won't tell you which programs smooth the path to licensure. Prioritize accreditation and licensure alignment early, and you'll save time and money down the road.
Questions to Ask Yourself
The Road to LMFT Licensure in Minnesota: A Step-By-Step Timeline
From your first day of graduate school to holding your LMFT license, the full journey in Minnesota typically spans four to six years. Here is how each phase breaks down so you can plan realistically.
What MFT Programs Cost in Minnesota, and How to Pay for Them
Public university tuition versus private institution costs represent the first financial fork in the road for prospective MFT students, and the gap can be substantial. Understanding the full picture of program expenses and funding sources will help you plan realistically for your graduate education.
Tuition Varies Widely by Institution
Minnesota's MFT programs range from more affordable options at public universities to higher-cost private programs. The University of Minnesota's Couple and Family Therapy program, for example, offers funding options including assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships that can significantly offset tuition costs.1 Saint Mary's University, as a private institution, has more limited graduate grant options, making it essential to explore external funding early in your planning process.2 Always check each program's official website for current tuition rates and internal scholarship opportunities, as these figures update frequently.
Federal Loans: Your Primary Funding Tool
Graduate students pursuing MFT degrees can access federal student loans through the FAFSA. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to all graduate students regardless of financial need.3 For costs that exceed these loan limits, Grad PLUS Loans cover up to the full cost of attendance.3 The Minnesota Office of Higher Education uses the FAFSA as its primary application for state financial aid, so filing early opens multiple doors.
Note that major state grants have limitations for graduate students. The Minnesota State Grant and North Star Promise Scholarship programs do not extend eligibility to graduate-level study as of 2025-2026.5 Veterans and eligible dependents may qualify for the Minnesota GI Bill, which provides up to $1,000 for full-time students or $500 for part-time enrollment per year.6
Loan Forgiveness and Workforce Programs
The Health Resources and Services Administration offers behavioral health workforce grants and loan repayment programs worth exploring. Filter their database by state and discipline to identify programs where MFT students or recent graduates may qualify. Therapists who commit to working in underserved communities as mental health counselors after graduation may also benefit from state-administered loan forgiveness programs.
Professional Association Resources
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the Minnesota Marriage and Family Therapy Association maintain scholarship information and funding leads for students in the field. Reaching out directly to these organizations often surfaces opportunities not widely advertised elsewhere. More broadly, students exploring adjacent counseling degrees should compare funding packages across program types, since financial aid structures can vary significantly by specialization.
Online and Hybrid MFT Options for Minnesota Residents
Not every MFT student can attend classes on a traditional campus five days a week, and Minnesota programs reflect that reality. The state's MFT landscape includes fully online, hybrid, and on-campus formats, each with meaningful trade-offs. One critical point applies across all three: even fully online programs require in-person clinical practicum hours, so you will need to secure a local placement site regardless of how your coursework is delivered.
| Format | Minnesota Programs | COAMFTE Accredited? | Scheduling Flexibility | Practicum and Clinical Placement | Peer Cohort Experience | Typical Tuition (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus | University of Minnesota Twin Cities (Ph.D.), University of St Thomas (M.A.), Adler Graduate School (M.A.) | U of M: Yes. St Thomas and Adler: No (CACREP accredited or state approved). | Least flexible. Fixed class schedules, often daytime, with required on-site participation. | Arranged through the program's clinical network. St Thomas, for example, partners with over 90 practicum sites in the Twin Cities area. | Strongest. Daily in-person interaction with classmates and faculty fosters close professional relationships. | $14,700 to $22,017 (varies by school) |
| Hybrid | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (M.A.) | Yes | Moderate. Combines online coursework with periodic on-site sessions, well suited for working professionals. | Students must complete 300 clinical contact hours, arranged locally. The blended format lets you balance coursework around placement schedules. | Moderate. In-person residency sessions build connections, though day-to-day interaction is largely virtual. | Approximately $12,474 |
| Online | Capella University (M.S.) | Yes | Most flexible. Coursework is completed online with two required in-person residency courses built into the program. | Students must arrange local practicum and internship sites on their own, supervised by AAMFT-approved supervisors. This is the biggest logistical challenge for online learners. | Most limited. Weekly discussions and assignments create some community, but the 41:1 student-to-faculty ratio means less individualized interaction. | Approximately $15,092 |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 13 percent nationally between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. That growth translates to strong long-term demand for trained MFTs entering the field.
MFT Salaries and Job Demand in Minnesota
State licensing boards and private practice salaries tell very different stories about what MFTs earn. Understanding both ends of that spectrum, along with local labor market conditions, helps you set realistic expectations before you commit to a program.
What BLS Data Says About Minnesota
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program tracks marriage and family therapists under SOC code 21-1013. The most recent BLS data shows a national median annual wage for MFTs of approximately $58,510, but that figure covers the entire country and should not be treated as a Minnesota-specific number.
For Minnesota figures, the BLS publishes state- and metro-level breakdowns through its OES program. At the time this article was written, Minnesota-specific median wage data for this occupation was not separately published in a way that allows precise citation here. We encourage you to visit the BLS OES data tool directly, filter by Minnesota and by the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan statistical area, and review the current median, 25th percentile, and 75th percentile wages for SOC 21-1013. Those figures are updated annually and will reflect the most current snapshot of what licensed therapists in the Twin Cities region are earning.
Minnesota DEED Projections
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) publishes occupational employment projections for the state. MFTs sometimes fall under broader mental health or social service categories in state-level projections, so it is worth checking DEED's Occupational Projections tool directly for the most current data on expected job growth in this field. Demand for mental health services across Minnesota has grown steadily in recent years, and that trend has generally supported employment for licensed therapists in both metro and outstate settings.
Beyond the Median: What Shapes Your Earnings
Several factors push individual MFT salaries above or below any median figure:
- Setting: Community mental health centers typically offer lower base salaries than hospital systems or private group practices.
- Licensure status: Pre-licensed associates earn less than fully licensed LMFTs, sometimes significantly so during the supervised hours phase. If you are still exploring the path to licensure, our guide on how to become a marriage and family therapist covers the full timeline.
- Specialization: Therapists with training in evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, EFT, or trauma-focused CBT often command higher fees in private practice.
- Geography: Twin Cities metro employers generally offer higher wages than rural Minnesota agencies, though rural positions sometimes include loan repayment incentives.
Getting Program-Level Outcome Data
National and state medians are useful context, but the most relevant numbers for your decision are placement rates and starting salaries for graduates of the specific programs you are considering. Contact admissions offices at Minnesota programs directly and ask for graduate outcome data. Professional associations such as the AAMFT also periodically publish salary surveys that can supplement publicly available government data.
What to Prioritize When Picking an MFT Program
How do you know which MFT program is the right fit when cost and ranking alone don't tell the whole story?
Choosing a marriage and family therapy program means looking beyond the tuition line and the program's spot on a list. The right program aligns with your licensure plans, clinical interests, and the realities of your life right now. Here's what to weigh carefully.
Accreditation and Licensure: Why It's Non-Negotiable
In Minnesota, two paths lead to LMFT licensure: COAMFTE-accredited programs and state-approved programs that meet Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy standards. COAMFTE accreditation carries national portability and can streamline the licensure process if you ever move out of state. State-approved programs, however, are designed specifically for Minnesota's requirements and often have strong local practicum networks. If you plan to practice in Minnesota long-term, both can work, but know that COAMFTE is the gold standard recognized across state lines. Verify each program's status before applying.
Training Approach and Clinical Opportunities
Look beyond the program's name to its theoretical backbone. Some programs emphasize systemic and relational models, while others integrate evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, or narrative therapy. Ask how these orientations shape coursework and supervision. If your goal is to work primarily with couples, researching how to become a couples counselor can help you evaluate whether a program's clinical training aligns with that path. Equally important is the practicum experience: a program's network of clinical sites determines where you'll get hands-on hours. A small cohort can mean more personalized faculty attention and closer mentorship, while a larger program might offer wider site options. Find the balance that matches your learning style.
Scheduling and Practicum Logistics
Many candidates are already working in related fields or managing family responsibilities. Check whether the program offers evening or weekend classes, part-time enrollment tracks, and summer sessions. Practicum placements often require daytime availability, so clarify early whether the program can accommodate your schedule. A program that's flexible on paper but rigid about practicum hours can create unnecessary stress.
Specializations and Career Alignment
Not all MFT degrees are built the same. Some programs in Minnesota offer concentration tracks in child and adolescent therapy, trauma-focused work, or substance abuse treatment. Students drawn to substance abuse work should also explore addiction counseling programs in Minnesota for complementary credentials. If you have a clear clinical focus, look for built-in specialization rather than assuming you'll cobble it together through electives. Aligning your program's strengths with your career goals will serve you far better than chasing a brand name or modest cost savings. In the end, the best program is the one that sets you up for the work you actually want to do.
Commonly Asked Questions About MFT Programs in Minnesota
Choosing an MFT program raises a lot of practical questions, from licensure steps to cost and format. Below are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often, drawn from current Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy requirements and program details covered earlier in this guide.
