Most Affordable Master’s Degree in Counseling Programs Near Nashville, Tennessee

Freed-Hardeman University's Master of Science in School Counseling provides an affordable and accelerated pathway to professional licensure. With a cost-effective $665 per credit hour and a compact 37-credit curriculum, students can complete the program in just two years. The hybrid learning format allows working professionals flexibility, while integrating Christian principles with advanced counseling techniques. Graduates are well-prepared for K-12 school counseling roles, gaining Tennessee licensure eligibility through comprehensive coursework and practical field experiences. The program's professional faculty and web-conferenced classes offer an accessible and budget-friendly educational opportunity for aspiring school counselors.

• 37 credit hours total
• Hybrid learning format
• Tennessee school counselor licensure
• Full-time or part-time options
• Christian faith integration
• Cost per credit: $665
• Flexible web-conference classes
• Professional experienced faculty
• Two-year completion time

Lipscomb University's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy represents an affordable, comprehensive pathway to professional counseling, with tuition at $962 per credit hour. The COAMFTE-accredited 60-credit program distinguishes itself through extensive 300-hour clinical experiences and a cohort-based two-year model. Students benefit from specialized training in systemic therapeutic approaches, developing cultural competence and skills to support diverse family dynamics. No GRE is typically required, and assistantships are available, making this program financially accessible for aspiring marriage and family therapists seeking rigorous, hands-on training in Nashville.

• 60-credit hour comprehensive curriculum
• COAMFTE accredited program
• 300 hours clinical training
• Two-year cohort model
• $962 per credit hour
• Nashville, Tennessee location
• Specialization options available
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Fall 2025 deadline: March 1
• Assistantships available

Lipscomb University's School Counseling program offers an affordable hybrid education model with competitive tuition starting at $953 per credit hour. The flexible program provides Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees, emphasizing cultural mediation and career development strategies. With no GRE generally required and a 25% in-service educator discount, the program reduces financial barriers. Students gain comprehensive training through practicums and internships, preparing to support students' academic and career trajectories across educational levels. Multiple scholarship opportunities further enhance the program's accessibility for aspiring school counselors.

• Hybrid online and in-person format
• 44-38 credit hour program
• $953 per credit hour
• No GRE generally required
• 25% in-service educator discount
• Practicum and internship opportunities
• Focus on college access strategies
• Multiple scholarship opportunities
• Located in Nashville, Tennessee

Lipscomb University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers an economical pathway to professional counseling at $962 per credit hour. The CACREP-accredited 2.5-year program provides specialized tracks in play therapy and addiction counseling, ensuring versatile skill development. With a 100% licensure exam pass rate and small class sizes, students receive personalized mentorship through 750 clinical supervised hours. The program's affordability, combined with comprehensive training in ethical practice and cultural humility, makes it an attractive option for students seeking quality mental health counseling education in Nashville.

• CACREP-accredited counseling program
• Two specialized tracks available
• 100% licensure exam pass rate
• 750 clinical supervised hours
• Small class sizes
• 2.5-year in-person program
• 61 total credit hours
• $962 per credit tuition
• Faith-based educational approach
• Multiple internship site options

Lipscomb University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Addiction Concentration provides an affordable, specialized pathway to dual licensing as an LPC-MHSP. Priced at $962 per credit hour, the CACREP-accredited program offers comprehensive training in addressing complex mental health and addiction challenges. With a 100% job placement rate and 750 clinical supervised hours, students develop advanced skills through a faith-based, academically rigorous curriculum. The 2.5-year program's competitive pricing, combined with specialized addiction training, creates an accessible route for students seeking impactful counseling careers in Nashville.

• CACREP-accredited program
• Addiction specialization option
• 61 credit hours total
• 2.5 year in-person program
• 100% job placement rate
• $962 per credit hour
• 750 clinical supervised hours
• Faith-based counseling approach
• Nashville campus location
• Multiple specialization tracks

Lipscomb University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Play Therapy Concentration provides an affordable, specialized educational experience at $962 per credit hour. The CACREP-accredited program prepares students for Registered Play Therapist certification through intensive, hands-on learning. With 750 clinical experience hours, small class sizes, and a 100% job placement rate, students receive comprehensive training in child-centered therapeutic approaches. The program's faith-based curriculum, combined with competitive tuition and multiple internship opportunities, makes it an attractive, financially accessible option for aspiring mental health counselors specializing in play therapy.

• CACREP-accredited program
• Play Therapy specialization offered
• 750 clinical experience hours
• 100% LPC exam pass rate
• $962 per credit hour
• 2.5 year in-person program
• 61 total credit hours
• First faith-based program in TN
• Multiple internship site options
• 100% job placement rate

Trevecca Nazarene University offers an exceptional Master of Marriage and Family Counseling program that stands out for its affordability and comprehensive training. With a competitive tuition rate of $775 per credit hour, students can complete a CACREP-accredited 60-credit curriculum designed to prepare professional counselors for licensure. The program's affordability stems from its efficient credit structure and competitive per-credit pricing. Students benefit from small class sizes, hands-on internship experiences with over 60 partner agencies, and a curriculum focused on developing advanced therapeutic skills. The program recommends a GRE score of 290 and maintains a minimum 2.7 GPA requirement, ensuring high-quality candidate selection while keeping educational costs accessible.

• 60-credit CACREP accredited program
• Prepares for LPC-MHSP/LMFT licensure
• $775 per credit hour
• Total tuition: $46,500
• On-campus face-to-face format
• 60+ internship agency partners
• Small class collaborative learning
• 2.7 GPA minimum requirement
• GRE score of 290 recommended
• Three annual admission cycles

Austin Peay State University's School Counseling program offers an affordable graduate pathway for aspiring educators seeking comprehensive professional training. As a CACREP-accredited program, it provides cost-effective preparation with low in-state tuition rates and extensive practical experiences. The curriculum uniquely balances theoretical knowledge with 120-hour practicum and 600-hour internship opportunities, ensuring students develop robust skills in student mental health support. Tennessee residents benefit from competitive pricing, potential state-based financial aid, and direct alignment with local educational licensing requirements. The program's military-friendly status and diverse faculty further enhance its value proposition for students seeking an economical yet high-quality counseling education.

• CACREP-accredited program
• 120-hour practicum included
• 600-hour internship experience
• Meets Tennessee licensing requirements
• Diverse faculty research interests
• 8 core counseling curriculum areas
• Career growth potential
• Supports elementary through high school

Austin Peay State University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides an economically strategic pathway for professionals entering mental health careers. With projected 23% job growth and comprehensive training across diverse therapeutic settings, the program offers significant return on educational investment. The curriculum's affordability is enhanced by in-state tuition rates, extensive 100-hour practicum, and 600-hour internship experiences. Students receive CACREP-aligned training covering critical mental health interventions, positioning graduates for careers in community agencies, hospitals, and private practices. Military-friendly policies and diverse faculty research expertise further contribute to the program's exceptional value and accessibility.

• CACREP-aligned core curriculum
• 100-hour practicum experience
• 600-hour clinical internship
• Diverse mental health settings
• 23% job growth projected
• Multiple specialized coursework options
• Faculty with diverse research expertise

Tennessee State University's Pre-K-12 School Counseling master's program offers an affordable educational pathway for aspiring school counselors, particularly notable for its competitive tuition as a public HBCU institution. The program uniquely prepares culturally competent professionals to support students' academic, personal, and career development across Pre-K-12 settings. With a minimum 2.75 GPA requirement and flexible GRE/MAT entrance exam options, students gain advanced counseling skills focused on recognizing individual strengths and supporting diverse student populations. The curriculum emphasizes prevention strategies and multicultural perspectives, positioning graduates to effectively collaborate with students, teachers, and parents in educational environments.

• Pre-K-12 School Counseling concentration
• Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
• No teacher's license required
• Culturally aware counseling approach
• Supports diverse student populations

Tennessee State University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program provides an economically accessible route for students seeking comprehensive mental health professional training. As a public HBCU, the university offers competitive tuition rates for this rigorous two-year program. Students explore advanced counseling techniques, professional ethics, and multicultural psychological perspectives through flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks. The curriculum integrates practical experiences via practicum and internship opportunities, enabling students to develop sophisticated clinical assessment and intervention skills. With evening and part-time options, the program accommodates diverse student needs while preparing graduates for impactful careers in complex mental health settings.

• Two-year full-time program
• Evening and part-time options
• Practicum and internship experiences
• Thesis and non-thesis tracks
• Comprehensive counseling curriculum
• Multicultural counseling focus
• Professional ethics training
• Advanced clinical skills development

Belmont University's Master of Arts in School Counseling offers an affordable, comprehensive program preparing professionals to support student development in pre-K through 12th-grade environments. With a 100% Praxis Exam pass rate and online delivery format featuring periodic intensives, students can balance professional and academic commitments. The program satisfies Tennessee's school counselor licensure requirements, providing robust training in student assessment, intervention strategies, and holistic support techniques. Affordability is enhanced by flexible online learning, reducing relocation and commuting expenses while maintaining high-quality educational standards.

• 100% Praxis Exam Pass Rate
• Online Program with Intensives
• Tennessee School Counselor Licensure
• 60 Credit Hour Comprehensive Program
• Professional Practicum Experience

Belmont University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program delivers exceptional value through its comprehensive 60-credit curriculum preparing students for professional licensure. With a 100% National Counseling Exam pass rate and CACREP accreditation, students receive high-quality training at a competitive cost. The program's Nashville-based experiences and spiritually affirming approach distinguish it from traditional counseling programs. Affordable features include extensive clinical practice hours, diverse faculty expertise, and flexible on-campus instruction that minimizes additional training expenses while providing robust professional preparation.

• 60-credit hour program
• CACREP accredited program
• 100% NCE exam pass rate
• 700 clinical practice hours
• Multiple specialty tracks
• On-campus instruction
• Spiritually affirming approach
• Diverse faculty
• Nashville-based experiences

Belmont University's Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling concentration offers an economically strategic master's program preparing students for LMFT licensure. The 60-credit curriculum provides hands-on practicum experiences and practical skills development at a competitive price point. By focusing on social and relational contexts, students gain comprehensive training that maximizes professional opportunities. On-campus instruction and diverse faculty expertise ensure high-quality education without excessive costs, making this program an attractive option for aspiring marital and family therapists seeking affordable, comprehensive professional training.

• 60 credit hour program.
• Prepares for LMFT licensure.
• Holistic therapy approach.
• Includes practicum and internship.
• On-campus instruction.
• Diverse faculty expertise.
• Focus on social and relational contexts.
• Ethical and compassionate care.
• Practical skills development.
• Prepares for diverse counseling settings.

Belmont University's Clinical Pastoral Therapy concentration presents an affordable pathway for students seeking spiritually-informed mental health counseling training. The 60-credit program blends rigorous scientific preparation with compassionate care, offering exceptional value through CACREP accreditation and extensive clinical experience. With 700 clock hours of practical training and multiple specialty tracks, students can pursue diverse career paths economically. The program's on-campus instruction and Tennessee licensure preparation make it a cost-effective option for those wanting to integrate psychological expertise with spiritual perspectives in counseling practice.

• 60-credit hour master's program
• Spiritually affirming psychotherapy
• Multiple specialty tracks available
• CACREP accredited program
• On-campus instruction method
• 700 clock hours clinical experience
• Tennessee licensure preparation
• Diverse faculty with clinical experience

Vanderbilt University's School Counseling concentration within their Human Development Counseling M.Ed. program offers an exceptional pathway for aspiring educational professionals. This affordable program leverages its competitive tuition and robust financial aid options to reduce student expenses. The comprehensive 60-credit curriculum uniquely prepares students through extensive practical training, including a full-year internship across diverse school environments. Students develop advanced counseling techniques, learn crisis intervention strategies, and gain expertise in supporting varied student populations. With a remarkable 100% job placement rate and exam passing record, the program emphasizes ethical practices, career development skills, and specialized educational psychology coursework. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, with no mandatory standardized entrance exam.

• 60-credit hour program
• Full-year school internship
• 100% job placement rate
• Campus-based instruction
• Comprehensive counseling curriculum
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Diverse specialized coursework
• Ethical counseling practices focus

Vanderbilt University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling track presents a strategically designed master's program that combines affordability with comprehensive professional training. By offering competitive tuition rates and potential graduate assistantships, the program makes advanced mental health education accessible. The 60-credit-hour curriculum provides an intensive three-semester internship across multiple clinical settings, including mental health centers and integrated behavioral health programs. Students receive supervised practical experience, preparing them for diverse counseling roles. With a stellar 99% job placement rate and 100% credentialing exam pass rate, the program equips graduates with sophisticated clinical skills. Admission emphasizes a holistic review process, with no mandatory standardized entrance exam requirement.

• 60-credit hour comprehensive program
• Three-semester supervised internship
• 100% credentialing exam pass rate
• Multiple mental health setting placements
• 99% job placement success
• Diverse clinical course offerings
• Expert faculty research focus
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement