7 Affordable Master’s Degree in Counseling Options in Nebraska for 2025

Want to earn a counseling degree without spending too much? Nebraska’s educational institutions have excellent options that match your budget. The career outlook looks promising with a projected 23% job market growth.

Expert reviews of 9 Nebraska schools offering counseling psychology master’s degrees in 2024 placed University of Nebraska at the top. Students can choose from several budget-friendly master’s degree programs in counseling. To name just one example, Chadron State College charges graduate in-state tuition between $5,100 and $7,700. University of Nebraska at Kearney’s programs cost between $6,300 and $9,400 for in-state students. Online master’s degree programs also give working professionals the flexibility they need.

These programs give you the essential research skills, theoretical knowledge, and intervention strategies. The affordable Nebraska programs build a strong foundation that helps you support individuals, groups, and families dealing with mental health challenges.

University of Nebraska at Kearney

The University of Nebraska at Kearney stands out as a leading institution that offers specialized master’s degree counseling programs through their Department of Counseling, School Psychology and Family Science. The curriculum follows a field-based scientist/practitioner model that prepares graduates to make evidence-based decisions in their future careers.

Program Overview

UNK’s two distinct counseling pathways help match your career goals. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program gives you the skills to provide detailed mental health services in community agencies, treatment centers, and private practice. CMHC graduates have excellent job prospects, with projected growth of 23% from 2016 to 2026. They can expect competitive pay, with Nebraska’s average annual salary reaching $56,070 as of May 2017.

School Counseling program graduates work directly with students and provide both academic guidance and responsive services. The field continues to grow by a lot, with job opportunities expected to increase by 13% from 2016 to 2026. School counselors earned a median annual wage of $55,410 as of May 2017.

Both programs emphasize:

• Understanding guidance curricula and intervention techniques
• Developing culturally competent counseling approaches
• Learning ethical practices and professional standards
• Getting hands-on experience through supervised field placements

Accreditation & Licensure

UNK’s counseling programs meet strict quality standards through rigorous accreditation. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) and its international affiliate, the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP). The School Counseling program holds national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

These accreditations help ensure high educational standards and prepare students for certification exams. CMHC graduates can take the National Counselor Exam (NCE), National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (CMHCE), and qualify for state licensure as a Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) or Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP). School Counseling graduates become eligible for Nebraska School Counselor Endorsement after passing the Praxis School Counselor Assessment.

UNK’s programs meet Nebraska’s licensure requirements, though these vary by state. Students from other states should check with the department chair or certification officer about their home state’s requirements.

Format & Flexibility

UNK combines online learning with essential in-person components in their blended program formats. School Counseling student Claire Nelson shares: “My program’s blended, so some classes, like clinical classes, are in person, but the other classes are online or blended…The online classes are nice because I’m able to work at my own pace”.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program runs 2/3 online/blended and 1/3 on-campus. Students get flexibility while ensuring quality hands-on training. Some courses require campus attendance, especially those that teach practical counseling skills:

• CSP 850P – Introduction to Counseling and Social Advocacy
• CSP 855 – Techniques of Counseling
• CSP 859 – Diagnosis and Treatment
• CSP 865 – Group Counseling
• Practicum and Internship courses

CMHC student Sawyer Quinn confirms the program’s manageable nature: “I feel like it’s doable for sure. Everyone I know (in the program) usually has jobs and I think I can balance it pretty well”.

Tuition & Affordability

UNK proudly calls itself “the Most Affordable Nebraska University”. The 2025-2026 graduate tuition rates for online courses in the College of Education are:

• In-state: $354 per credit hour
• Non-resident: $500 per credit hour

Students pay additional fees:

• Distance Education Fee: $35 per credit hour
• Library Fee: $8.25 per credit hour
• Technology Fee: $15 per credit hour
• Student Records Fee: $4 per semester

Full-time graduate students taking 24 credits yearly pay approximately $7,352 in tuition and fees. This investment pays off well – professionals with master’s degrees earn 16% more than those with bachelor’s degrees.

UNK offers better value compared to other Nebraska schools. The total costs for 2025-2026 ($21,438) beat University of Nebraska Omaha ($23,159), University of Nebraska Lincoln ($25,300), and private schools like Creighton University ($65,413).

Creighton University

Creighton University, built on Jesuit principles, offers a unique master’s degree in counseling. The program focuses on compassion, relationship-building, and reflection. Students graduate ready to meet the growing demand for qualified counseling professionals in Nebraska’s schools and beyond.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in School Counseling at Creighton teaches more than just administrative aspects. It instills Jesuit values that improve your skills as a future counselor. You’ll learn through hands-on, project-based experiences and develop skills to help students with various challenges—from bullying and self-esteem issues to relationship problems and substance use.

Students can choose from three specialization paths:

• Elementary School Counseling
• Secondary School Counseling
• PK-12 Guidance Counseling

The curriculum follows standards from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national model, which ensures your education meets industry standards. Your first year covers the basics: counseling ethics, theoretical orientation, and group facilitation techniques. The second year lets you gain practical experience through internships and specialized coursework.

A key feature is the required 600-hour internship that meets Nebraska’s school counseling certification requirements. Students from other states need to check their local certification requirements and work with advisors to meet those standards.

Accreditation & Licensure

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredits Creighton University, proving the quality of its educational programs. The university also takes part in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which helps offer online courses across 49 states and Washington D.C..

Professional licensure requirements differ by state. Creighton makes no promises about how its academic programs match state-established requirements beyond educational criteria. Students should check with the appropriate licensing agencies in states where they plan to practice.

International students need to verify if the program meets academic credential requirements in their target employment countries.

Format & Flexibility

The School Counseling master’s program runs completely online, perfect for busy professionals. The virtual format creates an engaging learning space through thoughtful course design.

Students attend classes via Zoom that build relationships between classmates and instructors. As Dr. Powers explains, “It’s online, but everyone is face to face on the screen focused on each other. We use breakout rooms to work together and exercise counseling techniques in small groups”.

Students come from across the country and overseas, bringing diverse viewpoints. Dr. Powers adds, “You don’t just learn in your school. You learn what people are doing in other schools, which makes it a very broad-based and engaging curriculum”.

Tara O’Malley, a recent graduate, shared her experience: “The MS in School Counseling was not only incredibly convenient for its remote flexibility, but the program was also supportive and compassionate”.

Tuition & Affordability

The 2024-2025 academic year costs for Creighton’s School Counseling master’s program include:

• Tuition: $626 per credit hour
• University Fees:
  • $165 (1-6 credit hours per semester)
  • $329 (7-8 credit hours per semester)
  • $720 (9+ credit hours per semester)
• Technology Fees:
  • $70 (1-6 credit hours per semester)
  • $138 (7-8 credit hours per semester)
  • $308 (9+ credit hours per semester)
• Optional Student Health Insurance: $1,896 per semester

A typical academic year with 12 credit hours (6 per semester) costs about $7,982 in tuition and basic fees. The total cost for 2025-2026, including housing, books, and travel, comes to around $36,489.

The program saw a high acceptance rate of 98% in 2019-2020, accepting 78 out of 80 applicants, with 53 students enrolling. Women make up 86% of students, and 87% identify as White or Caucasian.

The program costs more than some public schools but offers great value. You’ll get a complete education, flexible learning options, and strong job prospects in school counseling.

Concordia University-Nebraska

Concordia University-Nebraska started as a teacher’s college in 1894. The university brings more than a century of educational expertise to its counseling programs. This rich heritage strengthens its dedication to offering budget-friendly yet complete degree options in counseling for Nebraska residents and beyond.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in School Counseling program teaches you to become an effective champion for PreK-12 students. The curriculum matches the American School Counseling Association’s (ASCA) National Model and school counselor competencies. You’ll develop skills in three crucial areas:

• Academic development, college and career readiness
• Social and emotional development
• Risk assessment and intervention strategies

You’ll get practical experience through structured field work: a 100-hour practicum and a 450-hour supervised internship. The internship splits between PK-6 grade level (225 hours) and 7-12 grade level (225 hours). This hands-on training pairs with courses in counseling theories, working with diverse populations, group counseling, and trauma intervention.

Students without teaching backgrounds can take Track 2. This option adds courses in literacy assessment, curriculum design, behavior management, and special education foundations. Track 2 needs 12 extra credits beyond the standard 50-credit program.

Accreditation & Licensure

The Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits Concordia University-Nebraska. The university’s education programs, including School Counseling, earned full accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) in 2022 with zero areas needing improvement.

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) first accredited these education programs in 1961. This long history shows Concordia’s commitment to high educational standards across its programs.

Format & Flexibility

The master’s degree in counseling runs fully online through an asynchronous learning environment. You can finish coursework on your schedule without coming to campus. You’ll still be part of a shared learning community in each course.

The program offers relaxed 8-week courses. You can take one course at a time. This setup helps busy professionals balance their work, family, and education. Dr. Lorinda Sankey, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, notes that educators “are being pulled in many directions between their work, home and social lives”.

Tuition & Affordability

Concordia stands out as Nebraska’s most budget-friendly online master’s in education. Nebraska residents pay a special rate of $340 per credit hour. This makes it an incredibly affordable online masters degree in counseling.

The Lutheran Guarantee extends this reduced rate to:

• LCMS congregation members
• Lutheran school, church, or entity employees
• Concordia University System school alumni

Others pay the standard rate of $475 per credit hour. The 50-credit program costs between $17,000-$23,750, depending on your special rate eligibility.

Full-time online students should plan for extra costs. These include roughly $8,458 for housing and food, $1,445 for books and supplies, and $1,812 for personal expenses each year.

Bellevue University

Bellevue University stands out with its master’s degree in counseling program. The program strikes a perfect balance between academic excellence and real-life practice. This Nebraska-based institution excels at mental health education and makes quality education available to students.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSCMHC) at Bellevue University gives you a 60-credit hour program that helps you get mental health licensure. The curriculum matches national licensing standards and prepares you to provide mental health services to clients of all types.

The program helps students succeed through:

• Competency-based knowledge and skills development
• Adherence to professional standards
• Commitment to life-long learning
• Service to diverse client populations

You’ll build expertise in psychopathology, human development, group counseling, and multicultural competence during your studies. The program has mandatory hands-on training:

• 100 hours of practicum experience
• 600 hours of clinical internship

Licensed counseling professionals supervise these hands-on requirements. This gives you valuable real-life experience and helps you build your professional network.

Accreditation & Licensure

The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Bellevue University. The MSCMHC program earned specialized accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in June 2017. This shows the program’s high standards.

More states now want graduates from CACREP-accredited programs for counseling licensure. Bellevue prepares students for primary counseling licensure, but requirements differ by state. You should check the state-by-state licensure information on the university’s website before applying.

Students seeking licensure outside Nebraska should verify their state’s specific requirements. The university guides students but only guarantees meeting educational criteria for licensure.

Format & Flexibility

The counseling program runs mostly online, which works well for working professionals. Some parts need in-person attendance:

From June 2026, students must take two introductory, non-credit residency classes (MCC 698 & 699) on campus to meet CACREP requirements. The practicum and clinical internships need face-to-face participation.

Most students finish the degree in 3-4 years. You can complete it in about 2½ years by taking two 3-credit classes each term throughout the year (fall, winter, spring, summer). This faster path needs careful planning but gets you to licensure sooner.

You can transfer up to 6 graduate credit hours from other accredited schools, which might help you graduate faster.

Tuition & Affordability

Graduate tuition costs $660 per credit hour for 2024-2025, whether you study online or on campus. This rate goes up to $680 per credit hour for 2025-2026.

Extra fees include:

• General College Fee: $250 per term (2024-2025), rising to $300 per term (2025-2026)
• Course Materials Fee: $165 per term (2024-2025), increasing to $175 per term (2025-2026)
• Graduation Fee: $100

The full 60-credit program costs about $39,600 (2024-2025) or $40,800 (2025-2026), without fees. Total costs include roughly $12,372 for housing and meals, $1,290 for course materials, plus transportation and personal expenses.

Of course, you have several ways to pay for your education. Graduate students can get up to $20,500 yearly in unsubsidized Direct Student Loans. Military education funding and corporate tuition assistance help cover costs. The university’s graduate program scholarships make this counseling degree available to qualified students.

Chadron State College

Chadron State College sits in northwestern Nebraska, offering outstanding master’s degree counseling programs that welcome students from all backgrounds. The college welcomes students with different experiences and cultural influences, showing its dedication to education for everyone.

Program Overview

Students can choose between two graduate counseling paths at Chadron State. The Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in School Counseling needs 39 credit hours, which goes up to 42 credits for PK-12 endorsement. The Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling takes 60 credit hours and prepares students for mental health licensure in Nebraska.

These programs share one clear goal: “to prepare highly effective counselors equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to serve a diverse, multicultural, and global society with marginalized populations”. Students learn essential skills in:

• Professional counselor identity following ACA and ASCA ethical guidelines
• Culturally competent counseling for diverse populations
• Human development theory application across lifespans
• Career development understanding and implementation
• Theoretically grounded counseling interventions

Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can get Nebraska’s provisional license as a mental health practitioner (PLMHP) after passing the National Counselor Examination. The School Counseling program works for both certified teachers and those new to teaching.

Accreditation & Licensure

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2032. This prestigious status shows the program meets high standards in knowledge content, skill development, financial stability, and professional support.

The School Counseling program holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approval from the Nebraska Department of Education. These credentials ensure quality education and help graduates qualify for state certification.

Format & Flexibility

The counseling programs at Chadron fit well with busy schedules. Most courses run online, and students can complete them in stages or part-time. This setup works well for professionals who balance work with other responsibilities.

Students get hands-on experience through field work, including practicum and internship requirements under supervision. Clinical Mental Health Counseling students who want credentials as Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselors can take specific academic courses.

Tuition & Affordability

Chadron State offers great value without doubt. Graduate tuition costs approximately $392 per credit hour, making it one of Nebraska’s most economical choices. The full Clinical Mental Health Counseling program costs about $11,760 per year.

A cost comparison with other schools shows Chadron’s advantage:

Students can access financial support through FAFSA and three graduate assistantships that cover tuition with stipends. These options make counseling education more accessible to qualified students.

Doane University

Doane University’s master’s degree in counseling program stands out with its competency-based approach. The Lincoln campus program creates skilled clinical mental health counselors through a well-laid-out curriculum. Students learn to balance theory with hands-on experience.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program follows a practitioner model that prepares students for successful careers in clinical counseling settings. This 60-credit hour program has core coursework in counseling skills, theories, psychopathology, assessment, and specialized areas like crisis intervention. Students become skilled at:

• Assessment of problem behavior
• Interventions with individuals, couples, families, and groups
• Ethical and professional practice
• Multicultural counseling approaches

The program’s exceptional supervised clinical experience sets it apart. Students complete a 150-hour practicum with 60 direct contact hours with clients. They then move on to a 650-hour internship that includes 260 hours of direct client contact. Weekly supervision helps ensure professional development and clinical competence.

Accreditation & Licensure

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited Doane’s counseling program for its specialty in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through March 31, 2030. This national recognition verifies the program’s quality and high educational standards.

Students graduate ready to become Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioners (PLMHP) in Nebraska. The program prepares them academically for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Students from other states should check their local requirements since licensure criteria differ by jurisdiction.

Format & Flexibility

Working professionals can attend evening classes at the Lincoln campus. Classes meet weekly during 16-week fall and spring semesters, plus 9-week summer terms. This schedule lets students keep their jobs while earning their counseling degree.

The program values its adult learners, knowing that “the diversity of experiences of our talented students enrich learning”. Faculty members work as mental health counseling professionals, bringing ground expertise to the classroom.

Tuition & Affordability

Doane’s graduate tuition rates stay competitive among private institutions for 2025-2026. While MAC program rates aren’t specified, Doane’s graduate business programs cost $585-$587 per credit hour for in-person programs. This gives a good idea of graduate education costs.

Students can access various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Doane’s Net Price Calculator helps estimate costs and potential financial aid packages. This support shows Doane’s belief that “it’s not tuition – it’s an investment” in your professional future.

Wayne State College

Wayne State College stands out with its flexible low-residency model for its master’s degree in counseling. The college earned recognition as the “Best Value Student Counseling Graduate School” in the Plains States region.

Program Overview

The Counseling MSE program at Wayne State lets students choose from three focus areas:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling
• Student Affairs and College Counseling

Students need 60 credit hours to graduate – 36 core credits plus 24 specialized focus area credits. The program teaches students everything about advanced counseling techniques, ethical decision-making, and cultural awareness. Wayne State partners with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, giving students access to more counselor training opportunities through the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska.

Accreditation & Licensure

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs have earned CACREP accreditation through March 31, 2033. This accreditation shows that programs meet national standards set by the profession. Graduates can apply for licensure through Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services. Students must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination to show their mastery of core competencies before graduating.

Format & Flexibility

The program uses a low-residency format that needs just four campus visits each year. Students attend these sessions on weekends at Wayne State College’s main campus – Saturdays from 8am to 5pm and Sundays from 8am to 12pm. Students complete their remaining coursework through a mix of in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous online learning. Full-time students usually finish in 2.5-3 years, but they can take up to 10 years to complete the program.

Tuition & Affordability

Tuition costs range from $252.40 to $504.70 per credit hour based on delivery method and residency status. The total program cost runs between $20,889 and $26,945. Wayne State offers one of the lowest-cost master’s degrees in counseling across the country. The program’s quality has earned it recognition as Nebraska’s best student counseling master’s degree school.

Pick Your Master’s in Counseling Today

Nebraska offers many affordable ways to get your master’s degree in counseling and advance your career in this growing field. Each school has its own strengths while delivering quality education that’s available to everyone. Chadron State College leads the pack with credit hours at just $392, making quality education possible whatever your budget looks like. Wayne State College also gives great value through its low-residency program and holds the title of “Best Value Student Counseling Graduate School” in the region.

Prices range substantially between schools. Public universities charge under $400 per credit hour while private institutions like Creighton cost over $600. Yet all programs have CACREP or CAEP accreditation. This means your education meets professional standards and prepares you well for licensure exams after you graduate.

These Nebraska schools shine when it comes to program flexibility. UNK combines online coursework with vital in-person components. Concordia runs fully online courses in convenient 8-week terms. Bellevue’s program is mostly online but includes some face-to-face elements. Doane arranges evening classes to help working professionals. You can pick the format that works best with your lifestyle and learning priorities.

The counseling field is set to grow 23% through 2026. This makes it the perfect time to start your career. The programs give you complete skills in assessment, intervention strategies, ethical practice, and multicultural approaches. This applies to clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or student affairs.

Getting your degree is more affordable with financial aid options. You can choose from federal loans, scholarships, and graduate assistantships at schools like Chadron State. Some programs have special rates too – like Concordia’s Lutheran Guarantee for affiliated students.

Your ideal counseling program depends on cost, format, location, and specialization. Nebraska has excellent options that will match both your career goals and personal needs. An affordable master’s degree in counseling will open doors to a rewarding career helping others while securing your financial future.