6 Affordable Master’s in Counseling Programs at Connecticut Universities (2025)
Want to find an affordable MA in counseling program that fits your budget? Connecticut has plenty of great options to help you start your career path. The Constitution State stands fourth in the nation for mental health care access, which makes it a great place to build your counseling career.
Connecticut offers 16 counseling degree programs, and mental health counselor jobs should grow by 20% by 2030. Your investment in a masters degree could pay off by a lot. Counselors in Connecticut earn a solid average salary of $49,590 per year, and school counselors can make even more at about $65,400 annually. On top of that, six schools have hybrid and online LPC programs in CT, which makes education available even when traditional campus attendance doesn’t work for you.
This piece looks at seven budget-friendly counseling programs in Connecticut universities that can help you find the right mix of quality education and affordability for your 2025 academic plans.
1. Fairfield University
Fairfield University leads the way for students looking to earn a masters degree for counseling in Connecticut. The university’s programs give students the tools they need to succeed in the counseling profession.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Fairfield University has 60 credit hours of specialized coursework. Students learn from nationally recognized faculty who bring their expertise to the classroom. The program prepares students to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Connecticut.
The curriculum has these key areas:
- Counseling theories and fundamental skills
- Group counseling techniques
- Multicultural counseling approaches
- Research methodologies and assessment
- Ethical and legal standards
- Career counseling strategies
The university’s Master of Arts in School Counseling also requires 60 credit hours. Students who complete this program can become certified School Counselors in Connecticut’s K-12 education system.
Students have access to a state-of-the-art Counselor Education Lab and Training Center in Dolan West. The facility’s seminar classrooms and observation rooms come with two-way mirrors. Six rooms feature iPad technology that lets faculty watch students practice their counseling skills.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited Fairfield University’s counseling programs. The university became Connecticut’s first CACREP-accredited institution in 1986, showing its dedication to quality education.
Both School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs passed all 241 CACREP standards in January 2017. This earned them accreditation through March 31, 2025. The counselor education department got an extension to work with CACREP 2024 Standards, pushing accreditation to March 31, 2026.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meets Connecticut’s requirements for LPC licensure. The School Counseling program prepares graduates for state certification as School Counselors.
Tuition and affordability
Human Development master’s degrees at Fairfield University cost $940 per credit hour for 2025-26. The total tuition for 60-credit MA programs comes to about $56,400.
Students should plan for these additional fees:
- Registration fee: $60 per semester
- Graduate Student Activity fee: $65 per semester
- SEHD Technology fee for Counselor Ed: $225
- Lab fees for specific counseling courses: $90 per course
- Graduation fee: $200
Fairfield helps students manage costs with a monthly payment plan during fall, spring, and summer terms. Students can pay one-third of their tuition and fees upfront and split the rest into two monthly payments.
Delivery format and flexibility
The class schedules work well for professionals. Weekday evening classes run from 4:55-6:55 p.m. and 7:15-9:15 p.m. Weekend classes give students more options to balance work and school.
Most students finish their MA programs in 2.5 to 3 years. This timeline lets them progress through courses while keeping up with work and personal life.
Students can work with faculty on research, writing, and professional presentations. These opportunities, along with supervision, build the skills needed for counseling careers or advanced studies.
Fairfield University stands out among MA in counseling programs in the region. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program ranks #1 for Top Value Counseling Master’s Degrees.
2. University of Connecticut
UConn makes educational equity and cultural competence a top priority in its counselor education programs. Students who want to become mental health professionals can choose from several paths to get their advanced credentials.
Overview
The Neag School of Education’s Educational Psychology Department houses UConn’s Counselor Education Programs. These programs help students become skilled at working with diverse populations and tackling systemic barriers that limit academic access. The university brings together innovative counseling experts and educators who have created several unique programs:
- Counseling Master’s Degree (In-Person) – Prepares school counselors to work with diverse populations and meets Connecticut certification requirements
- LPC Certificate (Online) – Meets academic requirements for students earning or holding a master’s degree in counseling
- Counseling 6th Year Certificate (In-Person) – Perfect for students with master’s degrees in other fields who want to become school counselors
- Counseling Doctoral (Ph.D.) Degree (In-Person) – Creates future educators, researchers, and counseling professionals
UConn’s clinical psychology program stands at #18 nationally according to College Factual rankings, putting it in the top 5% of U.S. programs. The program teaches students how social injustices and inequalities shape school environments and personal interactions, preparing them to handle these challenges in their professional work.
Accreditation and licensure
UConn’s Counselor Education graduate programs partner with several professional organizations to maintain high educational standards. The MA in Educational Psychology with a School Counseling concentration has earned accreditation from CACREP, the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education, and Connecticut state.
Students who finish this program can become certified school counselors (068) in Connecticut. The curriculum also gives you the knowledge to earn national certification as a professional counselor through the National Board of Certified Counselors.
UConn’s online Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Graduate Certificate helps students meet Connecticut’s Department of Public Health requirements for LPC designation. This 15-credit program bridges the gap between existing education and LPC licensure, especially for people with backgrounds in school counseling, school psychology, or similar fields.
Tuition and affordability
UConn’s tuition rates depend on where you live. During 2022-2023, Connecticut residents paid about $681 per credit hour, while out-of-state students paid $1,625. The master’s program cost $54,102 in 2019, went up to $54,710 in 2020, and reached $56,902 in 2021.
Students in UConn’s LPC courses pay $925 per credit or $2,775 for each 3-credit course. LPC students should also set aside around $300 per internship placement for background checks and drug tests.
Most students (82%) get some type of financial aid. Graduate students in non-approved certificate programs can’t get federal financial aid like Federal Stafford Loans or Graduate PLUS Loans. Students enrolled in both a graduate degree and a Graduate Certificate program can still apply for federal aid.
Delivery format and flexibility
UConn offers different ways to learn that fit various schedules and learning styles. The Counseling Master’s Degree and 6th Year Certificate require in-person attendance, while the LPC Certificate runs completely online. Online students can finish their coursework from anywhere at any time, which works great for busy professionals.
Master’s students start their practicum in their second semester. They spend 10-12 hours each week at an urban public school under a professional school counselor’s guidance, totaling 100 hours to meet CACREP standards. The internship needs 10 months (190 days) or 700 hours (350 per semester) in a public school, with at least 240 hours spent directly helping students, teachers, and parents.
UConn’s masters degree in counseling programs prepare students for the National Counselor Examination (NCE), a 200-question multiple-choice test required for Connecticut counseling licensure. Passing makes you a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), showing you’ve met strict education, supervision, and ethical standards.
UConn stands out among LPC programs in CT with its balanced approach to counselor education that combines academic excellence with real-world preparation.
3. University of New Haven
The University of New Haven stands out with its Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that features specialized options rarely found at other Connecticut schools. The program shapes students into mental health professionals through its focus on advocacy and social justice principles.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at the University of New Haven needs 60 credits to meet Connecticut’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requirements. Students must finish 48 core credits and choose either 12 credits of electives or a concentration area.
The program teaches graduates in three key areas:
- Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health problems
- Promotion of mental health and wellness
- Development of essential counseling competencies
Students learn vital interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills while mastering core competencies to become effective, culturally aware, and ethical counselors. The program’s unique forensic mental health concentration prepares counselors to work with offenders or victims in forensic settings.
Graduates must show mastery in eight core counseling domains, blend theoretical concepts with hands-on experience, and develop professional intervention skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows 19% growth in mental health employment through 2033, with 48,900 job openings yearly for mental health counselors.
Accreditation and licensure
The New England Commission of Higher Education accredits the University of New Haven (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges). This regional accreditation shows the school’s quality through peer review.
The on-ground Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has full accreditation, while the online program continues its accreditation process.
Both program formats meet the educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor licensure in Connecticut. Students receive complete training that aligns with state standards.
Tuition and affordability
Graduate tuition at the University of New Haven costs $1,136 per credit hour for standard programs in 2025-2026. The online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers better rates at $827 per credit hour. This means the 60-credit MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling online costs about $49,620.
Other costs include:
- Student health insurance: $1,872 (mandatory for full-time international students)
- Graduate student general fee: $270 annually for full-time students (9+ credits)
- Graduate student general fee: $230 annually for part-time students (fewer than 9 credits)
Full-time graduate students in 2025-2026 can expect to pay around $36,670 for off-campus living and $49,604 for on-campus arrangements.
Delivery format and flexibility
Students can choose between traditional on-campus classes or a 100% online format. The online path includes virtual coursework and two in-person residencies, taking about three years to finish.
Both formats require 700 hours of supervised clinical training to gain real-life experience. This hands-on component helps students connect with people from different backgrounds while applying mental health, substance use, and trauma intervention theories.
The program accepts new students once a year for fall semester. Applications must be in by March 1, followed by faculty interviews that assess academic readiness, professional maturity, interpersonal skills, and counseling values. Students should have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
The University of New Haven offers one of the most complete masters in counseling programs in Connecticut. Its solid mental health counseling foundation, unique concentrations, extensive clinical experience, and flexible formats make it a top choice among LPC programs in CT for your masters degree for counseling.
4. Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University offers a CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that prepares students to help people deal with life’s most important stressors through professional counseling services.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sacred Heart features a complete 60-credit curriculum. Students learn to help people who face challenges like depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and relationship problems. The program matches Sacred Heart University’s core values. Students learn that human dignity matters and focus on prevention, resilience, and overall well-being.
The curriculum teaches graduates to:
- Use evidence-based counseling methods
- Build professional counseling identities
- Help diverse populations effectively
- Assess clients and make decisions based on evidence
Students get hands-on experience through supervised clinical training in mental health settings under faculty guidance. This practical experience helps graduates blend their academic knowledge with professional practice naturally.
Accreditation and licensure
Sacred Heart’s program earned an eight-year accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This represents the longest period before re-evaluation. Program Director Missy Wheeler called this achievement “the culmination of years of effort.” The accreditation shows the public and counseling professionals that the program meets high training standards.
Students benefit from this accreditation through:
- Easier licensure applications in many states
- Better job prospects with federal agencies
- Greater chances of acceptance into doctoral programs in counselor education
Tuition and affordability
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program costs $900 per credit. Students pay about $54,000 for all 60 credits. Each semester includes these extra fees:
- Graduate Student Fee: $60
- Library Fee: $40
- Registration Fee: $115
U.S. News & World Report ranks Sacred Heart University among the Best Colleges for Veterans in the North. The university accepts both Montgomery and Post 9/11 GI Bills.
Delivery format and flexibility
Students attend two one-week campus sessions at the Fairfield, CT location. The first session happens during their first term. The second takes place before clinical experience courses begin.
The Blackboard learning system delivers both live and recorded instruction. Working professionals can finish their degree in as few as 2 years thanks to this flexible approach.
Graduates can work as counselors in many settings, from inpatient facilities to private practices. Mental health counseling jobs should grow 19% through 2033. Sacred Heart University stands out as one of Connecticut’s most respected MA in counseling programs.
5. University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport shines among Connecticut’s counseling education options. Their clinical mental health counselor training program stands out with its focus on trauma-informed practices and cultural humility.
Program overview
The University of Bridgeport’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a complete 60-credit program that combines classroom learning with hands-on experience. Students learn everything they need to pass the National Counseling Exam (NCE), a requirement for counseling certification. The program focuses on helping marginalized and underrepresented communities through evidence-based counseling approaches.
Core curriculum components include:
- Counseling theories and helping relationships
- Clinical skills development
- Crisis intervention and trauma management
- Addiction treatment strategies
- Cultural foundations in counseling
Students complete 700 hours of fieldwork experience. This includes a 100-hour practicum and 600 hours of internship. These real-life experiences prepare students for their careers after graduation.
Accreditation and licensure
Of course, the program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2028. This credential proves valuable for students seeking Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status or other specialized certifications.
Students must complete additional fieldwork hours after graduation. The total requirement is 3,000 supervised hours for full licensure.
Tuition and affordability
Graduate tuition costs $830 per credit hour. The total cost for the 60-credit program comes to approximately $49,800. Other costs include:
- General fee (9+ credits): $1,025 per semester
- Counseling program fee (first term only): $480
- Counseling technology fee (first term only): $200
Students starting in fall 2024 can receive a $10,000 stipend from the Health and Human Services Administration during their internship.
Delivery format and flexibility
Students can choose between on-campus classes or a 100% online format. The masters degree for counseling takes 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time to complete.
Working professionals can maintain their careers while meeting program standards. Students develop clinical skills and self-awareness through traditional classroom learning and clinical training.
The University of Bridgeport has earned its place among top MA in counseling programs and LPC programs in CT. The program’s competitive pricing, accreditation, and flexible learning options make it an excellent choice for aspiring counselors.
6. Western Connecticut State University
Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) provides an MS in Counselor Education that blends virtual and on-campus learning. This setup works great for professionals looking for flexible counseling programs.
Program overview
The university’s 60-credit MS in Counselor Education comes with two concentrations: School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students can complete this part-time program in three years through asynchronous and digital synchronous learning methods. The program requires students to attend on-campus clinical labs three Saturdays per semester for skills courses. Students follow this schedule:
- Cohorts begin in May
- Two classes each semester, including summers
- Evening classes start at 4:30 pm
Accreditation and licensure
WCSU’s Counselor Education Program has managed to keep CACREP accreditation since 1995. The prestigious body fully accredits both Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling concentrations. The School Counseling concentration meets Connecticut’s requirements for original educator certification. Students who complete the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration can become Licensed Professional Counselors in Connecticut and Licensed Mental Health Counselors in New York State.
Tuition and affordability
Graduate tuition and fees at WCSU for 2024-2025 cost $15,039 for Connecticut residents and $19,397 for out-of-state students. Part-time students pay $791 per credit. Students need a five-year subscription to Typhon, which costs about $100. This secure platform helps manage performance data and fieldwork documents.
Delivery format and flexibility
The program uses an innovative format that combines online learning with minimal campus visits. Students complete most coursework through evening classes online and flexible assignments. Working professionals can easily manage their daytime jobs with this structure. The program’s cohort model promotes community among students pursuing their masters degree for counseling within one of Connecticut’s respected programs.
Pick a Connecticut Masters in Counseling Today
A master’s degree in counseling is a smart investment in your professional future. Connecticut makes an ideal choice with seven quality programs that combine academic excellence and affordability. You’ll find programs offering different specializations, formats, and schedules that fit your needs.
The programs mentioned in this piece have earned CACREP accreditation – the gold standard in counseling education. Complete degrees cost between $49,000 and $56,000, which makes Connecticut programs more affordable than many other states.
Your career outlook after graduation looks bright. The demand for mental health counselors will grow 20% by 2030, which beats most other professions. This investment can pay off well through steady jobs and good salaries. Connecticut counselors earn $49,590 on average yearly, while school counselors make about $65,400 per year.
Finding the right program might feel daunting initially. Each university brings something special to the table – specialized focus areas, flexible study options, or unique clinical experiences. Take time to find a program that lines up with your career goals and personal situation.
Connecticut ranks fourth nationwide in mental health care access. This gives you another great reason to study here. You’ll get valuable clinical practice opportunities during your studies and find plenty of jobs after graduation.
The path to becoming a licensed professional counselor begins with the right education program. These seven Connecticut universities can help you reach your professional goals without breaking the bank.