Best Online Psychology & Counseling Programs: Cost & Outcomes Compared (2026)
Key Takeaways
- We compared 17 schools offering online psychology & counseling programs using College Scorecard data.
- Schools are ranked by median earnings 10 years after enrollment.
- Net price after aid varies significantly — use the EFC Calculator to estimate your actual cost.
We compared 17 accredited online schools offering Psychology & Counseling programs, ranked by median earnings 10 years after enrollment. All data comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Online Psychology & Counseling Programs Compared
School | Type | 10yr Earnings | Avg Net Price | Grad Rate | Pell % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Post University | For-profit | $90,779 | $34,832 | 83% | 14% |
Colorado State University Global | Public | $76,813 | $16,510 | N/A | 27% |
| University of Colorado Online | Public | $69,738 | $25,346 | 75% | 14% |
National University | Nonprofit | $67,548 | $22,878 | 42% | 29% |
| Arizona State University Online | Public | $62,668 | $14,967 | 68% | 29% |
| Western Governors University | Nonprofit | $60,615 | $12,548 | 48% | 39% |
Herzing University | Nonprofit | $53,145 | $22,540 | 50% | 45% |
| Franklin University | Nonprofit | $51,892 | $25,243 | 21% | 37% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Nonprofit | $50,318 | $36,708 | 44% | 49% |
| Liberty University Online | Nonprofit | $44,813 | $29,357 | 64% | 38% |
| American Public University System | For-profit | $44,409 | $9,597 | 55% | 25% |
University of North Georgia | Public | $43,184 | $6,928 | 21% | 41% |
Walden University | For-profit | $42,810 | $33,817 | N/A | 55% |
Capella University | For-profit | $42,189 | $17,956 | 27% | 39% |
Strayer University | For-profit | $40,092 | N/A | N/A | 91% |
| University of Phoenix | For-profit | $37,752 | $13,520 | 20% | 50% |
| Purdue University Global | Public | $36,596 | $7,770 | 49% | 47% |
Key Findings
Among schools offering online psychology & counseling programs, Post University, Colorado State University Global, and University of Colorado Online lead in 10-year graduate earnings. Net price varies significantly — compare your personal cost using the EFC Calculator to see what you would actually pay after financial aid.
Pell Grant rates indicate what percentage of students receive need-based federal grants. Higher rates suggest the school enrolls more students with financial need and that aid is accessible.
How to Choose
Earnings and graduation rate matter, but your individual outcome depends on your field specialization, prior experience, and career goals. Use these tools to make a personalized decision:
ROI Calculator — Calculate your expected return on investment for a psychology & counseling degree
EFC Calculator — Estimate your expected family contribution and potential financial aid
Scholarship Finder — Search scholarships available for psychology & counseling students
Financial Aid Quiz — Get a personalized estimate of aid you may qualify for
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Rankings reflect median earnings of all graduates, not psychology & counseling-specific outcomes. Program availability and costs subject to change.