Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Tuition

For most students, yes — but the return depends heavily on licensure pathway and work setting. Licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs or LPCs, depending on your state) with a master’s degree earn a median salary of around $60,000–$70,000 nationally, according to BLS data, with experienced counselors in private practice or specialized settings often earning $80,000–$100,000. Again, state-by-state salary outcomes can range widely. The CACREP-accredited program’s 60-credit structure is specifically designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure across all states, which is the single largest determinant of long-term earning potential in the counseling field. See state-specific elective requirements for more info. Students who specialist in areas with strong clinical demand — especially substance abuse counseling and other behavioral health specialties — may see stronger job prospects, with earnings varying by setting, licensure, and experience.

Several scholarship sources are particularly relevant for CMHC students. The American Counseling Association Foundation offers multiple scholarship programs for graduate counseling students. State-level funding is also available through some state mental health departments and professional counseling associations. For students committed to working in underserved communities after graduation, the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program — can provide up to $75,000 in tax-free loan repayment in exchange for two years of service. Search the ACA Foundation and your state counseling association websites for current cycle opportunities.

Most students in SHU’s online CMHC program maintain employment during the coursework portion, which is delivered fully online with asynchronous flexibility. However, the practicum and internship requirements — totaling 700 supervised clinical hours — will require regular on-site availability during standard counseling hours, which can create scheduling pressure for full-time workers. Students typically begin their fieldwork experience in the second year of the program. Planning your clinical placement site search early, particularly near your current employer or home, is strongly recommended if you intend to stay employed during fieldwork.

CACREP accreditation does not directly affect tuition pricing or federal financial aid eligibility — FAFSA aid is tied to institutional accreditation, not programmatic accreditation. However, CACREP accreditation matters significantly for licensure: several states require or are moving toward requiring a degree from a CACREP-accredited program as a condition of LPC or LMHC licensure. Attending a CACREP-aligned program like SHU’s CMHC protects your educational investment by ensuring your degree meets the licensing board requirements in the states most likely to tighten these standards.

At $900 per credit hour for 60 credits, SHU’s CMHC program has an estimated base tuition of $54,000 — which positions it in the mid-to-upper range among private universities offering online CMHC programs. For comparison, counseling master’s programs at public universities typically range from $20,000 to $40,000 for in-state students, while comparable private programs run from $45,000 to $70,000. Key factors that affect total value include CACREP alignment (SHU’s curriculum is built on CACREP standards), residency structure, and the strength of clinical placement support — all of which affect your path to licensure and, ultimately, your earning potential.