For many prospective students, cost is one of the biggest questions when considering graduate school.
If you’re researching the cost of a master’s in counseling, you’re likely asking practical questions:
- How much will tuition be?
- What additional expenses should I expect?
- What financial aid options can help make the degree manageable?
The answer depends on the structure of the program you choose, but with the right financing strategy, a master’s in counseling can be more affordable than many students initially assume.
Here, we’ll take a look at what you can expect to invest in a master’s in counseling, tips for how to best approach budgeting for your education, and how programs, such as the one offered through Regis College, often provide numerous financial aid options to help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Key Takeaways
- The MA in Counseling at Regis College is a 60-credit program costing $970 per credit for 2025–2026, with estimated total tuition of approximately $58,200 (fees not included; subject to change).
- Graduate students may qualify for federal financial aid, including up to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans, plus Graduate PLUS Loans (subject to eligibility).
- Additional funding opportunities may include institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, workforce grants, and employer tuition discounts.
- With layered financing options and structured support, many students find the cost of a master’s in counseling more manageable than expected.
What Is the Cost of a Master’s in Counseling?
When evaluating the cost of a master’s in counseling, it’s important to understand how graduate programs are typically priced.
Most programs aligned with licensure standards require approximately 60 credits. Tuition is often charged on a per-credit basis rather than as a flat annual rate. Depending on the institution, per-credit tuition can vary widely based on public vs. private status, geographic location, and program structure.
In addition to tuition, prospective students should also plan for:
- University fees
- Textbooks and course materials
- Licensing exam fees
- Background checks or site-related costs during internships
- Living expenses while enrolled (if studying on-campus)
Understanding both tuition and related costs provides a clearer picture of total program investment.
Regis College MA in Counseling — Tuition & Program Structure
The MA in Counseling at Regis College is a 60-credit program designed to meet LMHC/LPC licensure preparation standards.
For the 2025–2026 academic year:
- Tuition is $970 per credit
- Estimated total tuition is $58,200 (fees not included; tuition subject to change)
Because tuition is structured per credit, total tuition remains consistent whether a student enrolls full-time or part-time, though pacing can affect how costs are distributed across semesters.
In addition to tuition, students should plan for textbooks and academic materials. However, the program takes intentional steps to help reduce unnecessary expenses.
Brandon Jones, PhD, Interim Director of Graduate Counseling Programs at Regis College, explains, “We are so intentional about the text that we use… Is this a text that students can reuse in other courses? Is it one where older editions are viable?”
That intentionality helps minimize recurring material costs and reflects a broader commitment to accessibility.
What Financial Aid Is Available for Graduate Students?
Understanding how to pay for a counseling degree requires looking at multiple funding layers. Graduate financial aid typically differs from undergraduate aid, but several pathways may be available, such as:
Federal Financial Aid
Graduate students may apply for federal aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal aid options may include:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Graduate students who file the FAFSA may be eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year, subject to federal limits and individual eligibility.
- Graduate PLUS Loans: Credit-based federal loans that may cover remaining costs up to the cost of attendance, minus other aid received.
To qualify for federal loans, students must typically be enrolled in at least 6 credits during the term. Students are encouraged to file FAFSA materials early to allow time for processing and award review.
Institutional Scholarships and Assistantships
In addition to federal loans, universities often offer institutional funding opportunities that may help reduce tuition costs.
At Regis, for instance, a Social Justice Scholarship for eligible admitted students who apply by the stated deadline and complete the interview process is available for the 2025-2026 cycle.
Regis also offers:
- Graduate assistantships
- Graduate internships
These opportunities may include combinations of tuition remission or other financial benefits and are available in limited numbers.
As Jones notes, affordability is not an afterthought in program design. “We take our mission seriously in terms of accessibility,” he states.
Workforce and State-Based Scholarships
Depending on eligibility and residency, students may qualify for state-based or workforce-oriented scholarships.
For example, the Behavioral Health Workforce Scholarship in Massachusetts has offered funding of up to $12,500 per year, with a maximum of $25,000 over two years, in exchange for a service commitment aligned with workforce needs. Eligibility criteria, award availability, and service requirements are determined by the administering organization and may vary by cycle.
Students should review current guidelines and confirm eligibility before applying.
Employer and Strategic Partnership Discounts
Regis College also maintains a Strategic Partnership Program that provides tuition discounts ranging from 10% to 25% for employees of participating partner organizations.
Important considerations:
- Discounts are not retroactive
- Discounts may not be combined with other institutional discounts
- Eligibility depends on employer participation
Prospective students are encouraged to check with their employer’s HR department to determine whether tuition benefits or partnership agreements are available.
Is the Investment Manageable?
Graduate education requires careful planning, but when layered funding sources are combined, the overall investment can become more manageable.
Students often utilize a combination of:
- Federal loans
- Institutional scholarships
- Workforce grants
- Employer discounts
- Personal budgeting strategies
Regis’ MA in Counseling program structures courses and support systems with working adults in mind, reflecting an understanding of the broader financial realities students face. As Jones explains, the faculty and administration are mindful of student responsibilities beyond the classroom and intentionally design policies and processes to support long-term sustainability.
When financial planning is proactive and layered, many students find the path forward clearer than they initially expected.
5 Tips to Budget Correctly for Graduate School
1. File the FAFSA Early
Submitting your FAFSA as soon as possible allows time to review federal aid options and avoid last-minute funding gaps.
2. Ask Your Employer About Tuition Benefits
Many healthcare, education, and nonprofit employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
3. Plan for Non-Tuition Expenses
Budget for books, fees, licensing exams, and background checks so there are no unexpected surprises.
4. Consider Enrollment Pacing
Full-time and part-time enrollment affect cash flow timing, even if total tuition remains the same.
5. Research State Workforce Incentives
Behavioral health workforce initiatives and state-level grants may offer funding in exchange for service commitments.
Is an MA in Counseling Affordable?
Affordability depends on preparation, transparency, and support.
The MA in Counseling at Regis College provides:
- Clear per-credit tuition structure
- Licensure-aligned 60-credit design
- Multiple funding pathways
- Guidance from admissions and financial aid professionals
For students pursuing a profession that typically requires a master’s degree for licensure, understanding cost alongside funding opportunities allows for informed decision-making. Taking the time to evaluate financing options today can help you move forward with greater confidence tomorrow.
Ready to take the next step? If you’d like to learn more about the program, feel free to download our MA in Counseling Program Flyer, or sign up for an information session, where a member of our admissions team can answer any questions you might have. Or, if you want to begin your journey towards a career in counseling today, begin your application process now.
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