The COVID-19 pandemic has brought mental health topics to the forefront, making therapy more mainstream, less stigmatized, and more accessible than ever before. According to the APA, the demand for therapy only continues to increase. This shift in how society views and tackles mental health results in a positive career outlook for marriage and family therapists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow by 15% by 2032, much faster than average.
This increase translates to thousands of new jobs and rising demand for competent and compassionate clinicians. A Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is one of the main educational routes to becoming a marriage and family therapist. This page ranks some of the most affordable online MFT master’s programs and shows you the elements to consider when choosing the right program for you.
Most Affordable Online MFT Programs for 2024
Choosing an MFT program typically includes considering factors like program reputation, networking opportunities, and location. The deciding factor, though, is usually affordability. The following section highlights some of the most affordable online MFT programs for 2024, determined using key affordability and quality metrics from data approved by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). These rankings also spotlight core academic requirements and program-specific admission information. For more details on our ranking methodology, click the “About the ranking” button below.
The online MS in family counseling at The University of West Alabama (UWA) offers a systems-based approach to counseling that prioritizes nonpathology based methods. This is a nonlicensure program designed for individuals who already hold licensure, are exempt from licensing requirements, plan to practice in nontherapeutic roles under licensed professionals, or plan to work internationally in countries with different professional requirements. During their studies, UAW family counseling graduate students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of research and approaches to family counseling. Students will investigate systems in psychology and psychotherapy and advanced techniques in family counseling. Students also have the option to earn real-world experience through an elective internship in counseling psychology.
Program Highlights:
MS Family Counseling
- Credits: 33
- Length: 1-2 years
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Counseling students at The University of Holy Cross, New Orleans (UHCNO) can elect one of three specialties: marriage, couple and family counseling, clinical mental health, or school counseling. Regardless of specialty, UHCNO students benefit from experienced instructors, a well-rounded curriculum, and a range of electives that cater to students’ unique goals and interests. To ensure students are on track, they are required to attend two four-day residencies on campus. During these sessions, they will receive live feedback on their approach to various role-playing sessions that mimic real-life counseling scenarios. Students will gain additional firsthand experience during their 700 practicum hours. To complete these field hours, students will collaborate with their advisors to find local individuals or organizations to intern with.
Program Highlights:
Counseling (MA)
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
The master’s in marriage and family therapy program at the University of Massachusetts Global is a national online program that meets professional licensing requirements in 39 states. This MFT program is designed to be flexible to accommodate the needs of all types of students living all over the country. To facilitate success, each student is offered the opportunity to partner with a dedicated faculty mentor for professional and academic advice. Students also have access to field support to get answers to questions that arise during their practicum hours. During their studies, students will develop a balanced foundation in research-based approaches to counseling, professional ethics, and working with different types of patients. In order to gain firsthand experience, students will also complete nine credits of practicum in partnership with a local provider or institution.
Program Highlights:
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Credits: 60
- Length: Varies
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Funding Your Online Master of Family Therapy Degree: 5 Ways to Save
While graduate school usually comes with a significant price tag, there are many ways you can cut costs. Financial resources include scholarships, loans, and paid internships. Highlighted below are popular avenues to help graduate students mitigate the cost of their master’s programs. Keep reading to learn how you can save money while enhancing your career options.
Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships Created for MFT Students.
Grants, fellowships, and scholarships are all popular options for MFT grad students. From institutional funding to private scholarships, these awards and opportunities can cover the cost of books or substantial portions of your tuition. The Family Institute at Northwestern University, for example, awards a generous $25,000 per year, while the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy offers annual diversity scholarships of up to $3,000. You can learn about more scholarship options on our page detailing scholarships for master’s students.
Work-Study or Assistantships
Though work-study programs and assistantships may be hard to come by for online students, in-person and hybrid students may find them more accessible. At Appalachian State University, options for MFT students include assisting faculty with research, becoming resident assistants, and working in various administrative positions. When researching potential MFT programs, contact the school’s financial aid office to inquire about potential work-study or assistantship opportunities.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs
Students in online graduate programs often also work full-time. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement opportunities for these employees, funds that can be used to cover the cost of books and other school-related expenses. Similar options include loan reimbursement programs through federal groups like the National Health Service Corp and Indian Health Service, and state-based programs like the California State MFT Stipend Program.
Payment Plans
For students who can pay for school as they attend, tuition payment plans allow them to make continuous smaller payments. This option can save students thousands of dollars in student loan interest. Payment plans are interest-free and typically only require a one-time fee to enroll.
Paid Internships
Gaining hands-on experience is an essential part of your MFT program, and internships provide an opportunity to practice learned skills in a safe environment while also building a professional network. While not all internships are paid, some organizations and governmental departments do provide some compensation. The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, for example, hosts a paid internship program that compensates interns for 20 hours of work each week.
FAQs about Affordable MFT Programs
Q. What impacts the affordability of an online MFT Program?
A program’s cost is often the biggest factor for most master’s students. If a program is private or public can dramatically impact tuition rates as can your status as an in-state or out-of-state student. Additionally, online students can often graduate with lower overall costs because of the absence of campus-based fees and travel expenses.
Q. What is the ROI of an online MFT program?
Earning an MFT degree often comes with significant costs, so it’s reasonable to consider your return on the investment. Marriage and family therapists earn a median salary of about $50,000 per year, according to the BLS, and the field is projected to grow by 16% by 2030. In addition, the top 10% of earners make more than $96,520. This means that the ROI for an MFT is likely quite good.
Q. How can I ensure that an affordable MFT program is high-quality?
When researching potential MFT programs, remember that the best schools hold institutional accreditation from long-established groups like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). In addition, some school’s programs also have programmatic accreditation that ensures it meets rigorous professional standards. Program data regarding graduation and job placement rates are also valuable. Reaching out to alumni can also provide a helpful perspective on the quality of an MFT program.
Q. Is an online MFT more affordable than an in-person MFT?
While the tuition rates for online programs typically mirror that of on-campus options, online students often pay slightly less. Without campus-based fees and costs associated with traveling to campus, online learners can save money on gas, food, and even housing. Additionally, some online programs allow students to complete an accelerated curriculum and graduate more quickly.
Q. Can job experience count towards an MFT and help cut costs?
Graduation requirements vary among schools. However, many MFT programs act as pathways to licensure with rigid academic requirements. In addition to standard coursework, online learners must complete hundreds of hours of clinical experiences through practicum and internship opportunities. The only way to know for sure if job experience can count toward an MFT is to check with programs of interest.
Q. How can I know if an affordable MFT program is right for me?
Picking an affordable MFT program that is right for you is a personal choice that depends on factors like cost, program duration, and whether it’s entirely online or has an in-person component. Regardless of your specific needs, best practice points to reaching out to prospective schools and starting a dialogue with someone in the department.