50 Most Affordable Marriage and Family Therapy Programs

Updated on April 29, 2024

University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights affordable programs in marriage and family counseling.

Get Matched With Marriage & Family Therapy Programs

Are you considering earning a degree in marriage and family therapy? This is a good choice for people who want to work with individuals, couples, and families as they work through various difficulties and address issues that can cause strife and stress in relationships. Marriage and family therapists utilize many different techniques and skills to assist their clients in understanding and replacing harmful thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. If you are excited by the prospect of encouraging others to discuss their emotions and experiences in order to help them process reactions and adjust to life changes, it’s time to find an accredited marriage and family therapy degree program.

Degrees of this type can lead to extremely impactful career opportunities. Students should have a clear desire to assist others in maintaining and improving close relationships. While program specifics vary, most are designed to teach both foundational and advanced therapy and counseling theories and techniques. Marriage and family therapy programs also tend to help students develop and hone the skills necessary to work with clients from diverse backgrounds. Those enrolled should expect to study family therapy, family system development, addiction, and diversity and inclusion.

As with most healthcare professions, higher education is required in order to qualify for employment. Those planning to become marriage and family therapists will need to earn a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, or a related mental health field. Earning a degree of any kind can be expensive, so it’s important to keep affordability in mind as you establish your academic and career goals.

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Top 50 Marriage & Family Therapy Colleges and Universities

1

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Score: 100

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,064
- Out-of-State: $18,944
Net Price: $5,068
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 16,426
Undergrad Students: 13,969
Graduate Students: 2,457
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

2

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Score: 99.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,627
- Out-of-State: $16,419
Net Price: $5,465
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 2,198
Undergrad Students: 1,712
Graduate Students: 486
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

3

Governors State University

Score: 90.02

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,320
- Out-of-State: $11,320
Net Price: $9,833
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Retention Rate: 56%

Graduation Rate: 21%
Total Enrollment: 4,427
Undergrad Students: 2,609
Graduate Students: 1,818
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

4

New Mexico State University

Score: 88.82

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,147
- Out-of-State: $25,271
Net Price: $10,407
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 14,268
Undergrad Students: 11,591
Graduate Students: 2,677
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

5

Kean University

Score: 88.11

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,426
- Out-of-State: $21,076
Net Price: $10,747
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 12,884
Undergrad Students: 10,845
Graduate Students: 2,039
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

6

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Score: 87.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,548
- Out-of-State: $23,124
Net Price: $11,043
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 7,309
Undergrad Students: 6,616
Graduate Students: 693
Grads Salary: N/A
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

7

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Score: 86.84

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,190
- Out-of-State: $21,290
Net Price: $11,353
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 8,398
Undergrad Students: 6,552
Graduate Students: 1,846
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

8

Texas Woman's University

Score: 86.15

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,648
- Out-of-State: $18,720
Net Price: $11,682
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 15,958
Undergrad Students: 10,153
Graduate Students: 5,805
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

9

University of Illinois Springfield

Score: 86.04

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,252
- Out-of-State: $22,017
Net Price: $11,733
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 4,198
Undergrad Students: 2,393
Graduate Students: 1,805
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

10

University of Florida

Score: 86.03

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,381
- Out-of-State: $28,659
Net Price: $11,740
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Retention Rate: 97%

Graduation Rate: 90%
Total Enrollment: 55,211
Undergrad Students: 34,552
Graduate Students: 20,659
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

11

Lamar University

Score: 85.99

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,690
- Out-of-State: $18,482
Net Price: $11,757
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 16,803
Undergrad Students: 8,264
Graduate Students: 8,539
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

12

Idaho State University

Score: 84.59

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,356
- Out-of-State: $27,466
Net Price: $12,425
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 12,301
Undergrad Students: 10,017
Graduate Students: 2,284
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

13

Western Kentucky University

Score: 84.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,436
- Out-of-State: $27,000
Net Price: $12,625
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 16,493
Undergrad Students: 14,440
Graduate Students: 2,053
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

14

Valdosta State University

Score: 83.73

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,007
- Out-of-State: $17,062
Net Price: $12,836
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 10,209
Undergrad Students: 7,573
Graduate Students: 2,636
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

15

Appalachian State University

Score: 83.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,541
- Out-of-State: $24,537
Net Price: $13,084
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 75%
Total Enrollment: 20,436
Undergrad Students: 18,558
Graduate Students: 1,878
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

16

University of Central Florida

Score: 83.16

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,368
- Out-of-State: $22,467
Net Price: $13,108
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 68,346
Undergrad Students: 58,662
Graduate Students: 9,684
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 29:1

17

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Score: 83.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,142
- Out-of-State: $26,098
Net Price: $13,159
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 30,660
Undergrad Students: 25,365
Graduate Students: 5,295
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

18

San Francisco State University

Score: 82.83

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,424
- Out-of-State: $19,304
Net Price: $13,267
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 25,282
Undergrad Students: 21,961
Graduate Students: 3,321
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

19

Brigham Young University

Score: 82.3

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,496
- Out-of-State: $6,496
Net Price: $13,521
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 79%
Total Enrollment: 34,464
Undergrad Students: 31,411
Graduate Students: 3,053
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

20

Sam Houston State University

Score: 82.06

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,228
- Out-of-State: $19,020
Net Price: $13,632
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 21,480
Undergrad Students: 18,235
Graduate Students: 3,245
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

21

University of West Alabama

Score: 81.74

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,990
- Out-of-State: $20,090
Net Price: $13,786
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 5,860
Undergrad Students: 2,427
Graduate Students: 3,433
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

22

University of Memphis

Score: 81.56

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,344
- Out-of-State: $14,784
Net Price: $13,873
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 21,917
Undergrad Students: 16,708
Graduate Students: 5,209
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

23

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Score: 81.51

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,540
- Out-of-State: $11,540
Net Price: $13,898
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 1,855
Undergrad Students: 801
Graduate Students: 1,054
Grads Salary: $60,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

24

St. Cloud State University

Score: 81.16

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,117
- Out-of-State: $10,117
Net Price: $14,065
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 10,420
Undergrad Students: 8,569
Graduate Students: 1,851
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

25

Texas State University

Score: 81.04

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,450
- Out-of-State: $23,210
Net Price: $14,120
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 38,171
Undergrad Students: 33,834
Graduate Students: 4,337
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

26

Northeastern Illinois University

Score: 80.74

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,383
- Out-of-State: $22,726
Net Price: $14,262
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 19%
Total Enrollment: 5,756
Undergrad Students: 4,207
Graduate Students: 1,549
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

27

East Carolina University

Score: 80.43

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,361
- Out-of-State: $23,638
Net Price: $14,410
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 27,151
Undergrad Students: 21,688
Graduate Students: 5,463
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

28

University of Southern Mississippi

Score: 80.4

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,618
- Out-of-State: $11,618
Net Price: $14,427
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 13,526
Undergrad Students: 10,258
Graduate Students: 3,268
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

29

Utah State University

Score: 80.08

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,228
- Out-of-State: $24,802
Net Price: $14,577
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 27,943
Undergrad Students: 24,835
Graduate Students: 3,108
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

30

Utah Tech University

Score: 80.06

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,074
- Out-of-State: $17,644
Net Price: $14,589
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 12,556
Undergrad Students: 12,481
Graduate Students: 75
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

31

Alabama A&M University

Score: 80.04

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,024
- Out-of-State: $18,634
Net Price: $14,600
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 27%
Total Enrollment: 6,007
Undergrad Students: 5,206
Graduate Students: 801
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

32

University of Akron

Score: 79.9

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,799
- Out-of-State: $17,239
Net Price: $14,667
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 13,465
Undergrad Students: 11,323
Graduate Students: 2,142
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

33

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Score: 79.75

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,988
- Out-of-State: $28,788
Net Price: $14,739
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 15,703
Undergrad Students: 10,179
Graduate Students: 5,524
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

34

Arizona State University

Score: 79.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State: $32,193
Net Price: $14,808
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 80,065
Undergrad Students: 65,492
Graduate Students: 14,573
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

35

Capella University

Score: 79.33

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,436
- Out-of-State: $14,436
Net Price: $14,935
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 36%

Graduation Rate: 21%
Total Enrollment: 39,727
Undergrad Students: 13,280
Graduate Students: 26,447
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 35:1

36

University of Central Missouri

Score: 78.95

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,739
- Out-of-State: $18,064
Net Price: $15,117
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 11,637
Undergrad Students: 7,345
Graduate Students: 4,292
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

37

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Score: 78.82

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,748
- Out-of-State: $21,033
Net Price: $15,181
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 10,778
Undergrad Students: 7,824
Graduate Students: 2,954
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

38

Fresno Pacific University

Score: 78.66

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,558
- Out-of-State: $35,558
Net Price: $15,255
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 3,032
Undergrad Students: 1,744
Graduate Students: 1,288
Grads Salary: $84,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

39

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Score: 78.13

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,142
- Out-of-State: $18,706
Net Price: $15,510
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 7,234
Undergrad Students: 6,254
Graduate Students: 980
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

40

Texas Wesleyan University

Score: 77.83

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,934
- Out-of-State: $37,934
Net Price: $15,652
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Retention Rate: 56%

Graduation Rate: 33%
Total Enrollment: 2,578
Undergrad Students: 1,879
Graduate Students: 699
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

41

Faith International University

Score: 77.68

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,850
- Out-of-State: $8,850
Net Price: $15,727
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 17%
Total Enrollment: 335
Undergrad Students: 177
Graduate Students: 158
Grads Salary: $46,800
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

42

Central Washington University

Score: 77.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,192
- Out-of-State: $26,771
Net Price: $15,864
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 9,257
Undergrad Students: 8,743
Graduate Students: 514
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

43

Mercy University

Score: 77.36

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,106
- Out-of-State: $22,106
Net Price: $15,879
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 8,615
Undergrad Students: 6,379
Graduate Students: 2,236
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

44

Trevecca Nazarene University

Score: 76.94

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,790
- Out-of-State: $29,790
Net Price: $16,080
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 3,327
Undergrad Students: 1,867
Graduate Students: 1,460
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

45

Mid-America Christian University

Score: 76.88

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,896
- Out-of-State: $19,896
Net Price: $16,105
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 2,442
Undergrad Students: 1,867
Graduate Students: 575
Grads Salary: $60,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

46

University of Maryland

Score: 76.66

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,505
- Out-of-State: $40,306
Net Price: $16,210
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Retention Rate: 95%

Graduation Rate: 89%
Total Enrollment: 40,792
Undergrad Students: 30,353
Graduate Students: 10,439
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

47

Portland State University

Score: 76.53

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,238
- Out-of-State: $30,138
Net Price: $16,273
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 21,609
Undergrad Students: 16,862
Graduate Students: 4,747
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

48

Oklahoma State University

Score: 75.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,234
- Out-of-State: $25,754
Net Price: $16,718
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 25,372
Undergrad Students: 20,786
Graduate Students: 4,586
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

49

Carolina University

Score: 75.57

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,000
- Out-of-State: $16,000
Net Price: $16,731
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Retention Rate: 49%

Graduation Rate: 32%
Total Enrollment: 826
Undergrad Students: 350
Graduate Students: 476
Grads Salary: N/A
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

50

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Score: 75.16

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,896
- Out-of-State: $33,751
Net Price: $16,926
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 33,403
Undergrad Students: 25,777
Graduate Students: 7,626
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Why a Degree from an Affordable Marriage and Family Counseling Program?

Many students choose to pursue marriage and family therapy degrees because they are eager to help others. Overall, this career is quite dynamic and rewarding, offering opportunities to use knowledge of psychology, counseling, group dynamics, and culture to repair and improve relationships.

Other benefits include a very strong career outlook, decent financial compensation, and the development of skills that can be easily transferred to other professions.

Marriage and family therapy graduates can also explore professional opportunities in:

Child and adolescent counseling
Mental health counseling
Career counseling
Substance abuse counseling
Rehabilitation counseling

It’s important to consider that earning a degree of any kind can be expensive. As this profession requires both bachelors and master’s degrees, the overall cost can be substantial. Prospective students who lack the financial means to pay for school out-of-pocket, in particular, may find the prospect daunting.

While financial aid can help supplement the cost of college, it’s not always enough. Obtaining scholarships and grants will make enrolling in a program easier, and the funds will not need to be paid back in the future. Loans are also available, but these do require repayment after graduation and, unfortunately, depending too heavily on them can result in significant financial hardships later on.

Ultimately, this makes finding an affordable academic program extremely important. Financial aid may be used to supplement expenses, but the best solution is finding an affordable marriage and family therapy program. Regardless of your academic goals, opting for a less expensive degree option is often optimal.

Choosing an Affordable Counseling College

There are several factors you should consider when looking for an affordable marriage and family therapy program. Every college and university is different, making it important to compare various features in order to find the one that fits your needs best. Some of the most significant differences include cost, location, accreditation, instructional methods, and graduation requirements.

Cost

The cost of earning a marriage and family therapy degree is not standardized and can vary significantly from institution to institution. Every college and university sets their own tuition rates, which can fluctuate yearly. Additionally, school type, reputation, and location can influence costs, with prestigious, private institutions in large cities often charging the most. On the other hand, many colleges and universities also offer financial aid options. Becoming familiar with these elements now can make it easier to find an affordable program.

Location

The location of your marriage and family therapy degree program is particularly important, as this factor can greatly impact the amount of money you will pay. There are colleges and universities all over the United States and choosing one in another state can be costly. This is because many public schools charge out-of-state students tuition at a higher rate than in-state students. Keep this in mind as you research potential institutions. Additionally, keep in mind that many employers give preference to local graduates. It’s not uncommon for colleges and universities build relationships with nearby companies and organizations over time, ensuring that students receive the training necessary to be successful professionals in the area.

Accreditation

You should always verify the accreditation status of a college and university prior to enrolling in a marriage and family therapy program. Academic institutions are not required to become accredited, but the best ones are. Schools can choose between regional and international accreditation, although students tend to have an easier time transferring credits earned at regionally accredited institutions. Opting for a college or university that is accredited by a recognized agency ensures that the school meets various education standards. In the United States, accrediting agencies are overseen by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Regional agencies approved by CHEA and the U.S. Board of Education include:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCACS)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Schools (WASC ACS)

Graduation Requirements

Every college and university sets expectations for students prior to graduation. While requirements differ, many schools have relatively similar guidelines. Always take time to consult the program’s complete curriculum breakdown, along with course descriptions, and any concentrations available. This information is usually available on official institutional websites. While you should always review the specific expectations for your marriage and family therapy program carefully, some common examples include a minimum grade point average (GPA), a set number of course credits, and a final project.

Instruction Methods

It’s also important to ensure your learning needs and preferences can be met prior to enrolling in a marriage and family therapy program. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the instructional methods a school uses most before actually attending classes. Most institutions provide some sort of related information online. Pay close attention to factors such as class size, assignment types, and available academic resources. You can also reach out to the marriage and family therapy department directly for more details. Similarly, if a traditional classroom setting does not suit your situation, online options may be available.

Online Options

Students interested in earning a marriage and family therapy degree can often take courses online. This option is particularly ideal for individuals who require more academic flexibility, as students the opportunity have the ability to complete coursework from anywhere in the world with internet access. Numerous colleges and universities offer remote degrees for those unable to attend classes in person. In fact, many distance learning programs are flexible enough for current professionals, as well as those with personal obligations that make on-campus learning difficult.

It’s also worth noting that many online programs are accelerated or specially designed to take less time to complete. These usually consist of condensed classes and fewer breaks, which means students finish requirements faster. While every program is different, it’s not uncommon to find online associate degree programs that can be completed in as few as 18 months. There are also accelerated bachelor’s degrees.

Search Programs Offering Marriage & Family Therapy Majors

Online learning is not perfect for everyone. There are some drawbacks that everyone should be aware of before enrolling. Not only must students be exceptionally self-motivated to complete assignments, but they may have limited access to various resources often available in traditional learning settings, such as some library resources. There will also be limited opportunities to network with others in the field. As a result, it’s important to confirm what services prospective institutions offer to distance learners.

Most development departments provide support to current students and recent graduates in the following ways:

Interview Preparation
Resume Development
Career Coaching Services
Internship Opportunities
Job Fairs

Are Marriage and Family Counseling Programs in High Demand?

Marriage and family therapy is considered an in-demand field, with many colleges and universities offering credible degree programs throughout the nation. Whether you are interested in taking traditional classes or want to study online, you should have little trouble finding an option that meets your academic needs.

Overall, the outlook for marriage and family therapists working in the United States is very promising. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment in this profession is expected to grow by 16% from 2020 to 2030. This is much faster than the national average for all other professions. An increase of this size is expected to add about 8,500 new jobs to the market each year, most of which will be due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force.

The primary explanation for the anticipated job growth is the increased use of integrated care, or the treatment of multiple problems at one time by a group of specialists. Marriage and family therapists will be needed to work in conjunction with other counselors such as those assisting with mental health issues, substance abuse, and behavior disorders.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling?

The majority of individuals who graduate with a degree in marriage and family therapy seek employment as marriage and family therapists. All marriage and family therapists are required to have a master’s degree in psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related mental health field.

Several organizations can accredit counseling programs; give preference to those with the following accreditation:

Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)

In addition to receiving the necessary education, these professionals must also complete postgraduate supervised clinical work hours. Commonly referred to as an internship or residency, this training gives prospective professionals hands-on experience in the field.

Marriage and family therapists are also required to be licensed by the state(s) they work in. Licensure requires candidates have a master’s degree, plus 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Therapists must also pass state-recognized examinations and complete annual continuing education coursework. Licensing information for each state is available through the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).

It’s worth noting that these therapists can work in a wide variety of settings such as outpatient services, inpatient services, schools, colleges, and family services agencies. Alternatively, they can opt to open their own private practices.

In addition to becoming a marriage and family therapist, there are a few other career paths available after earning this degree. As students gain advanced counseling and psychology training, they are able to enter careers in many different therapy disciplines. Becoming familiar with the various employment options now can ensure you receive the knowledge and training necessary to be successful in the future.

Some common career paths include:

Counseling
Counseling professionals assist their patients in handling day-to-day stresses, as well as in finding solutions to long-term emotional or psychological problems. They often address difficult and complex situations, objectively analyzing behaviors and psychological processes that impact human thought and action.
Education
Education professionals can work in school systems at every level, from pre-k to postsecondary. There are many different aspects involved in this field including academic instruction, childhood development, and educational leadership.
Health Services
Health services professionals work closely with patients in conjunction with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and medical specialists. Careers in this field include health administration, managers, and counselors.
Psychology
Psychology professionals work with the science of mental processes and behaviors over multiple disciplines. Those interested in dealing directly with patients often find employment in clinical settings. Common areas of specialty include addiction and recovery, behavioral psychology, child and adolescent psychology, organizational psychology, and counseling.

Counseling Graduates Earn More After College

The earning potential for marriage and family therapists ranges from just over average to well above average, depending mostly on location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for this profession was $51,340 in 2020, which is higher than the median annual wage of $41,950 as reported for all occupations. However, the lowest 10% of workers in this profession earned less than $33,140. The highest 10%, on the other hand, had a median annual wage of $92,930. According to PayScale, the average base salary for marriage and family therapists is $50,752. After 20 or more years of working in this position, the average yearly salary becomes $67,000.

It’s important to realize that education level often impacts salary potential. Those who lack advanced degrees often make significantly less money than those who have earned them. Only individuals with master’s degrees will qualify for licensure, which means they are the ones earning higher-level jobs and larger salaries.

As previously mentioned, salary is also often dependent upon location. Some states pay marriage and family therapists more than others. Pay for professionals in this field is best in Utah, New Jersey, Illinois, Hawaii, and Oklahoma. Conversely, the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, South Dakota, and Kansas have some of the lowest salaries in the industry.

FAQs

What are the admission requirements for marriage and family counseling students?

College and university admission requirements vary, but some expectations are fairly standard. While you should always review application materials carefully before submission, many schools require the following:
- Official High School Transcripts or College Transcripts
- Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Application and Fees
- Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement or Supplemental Essay
- Academic Work Samples
- Scores from College Entrance Exams (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT etc.)
How long will it take to complete a marriage and family counseling degree?

The length of time needed to complete a marriage and family therapist degree will depend on the level of degree you seek. While most take between two and four years, some accelerated programs can be completed in a matter months.

In general, an associate degree consists of about 60 credit hours and will take full-time students two years to complete. Bachelor’s degree programs are made up of 120 credit hours that require approximately four years to complete. Master’s degrees usually consist of 30-60 credit hours and take full-time students two years to complete.

It is important to note that professional work experience can sometimes be converted into course credit. Credit hours from advanced placement classes or previous degrees can also be applied. Both of these situations can decrease the overall time it takes to graduate.
How much does a marriage and family counseling program cost?

The cost of enrolling in a marriage and family counseling degree program will vary significantly depending on the following important factors:
- Degree Type
- Institution Type
- Housing
- Commute
- Technology Fees
- Books and Supplies
- Location

Sources:

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