Substance abuse counselors play a pivotal role in society by assisting individuals battling addiction, guiding them toward recovery, and fostering healthier lifestyles. Their expertise and empathetic approach are essential in addressing a growing public health concern.
Online substance abuse counseling programs are tailored to equip students with the necessary knowledge, therapeutic techniques, and practical skills for effective counseling. The average tuition for an undergraduate program is $14,688 per year, and most students can complete their bachelor’s degree in four years with full-time study.
While the median salary for substance abuse counselors is $53,710, pursuing advanced education can significantly elevate earning potential — with the top 10% earning upwards of $89,920 annually. Furthermore, with an anticipated 18% increase in demand over the next decade, these programs promise rewarding careers and address a pressing societal need.
How to Choose an Online Substance Abuse Counseling Program
Choose your area of study
While substance abuse counseling is niche, some programs may provide concentrations or specializations to help you align your studies with specific career goals. These may include areas like adolescent addiction, family therapy, co-occurring disorders, or prevention specialist training. Programs that don’t offer specializations may provide relevant coursework tailored to your interests, making it essential to identify this interest early to know what to look for when it comes time for research.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve decided on a specialization, you can research schools and programs to help you meet your career goals.
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognizedregional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Assess faculty credentials, checking their expertise and ability to provide quality instruction. Also, evaluate the scheduling options, weighing the pros and cons of part-time versus full-time study to align with your personal and professional commitments effectively.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program. Begin by gathering official transcripts from previous institutions and securing strong letters of recommendation. Dedicate ample time to writing a compelling personal statement illustrating your passion and suitability for the field.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with each institution’s standardized test policies — while many schools have moved to test-optional policies, others still require SAT or ACT scores. Consider enrolling in a test prep program to boost your performance. And you should always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost. Financing your education can feel like a substantial undertaking, but with strategic preparation, you can pay for your degree without a high debt burden.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal grants and loans. You should also look for scholarship opportunities from the school you attend, professional organizations, and other sources.
Work-study programs can help students earn money while gaining valuable experience on campus. For students currently employed, ask if your employer offers a tuition reimbursem*nt program, which can significantly offset educational costs.
Best 13 Accredited Online Substance Abuse Counseling Programs
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Sort by: Intelligent Score
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#1
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $28,184
Out-of-state: $28,184
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $13,512
Out-of-state: $13,512
Test scores
SAT: 1010-1200
ACT: 21-27
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
91%
On-campus students
90%
Graduation Rate
72%
Students enrolled
3,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$48k
Average Student Debt
$24k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$395
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 866-498-4968
More Details
#2
Vermillion, SD | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public
University of South Dakota
Intelligent Score: 99.3
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $7,697
Out-of-state: $11,172
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $6,062
Out-of-state: $6,062
Test scores
SAT: 1000-1245
ACT: 20-25
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
91%
On-campus students
37%
Graduation Rate
60%
Students enrolled
9,000
Student to faculty ratio
15:01
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$24k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$354
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 877-269-6837
More Details
#3
Natchitoches, LA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Intelligent Score: 97.54
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $5,180
Out-of-state: $15,968
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $5,738
Out-of-state: $5,738
Test scores
SAT: 978-1130
ACT: 17-23
Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
95%
On-campus students
9%
Graduation Rate
47%
Students enrolled
11,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$36k
Average Student Debt
$24k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$375
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 318-357-6594
More Details
#4
Circleville, OH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private
Ohio Christian University
Intelligent Score: 94.5
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $14,400
Out-of-state: $14,400
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $8,922
Out-of-state: $8,922
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Retention Rate
63%
Admission Rate
N/A
On-campus students
29%
Graduation Rate
34%
Students enrolled
2,000
Student to faculty ratio
8:01
Average Salary
$33k
Average Student Debt
$29k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,020
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online, On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 877-762-8669
More Details
#5
Manchester, NH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 93.03
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $18,810
Out-of-state: $18,810
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
94%
On-campus students
4%
Graduation Rate
37%
Students enrolled
134,000
Student to faculty ratio
21:01
Average Salary
$43k
Average Student Debt
$20k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$320
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
New England Commission of Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 888-327-7648
More Details
#6
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $36,680
Out-of-state: $36,680
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $15,210
Out-of-state: $15,210
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
70%
On-campus students
65%
Graduation Rate
61%
Students enrolled
3,000
Student to faculty ratio
14:01
Average Salary
$39k
Average Student Debt
$27k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,070
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
123
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 610-796-8269
More Details
#7
Richmond, VA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public
Virginia Commonwealth University
Intelligent Score: 90.11
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $12,179
Out-of-state: $32,827
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $12,703
Out-of-state: $12,703
Test scores
SAT: 1060-1250
ACT: 21-28
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
91%
On-campus students
12%
Graduation Rate
66%
Students enrolled
29,000
Student to faculty ratio
18:01
Average Salary
$38k
Average Student Debt
$23k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$417
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 804-828-6786
More Details
#8
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $27,270
Out-of-state: $27,270
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $9,990
Out-of-state: $9,990
Test scores
SAT: 960-1150
ACT: 18-23
Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
47%
On-campus students
31%
Graduation Rate
60%
Students enrolled
1,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$33k
Average Student Debt
$25k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$425
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 800-682-7696
More Details
#9
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $53,868
Out-of-state: $53,868
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $36,234
Out-of-state: $36,234
Test scores
SAT: 1180-1380
ACT: 25-31
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
77%
On-campus students
11%
Graduation Rate
71%
Students enrolled
24,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$54k
Average Student Debt
$26k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$543
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
180
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 215-895-2400
More Details
#10
New Orleans, LA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private
University of Holy Cross
Intelligent Score: 86.64
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $14,160
Out-of-state: $14,160
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $12,690
Out-of-state: $12,690
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
53%
On-campus students
1%
Graduation Rate
38%
Students enrolled
1,000
Student to faculty ratio
10:01
Average Salary
$39k
Average Student Debt
$31k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$585
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online, On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 504-398-2175
More Details
#11
Clarks Summit, PA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private
Clarks Summit University
Intelligent Score: 86.43
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $26,082
Out-of-state: $26,082
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $8,280
Out-of-state: $8,280
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
62%
On-campus students
40%
Graduation Rate
68%
Students enrolled
768
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$27k
Average Student Debt
$20k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$460
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
121
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 800-451-7664
More Details
#12
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
Test scores
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
On-campus students
7%
Graduation Rate
54%
Students enrolled
93,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$36k
Average Student Debt
$26k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$390
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 800-424-9596
More Details
#13
Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $9,723
Out-of-state: $25,057
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $13,224
Out-of-state: $13,224
Test scores
SAT: 1120-1330
ACT: 23-29
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
76%
On-campus students
10%
Graduation Rate
73%
Students enrolled
41,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$22k
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$566
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email: [emailprotected]
Phone: 888-628-3334
More Details
How We Rank Schools
This list features some of the best online substance abuse counseling degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online substance abuse counseling degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Online Substance Abuse Counseling Program?
Substance abuse counseling programs prepare students for successful careers with foundational knowledge and skills to address addiction and its complexities. At the undergraduate level, programs examine the psychology of addiction, therapeutic interventions, ethical considerations, and practical counseling techniques. Students can anticipate coursework covering substance abuse pharmacology, counseling theories, group dynamics, and cultural competency. Some programs may require the completion of a supervised practicum, which provides hands-on training in real-world settings.
While an undergraduate degree offers essential insights, aspiring counselors should note that the field predominantly requires a graduate-level education for licensure. Therefore, many students progress to earn a master’s degree in counseling or a related discipline, positioning themselves for advanced clinical roles and licensure eligibility.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online substance abuse counseling program
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction: This course explores the study of drugs and their effects on the brain and behavior. Students gain insights into how different substances interact with the nervous system, leading to addiction.
- Counseling Techniques and Interventions: Students learn various therapeutic approaches tailored to substance abuse populations. Techniques include motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and relapse prevention methods.
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Addiction Counseling: This course examines the ethical dilemmas and legal considerations specific to substance abuse counseling. Students learn about confidentiality, client rights, mandated reporting, and navigating complex ethical scenarios.
- Family Dynamics and Addiction: Focusing on the systemic impact of addiction, this course explores how substance abuse affects families and relationships. Students study family therapy models, codependency issues, and interventions to heal family systems.
What Can I Do With an Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degree?
Career outlook
As a result of the ongoing opioid epidemic in the U.S., as well as the continued misuse of other substances like alcohol and prescription drugs, the demand for substance abuse counselors is expected to continue growing throughout the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment of substance abuse counselors will increase by 18% through 2032, much faster than the average for all jobs.
Substance abuse counselors find themselves employed in a variety of different settings, including inpatient and outpatient treatment and rehabilitation facilities, medical and psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities, clinics, and more.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in substance abuse counseling also prepares students to pursue further education at the master’s level. This can open doors to additional job opportunities, especially in clinical roles like licensed therapist or social worker.
Some common career paths for those with a substance abuse counseling degree include:
- Substance abuse counselor — Evaluate clients’ mental and physical health, addiction, or problematic behavior and assess their readiness for treatment; develop treatment goals and plans; and assist clients in developing skills and behaviors necessary to recover from their addiction.
- Median annual salary: $53,710
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 18%
- New jobs projected: 42,000 per year
- Social and human service assistant — Help clients determine what kind of assistance they need, such as rehabilitation centers or support groups, and connect them with resources to aid in their treatment and recovery.
- Median annual salary: $41,410
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 9%
- New jobs projected: 47,400 per year
- Social worker — Individuals with a master’s degree in social work can work as clinicians, helping individuals and families cope with and recover from addictions.
- Median annual salary: $58,380
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New jobs projected: 63,800 per year
Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online substance abuse counseling degree program?
To apply to an online substance abuse counseling degree program, start by researching accredited institutions offering this program online. Typically, you’ll need to submit an application form, official transcripts from previous education, and possibly letters of recommendation. Many programs also require a personal statement outlining your interest in the field and career goals.
Before applying, it’s crucial to consult with an admissions counselor from your chosen program. They can provide specific guidance on requirements, application deadlines, and prerequisites.
How much does an online substance abuse counseling degree cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of college tuition is $14,688 for undergraduate programs and $20,513 for graduate programs. Beyond tuition, online students will likely encounter additional expenses such as distance learning fees, library access fees, and course materials and textbooks.
How long does it take to earn an online substance abuse counseling degree?
On average, full-time undergraduate students typically complete their program in about four years. Those pursuing a graduate degree can meet degree requirements in two years or less. However, the flexibility of online learning can influence these timelines.
Many students opt for part-time enrollment to accommodate work or other commitments, potentially extending the duration of their studies. Additionally, the total number of required credits plays a pivotal role in program length — generally, the more credits needed, the more time it’ll take to earn the degree.
Is an online substance abuse counseling degree worth it?
For individuals who want to help those suffering from addiction, earning a degree in substance abuse counseling is a key step toward being able to provide that assistance. Most substance abuse counselor jobs require, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree. These programs provide students with the training they need to work with vulnerable populations, including those struggling with substance misuse and their families.
Individuals who aspire to be clinicians will find that earning a bachelor’s degree is an essential step on their journey, as it qualifies them for further graduate study in counseling and social work.
When selecting an online substance abuse counseling degree program, students should consider the salary range for this field. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $36,700 annually, while the top 10% earn more than $89,920. Higher salaries are typically reserved for those who are more experienced or work in settings like hospitals.
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