Addiction Counseling: Higher Education & Licensing Guide for Counselors

Best Addiction Studies School Programs

Why Get a Degree in Addiction Counseling?

Do you enjoy helping people? Would you like to be a positive influence in changing lives? Addiction counseling could be the career path for you. Counselors teach people coping strategies to deal with the triggers and stress relating to substance abuse. They also help their clients mend strained relationships and provide critical resources to rebuild their careers and ties within the community.

Addiction can have a debilitating effect on the lives of those affected by it. Obtaining a Bachelor's or Master's degree in addiction counseling gives you the tools you need to help individuals recover from their drug or alcohol addiction through various behavioral counseling strategies. You will be an integral part of turning lives around by utilizing family, individual, and group sessions in clinics, hospitals, prisons, or private practice.

1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

With a retention rate of 97%, the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor is well-loved by its students. The low in-state tuition rate of less than $16,000 per year makes this university a budget-friendly option for degree seekers. It offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs. An addiction center on campus treats patients and conducts relevant research on substance abuse disorders.

Tuition
In-State: $15,558
- Out-of-State: $51,200
Average Net Price: $17,357
# of Applicants: 64,972
% Admitted: 23%
Retention Rate: 97%

Total Enrollment: 48,090
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,266 (65%)
- Graduate Enrollment: 16,824 (35%)
Graduation Rate: 93%
Student Faculty Ratio: 11 to 1
Average Grads Salary: $80,823
10 Year ROI*: $738,8022

2. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

You can earn your master’s degree in Professional Studies in Addiction Counseling at the University of Michigan-Twin Cities. The program can be completed traditionally or through its Accelerated Cohort. That gives you, as the student, the flexibility to learn at the pace that's right for you. There’s also the Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health program available. With a UMN degree, you can expect to earn an average of $74,366 annually.

Tuition
- In-State: $15,027
- Out-of-State: $33,325
Average Net Price: $17,279
# of Applicants: 40,673
% Admitted: 57%
Retention Rate: 93%

Total Enrollment: 51,327
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 35,165 (69%)
- Graduate Enrollment: 16,162 (31%)
Graduation Rate: 83%
Student Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1
Average Grads Salary: $74,399
10 Year ROI*: $674,8743

3. College of William and Mary

The College of William and Mary offers a Clinical Mental Health & Addictions Counseling Master's degree and a Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling. You’ll take courses like Contemporary Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Substance Abuse and Society, and Addictions Counseling. You’ll enjoy studying in the 113,000 square foot School of Education building that sits adjacent to the campus. The facility features a Professional Development Center, Technology Integration Center, Learning Resource Center, Monticello Cafe, and numerous classrooms.

Tuition
- In-State: $23,628
- Out-of-State: $46,854
Average Net Price: $18,551
# of Applicants: 14,680
% Admitted: 38%
Retention Rate: 95%

Total Enrollment: 8,773
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,256 (71%)
- Graduate Enrollment: 2,517 (29%)
Graduation Rate: 90%
Student Faculty Ratio: 11 to 1
Average Grads Salary: $72,917
10 Year ROI*: $654,9664

4. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a great place to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Behavioral Healthcare with an Addictions and Behavioral Healthcare concentration. The school is ranked 8th among the country’s public colleges, 16th in patents among all universities worldwide, and 27th in rehabilitation counseling. The university has three campuses to choose from in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. Be a part of one of the fastest-rising public universities at USF.

Tuition
- In-State: $6,410
- Out-of-State: $17,324
Average Net Price: $9,787
# of Applicants: 36,986
% Admitted: 48%
Retention Rate: 91%

Total Enrollment: 44,246
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,684 (74%)
- Graduate Enrollment: 11,562 (26%)
Graduation Rate: 75%
Student Faculty Ratio: 23 to 1
Average Grads Salary: $65,870
10 Year ROI*: $619,5525

5. Wake Forest University

Are you interested in how and why dependency occurs? Do you want to find new ways to help prevent or treat it? The Master’s Program in Addiction Research and Clinical Health (ARCH) at Wake Forest University is a fantastic option to set you on the path to research and pioneer new ways to help those struggling with substance abuse. Don't miss out on this first-of-its-kind program.

Tuition
- In-State: 55,440
- Out-of-State: 55,440
Average Net Price: $24,800
# of Applicants: 12,559
% Admitted: 30%
Retention Rate: 94%

Total Enrollment: 8,495
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,287 (62%)
- Graduate Enrollment: 3,208 (38%)
Graduation Rate: 88%
Student Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1
Average Grads Salary: $74,424
10 Year ROI*: $645,0406

6. The College of New Jersey

Earn a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) with an Addiction Counseling concentration through The College of New Jersey. Their nationally accredited program gives you the flexibility to take your degree anywhere in the country. Utilize the different financial aid tutorials to learn how to apply for and accept available scholarships and grants that you are eligible to receive. Take a virtual tour of the school or download their campus guide PDF for more information.

Tuition
- In-State: $16,923
- Out-of-State: $28,901
Average Net Price: $23,945
# of Applicants: 13,824
% Admitted: 49%
Retention Rate: 93%

Total Enrollment: 7,821
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,189 (92%)
- Graduate Enrollment: 632 (8%)
Graduation Rate: 86%
Student Faculty Ratio: 13 to 1
Average Grads Salary: $72,369
10 Year ROI*: $627,9107

7. James Madison University

This Virginia-based university has a 16 to 1 student to faculty ratio and an 84% graduation rate. With an affordable tuition cost of just over $12,000, James Madison University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Educational Specialist Master’s Degree program is one to consider for your educational needs. The program prepares you for jobs at a private counseling practice, a community agency or mental health center, and more.

Tuition
- In-State: $12,206
- Out-of-State: $29,106
Average Net Price: $18,708
# of Applicants: 23,579
% Admitted: 77%
Retention Rate: 89%

Total Enrollment: 21,820
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,895 (91%)
- Graduate Enrollment: 1,925 (9%)
Graduation Rate: 84%
Student Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
Average Grads Salary: $66,550
10 Year ROI*: $590,6688

8. Appalachian State University

If you’re looking to earn your master’s degree or need a graduate certificate to add to your training, Appalachian State University has both programs available. Its Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Addictions Counseling covers courses like The Addictive Process, Counseling the Addicted Person, Helping the Troubled Employee, and Current Issues and Special Populations in Addiction Counseling. You can also choose a thesis or no thesis program plan.

Tuition
- In-State: $7,409
- Out-of-State: $22,216
Average Net Price: $10,525
# of Applicants: 16,664
% Admitted: 77%
Retention Rate: 88%

Total Enrollment: 19,280
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 17,518 (91%)
- Graduate Enrollment: 1,762 (9%)
Graduation Rate: 73%
Student Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
Average Grads Salary: $58,853
10 Year ROI*: $546,430

9. California State University-Fullerton

CSU’s Fullerton location offers a thriving campus that provides resident students an immersive college experience. In addition to earning a counseling degree, you will also have the opportunity to participate in student employment, events, and leadership positions while engaging with other students, faculty, and the community. The Housing and Residential Engagement at CSU helps students achieve their goals both inside and outside of the classroom and beyond.

Tuition
- In-State: $6,924
- Out-of-State: $18,804
Average Net Price: $8,294
# of Applicants: 50,105
% Admitted: 53%
Retention Rate: 89%

Total Enrollment: 40,445
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 35,335 (87%)
- Graduate Enrollment: 5,110 (13%)
Graduation Rate: 69%
Student Faculty Ratio: 25 to 1
Average Grads Salary: $69,579
10 Year ROI*: $662,614

10. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

The Department of Psychology at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers an Addiction Studies minor and an Addiction Studies Certificate Program. If you complete the program, you will be able to become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T). The certificate program also satisfies the requirements for a minor in Addiction Studies.

Tuition
- In-State: $7,470
- Out-of-State: $15,420
Average Net Price: $3,814
# of Applicants: 20,568
% Admitted: 41%
Retention Rate: 80%

Total Enrollment: 15,880
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,746 (87%)
- Graduate Enrollment: 2,134 (13%)
Graduation Rate: 52%
Student Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
Average Grads Salary: $63,144
10 Year ROI*: $616,184

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