Best Online Counseling Programs in Massachusetts (2026)

Home > Programs > Counseling > States > Massachusetts


Massachusetts Counseling At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Counseling Salary$65,688
Salary OutlookMassachusetts offers competitive wages for counseling professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyMassachusetts Board of Behavioral Health / Professional Counselors
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online counseling degree in Massachusetts offers a flexible path into counseling careers. Massachusetts offers competitive wages for counseling professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Massachusetts students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Counseling Schools in Massachusetts

The following schools offer accredited online counseling programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Massachusetts.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

Sort:
#1

Boston University

Boston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
81.6 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 11%
Graduation rate 89%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $83,238
Avg net price $24,402/yr
Tuition
In‑state$68,102
Out‑of‑state$68,102
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 95%
  • Programs offered: 33

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
78.5 BOC Score
Graduation rate 91%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $103,937
Avg net price $41,704/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 96%
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Simmons University

Boston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
70.8 BOC Score
Graduation rate 77%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $63,494
Avg net price $25,265/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 83%
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Springfield College

Springfield, MA
  • 4 year
46.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 75%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $48,036
Avg net price $30,587/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 82%
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Massachusetts

Counseling professionals in Massachusetts experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Massachusetts.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Massachusetts)
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$59,890
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor and Advisor$79,930
Marriage and Family Therapist$67,370
Rehabilitation Counselor$47,320
Counselor, All Other$58,240
Social and Community Service Manager$81,380

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Counseling Degree in Massachusetts?

Choosing a program in Massachusetts can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Massachusetts offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Massachusetts economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online counseling programs in Massachusetts accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Counseling pay in Massachusetts compare to other states?

Massachusetts offers competitive wages for counseling professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Massachusetts a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for counseling in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Board of Behavioral Health / Professional Counselors oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Massachusetts. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Counseling Programs by City in Massachusetts

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Attleboro · Beverly · Boston · Brockton · Cambridge · Chelsea · Chicopee · Everett · Fall River · Fitchburg · Gardner · Gloucester · Haverhill · Holyoke · Lawrence · Leominster · Lowell · Lynn · Malden · Marlborough · Medford · Melrose · Methuen · New Bedford · Newton · Northampton · Peabody · Pittsfield · Quincy · Revere · Salem · Somerville · Springfield · Taunton · Waltham · Watertown · Westfield · Woburn · Worcester


Browse Other States