Best Online Counseling Programs in North Carolina (2026)

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North Carolina Counseling At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Counseling Salary$56,497
Salary OutlookNorth Carolina offers competitive wages for counseling professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyNorth Carolina Board of Behavioral Health / Professional Counselors
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online counseling degree in North Carolina offers a flexible path into counseling careers. North Carolina 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, North Carolina students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Counseling Schools in North Carolina

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

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.

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#1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
91.9 BOC Score
Graduation rate 91%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $72,200
Avg net price $11,655/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 97%
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
79.0 BOC Score
Graduation rate 90%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $78,158
Avg net price $28,719/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 94%
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
68.3 BOC Score
Graduation rate 66%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $55,146
Avg net price $15,739/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 82%
  • Programs offered: 37

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in North Carolina

Counseling professionals in North Carolina 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 North Carolina.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (North Carolina)
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$55,490
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor and Advisor$57,630
Marriage and Family Therapist$48,100
Rehabilitation Counselor$45,890
Counselor, All Other$52,280
Social and Community Service Manager$79,590

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


Why Pursue an Online Counseling Degree in North Carolina?

Choosing a program in North Carolina can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in North Carolina 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 North Carolina economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online counseling programs in North Carolina 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 North Carolina compare to other states?

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

What is the primary licensing board for counseling in North Carolina?

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


Online Counseling Programs by City in North Carolina

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

Apex · Asheboro · Asheville · Boone · Burlington · Carrboro · Cary · Chapel Hill · Charlotte · Clayton · Clemmons · Concord · Cornelius · Durham · Elizabeth City · Fayetteville · Forest City · Fuquay-Varina · Garner · Gastonia · Goldsboro · Greensboro · Greenville · Havelock · Henderson · Hickory · High Point · Holly Springs · Huntersville · Indian Trail · Jacksonville · Kannapolis · Kernersville · Kill Devil Hills · Kinston · Laurinburg · Lincolnton · Lumberton · Matthews · Mint Hill · Monroe · Mooresville · Morehead City · Morrisville · New Bern · Pinehurst · Raleigh · Roanoke Rapids · Rockingham · Rocky Mount · Salisbury · Sanford · Shelby · Smithfield · Statesville · Thomasville · Wake Forest · Wilmington · Wilson · Winston-Salem


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