Best Online Counseling Programs in Washington (2026)

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Washington Counseling At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Counseling Salary$73,693
Salary OutlookWashington offers competitive wages for counseling professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyWashington Board of Behavioral Health / Professional Counselors
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online counseling degree in Washington offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Washington 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 top-ranked national program, Washington students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Counseling Schools in Washington

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

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.

#1

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA BOC Score 89.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 40

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Washington State University

Pullman, WA BOC Score 74.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 15

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Bellevue College

Bellevue, WA BOC Score 73.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 41

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Yakima Valley College

Yakima, WA BOC Score 55.9
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 59

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Washington

Counseling professionals in Washington 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 Washington.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Washington)
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$68,910
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor and Advisor$82,670
Marriage and Family Therapist$60,000
Rehabilitation Counselor$58,050
Counselor, All Other$69,530
Social and Community Service Manager$103,000

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


Why Pursue an Online Counseling Degree in Washington?

Choosing a program in Washington can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online counseling programs in Washington accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Washington, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Counseling pay in Washington compare to other states?

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

What is the primary licensing board for counseling in Washington?

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


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