Best Online Addiction Counseling Degrees 2025
The best online addiction counseling degrees of 2025 prepare you for an entry-level career and master’s programs in addiction counseling or social work. Beyond a rigorous and career-aligned education, these programs also offer the best value for money.
Explore how an online addiction counseling degree can help you avoid student debt and let you start helping people in need as soon as possible.
Degree at a Glance
- Typical Program Length: Four years for full-time students
- Typical Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma, standardized test scores
- Top Skills Gained: Communication, critical thinking, decision making, cultural awareness
- Popular Concentrations: Behavioral health, chemical dependency, social work
Top Addiction Counseling Programs 2025
University of South Dakota — Most Affordable Tuition for All Online Students
- Vermillion, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Lowest Tuition Rate Regardless of Your State Residency and Enrollment Type
The University of South Dakota's online BS in addiction counseling and prevention costs $365 per credit for both full-time and part-time students, with no additional upcharges for out-of-state students. The addiction counseling program emphasizes hands-on training, mentorship, and internships, with small classes led by experienced faculty.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $365
Out-of-State | $365
Why Students Choose USD:
- Competitive Price: $365 per credit plus scholarships and military discounts, including a 50% tuition reduction for eligible National Guard members.
- High Pass Rates: USD program grads have achieved a 100% pass rate on the national exam for two years straight.
- Student Opportunities: Offers robust online student support services, including mentorship, conferences, internships, and advocacy-focused student organizations.
Know Before You Enroll:
- USD’s program meets South Dakota licensing standards, but consider checking other states' requirements before enrolling.
- Be prepared for supervised off-campus internships in addiction treatment and prevention during upper-level coursework.
62%
$ 7,773
80%
$11,283
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,868
- Institution Type
- Public
Northwestern State University of Louisiana — Best Program for Military Service Members and Veterans
- Natchitoches, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Most Affordable Program for Service Members and Veterans
Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers an online BS in addiction studies with tuition discounts for active-duty military personnel and veterans. In 2024-25, the school earned Silver status as a Governor’s Military and Veteran Friendly Campus. NSU's addiction counseling program features flexible, asynchronous courses that allow you to complete coursework at your own pace.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $412
Out-of-State | $412
Why Students Choose NSU:
- Military Discount: All military members and their dependents, including active duty, reservists, and retirees, can save nearly 60% on tuition at $192 per credit hour.
- Military and Veteran Services: Supports veterans with specialized financial aid, advising, and counseling, along with degree pathways that recognize military experience.
- Professional Development: Mentorship and research opportunities are available for all online students through the Louisiana Addiction Technology Transfer Center.
Know Before You Enroll:
- With a 94% acceptance rate, NSU offers students an accessible and low-barrier path to admission.
- Out-of-state students pay the same fees and tuition as in-state students.
89%
$ 5,180
70%
$15,968
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,847
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Cincinnati — Most Transfer-Friendly Online Program
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Year-Round Start Dates and Max Credit for Prior Learning and Work Experience
The University of Cincinnati's online BS in substance abuse counseling accepts up to 90 transfer credits, including credit for relevant work experience. With multiple start dates, a career-focused curriculum, and part-time flexibility, UC Online offers a very transfer-friendly addiction counseling program.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $600
Out-of-State | $615
Why Students Choose UC Online:
- Transfer Credits: UC accepts the maximum amount of transfer credits, allowing you to save time and money completing your degree.
- Flexible Starts: Spring, summer, and fall entry points make it easy to transfer throughout the year.
- Military Support: UC offers $2,500 per semester in scholarships for service members and veterans.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Transfer students need a 2.0 college GPA or, if they have fewer than 24 credits, a 2.7 high school GPA with official transcripts.
- UC’s tuition guarantee locks rates for five years.
- Most UC Online programs are part-time, which can extend the time it takes to finish your degree requirements.
64%
$11,892
86%
$27,226
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 43,976
- Institution Type
- Public
Midwestern State University — Most Accessible Program for Students With Disabilities
- Wichita Falls, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Equitable Online Learning With Resources and Accommodations for Every Student
Midwestern State University's online BSE in substance abuse counseling offers extensive disability support, including extended test time, assistive technology, and personalized assistance. Its competency-based format lets you progress as you master the material.
Unlike most addiction counseling degrees, which are offered as BS degrees, MSU’s BSE in addiction counseling emphasizes education, expanding career opportunities in both counseling and teaching.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $398
Out-of-State | $497
Why Students Choose MSU:
- Disability Support Services: Provides a variety of accommodations such as note-taking assistance, adaptive equipment, registration support, and counseling referrals.
- Competency-Based Format: Advance at your own pace, based on mastery of material rather than fixed schedules.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Accommodations must be requested through Disability Support Services (DSS) at MSU
- The program includes an in-person practicum and internship with clinical training, but alternate accommodations can be made for students who require them.
- Out-of-state students pay an additional $460 per credit hour.
66%
$5,877
63%
$7,827
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,573
- Institution Type
- Public
Price Check
Some states award addiction counseling majors generous scholarships to encourage more college students to enter this in-demand career.
Why Choose Addiction Counseling?
The best online addiction counseling degrees feature foundational coursework in counseling theories and best practices. The broad curriculum lets you explore other counseling specialties and adjust your career goals, if necessary. Choose a bachelor’s in addiction counseling if you want to:
- Make a real impact on people’s lives.
- Continue your education in a master’s in counseling program.
- Explore careers requiring lifelong learning.
Career Outlook for Addiction Counseling Graduates
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for substance abuse counselors to grow by 17% between 2024 and 2034. This projection suggests that online addiction counseling degrees offer a strong return on investment.
Keep in mind that qualifying for some of the fastest-growing jobs requiring addiction counseling skills, such as social worker, involves extra education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
| Job | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| Substance Abuse Counselor | $59,190 |
| Social Worker | $61,330 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $63,780 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $78,240 |
| Psychologist | $94,310 |
Addiction Counseling Licensing and Certification Requirements
Licensure or certification requirements vary by state, meaning you may need to earn a master’s in substance abuse counseling before launching your career. If so, a 2-3-year master’s in addiction counseling can train you in advanced concepts and let you develop necessary skills during a practicum and internship.
Beyond a bachelor’s or master’s degree, typical requirements include:
- Gaining at least one year of supervised work experience.
- Passing one or more exams.
- Passing a background check.
Licensed addiction counselors must also maintain their license through continuing education. Visit your state licensure board website for the latest information.
Ways to Save on an Addiction Counseling Degree
You don’t need to go into debt to earn an online addiction counseling degree. Use these financial aid strategies to lower or eliminate your cost of attendance.
Submit the FAFSA Annually: Your FAFSA results may qualify you for federal grants and loans. The latter charges a more affordable interest rate than private loans.- Start Your Education at a Local Community College: Community colleges charge in-district or in-state students the lowest per-credit tuition rate. You can use the associate degree you earn to apply to bachelor’s-completion programs.
- Apply to Colleges With Institutional Aid: Many four-year colleges consider all incoming first-year students for institutional scholarships and grants. Some institutional aid may require a separate application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Counseling Programs
Yes, many universities offer online counseling degrees with a specialization in substance abuse or addiction counseling. Some bachelor’s programs may require an in-person practicum or offer it as an elective. Academic advisors can help you find a placement within commuting distance.
As you compare online programs, focus on those with CACREP accreditation. These accredited programs offer a rigorous education that prepares you for licensure or certification in addiction counseling.
Related articles that may interest you
Career in Addiction Counseling and Substance Abuse
Working as an addiction counselor could lead to a rewarding career helping others. Learn more about career options here.
Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Interested in a master’s in counseling but worried about the cost? Explore this guide to the best online counseling programs to learn about tuition, requirements, and career prospects.
Online Ph.D. In School Counseling
School counselors play a central role in the educational system. They help students develop their social and emotional learning, prepare learners for careers after graduation, and promote student success. A Ph.D. in school counseling prepares graduates for academic, research, and leadership roles in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school counselors …