Cheapest Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degrees

Pursuing a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree doesn’t have to break the bank. Affordable MFT programs provide high-quality education at a lower cost, making it easier to achieve your career goals without accumulating significant debt. This guide explores budget-friendly MFT programs, breaks down tuition costs, and highlights some of the most affordable options available online and on campus.

In this guide

2025 List of Most Affordable MFT Programs

Finding the right MFT program that fits your budget can be tough. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've done the work for you. Our list of the most affordable MFT programs helps you start your career without breaking the bank. We rank programs based on cost, quality, and value. This way, you can make a smart choice for your future. Want to know how we pick these programs? https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/ explains our method.

University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL - Public 4-Year - uwa.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Family Counseling

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of West Alabama's online Master of Science in Family Counseling is designed for those aiming to deepen their understanding of family dynamics and enhance their counseling skills. This program stands out for its affordability, with tuition set at $429 per credit hour, and its flexibility, offering an 8-week course format ideal for working professionals. With a total of 33 credit hours, students can complete the program in 1-2 years, starting as soon as March 17. The curriculum, taught by licensed professionals, focuses on advanced family counseling techniques and professional ethics, though it does not prepare students for independent licensure. This program is particularly suited for international practitioners and those already in the field looking to broaden their expertise.

Online Master's in Family Counseling
33 total credit hours
1-2 years program length
Next start date March 17
$429 per credit hour
8-week course format
Ranked #38 Affordable Program
No independent licensure preparation
Taught by licensed professionals
International practice focused

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - ucf.edu

Master's - Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy (MA)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Central Florida offers a CACREP-accredited Master's program in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy, meticulously designed to equip students with the expertise needed for a successful counseling career. This comprehensive program requires 63 credit hours, combining rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences at the UCF Community Counseling and Research Center. Priced at an affordable in-state rate of approximately $369 per credit hour, it stands out for its commitment to preparing students for MFT licensure. The curriculum emphasizes multicultural counseling and provides hands-on experience serving over 1400 community clients, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address diverse therapeutic needs.

CACREP accredited program
63 credit hours minimum
In-state tuition $369/credit
Fall application deadline: Feb 1
800 total clinical hours
On-campus and field experiences
Prepare for MFT licensure
Serve 1400+ community clients
Maximum 3 courses/semester
3.0 GPA requirement
Comprehensive counseling courses
Multicultural counseling focus

Central Connecticut State University

New Britain, CT - Public 4-Year - ccsu.edu

Master's - Marriage & Family Therapy, MS

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Central Connecticut State University's MS in Marriage & Family Therapy stands out for its hybrid format, blending online convenience with essential in-person clinical experiences. This 63-credit program is tailored for those aiming to deepen their understanding of systemic therapy without the need for GMAT/GRE scores. With a curriculum designed around evening classes, it caters to working professionals seeking flexibility. The program boasts COAMFTE accreditation, ensuring high-quality education and training. Students engage in 400 hours of clinical training, supported by a clinical counseling lab, preparing them for licensure in Connecticut. Financial aid options and a full-time study path make this program a practical choice for aspiring therapists.

63-credit MS program
Flexible evening track
No GMAT/GRE required
COAMFTE accredited
Two-year supervised training
Starts every August
Full-time study option
Clinical counseling lab
Financial aid available
400 clinical training hours

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - trevecca.edu

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Counseling

Campus Based - Visit Website

Trevecca Nazarene University offers a Master of Marriage and Family Counseling, a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program that prepares students for LPC-MHSP/LMFT licensure. This on-campus program emphasizes small class sizes and hands-on learning through internships at over 60 partner agencies. With a tuition rate of $775 per credit hour, totaling $46,500, it provides an affordable pathway to gaining expertise in counseling diverse populations and family systems. Admission requires a minimum 2.7 GPA and recommends a GRE score of 290, with three annual admission cycles available.

60-credit CACREP accredited program
Prepares for LPC-MHSP/LMFT licensure
$775 per credit hour
Total tuition: $46,500
On-campus face-to-face format
60+ internship agency partners
Small class collaborative learning
2.7 GPA minimum requirement
GRE score of 290 recommended
Three annual admission cycles

Toccoa Falls College

Toccoa Falls, GA - Private 4-year - tfc.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Toccoa Falls College's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy stands out for its blend of affordability and quality, priced under $31,000 for the entire 60-credit program. Designed for future therapists, it combines online asynchronous coursework with a Christian perspective, ensuring a flexible yet deeply rooted educational experience. Over two-and-a-half years, students engage in small classes led by seasoned professionals, preparing them for LMFT and LPC licensure. The program, accredited by SACSCOC and seeking COAMFTE accreditation, emphasizes ethical practice in diverse settings, from private practices to schools, making it a top choice for those seeking a cost-effective, faith-based MFT education.

60 credit hour program
Online asynchronous coursework
Total tuition under $31,000
Prep for LMFT licensure
Christian worldview integration
Small class sizes
Two-and-a-half year completion
SACSCOC accredited
Pursuing COAMFTE accreditation
Qualified industry expert professors

*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.

MFT Program Tuition and Fees Overview

The cost of an MFT program varies depending on degree level, institution type (public or private), and whether you choose online or on-campus learning. Here’s an overview of common tuition components and cost factors:

Tuition and Fees by Degree Level:

Master’s in MFT: Typically the most common path to licensure. Tuition ranges from $10,000 to $40,000 for the entire program. State universities often provide lower in-state rates.
Post-Master’s Certificate in MFT: Ideal for those with a master’s in a related field. These programs are shorter, costing between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on credit requirements.
Doctorate in MFT (DMFT or PhD): Doctoral programs range from $20,000 to $60,000, with PhD programs generally more research-intensive and DMFT programs more clinically focused.

Other Cost Considerations:

Program Fees: Technology, lab, and clinical supervision fees can add $500–$2,000 annually.
Clinical Practicum: Some schools charge additional fees for supervision hours.
Books & Materials: Estimated at $800–$1,500 per year.
Licensure Preparation Fees: Some programs include prep for exams; others charge separately.

How to Save on Tuition:

Choose Public Institutions: In-state tuition is often significantly cheaper.
Look for Tuition-Free Internships: Programs with in-house clinics may reduce supervision costs.
Apply for Scholarships & Grants: Many universities offer financial aid to MFT students.

MFT Degree Programs

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