Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Kansas
Kansas has eight nonprofit colleges and universities that offer master’s degrees in mental health counseling (MHC), clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), or related counseling fields.1 These programs are available in several formats, including on-campus and hybrid options, allowing students to choose a format that fits their schedules and learning preferences. This guide highlights reputable and affordable programs that can help prepare graduates to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Kansas. You will also find information about job outlook, typical salary ranges, and professional organizations that support counselors across the state.
Table of Contents
- Kansas MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Kansas MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Kansas Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares eight Kansas mental health counseling programs across key factors, including accreditation status, institution type, program format, US News & World Report rankings, in-state and out-of-state tuition, and total number of credit hours required. All institutions listed below are not-for-profit. If we’ve missed a Kansas school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Kansas counseling degrees page, master’s in mental health counseling degree guide, or individual school websites.
| School Name | Accreditation2,3 | MHC Degrees Offered | Program Format | US News National Rank4 | In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia State University | CACREP | MS MHC | Hybrid | — | $393 | $533 | 60 |
| Fort Hays State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Hybrid | — | $360 | $360 | 60 |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University | CACREP | MAC | Hybrid | — | $669 | $669 | 60 |
| Ottawa University-Online | — | MAC | Hybrid | — | $659 | $659 | 63 |
| Ottawa University-Overland Park | — | MAC | Hybrid | — | $659 | $659 | 63 |
| University of Kansas | MPCAC | MS Counseling Psychology | Traditional | #143 tie | $475 | $1,117 | 60 |
| University of Saint Mary | — | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $665 | $665 | 60 |
| Wichita State University | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #273 tie | $351 | $861 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Kansas
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Kansas, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas (KU) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Psychology, a 60-credit program accredited by MPCAC. The program is delivered in a traditional, on-campus format and provides a strong foundation in counseling theory, research, and ethical practice. Students complete coursework in areas such as psychological assessment, multicultural counseling, and evidence-based interventions while developing practical skills through supervised clinical training. The program includes both practicum and internship experiences in community counseling settings, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world environments. Graduates are prepared to pursue LPC licensure in Kansas and work in mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, and other counseling settings.
Wichita State University
Wichita State University (WSU) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). This 60-credit program is CACREP-accredited and delivered in a traditional, on-campus format. The curriculum blends coursework in counseling theory, ethics, human development, and group counseling with supervised fieldwork experiences. Students complete a practicum and internship in approved clinical settings, gaining hands-on experience working with diverse client populations. The program is designed to meet the educational requirements for LPC licensure in Kansas. Graduates are prepared to provide counseling services in community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and other professional settings.
Other Notable Programs
- Emporia State University
- Fort Hays State University
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Kansas
The following four schools offer the most cost-effective mental health counseling degrees, based on their minimum tuition, not including additional fees. Required credit hours may differ depending on the concentration area, so be sure to check with schools of interest for more details on specific program options. For a detailed comparison, you can refer to the comparison table above to find the quality indicators that align with your needs. Tuition shown is the lowest per-credit rate published as of the most recent catalog; confirm totals with each school.
- Wichita State University ($21,060)
- Fort Hays State University ($21,600)
- Emporia State University ($23,580)
- University of Kansas ($28,500)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Kansas
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Emporia State University (Hybrid)
- Fort Hays State University (Hybrid)
- MidAmerica Nazarene University (Hybrid)
- Ottawa University-Online (Hybrid)
- Ottawa University-Overland Park (Hybrid)
Kansas Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Kansas mental health counselors are similar to national trends, with an expected growth rate of 18.8% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 220 annual openings in Kansas through 2032.5 The table below shows salaries by metro area for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, compared to the statewide average.
| City | Number Employed6 | 10th Percentile Salary6 | 25th Percentile Salary6 | 50th Percentile (Median) Salary6 | 75th Percentile Salary6 | 90th Percentile Salary6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 2,410 | $36,710 | $45,050 | $57,760 | $67,540 | $80,720 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 2,360 | $37,840 | $46,920 | $60,510 | $72,040 | $89,950 |
| Lawrence | 140 | $43,040 | $54,630 | $54,630 | $65,460 | $71,760 |
| Manhattan | 160 | $34,990 | $35,390 | $43,380 | $50,430 | $63,260 |
| Topeka | 270 | $36,280 | $48,510 | $59,110 | $71,170 | $80,420 |
| Wichita | 380 | $35,690 | $46,210 | $57,180 | $63,650 | $74,720 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read our interviews page for career advice from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.
- Kansas Counseling Association (KCA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA) that supports counselors through advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities.
- Kansas Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Kansas, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB): The state licensing authority for professional counselors and other behavioral health professionals in Kansas, providing information on licensing requirements, applications, and regulations.
- Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS): Behavioral Health Services: Oversees behavioral health programs and community mental health services throughout Kansas.
- Kansas LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on how to become an LPC in Kansas, including education, supervised experience, and examination requirements.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including job duties, required skills, and common work environments.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Accredited Programs: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
3. Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council Accredited Programs: https://mpcacaccreditation.org/accredited-programs/
4. US News & World Report 2025 Best National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
5. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/longterm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm