Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in New Jersey
New Jersey offers 18 nonprofit colleges and universities with master’s programs in mental health counseling (MHC), clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), and related counseling fields.1 Students can pursue these degrees in on-campus, online, or hybrid formats, making it easier to find a program that fits their schedule. This guide features accredited and affordable options that meet New Jersey’s educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure and provides information on career outlook, salaries, and statewide professional resources.
Table of Contents
- New Jersey MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- New Jersey MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of New Jersey Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 18 New Jersey 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 New Jersey school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our New Jersey 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caldwell University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $1,123 | $1,123 | 60 |
| Centenary University | — | MA Clinical Counseling | Traditional | — | $1,102 | $1,102 | 60 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $1,284 | $1,284 | 60 |
| Felician University | MPCAC | MA Counseling Psychology | Traditional; Online | — | $960 | $960 | 60 |
| Georgian Court University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $995 | $995 | 60 |
| Kean University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #318 tie | $929 | $1,116 | 60 |
| Monmouth University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $995 | $995 | 60 |
| Montclair State University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #158 tie | $909 | $909 | 60 |
| New Jersey City University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $897 | $897 | 60 |
| Pillar College | — | MAC | Traditional | — | $882 | $882 | 60 |
| Rider University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $1,110 | $1,110 | 60 |
| Rowan University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #169 tie | $877 | $877 | 60 | Rutgers University | CACREP | MS Rehabilitation Counseling: CMHC | Traditional; Online | #42 tie | $926 | $1,388 | 60 |
| Saint Elizabeth University | — | MA Counseling Psychology: MHC | Traditional | — | $1,052 | $1,052 | 60 |
| Seton Hall University | — | EdS Professional Counseling | Online | #158 tie | $1,150 | $1,150 | 60 |
| Stockton University | CACREP | MA Counseling | Traditional | #158 tie | $758 | $758 | 60 |
| The College of New Jersey | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $971 | $971 | 60 |
| William Paterson University | CACREP; MPCAC | M.Ed. CMHC; MA Clinical and Counseling Psychology (MACC) | Traditional | — | $947 | $1,380 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in New Jersey
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in New Jersey, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University offers a CACREP-accredited 60-credit Master of Science (MS) in Rehabilitation Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) specialization. The program is delivered in both on-campus and online formats, giving students flexibility while maintaining a strong clinical focus. Coursework emphasizes counseling theories, vocational and psychosocial rehabilitation, multicultural practice, and assessment. Students complete practicum and internship placements in rehabilitation centers, community mental health organizations, hospitals, and statewide human service agencies. The program is known for its integration of clinical mental health counseling and rehabilitation principles, preparing students to work effectively with individuals managing psychiatric disabilities, chronic illness, or significant life transitions. Graduates meet New Jersey’s academic requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential and pursue roles in community agencies, healthcare settings, and rehabilitation programs.
Montclair State University
Montclair State University offers a CACREP-accredited 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) delivered in a traditional on-campus format. The program provides a strong foundation in counseling practice through coursework in human development, psychopathology, counseling techniques, assessment, and research. Students also participate in supervised practicum and internship experiences across Montclair’s network of community mental health providers, hospitals, and school-based programs. The curriculum emphasizes culturally responsive practice and the development of professional identity, supported by faculty mentorship and structured clinical skills training. Graduates of the MA in CMHC meet New Jersey’s educational requirements for LPC licensure and enter clinical positions in community agencies, outpatient programs, and integrated behavioral health settings.
Stockton University
Stockton University offers a CACREP-accredited 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with a clinical mental health counseling track designed to prepare students for professional practice in New Jersey. Delivered in a traditional on-campus format, the program includes coursework in counseling theory, group counseling, appraisal, ethics, diagnosis, and multicultural counseling. Students gain applied experience through supervised practicum and internship placements in community mental health agencies, healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations throughout southern New Jersey. Stockton’s program is known for its small cohort structure, faculty accessibility, and emphasis on clinical skill development within diverse and underserved communities. Graduates meet New Jersey’s academic requirements for the LPC credential and pursue roles in community mental health, crisis intervention services, and private practice environments.
Other Notable Programs
- Rowan University
- Kean University
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in New Jersey
The following eight 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.
- Stockton University ($45,480)
- Rowan University ($52,620)
- Pillar College ($52,920)
- New Jersey City University ($53,820)
- Montclair State University ($54,540)
- Rutgers University ($55,560)
- Kean University ($55,740)
- William Paterson University ($56,820)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in New Jersey
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- Felician University (Online)
- Rutgers University (Online)
- Seton Hall University (Online)
- The College of New Jersey (Online)
New Jersey Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Job growth for New Jersey mental health counselors is closely aligned with national trends, with an expected growth rate of 18.5% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 1,410 annual openings in New Jersey 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 | 14,640 | $40,680 | $51,170 | $64,710 | $84,690 | $118,320 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | 640 | $36,780 | $40,290 | $54,150 | $73,920 | $96,060 |
| Trenton-Princeton | 1,440 | $43,040 | $50,250 | $63,850 | $77,600 | $100,420 |
| Vineland | 180 | $34,690 | $38,260 | $52,590 | $68,800 | $86,710 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read interviews and career insights from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation standards at both the institutional and program levels.
- Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ): A statewide nonprofit offering mental health education, advocacy, peer support, and community programs for individuals and families.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including typical responsibilities, skills, and work settings.
- New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA): A statewide advocacy and professional organization supporting mental health and addiction service providers through training, research, and public policy efforts.
- New Jersey Counseling Association (NJCA): The state branch of the American Counseling Association (ACA), offering professional development, advocacy, networking, and resources for counselors across specialties.
- New Jersey Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in New Jersey, including on-campus and online options.
- New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS): Oversees statewide behavioral health services, community mental health programs, and policy initiatives supporting individuals and families.
- New Jersey LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on meeting New Jersey’s requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential.
- New Jersey Professional Counselor Examiners Committee: The official state licensing authority for counselors, providing information on education requirements, supervised experience, examinations, and renewal.
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