Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in South Carolina
In South Carolina, nine not-for-profit colleges and universities provide on-campus and online programs in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).1 These programs equip students with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state. This page also offers details on tuition, career outlooks, salaries, and additional resources for future counselors.
Table of Contents
- South Carolina MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- South Carolina MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of South Carolina Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares nine South Carolina 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 South Carolina school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our South Carolina 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Southern University | — | MS Clinical Counseling | Traditional; Online | — | $650 | $650 | 60 |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | MPCAC | MA Psychology: Clinical Counseling | Traditional | — | $740 | $1,040 | 60 |
| Clemson University | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #80 tie | $753 | $1,626 | 60 |
| Columbia International University | CACREP | MA Clinical Counseling | Traditional; Online | — | $625 | $625 | 60 |
| Erskine College | — | MA Christian Counseling | Traditional | — | $550 | $550 | 60 |
| Southern Wesleyan University | — | MS Counseling Psychology | Online | — | $513 | $513 | 60 |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | CACREP | EdS Counselor Education; MA Counseling and Rehabilitation | Traditional; Hybrid | #121 tie | $572 | $1,240 | 66; 60 |
| Webster University-South Carolina | CACREP | MA Counseling: CMHC | Online | — | $775 | $775 | 60 |
| Winthrop University | CACREP | M.Ed. Counseling & Development: CMHC | Online | — | $699 | $699 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in South Carolina
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in South Carolina, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Clemson University
Clemson University offers a 60-credit Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). This CACREP-accredited, in-person program is delivered at both the Clemson campus and the University Center in Greenville, with most classes scheduled in the late afternoon and evening. Students complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship sequence to build direct client experience and professional readiness. The program admits one cohort per year with a summer start and can be completed in two years of full-time study. Graduates are prepared to pursue licensure as LPCs in South Carolina after fulfilling supervised post-degree requirements.
University of South Carolina-Columbia
The University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC-Columbia) offers two graduate programs that meet the educational requirements for LPC licensure in South Carolina. The Education Specialist (EdS) in Counselor Education with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) concentration is a 66-credit, campus-based program delivered in a cohort format that combines coursework, supervised practicum, and internship training to prepare students for advanced clinical practice. The Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling and Rehabilitation is a 60-credit program offered in traditional and hybrid formats with concentrations in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Clinical Addiction Counseling, and Career Counseling. Both programs prepare graduates for LPC licensure after completion of the required post-degree supervised experience and examinations.
Columbia International University
Columbia International University (CIU) offers a 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Counseling that is CACREP-accredited. The program provides training in counseling theories, assessment, diagnosis, multicultural counseling, and trauma-informed practice, with opportunities to integrate coursework across professional and personal development. Students can choose to take courses on campus in Columbia or fully online, with the option to adjust delivery each semester. The degree includes supervised practicum and internship experiences in clinical settings and prepares graduates to pursue licensure as LPCs in South Carolina after completing required post-degree supervision.
Other Notable Programs
- Winthrop University
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina
- Webster University-South Carolina
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in South Carolina
The following six 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 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.
- Southern Wesleyan University ($30,780)
- Erskine College ($33,000)
- University of South Carolina-Columbia ($34,320)
- Columbia International University ($37,500)
- Charleston Southern University ($39,000)
- Winthrop University ($41,940)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in South Carolina
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Charleston Southern University (Online)
- Columbia International University (Online)
- Southern Wesleyan University (Online)
- University of South Carolina-Columbia (Hybrid)
- Webster University-South Carolina (Online)
- Winthrop University (Online)
South Carolina Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for South Carolina mental health counselors indicate faster-than-average growth, with an expected increase of 20.4% compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This expansion is projected to create about 520 annual openings in South Carolina through 2032.5 The table below provides salary data by metro area for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, alongside the statewide average.
| City | Number Employed6 | 10th Percentile Salary6 | 25th Percentile Salary6 | 50th Percentile (Median) Salary6 | 75th Percentile Salary6 | 90th Percentile Salary6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 4,680 | $34,730 | $40,480 | $50,720 | $65,770 | $84,190 |
| Charleston-North Charleston | 510 | $36,880 | $44,380 | $56,660 | $67,430 | $92,410 |
| Columbia | 850 | $36,750 | $44,690 | $56,150 | $69,420 | $87,590 |
| Florence | 170 | $38,220 | $45,030 | $48,830 | $65,300 | $81,010 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer | 960 | $37,840 | $45,090 | $51,530 | $74,890 | $88,610 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal | 160 | $32,060 | $40,480 | $46,770 | $63,640 | $75,400 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | 250 | $43,470 | $49,240 | $55,750 | $64,860 | $77,950 |
| Spartanburg | 180 | $25,950 | $40,960 | $49,700 | $64,670 | $84,160 |
| Sumter | 100 | $42,720 | $48,980 | $48,980 | $64,890 | $90,830 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Career insights and tips from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the profession, including typical roles, work settings, salary outlook, and long-term career growth.
- SC Works Online Services: South Carolina’s official jobs board through which you can search for counseling and related mental health positions.
- South Carolina Association of Licensed Professional Counselors (SCALPC): Focused on Licensed Professional Counselors, SCALPC promotes professional identity, licensure advocacy, public policy, and professional development.
- South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure: Official state licensing board providing requirements, applications, and resources for LPC candidates.
- South Carolina Clinical Mental Health Counselors Association (SCCMHCA): A state chapter of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), SCCMHCA supports clinical mental health counselors through advocacy, education, training, and community.
- South Carolina Counseling Association (SCCA): A statewide professional membership organization supporting counselors across specialties with advocacy, networking, and professional development.
- South Carolina Counseling Schools: Overview of all types of counseling degree programs offered in the state.
- South Carolina LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on meeting South Carolina’s requirements to become an LPC.
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