Embarking on a master's degree in counseling can be a transformative journey, especially when fully funded opportunities are available. Discover programs that offer financial assistance while preparing you for a rewarding career.
1. University of Michigan – Master’s in Social Work (Clinical Mental Health Pathway)
While not labeled “Counseling,” Michigan’s MSW (clinical track) is one of the most fully funded counseling-adjacent programs, preparing graduates for LPC or clinical social work licensure.
Funding Options:
Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions (full tuition coverage + stipend + health insurance)
Merit-based scholarships covering up to full tuition
Community-based stipends for clinical mental health focus areas
Why It Stands Out:
High licensure pass rates, world-class faculty, and extensive practicum sites.
2. Vanderbilt University – M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Vanderbilt’s Peabody College is known for providing significant funding through assistantships.
Funding:
Graduate assistantships that often cover full tuition + stipend
Merit awards for top applicants
Highlights:
Strong clinical training, excellent internship placements, and small cohorts.
3. University of Georgia – M.Ed. in Professional Counseling
UGA offers highly competitive assistantships that fully fund many counseling master’s students.
Funding Includes:
Full tuition waivers
Monthly stipends
Reduced student fees
What Students Love:
A CACREP-accredited program with strong research and clinical practicum opportunities.
4. University of Texas at Austin – M.Ed. in Counseling
UT Austin frequently provides substantial financial support through fellowships and assistantships.
Funding:
Graduate research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Full or partial tuition waivers
Fellowships for underrepresented or high-achieving applicants
Strengths:
Integration of research and real-world practice with a strong community mental health focus.
5. University of Wisconsin–Madison – MS in Counseling
UW–Madison is known for fully funding many graduate students in counseling-related programs.
Funding:
Assistantships covering tuition + insurance + stipend
Equity and diversity scholarships
Perks:
Highly respected counseling psychology department with excellent placement rates.
6. North Carolina State University – M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
NC State offers a variety of graduate assistantships across campus.
Funding:
Assistantships with full tuition coverage
Hourly counselor-in-training positions
Scholarships from the College of Education
Why It’s Popular:
Affordable living, CACREP accreditation, and strong clinical emphasis.
7. University of Denver – MA in Counseling Psychology
A private university well-known for awarding competitive assistantships.
Funding Available:
Graduate assistantships (tuition remission + stipend)
Mental health-focused scholarships
Access to teaching opportunities
What Makes It Unique:
Robust clinical training and community partnerships for practicum work.
8. University of Iowa – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Many students receive full funding through research or teaching roles.
Funding Packages:
Full tuition coverage
Monthly stipend
Health insurance
College of Education fellowships
Benefits:
Strong practicum network and a research-driven curriculum.
9. Boston College – MS in Mental Health Counseling
BC provides competitive funding through assistantships and graduate merit awards.
Funding:
Full-tuition assistantships available
Graduate stipends for campus support roles
Need-based grants for counseling students
Why It Stands Out:
A blend of theory, ethics, and hands-on clinical training in a supportive environment.
10. Ohio University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
OHU is one of the rare counseling master's programs where assistantships are very common.
Funding Includes:
Full tuition waivers
Stipends through teaching or residence life positions
Scholarships for counseling students
Program Strength:
A strong track record of licensure readiness and rural mental health training.
Why Fully Funded Master’s Programs in Counseling Are Rare
In contrast to Ph.D. or PsyD programs, master’s programs usually don’t benefit from federal research grants, so fully funded options are rarer.
Nevertheless, counseling students often secure financial support through:
Graduate Assistantships (GAs)
Teaching Assistantships (TAs)
Research Assistantships (RAs)
Fellowships for academic excellence
Diversity and equity scholarships
Campus employment with tuition remission
These make many programs effectively fully funded.