Looking for the best Bachelor's Degree in Counseling in Pennsylvania? You should consider these top-tier undergraduate programs & jobs in the counseling field.
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Listed below are the best degrees in Pennsylvania for counseling. These are degree programs that you should consider studying if you wish to obtain a high-profile degree that prepares you for a successful career. Graduates with a bachelor's degree can apply their skills to diverse career fields, and a bachelor's degree can open doors for employment in advanced positions.
Counseling Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in Pennsylvania in the Counseling Profession
A degree in counseling can train students to help people in resolving a range of life problems and difficulties, such as communication breakdowns, marital conflicts, children’s behavioral problems, and substance use concerns. Programs also prepare students for further graduate study in the mental health field.
In Pennsylvania, the median salary is $44,900 per year, or $21.59 an hour. All 5,583,410 employees in Pennsylvania fall under this stat. The BLS reports that the lowest earners in the state earn around $23,120 a year, and the highest earners make roughly $99,330 per year. The following shows the earnings for counselors in Pennsylvania.
Key
Counselors in Pennsylvania
Counselors Nationally
All Occupations in Pennsylvania
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Counselors in Pennsylvania and Nationwide
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Based on the MERIC cost of living index, Pennsylvania ranks number 27 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). An index measuring the cost of living in specific places within the United States is known as the cost of living index. The U.S. average is measured as 100, and all locations in the U.S. are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) that average. In Pennsylvania, the cost of living index currently stands at 97.9, which is 2.1% lower than the national average. Learners interested in relocating to Pennsylvania can use the cost of living comparison to ensure it is the right fit for them.
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The counseling profession is expected to change by 8.9% over the next decade. Currently, employment in the occupation is projected to change from 54,300 in 2020 to 59,200 by 2030. A bachelor's degree is the typical education required for these positions. These are some of the common job titles in the field:
Counselors
AIDS Counselor
Anger Control Counselor
Grief Counselor
HIV Counselor
Sexual Assault Counselor
Bachelor's Degrees in Counseling in Pennsylvania
#1 Bachelor’s Degrees in Counseling in Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
University of Pennsylvania boasts a robust hybrid learning environment, supporting both in-person and online education modalities across 93 bachelor's programs. The bachelor's in psychology equips enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a career. Students can apply their learnings to a counseling-specific career or to a graduate program.
Undergraduate students benefit from institutional support in numerous areas. Enrollees also gain access to financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, depending on eligibility.
University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 8%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $51,156
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $51,156
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $91,200
Average Tuition
In-state
$53,166
Out-of-state
$53,166
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
26,552
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Bachelor’s Degrees in Counseling in Pennsylvania
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster, PA
4 years
Campus
Learners seeking flexible study can choose from in-person or online bachelor's programs at Lancaster Bible College. The school offers a bachelor of science in psychology that equips students with the skills needed to succeed in a career. Graduates can enter the workforce or pursue further education, such as a master's degree.
The institution connects enrollees with success-oriented resources, such as career services and academic advising. Prospective applicants can meet with financial aid counselors to determine eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.
Lancaster Bible College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 96%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $25,162
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $25,162
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $31,300
Average Tuition
In-state
$26,330
Out-of-state
$26,330
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
2,038
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Bachelor’s Degrees in Counseling in Pennsylvania
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
A leader in hybrid education, Drexel University supports in-person and online study across 101 bachelor's programs. For students seeking to advance in the counseling field through flexible study, the bachelor's in behavioral health counseling is a wise choice. Bachelor's graduates can also apply their knowledge to further studies, such as a master's program.
Degree candidates benefit from many resources throughout their studies, including career services and academic advising. Prospective applicants can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine eligibility, and apply for student loans.
Drexel University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 75%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $52,146
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $52,146
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $54,400
Average Tuition
In-state
$53,868
Out-of-state
$53,868
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
23,589
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Bachelor’s Degrees in Counseling in Pennsylvania
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Learners seeking flexible study can choose from in-person or online bachelor's programs at La Salle University. The school offers a bachelor's in psychology that equips enrollees with the skills needed to succeed in a career. The program also prepares students for further educational pursuits, such as graduate studies.
The college connects degree-seekers with institutional resources throughout their studies. Prospective applicants can meet with financial aid counselors to determine eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.
La Salle University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 78%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $30,700
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $30,700
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $45,200
Average Tuition
In-state
$31,350
Out-of-state
$31,350
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
4,624
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Bachelor’s Degrees in Counseling in Pennsylvania
Alvernia University
Reading, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Learners looking for flexible study in dual modalities can choose from one of Alvernia University's 46 bachelor's programs. One option includes a bachelor of arts in addictions and mental health treatment. Graduates can apply their knowledge and skills to a counseling-specific career or further studies in the subject.
Throughout their studies, undergraduate students can access institutional resources centering geared toward student success. Enrollees can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities, available scholarships, and determine eligibility.
Alvernia University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 64%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $35,350
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $35,350
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,500
Average Tuition
In-state
$36,680
Out-of-state
$36,680
Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
2,560
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Counseling
Financial aid helps many degree-seekers lower the cost of their education. Scholarships and fellowships assist students to lower the cost of earning their degree. Students may be eligible to pay for their college with federal and private loans. It is a good idea to learn what kinds of financial aid may be available if you are interested in earning a scholarship.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA provides a way to pay for school with federal student aid.
Ask your university's financial aid department for its scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan options.
Average Cost of Attending College in Pennsylvania
Depending on which college you attend, the cost of education in Pennsylvania will vary. However, public and private institutions share some commonalities. The following information will assist you in determining whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
Key
Pennsylvania
National Average
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Have you ever considered attending a private college or university? The cost of education at private colleges is typically higher. The following is a graph that provides information about attending private colleges in Pennsylvania.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
Key
Pennsylvania
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Would taking out student loans help you finance your degree? You should take certain things into consideration before obtaining a loan.
If you wish to successfully repay the loan by the due date, you should ensure that you will be able to make all payments on time.
Consider if a degree from your chosen school will advance your career goals.
You should understand what type of repayment schedule will apply to avoid facing unnecessary hardship once you enter the workforce.
The following data will assist you in determining what students typically borrow:
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
Among the main differences between an online degree and a degree completed on campus are the class size and fee structure. Numerous advantages can be gained from online degree programs. For instance, remote students typically do not need to pay fees associated with on-campus learning. However, it is important to note that in-person classes do provide a number of advantages.
There are a number of differences that exist between public and private colleges, including the cost of their programs and the available options to pay for these costs. For public schools, there is a requirement that federal and state grants and scholarships cover the costs of programs. However, for those with high GPAs or SAT scores, private institutions offer merit-based scholarships.
There is also a tendency for private colleges to offer smaller classes, which means more one-on-one communication with instructors. This can help students better understand the possibilities available within their chosen field of study. There are both benefits and drawbacks to attending a private versus a public institution.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for counselors in the state of Pennsylvania?
Counselors earn a mean annual salary of $56,630 in Pennsylvania.
Are counseling majors in high demand or not?
The total number of counselors is expected to change by 8.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Are there opportunities to earn a bachelor's degree in counseling online?
There are many options for earning an online bachelor's degree in counseling. In today's climate, most schools offer at least some of their courses online.
How much time will you spend earning a bachelor's degree?
Students typically complete a bachelor's degree in four years. A student's time to complete the program varies from student to student.
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