Looking for the best Bachelor's Degree in Counseling in Washington? You should consider these top-tier undergraduate programs and jobs in the counseling field.
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The best degrees in Washington for counseling can provide the knowledge you need to work in the field of your dreams. With a bachelor's degree, graduates are able to pursue diverse career paths or advance in their education.
Bachelor's degree-holders earn an average of $1,334 per week, or $5,336 a month and $69,368 annually. With a bachelor's degree, unemployment is at 3.5% versus 6.2% for those with only a high school diploma.
Counseling Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in Washington in the Counseling Profession
A counseling degree allows students to learn the necessary skills to work with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings. The degree program typically covers topics, such as human development, psychopathology, counseling theories and practices, research methods, and assessment. Counseling degree-holders can work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practices.
In Washington, the average salary is $50,450 per year or $24.25 per hour. All 3.2 million employees in Washington are part of this statistic. Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lowest 10% of earners in the state earn about $30,460 per year, whereas the highest 10% earn approximately $127,470. The following provides a comparison of earnings for counselors in Washington.
Key
Counselors in Washington
Counselors Nationally
All Occupations in Washington
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Counselors in Washington and Nationwide
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Based on the cost-of-living index, Washington is ranked number 40 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) on the list of states with the lowest cost of living. An index measuring the cost of living in specific places within the U.S. is known as the cost-of-living index. The U.S. average is based on 100, with all locations in the U.S. either exceeding (more expensive) or falling below (less expensive) that average. On a 100-point scale, Washington has a cost-of-living index of 113.9, which is 13.9% higher than the national average. Check out how the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and other essentials stacks up against the national average in Washington.
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Over the next ten years, the number of counselors is projected to grow by 8.9%. Currently, employment in the counseling field is projected to change from 54,300 in 2020 to 59,200 by 2030. These positions require a bachelor's degree. The most common job titles are:
Counselors
AIDS Counselor
Anger Control Counselor
Grief Counselor
HIV Counselor
Sexual Assault Counselor
Bachelor's Degrees in Counseling in Washington
#1 Bachelor’s Degrees in Counseling in Washington
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Learners looking for flexible study in dual modalities can choose from one of Western Washington University's 98 bachelor's programs. The school's bachelor's in psychology prepares students for the demands of the field through rigorous study. The program also prepares enrollees for the discipline needed to complete graduate studies.
Degree candidates benefit from institutional support throughout their studies in numerous areas. The financial aid office can assist students in connecting with funding opportunities and determining eligibility. The average student receives $5,878 in financial aid.
Western Washington University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 90%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,215
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $23,562
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $37,400
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,377
Out-of-state
$24,135
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
15,197
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Bachelor’s Degrees in Counseling in Washington
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Eastern Washington University, located in Cheney, provides 84 bachelor's programs in dual modalities. The bachelor of arts in psychology equips enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a career. Bachelor's graduates can also pivot to a master's program.
Enrollees can receive guidance throughout their studies through career services, academic advising, and other resources. The college provides numerous funding opportunities to eligible enrollees, including scholarships and fellowships. Typically, 96% of all enrollees receive some form of aid, with the average financial aid package totaling $7,216.
Eastern Washington University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 96%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $6,543
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $24,074
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $37,700
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,707
Out-of-state
$24,676
Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
12,349
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Bachelor’s Degrees in Counseling in Washington
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Central Washington University boasts a robust hybrid learning environment, supporting both in-person and online education modalities across 192 bachelor's programs. The school's bachelor of arts in psychology stands out as a competitive option for learners looking to succeed in the counseling field. Students can also apply their knowledge to further studies, such as a master's program.
Degree candidates benefit from several resources throughout their studies, including career services and academic advising. Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities, available scholarships, and determine eligibility. The average enrollee receives $6,774 in financial aid, with 90% of all degree-seekers benefiting from aid.
Central Washington University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 85%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $6,318
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $21,999
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,900
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,475
Out-of-state
$22,551
Retention Rate
70%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
11,174
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Counseling
A number of financial aid options can assist with paying for college. Financial aid helps students lower the cost of a degree. Some students also use federal and private student loans to pay for their degrees. The college's financial aid office is a great resource for applicants who need help determining their financial aid options.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed.
For scholarship and grant opportunities, students can reach out to the financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Washington
The cost of attending college in Washington varies by institution. There are some similarities that exist among institutions in both the public and private sectors. Please take a moment to review the information below in order to decide whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
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Washington
National Average
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Would attending a private college or university be an option for you? The tuition at private schools is typically higher. A graph that provides information regarding attending private colleges in Washington is shown below.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
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Washington
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Have you ever considered taking out student loans to pay for your education? Prior to taking out a loan, you should take certain factors into consideration.
You must ensure that you will be able to make all payments on time during the repayment period.
Think carefully about whether obtaining a degree from a particular university is going to help you meet your career objectives.
You should understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply once you graduate.
Take a look at the data below to determine 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
The cost and class size of an online degree and a degree completed on campus vary. Generally, online degree programs are more convenient, more affordable, and more flexible. There is usually a higher cost associated with on-campus degrees, where student fees are optional. Attending classes does, however, have its benefits.
There are a number of differences between attending a private and public college. First, the cost will vary based on whether you select a public or private school. As a result, the government determines the costs for public institutions, and scholarships and grants are funded by the government as well. Tuition is charged by private institutions, but higher GPAs or SAT scores may qualify for merit scholarships.
Students attending private colleges are often able to have more time with professors for help. There are a number of 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 Washington?
The mean salary for counselors in Washington is $58,710.
In general, are graduates of counseling programs in high demand?
The total number of counselors is expected to change by 8.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Are there any options for earning a bachelor's in counseling online?
You can get an online bachelor's degree in counseling. Almost all schools in today's environment provide some form of online education.
In order to complete a bachelor's degree, how long does it typically take?
Typically, full-time students complete a bachelor's degree within four years of enrolling. A student's completion time will vary by student.
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