Doctoral Degrees in Counseling in Pennsylvania

Earning a Doctorate Degree in Counseling in Pennsylvania

Choosing the best Pennsylvania counseling degree is a great way to improve your career prospects. An individual with a doctorate degree can apply to diverse career opportunities, and doctorate-degree students gain the skills and knowledge needed to move further in their career.

Counseling PhD Programs for You

Working and Living in Pennsylvania in the Counseling Profession

Although many different colleges and universities offer counseling degrees, common courses include psychology, sociology, human development, and communication. Graduates with counseling degrees may pursue various jobs, such as social worker, counselor, therapist, or human resources manager. The student experience during a counseling degree program can vary depending on the school and the program, but many students find the courses to be interesting and the program beneficial.

The average annual wage in Pennsylvania is $44,900, or $21.59 an hour. This number includes all 5,583,410 employees in Pennsylvania. A study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the lowest 10% of earners receive an average of $23,120 per year, and the highest 10% receive an average of $99,330. The following comparison shows the earnings for counselors in Pennsylvania.

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Salaries for Counselors in Pennsylvania and Nationwide

The profession of counseling 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. There is a typical entry-level education required for these positions. These are some of the typical job titles that can be found in the industry:

• Counselors
• AIDS Counselor
• Anger Control Counselor
• Grief Counselor
• HIV Counselor
• Sexual Assault Counselor

Doctoral Degrees in Counseling in Pennsylvania

Financing a Doctorate Degree in Counseling

You can find financial aid to help pay for college. Financial aid includes scholarships, grants, fellowships and work-study programs. Some students could also qualify for federal and private student loans. 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 FAFSA provides a way to pay for school with federal student aid.
• Find out more about scholarships at this link: Collegeboard Scholarships
• Find out what scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loans are available through your school's financial aid department.

Average Cost of Attending College in Pennsylvania

The cost of attending college in Pennsylvania varies based on the institution you choose. Regardless, there are some similarities that exist among both public and private institutions. You can determine whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information listed below:

Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average

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How about attending a private college or university instead of a public one? A private college is generally more expensive. Here is a graph that provides information regarding attending private colleges in Pennsylvania.

Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average

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Federal Student Loan Information

Would it be wise for you to take out student loans to fund your education? You should consider a few factors before taking out a loan.

• As long as you can make all payments on time, then you can be confident that you will be able to repay the loan in full.
• You should think about whether you will be able to achieve your career goals by acquiring a degree from a particular school.
• You should understand what type of repayment schedule applies to avoid facing unnecessary hardship once you enter the workforce.

Find out what students typically borrow by taking a look at the data below:

Online vs. On-Campus

Pros and Cons: Online Degrees

Pros and Cons: On-Campus Degrees

Private vs. Public

There are a number of differences between attending a private college and a public college. The cost will be different depending on whether you choose a public or private school. There are often grants and scholarships that help with the cost of tuition and fees at public universities. Merit scholarships at private schools are often available to students who demonstrate superior academic performance.

A private college will also have smaller classes, so students have the opportunity to connect with their professors to see the possibilities in their chosen field. There are a number of benefits and drawbacks to attending a private versus a public institution.

Pros and Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

In Pennsylvania, how much do counselors make?

Counselors can expect a mean annual salary of $56,630 in Pennsylvania.

Are occupations for counseling graduates in high demand?

The total number of counselors is expected to change by 8.9% from 2020 to 2030.

Can I study for a doctorate degree in counseling online?

There are many opportunities to earn an online doctorate degree in counseling. As part of their program, most schools offer at least some online courses.

What is the timeline for completing a doctorate degree?

Typically, a doctorate degree takes 4-6 years to complete for a full-time student. There is a wide variation in the completion time for students.