Looking for a Doctorate Degree in Counseling in Washington? You should consider these top-tier PhD programs and jobs in the Counseling field.
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Doctoral Degrees in Counseling in Washington
Earning a Doctorate Degree in Counseling in Washington
Choosing the best degree in Washington for counseling will allow you to maximize your abilities and your passions. With a doctorate degree, graduates are prepared to pursue diverse careers, and doctorate students gain the skills needed to move forward in their field.
With a doctorate degree, graduates typically make $1,909 per week, $7,636 a month, or $99,268 per year.
Counseling PhD Programs for You
Working and Living in Washington in the Counseling Profession
A degree in counseling can provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of settings with a variety of populations. Common courses in counseling degree programs focus on topics such as human development and psychopathology, as well as understanding counseling interventions and ethical and professional issues. Graduates of counseling degree programs may find jobs in fields such as mental health, substance abuse, and social work.
In Washington, the median salary is $50,450 annually or $24.25 per hour. The state reports that this data applies to the 3,205,930 employees working currently. According to the BLS, the lowest earners in the state earn $30,460 a year, and the highest earners earn $127,470. A comparison of the wages for counselors in Washington is offered below.
Key
Counselors in Washington
Counselors Nationally
All Occupations in Washington
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Counselors in Washington and Nationwide
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The state of Washington is ranked number 40 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) on the cost of living index, according to MERIC. It measures the national average cost of living against specific states. According to the U.S. average, all locations are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) that average. According to the cost of living Index, Washington's cost of living is 113.9, which is 13.9% higher than the national average. Determine whether Washington is the right state for you by comparing the cost of living to other states.
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Within 10 years, counseling jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 8.9%. There is a projected change in employment from 54,300 in 2020 to 59,200 in 2030, according to the BLS. For these positions, you need a doctorate degree. Typical job titles include:
Counselors
AIDS Counselor
Anger Control Counselor
Grief Counselor
HIV Counselor
Sexual Assault Counselor
Doctoral Degrees in Counseling in Washington
#1 Doctoral Degrees in Counseling in Washington
Northwest University
Kirkland, WA
4 years
Campus
The doctor of psychology in counseling psychology at Northwest University appeals to learners seeking an online doctorate. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students receive research support and participate in scholarly events.
After completing coursework, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation or doctoral project. A counseling psychology doctorate may lead to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
Enrollees may qualify for several forms of financial aid at the accredited institution. Contact the program to learn about doctoral admission requirements.
Northwest University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 277
Online Master's Programs: Data not available
Online Doctoral Programs: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $19,101
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$33,500
Out-of-state
$33,500
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
1,184
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
27%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Doctoral Degrees in Counseling in Washington
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
The Ph.D. in counseling psychology at Washington State University uses an online learning format. With flexible enrollment options, the public school helps degree-seekers earn a doctorate. Enrollees receive research support throughout the program.
After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates conduct research and defend an original dissertation that contributes to the field. A counseling doctorate may lead to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students can use fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to pay for their degree. Contact the program to learn about the application process and start dates.
Washington State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 6,592
Online Master's Programs: 12
Online Doctoral Programs: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,493
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,202
Out-of-state
$25,145
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
31,159
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Financing a Doctorate Degree in Counseling
You can use financial aid to help pay for college. A scholarship, grant, fellowship, or work-study program are common forms of financial aid. Some students might also qualify for federal and private student loans. A good idea to do your research ahead of time to find out what kinds of financial aid might be available to you.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA allows degree-seekers to use federal student aid to cover costs.
Students should contact the school's financial aid department for info regarding scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan opportunities.
Average Cost of Attending College in Washington
The cost of attending college in Washington varies based on the institution. The public and private sectors do, however, share some commonalities. You can determine whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information below:
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
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Washington
National Average
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How about attending a private college or university instead of a public one? Generally, private schools charge a higher tuition rate. 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
Would borrowing student loans help you pay for your education? There are a few things you should consider before taking out a loan.
You should ensure that you will be able to pay all payments on time to repay the full loan when due.
The educational path you are considering should be in alignment with your career goals.
In order to avoid undue hardship once you enter the workforce, it is crucial that you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply to your loans.
Please take a look at the data below to learn 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 are two of the major differences between an online degree and a degree completed on campus. There are numerous advantages to earning an online degree. The reason on-campus degrees are typically more expensive is due to student fees, which are optional for distance students. Attending in-person classes, however, can be beneficial over time.
Many differences exist between public and private colleges. Generally, public colleges charge lower tuition fees than private colleges. The cost of education at public schools is often reduced by grants and scholarships. At private institutions, student tuition can typically be reduced through merit scholarships for those with high GPAs or SAT scores.
Private colleges often have smaller class sizes, allowing students more one-on-one time with professors. A private institution is better than a public institution. What are some benefits and drawbacks?
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
For counselors, what is the salary?
Counselors make a mean annual salary of $58,710 in Washington.
Are counseling degrees in high demand?
The total number of counselors is expected to change by 8.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Are there any opportunities to study for a doctorate in counseling online?
An online doctorate degree in counseling is possible. As a matter of fact, most schools provide an online program to assist students in their educational goals.
How long does it take to complete a doctorate degree?
Typically, full-time students complete their doctorate degree in 4-6 years. Some students complete their program faster than others.
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