Best Online Addiction Counseling Degrees of 2025

Half of Americans over the age of 12 have used illicit drugs at least once in their lives, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.

Addiction can affect anyone. Addiction counselors help people who want to overcome their challenges with substance misuse.

To practice, you need at least a bachelor’s degree. In an undergraduate counseling addiction program, you’ll learn theories of addiction and counseling techniques, preparing for graduate school or various roles. Keep reading to learn more about online addiction counseling degrees.

While researching bachelor’s in addiction counseling programs, consider important factors like program cost and length and possible careers you can pursue once you graduate.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that four-year bachelor’s programs in the social sciences cost around $49,200 for in-state students and around $77,700 for out-of-state students in the 2019-2020 school year.

Fortunately, financial aid, which includes grants and scholarships, can cover some of these costs. With financial aid, these programs cost around $27,000 for in-state students and nearly $49,000 for out-of-state students.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see how much financial aid you are eligible for and lower the cost of your education.

Bachelor’s programs require four years of study for full-time students, who need to earn around 120 credits to graduate — or 30 credits per academic year. Part-time students spend even longer in school.

Accelerated programs can shorten your time earning your online addiction counseling degree program. For example, the bachelor of science in addiction counseling program at Beal University lets students finish within 42 months.

College accreditation ensures your school meets rigorous standards, is legitimate, and provides quality education. While researching programs, look for schools that hold institution accreditation.

Your desired programs should hold programmatic accreditation, specifically from the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). Contact your school or search the NASAC website to see if your program is accredited.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of substance use counselor jobs will grow by 19% by 2033. Most substance use counselors work in outpatient care centers.

However, you can also work as a community health worker or rehabilitation counselor, earning between $44,000 and $48,200 per year, respectively.

Medical and health services management can be a high-paying career option for addiction counselors; these professionals earn around $110,680 annually.

Licensure requirements for addiction counselors vary between states. Substance use counselors, for example, can earn state certification work without a master’s degree but cannot practice independently. With a master’s degree and licensure, however, substance use counselors can diagnose and treat cooccurring disorders and practice independently.

A bachelor’s in addiction counseling degree is worth the effort and resources if you want a helping career. The degree can take four years to complete, longer if you’re a part-time student. And it can be costly.

Keep in mind that the mean starting salary for counseling graduates in the class of 2023 was $38,190, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

However, most related roles pay much more, and with a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue graduate school, increasing your earning potential.

According to the 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 92% of online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates say earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.

Once you have a bachelor’s in addiction counseling, you can get a state certificate and work as a substance use counselor. Or, you can pursue a master’s in addiction counseling. Then, you can gain licensure and work as a mental health counselor.

Related roles you could consider include health educator and policy advisor. You could also work as a director of addiction treatment programs.

With a master’s degree, you’ll be eligible to pursue an even higher degree, like a Ph.D. in addiction psychology. This terminal degree can prepare you for careers in research and academia or high-level roles in addiction treatment programs in various settings.