Best Counseling Programs in Minnesota (2026)
Top CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Minnesota for 2026, with tuition, LPC and LPCC licensure, Minnesota's position as one of the first two Counseling Compact states to issue privileges (September 30, 2025), NCMHCE prep, and the 4,000 supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota was one of the first two states to issue Counseling Compact privileges, going live on September 30, 2025 alongside Arizona. Ohio followed January 5, 2026, and Louisiana April 20, 2026. An active Minnesota LPCC is one of the most portable counseling credentials in the country, with practice privileges across other operational Compact states.
- Minnesota has roughly eight CACREP-accredited counseling programs, anchored by two of the largest online CACREP programs in the country (both headquartered in Minneapolis): Walden University and Capella University. Public options include Minnesota State Mankato, Winona State (most affordable), St. Cloud State, and Minnesota State Moorhead. Private options include Bethel and Adler Graduate School.
- Minnesota uses a two-tier license structure. LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) is the entry-level non-clinical credential. LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) is the independent clinical practice license that lets you diagnose, treat, and bill third-party insurance.
- Becoming an LPCC in Minnesota requires a CACREP or CHEA-accredited master's (minimum 48 credits, but 60 required by end of first 4 years post-licensure), 4,000 supervised post-master's hours with at least 1,800 direct client contact hours, 100 supervision hours (50 individual 1:1), supervision at a 2-hr-per-40-hr-of-practice ratio with 75% in person, and passing the NCMHCE.
- 98% of Minnesota counties (85 of 87) are designated Mental Health HPSAs, with an average HPSA score of 17.8 versus the national average of 15.5. This is one of the most severe state-level Mental Health HPSA footprints in the country and creates exceptionally strong loan repayment leverage.
- The Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness program offers LPCCs up to $11,000 per year, max $44,000 over 4 years across Rural Mental Health and Urban Mental Health tracks. Awards are exempt from both federal and state income tax (no 1099 issued), unusual and meaningful.
- Walden University and Capella University, both headquartered in Minneapolis, are arguably the two largest CACREP-accredited online counseling programs in the country. They serve students nationally and have made Minnesota the de facto online CACREP capital of the U.S.
Minnesota is one of the most distinctive LPCC markets in the country for one big reason: Counseling Compact leadership. MN was one of the first two states (with Arizona) to actually issue Compact privileges when the Compact went live on September 30, 2025. Ohio joined January 5, 2026 and Louisiana April 20, 2026. An active Minnesota LPCC is now one of the most portable counseling credentials in the country, with the ability to apply for Compact privileges to practice in other operational Compact member states.
The MN licensing path: complete a CACREP or CHEA-accredited master's, apply for LPC with the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) (note: 48 credits minimum initially but 60 required by end of first 4 years post-licensure, so plan for 60), accumulate 4,000 supervised post-master's hours with 1,800 direct client contact and 100 supervision hours (50 individual), and pass the NCMHCE to upgrade to LPCC. Total time from master's to LPCC: typically 2 to 3 years.
What makes Minnesota distinct beyond Compact leadership: Walden University and Capella University are both headquartered in Minneapolis. These are arguably the two largest CACREP-accredited online counseling programs in the country, and Minnesota is the de facto online CACREP capital of the U.S. For students who want online flexibility plus the credibility of a CACREP credential, Minnesota-domiciled programs are a national-tier choice. The state also has an extraordinarily severe mental health workforce shortage: 98% of MN counties (85 of 87) are designated Mental Health HPSAs, creating outstanding loan repayment leverage through the MN Health Care Loan Forgiveness program.
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Minnesota
All 8 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walden University (Minneapolis HQ) | ~$465/credit (online flat rate, ~$37,665 total at 81 units base) | Fully online with limited residency intensives | |
| 2 | Capella University (Minneapolis HQ) | ~$535/credit (online flat rate) | Fully online | |
| 3 | Minnesota State University, Mankato | $530/credit (~$31,800 total) | On-campus | |
| 4 | Winona State University | $480.59/credit (~$29,316 total at 61 credits) - most affordable in MN | Hybrid | |
| 5 | St. Cloud State University | ~$510/credit (~$30,600 total) | On-campus | |
| 6 | Bethel University | ~$735/credit (private, flat rate, ~$44,100 total) | Evening on-campus | |
| 7 | Adler Graduate School | ~$715/credit (private, flat rate, ~$42,900 total) | Evenings/weekends on-campus + online | |
| 8 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | ~$520/credit (~$31,200 total) | On-campus + hybrid |
Walden University (Minneapolis HQ)
In-State
~$465/credit (online flat rate, ~$37,665 total at 81 units base)
Out-of-State
~$465/credit (online flat rate)
Length
~33 months (90-96 quarter credits / ~81 unit base)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- One of the largest CACREP-accredited online CMHC programs in the country
- Minneapolis-headquartered with national online delivery
- Eight CACREP-accredited specializations including Trauma and Crisis, Forensic, Military Families, and Child/Adolescent
- Required residency intensives preserve clinical skill development
- Field placements coordinated in students' local communities through national placement network
Capella University (Minneapolis HQ)
In-State
~$535/credit (online flat rate)
Out-of-State
~$535/credit (online flat rate)
Length
2.5 to 3 years (90 quarter credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited online MS in CMHC with FlexPath self-paced option
- Minneapolis-headquartered with national online delivery
- Three CACREP-accredited specializations including Child/Adolescent and Addiction Counseling
- FlexPath option allows competency-based pacing for faster completion
- Field placements coordinated through Capella's national placement network
Minnesota State University, Mankato
In-State
$530/credit (~$31,800 total)
Out-of-State
$795/credit (~$47,700 total)
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited since January 2009 (long accreditation history)
- MS in Counseling and Student Personnel with Mental Health Counseling emphasis
- Affordable Minnesota State system in-state public tuition
- Located in Mankato serving Southern Minnesota with rural placement options
- Strong placements with Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato
Winona State University
In-State
$480.59/credit (~$29,316 total at 61 credits) - most affordable in MN
Out-of-State
$480.59/credit (Minnesota State system flat rate)
Length
2.5 to 3 years (61 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- <strong>Most affordable CACREP CMHC program in Minnesota</strong> at $480.59/credit
- Total tuition runs roughly $29,316 for the full 61-credit program
- Meets both MN LPCC and Wisconsin LPC requirements for dual-state practice
- Hybrid delivery with Winona and Rochester locations
- Strong placements with Mayo Clinic Rochester and Winona Health
St. Cloud State University
In-State
~$510/credit (~$30,600 total)
Out-of-State
~$780/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Affordable Minnesota State system in-state public tuition
- Located in St. Cloud serving Central Minnesota placement options
- Strong placements with CentraCare and Stearns County Human Services
- Active CACREP School Counseling program alongside CMHC
Bethel University
In-State
~$735/credit (private, flat rate, ~$44,100 total)
Out-of-State
~$735/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
33 months (60+ credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited January 2023 through October 31, 2031 (clean accreditation horizon)
- Christian-integration curriculum welcoming students of all faiths or none
- 33-month accelerated design with evening classes for working adults
- Located in Arden Hills serving the Twin Cities metro
- Strong placements with Allina Health and Fairview Health Services
Adler Graduate School
In-State
~$715/credit (private, flat rate, ~$42,900 total)
Out-of-State
~$715/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MA grounded in Adlerian theory (social interest, advocacy)
- Evening and weekend classes plus online delivery options
- Distinctive Adlerian framework rare in CACREP programs nationally
- Located in Minnetonka (west Twin Cities) for suburban placement access
- Active counselor education research faculty
Minnesota State University Moorhead
In-State
~$520/credit (~$31,200 total)
Out-of-State
~$780/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (~60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS in Counseling with three CMHC, School, and Addictions emphases
- Located in Moorhead on the MN-ND border, serving Fargo-Moorhead metro
- Affordable Minnesota State system in-state public tuition
- On-campus and hybrid delivery options
- Addictions emphasis aligns with MN LADC dual-credentialing pathway
LPC and LPCC Licensure Requirements in Minnesota
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT)
(651) 201-2756
Minnesota regulates LPCs and LPCCs through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT). The board operates under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 148B.
You'll move through two stages in MN. First, the LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), the entry-level non-clinical credential. LPC alone does not allow you to diagnose or treat mental illness independently. Second, the LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), the independent clinical practice license that lets you diagnose, treat, and bill third-party insurance.
What makes Minnesota distinct: Counseling Compact leadership. MN was one of the first two states (with Arizona) to issue Compact privileges when the Compact went live on September 30, 2025. An active MN LPCC can apply for Compact privileges to practice in other operational Compact states (currently Arizona, Ohio, Louisiana, with more rolling out). Two of the largest CACREP-accredited online counseling programs in the country (Walden and Capella) are also headquartered in Minneapolis, making MN the de facto online CACREP capital of the U.S.
Licensed Professional Counselor (Minnesota entry-level, non-clinical)
Counseling practice that does not include independent diagnosis or treatment of mental illness
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: NCE
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Independent clinical practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, private practice, third-party billing, Counseling Compact privileges
Hours
4,000
Duration
2+ years (2 hrs supervision per 40 hrs practice, 75% in person)
Exam: NCMHCE
Minnesota offers endorsement for LPCs/LPCCs licensed in other states with substantially equivalent requirements. Minnesota was one of the first two states to issue Counseling Compact privileges, going live September 30, 2025 alongside Arizona. Ohio joined January 5, 2026 and Louisiana April 20, 2026. An active MN LPCC can apply for Compact privilege to practice in other operational member states immediately upon licensure. Notably, MN BBHT had issued 189 Privileges to Practice to Arizona-licensed counselors in the early Compact rollout while Arizona issued only 13 to Minnesota counselors, indicating asymmetric early adoption.
Counselor Salary in Minnesota
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Minnesota counselor salaries run close to the national median in nominal terms, with the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington) metro pulling the statewide average up. The BLS Minnesota OEWS estimates reflect strong demand driven by Mayo Clinic's footprint in Rochester and the Twin Cities healthcare and tech sectors. Rural Northern MN counties pay lower nominal wages but offer dramatically better cost-of-living ratios and the strongest MN Health Care Loan Forgiveness leverage.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
National median: $59,190
Top metro: $65,490 (Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington)
Mental Health Counselors (excluding substance abuse)
National median: $59,610
Top metro: $64,180 (Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington)
Marriage and Family Therapists
National median: $63,780
Top metro: $67,210 (Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington)
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors (School Counselors)
National median: $64,210
Top metro: $73,540 (Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington)
Minnesota Counseling Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Minnesota has one of the most severe Mental Health HPSA footprints in the country, with 98% of MN counties (85 of 87) designated as Mental Health HPSAs and an average HPSA score of 17.8 (national average 15.5). This near-universal designation creates exceptional loan repayment leverage and abundant employment opportunities for newly licensed LPCCs.
Major employers include Mayo Clinic (one of the largest healthcare employers in the world, headquartered in Rochester with extensive behavioral health programs), HealthPartners, Allina Health, Fairview Health Services, Essentia Health (anchoring northern MN), CentraCare (central MN), the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Hennepin Healthcare, Minnesota Department of Human Services Direct Care and Treatment (operates state psychiatric hospitals and Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center), and a deep private group practice sector concentrated in the Twin Cities.
Three workforce dynamics shape practice in MN:
Counseling Compact leadership: MN was one of the first two states to issue Compact privileges (September 30, 2025). MN LPCCs have practice portability into other operational Compact states starting day one of licensure. This is one of the most valuable credentialing advantages in U.S. counselor education right now.
Online CACREP capital: Walden and Capella are both headquartered in Minneapolis and rank among the largest CACREP-accredited online counseling programs in the country. MN is the national center of online CACREP delivery.
Mayo Clinic pipeline: Mayo Clinic Rochester employs LPCCs across psychiatry, psychology, and integrated primary care behavioral health. Winona State (Rochester satellite) and Mankato State serve this market directly.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness for Mental Health Professionals: LPCCs receive up to $11,000 per year, max $44,000 over 4 years across Rural Mental Health and Urban Mental Health tracks. 30 hrs/wk × 45 weeks/year × minimum 3 years service. Awards are exempt from both federal and state income tax (no 1099 issued), unusual and meaningful. 2026 cycle: November 1, 2026 to January 6, 2027.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. LPCCs are eligible at NHSC-approved sites in MN Mental Health HPSAs. Up to $55,000 for 2 years full-time service. With 98% of MN counties designated as MH HPSAs, NHSC site availability across Minnesota is unusually broad.
NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce LRP: Up to $75,000 over 3 years for LPCCs at SUD-focused NHSC sites. Strong fit for LPCC/LADC dual-credentialed counselors in MN.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): LPCCs employed at MN state agencies (DHS), county social services, VA hospitals, and qualifying nonprofit health systems all qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
How to Choose a Counseling Program in Minnesota
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a counseling program in Minnesota mostly comes down to three questions: in-state public vs online CACREP capital programs (Walden/Capella), Twin Cities vs greater Minnesota placement pipeline, and whether to leverage MN's Counseling Compact leadership immediately upon licensure. MN's Compact privilege issuance and online CACREP capital status give an MN LPCC unusually broad practice options nationally.
If you want maximum affordability: Winona State at $480.59/credit (~$29,316 total) is the most affordable CACREP CMHC program in Minnesota. Minnesota State Mankato, St. Cloud State, and MN State Moorhead at $510 to $530/credit are the next most affordable public options.
If you want fully online delivery: Walden and Capella (both Minneapolis-headquartered) are arguably the two largest CACREP-accredited online counseling programs in the country, both serving students nationally. Winona State, Adler Graduate School, and Minnesota State Moorhead also offer online or hybrid options.
If you want the strongest Twin Cities pipeline: Bethel University (Arden Hills) and Adler Graduate School (Minnetonka) serve the Twin Cities metro directly. Walden and Capella students based in the Twin Cities also access this network.
If you want the Mayo Clinic Rochester pipeline: Winona State's Rochester location and Minnesota State Mankato serve southern Minnesota with strong Mayo Clinic placement access.
If you want greater Minnesota / rural placement: St. Cloud State (Central MN), Minnesota State Moorhead (Fargo-Moorhead metro), and Adams State serve regions where 98% MN counties' Mental Health HPSA designations create maximum MN Health Care Loan Forgiveness leverage.
If you want a faith-integrated curriculum: Bethel University offers a Christian-integration approach welcoming students of all faiths or none.
If you want Adlerian theory or distinctive theoretical orientation: Adler Graduate School is one of the only CACREP programs in the country built around Adlerian theory (social interest, advocacy, encouragement).
If you plan to leverage Counseling Compact portability immediately: Any MN CACREP program prepares you for MN LPCC, which carries Compact privilege rights from day one of independent licensure. MN was one of the first two states to issue privileges (Sept 30, 2025).
Related Pages
Best Online Counseling Programs
National ranking of the top CACREP-accredited online counseling programs
Best Online Master's in Psychology
If you're still weighing psychology vs counseling at the master's level
Counselor Career Guide
What LPCCs, LPCs, and LMHCs actually do day-to-day
MSW Programs in Minnesota
If you're weighing the social work pathway instead
Counseling Programs by State
Compare counseling programs across all 50 states
Sources
- CACREP, Directory of Accredited Programs
- Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT)
- BBHT, LPCC Supervised Professional Practice
- Minnesota Statute 148B.5301 (LPCC Licensing)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Minnesota Estimates
- NBCC, National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
- Counseling Compact Goes Live in Arizona and Minnesota
- MN Health Care Loan Forgiveness for Mental Health Professionals