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Are you interested in a career helping people and saving lives? Explore the most affordable online addictions and recovery degrees.
When you think of careers that save lives, you might not immediately think of an addictions counselor, but drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for Americans under 50. Addiction is a disease that destroys lives and families around the world.
But with the right help from someone like you, recovery is possible. In these programs, you’ll learn to support individuals with addiction and their families. You’ll gain tools to screen and assess patients, provide individual and group counseling, and develop treatment plans.
Online College Addictions & Recovery Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What kind of addictions and recovery degree should you get?
Many Addictions and Recovery degree programs offer specializations. For example, you may be able to focus on a specific age group or setting.
The level of degree you should pursue depends on your state. Some states require a master’s degree to work as an addictions counselor, while others require a bachelor’s. You’ll need a master’s to open a private practice.
You can earn your degree either in person or online. Online courses give you much more freedom and flexibility. If affordable online programs are a priority, but you’re not sure about the field of addictions and recovery, check out our article on the Most Affordable Online Colleges.
How much money do people make with an addictions and recovery degree?
Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, addictions counselors earn a median salary of $43,000. Salaries vary based on your credentials and the state you practice in. New Mexico, Alaska, and North Dakota offer the highest pay. Close runner-ups include New Jersey and New York.
Projected job growth for addictions counselors over the next decade is 23 percent. This is much faster job growth than average. There are several reasons for this accelerated rate. Most notably, more insurance companies are financing substance abuse treatment than ever before.
What can you do with an addictions and recovery degree?
With an Addictions and Recovery degree, you can provide substance abuse counseling in a variety of settings, such as:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Prisons
- Rehabilitation or treatment centers
- Community agencies
You can also open a private practice, which requires a master’s degree. Other career options include a parole/probation officer, victim’s advocate, case manager, or crisis counselor.
What are the requirements for a degree in addictions and recovery?
Most online degree programs in Addictions and Recovery require 120 credits. This can take 2-5 years to complete, depending on your pace.
Requirements will include both general education and major coursework. You’ll study the brain, the psychology of addiction, addiction theory, case management, group and individual counseling, and more. You may be required to complete an internship or practicum. In some cases, you’ll need 300-350 hours of relevant work.
Online College Addicitions & Recovery Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What are the most affordable online addictions and recovery degrees?
To create this list, we’ve focused on the online programs with the lowest net tuition cost. Additionally, every school on this list is accredited. That means each school has met specific academic criteria in an extensive evaluation process.
Our data comes from trusted sources like:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Glassdoor
- PayScale
- U.S. News and World Report
- Princeton Review
These programs are flexible, affordable, and high quality. Whatever you’d like to accomplish in the addictions and recovery field, the programs listed below will help you do it.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Addictions And Recovery Degrees
University of Maine at Augusta
- Augusta, ME
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Maine at Augusta provides flexible learning opportunities to suit many different types of degree-seekers. The public school supports 3,298 virtual learners around the country, offering 13 bachelor's programs online. One option includes the top-ranking bachelor's in mental health and human services.
Learners benefit from connecting with top faculty members and supportive peers. Through a virtual learning environment, degree-seekers complete coursework and pursue projects relevant to their personal and professional goals. Some enrollees participate in faculty-led research, internships, or externships.
Degree candidates can customize their academic experience by working with an advisor to choose electives and an individualized plan of study.
Many different internal and external opportunities for financial assistance are available. Qualifying students may benefit from fellowships, scholarships, and other types of financial assistance. The cost of an education at the college shrinks for the 90% of enrollees who get some kind of financial assistance.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
76%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Addictions And Recovery Degrees
City Vision University
- Kansas City, MO
- 4 years
- Online
Students seeking a flexible online education in addiction recovery should consider the bachelor's in addiction counseling at City Vision University. Learners at the Kansas City, Missouri, college benefit from many institutional resources, including a supportive online community
The curriculum includes general education and advanced classes, with the opportunity to customize courses and pick electives. Experiential learning opportunities add to enrollees' educational experiences. Degree-seekers gain first-hand experience of what it's like working in the addiction recovery field by completing research, internships, and externships.
Applicants should discuss enrollment requirements with the admissions office. Students can check with the financial aid office to see if they qualify for any funding opportunities, since 100% of enrollees receive some kind of financial aid. Eligible learners can decrease their educational expenses through scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
#3 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Addictions And Recovery Degrees
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Natchitoches, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor of science in addiction studies at Northwestern State University of Louisiana suits learners looking for a flexible online education. The public institution's 16 virtual bachelor's programs provide an industry-relevant education to 8,906 remote degree-seekers. The college supports its distance learners by offering institutional resources from its campus in Natchitoches.
Students gain knowledge needed for the addiction recovery industry in interactive classes. The curriculum covers general education and advanced topics and lets learners modify classes and pick electives. Experiential learning opportunities add to enrollees' educational experiences. Degree-seekers who complete research, internships, or externships get first-hand experience of working in the addiction recovery field.
The admissions office can tell applicants more about the eligibility requirements for enrollment. Some form of financial aid is awarded to 97% of all enrollees, so students should check with the financial aid office to explore eligibility requirements for funding opportunities. Qualifying learners can decrease their educational expenses through scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
82%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Addictions And Recovery Degrees
Ottawa University-Online
- Ottawa, KS
- 4 years
- Online
Ottawa University-Online's bachelor of science in addiction counseling suits learners seeking a flexible remote education in addiction recovery. Based in Ottawa, Kansas, the college features numerous institutional resources, such as a supportive virtual community.
Engaging classes provide students with industry-relevant knowledge. The curriculum includes courses on general education and advanced topics, with the option to individualize classes and choose electives. Hands-on learning opportunities let enrollees supplement their academic experience. Getting first-hand experience of working in the addiction recovery field is possible for degree-seekers who complete research, internships, or externships.
The admissions office can let prospective students know about enrollment criteria. Eligible learners can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities to offset their degree costs.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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