13 Most Affordable MFT Programs in California for 2026 (Starting at $15K)

Want to find affordable MFT programs in California that won’t bury you in student debt? That’s a smart career move.

California has over 40 Board of Behavioral Science-approved Marriage and Family Therapy master’s programs. The state employs 25,870 licensed MFTs. Some programs cost up to $33,000 per year, but you’ll find quality options under $20,000. Daybreak University is distinguishable with its MFT degrees at $300 per credit. The total program cost is $24,380 – that’s less than $10,000 yearly.

A therapist’s training takes 2.5 to 3 years of full-time study. Getting through an MFT program is crucial, but it’s just one step toward California licensure. The good news? Our researched programs deliver excellent value while meeting state requirements.

This guide shows 13 institutions where you can earn your degree starting at just $15,000. We’ve analyzed each program’s format, clinical training opportunities, and unique specializations that help you match your career goals. These programs are a great way to get the education you need.

1. California State University – Los Angeles

CSU Los Angeles well-known as one of California’s most economical MFT programs. The specialized curriculum prepares you for several professional paths at once.

Program overview

Cal State LA’s School-Based Family Counseling (SBFC) program gives you complete training in marriage and family therapy and school counseling. You’ll learn to work in both educational settings and mental health agencies. The program meets all academic requirements for four professional credentials:

• California Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license
• Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential in School Counseling
• Advanced Authorization in Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA)

The program emphasizes cultural competence and social justice, helping counselors serve diverse communities effectively. Students gain hands-on experience at the on-campus family counseling clinic while licensed faculty provide direct supervision.

Tuition and affordability

The total program cost runs about $24,380, making it one of California’s most economical MFT programs. Here’s how the costs break down:

• Four full-time semesters: $16,800 ($4,200 per semester)
• Summer semester with two classes: $1,980 ($990 per class)
• Two part-time fieldwork semesters: $5,600 ($2,800 per semester)

California residents will find these rates much lower than private institutions. The 2025-2026 academic year’s graduate tuition rate is $9,144 yearly for full-time students.

Program length and format

Students complete the SBFC program’s 73-77 semester units in 2.5 to 3 years. The first two years involve four to five courses each semester, including summer terms. The schedule works well for working professionals with evening classes:

• Evening classes run 4:30pm-7:15pm and 7:30pm-10:10pm
• Students attend campus 2-4 days weekly
• Some courses may meet on Saturdays

The second and third years include 15-20 hours of weekly fieldwork. Many students switch to part-time work during this period. Each fall, 24 candidates join the program and move through the carefully planned curriculum as a group.

CSU Los Angeles combines academic excellence, real-world experience, and reasonable costs. This makes it a smart choice for future marriage and family therapists.

2. Daybreak University

Daybreak University in Anaheim has a reputation as one of California’s most affordable private institutions for MFT programs. Students can get specialized training without taking on heavy debt.

Program overview

Daybreak University, a not-for-profit institution accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), offers MA and PhD programs in Counseling with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. These programs prepare students for LMFT licensure in California and come with unique educational benefits:

• Multiple delivery options: Students can pick traditional face-to-face classes in Anaheim, 100% online instruction via Zoom, or a hybrid format that combines both
• Specialized training tracks: The curriculum includes Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) and Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy (HST) specializations
• Flexible scheduling: Working professionals can attend evening classes, and most academic terms run for 10 weeks

Students typically complete the MA program’s 90 quarter units in about two years. The PhD program needs 93 quarter units, and completion time varies based on each student’s pace. Both programs meet the Eligibility Criteria and are moving toward COAMFTE accreditation.

Tuition and affordability

The university’s value stands out among California MFT programs:

• MA program: $300 per credit, with a total cost of about $27,000 for all 90 required units
• PhD program: $430 per credit, coming to about $39,900 for all 93 required units

These rates make Daybreak one of California’s most affordable MFT programs. Most students can pay for their graduate degrees without loans. This could save them $50,000 or more compared to other programs that often cost $85,000 or higher.

Clinical training

Students get hands-on experience through several key training components:

• On-site counseling center: Students can gain practical hours at Daybreak’s own counseling center in Southern California by working with real clients
• Complete practicum requirements: The program requires 300 clinical hours (including 100 hours of relational cases) and 100 supervision hours (50 hours must include raw data like audio/video recordings)
• Expert supervision: Faculty members with doctoral degrees in Couples and Family Therapy, Sex Therapy, and Counseling Psychology supervise clinical training. Many are AAMFT or AASECT approved supervisors

The program meets California’s educational requirements for MFT licensure. Students also learn specialized skills in Imago Relationship Therapy and Sex Therapy, which helps them work effectively with couples and individuals after graduation.

3. California State University – East Bay

CSU East Bay shines among California’s public universities. Their cohort-based MFT program combines affordability with detailed clinical training. Budget-conscious students seeking quality education will find this program an excellent choice.

Program overview

CSU East Bay’s Marriage and Family Therapy program uses a well-laid-out cohort model. Students progress through the curriculum together and create a supportive learning community. This full-time program takes about five semesters (two years) to complete. The program emphasizes:

• Training from a relational view
• Strength-based interventions that build resilience
• Social justice and democratic principles
• Excellence in therapeutic practice

First-year students attend classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 8:00pm. Some courses take place on weekends. The schedule moves to Wednesdays and Thursdays in the second year. Students also complete 12-20 weekly hours of supervised fieldwork at placement sites. This sequence will give a solid foundation in both theory and practical skills.

Tuition and affordability

The MFT-only track costs approximately $14,352 total, making it one of California’s most economical MFT programs. Students who want dual credentials have affordable options:

• MFT/School Counseling: $17,940
• MFT/School Psychology: $21,528

Students can expect these approximate costs for 2025-2026:

• Tuition and fees: $9,607 per year
• Books and supplies: $1,054
• Living expenses: $12,854-$21,549 (based on housing choice)

These rates offer exceptional value compared to private institutions for students pursuing marriage and family therapy credentials.

Licensure preparation

The MS in Counseling with MFT concentration meets California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements for the MFT license. The program prepares you for these post-graduation licensing steps:

• Completing 3,000 hours of supervised experience
• Passing written and oral Board of Behavioral Sciences exams

Graduates can apply for an MFT Intern License with the California Board of Behavioral Science. Students interested in dual licensure can take additional courses to meet Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) requirements. CSU East Bay wants to become the Bay Area’s first public university with Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accreditation.

Students must complete at least 225 direct client contact hours in clinical training. This requirement helps graduates become practice-ready and prepared for licensing.

4. San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University is notable in the Bay Area by offering two distinct MFT training paths. Future therapists can get quality education at public university rates.

Program overview

The university gives you two paths to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California:

• S. in Counseling with Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling (MFCC) concentration – with prestigious CACREP accreditation
• S. in Psychology with Clinical Psychology concentration – with WASC accreditation

Both programs will prepare you for LMFT licensure, though they differ in structure and focus. The MFCC specialization accepts new ideas with a “developmentally informed systemic-familial-relational orientation”. You’ll learn to see individual challenges as part of broader social contexts while developing cultural awareness. The program helps you work with a variety of families and relationship structures.

Either program opens doors to jobs in community mental health agencies, hospitals, private practice, crisis centers, and schools. The Psychology track keeps classes small with about 8 students, while the MFCC track accepts 10-25 students per group.

Tuition and affordability

SFSU ranks as California’s second most affordable college. The MFT programs cost much less than private schools:

• Standard M.S. in MFCC: $14,352
• S. in Psychology with Clinical Psychology: $16,812
• MFT/School Counseling dual track: $17,940
• MFT/School Psychology dual track: $21,528

Graduate students should plan for annual tuition of about $9,938 in 2025-2026. Living expenses range from $27,216 to $39,768 based on housing choices.

Fieldwork opportunities

Fieldwork at SFSU is “an essential two-year-long part” of your training. Requirements include:

• 700 minimum fieldwork hours for each specialization
• 280 hours minimum of direct client contact
• 900 total fieldwork hours for School Counseling specialization

Students can choose from over 200 approved internship sites on the university’s “Master List of Sites”. Each site must meet strict standards and have qualified supervisors with California licenses. Many internship hours happen during business hours, but you can take up to seven years to finish the program part-time if needed.

Students complete two year-long field placements at different sites. This approach gives you varied client experience and gets you ready for licensure.

5. California State University – Fresno

CSU Fresno’s Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling program trains counselors to meet mental health needs in California’s Central Valley. The program serves one of the state’s most diverse regions while keeping education costs affordable.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling at CSU Fresno helps you become a professional counselor. Students complete this complete 60-unit program in just five semesters. This Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program comes with several benefits:

• You can qualify for dual licensure as both a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• The program meets all educational requirements for California MFT licensure
• Each cohort has about 18 students, which allows tailored attention
• Classes run in the evening (1:00-3:50pm, 4:00-6:50pm, and 7:00-9:50pm) to fit different schedules

Graduates can work in private practice, agency counseling, county mental health programs, substance abuse centers, and hospitals. The program also qualifies you to take the National Counselor Exam after graduation, which many states use in their professional counselor licensing process.

Tuition and affordability

CSU Fresno esteemed as one of California’s most affordable MFT programs with a total cost of $16,434. Here’s what graduate students can expect to pay in the 2025-2026 academic year:

Part-time students (0-6 units):

• Tuition fee: $2,340 per semester
• Additional mandatory fees: $887.50
• Total per semester: $3,227.50

Full-time students (7+ units):

• Tuition fee: $4,032 per semester
• Additional mandatory fees: $887.50
• Total per semester: $4,919.50

Practicum and clinical hours

CSU Fresno’s clinical training connects classroom learning with hands-on practice through structured experiences.

The Fresno Family Counseling Center has been the foundation of practical training since 1985. Students provide affordable mental health services to community members with faculty supervision. The program requires:

• Two semesters minimum of clinical field experience
• Individual and group counseling practice
• Program development and assessment experience

The Clinical Review process in COUN 208 gives a full picture of your progress. This review looks at your academic work, counseling skills, and professional approach to make sure you’re ready for professional practice.

6. California State University – Chico

CSU Chico sits in Northern California, offering a respected Marriage and Family Therapy program. Students get quality training at great value and can become licensed without taking on excessive debt.

Program overview

The three-year MFT program at CSU Chico needs 60 units of coursework that meets California’s licensing requirements. Chico State focuses equally on three key areas:

• Academic research fundamentals
• Hands-on clinical practice
• Personal growth and self-care development

Each cohort has about 18 students who build lasting professional connections throughout their time in the program. Classes run Monday through Friday between 8AM and 6PM. Students attend 2-3 days weekly during their first two years. Faculty members serve as ethical and professional role models while supporting academic excellence and personal development.

Tuition and affordability

Graduate students at CSU Chico should plan for these costs in 2025-26:

• Tuition and fees: $7,886 annually for California residents
• Books and supplies: $1,122
• Housing costs from $3,345 (living with relatives) to $6,435 (off-campus)
• Food expenses: about $5,661 annually

First-year students pay approximately $17,494 in total, making this program one of California’s budget-friendly options. Chico State helps students through the Graduate Equity Fellowship Program, which supports those from historically underrepresented groups.

On-campus training

The Counselor Training Center (CTC) forms the core of practical training at CSU Chico. Students work with real clients under faculty supervision. This free clinic serves university and community members, providing great experience with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Students move to off-campus internships with one of 20+ partner agencies after finishing their on-campus practicum courses. Chico State maintains a 100% placement rate. This detailed training approach works well—over 90% of graduates pass the LMFT clinical exam on their first try.

The program’s 40-year legacy has produced hundreds of skilled North State counselors and therapists. Graduates enter the field with a strong professional network.

7. California State Polytechnic University – Humboldt

Cal Poly Humboldt sits on California’s beautiful North Coast. The school provides a detailed Marriage and Family Therapy program that combines academic excellence with hands-on training. Students will find the program’s price point more reasonable compared to other state options.

Program overview

Cal Poly Humboldt’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology helps students become skilled at independent psychotherapy practice through a well-laid-out curriculum. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences has fully accredited this program, which meets all educational requirements for the Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license. Graduates can pursue Associate MFT (AMFT) status and start collecting supervised practice hours needed for full licensure.

Students typically complete the program in 4-5 semesters. Each year, about 12 students join through a cohort model, selected from a competitive pool of over 80 applicants. The program values personal growth and professional ethics alongside academic excellence. Students receive regular reviews of their academic work, professionalism, and counseling abilities.

Tuition and affordability

The program costs approximately $18,588 total, making it one of California’s more budget-friendly MFT options. The 2025-2026 academic year costs include:

• California residents pay $8,548 annually for tuition and fees
• Campus-based fees run $2,452
• Books and supplies cost $934
• Living costs range from $29,384 (with parents) to $32,766 (off-campus)

Clinical experience

Students start their clinical training step by step. The first semester focuses on counseling theory through courses like Interviewing and Counseling Techniques (654) and Practicum Preparation (662). Client work begins in the second semester at the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) center with direct supervision.

Students must complete at least 150 hours of direct client counseling and 75 hours of advocacy and support before graduating. The program lets students earn up to 750 hours toward California’s licensing requirements. This gives them a significant advantage in the licensure process. Students who need extra time to finish practicum requirements can enroll in extended options.

8. Western Institute for Social Research

WISR’s Berkeley campus stands out from traditional universities. Their self-paced MFT program gives students a level of flexibility that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Program overview

California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) has approved WISR’s MS in Psychology program. The program prepares students for Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials. Students need to complete 60+ semester units that cover state-mandated areas. The program combines required coursework with custom studies. This preparation helps students thrive in private practice, community agencies, public institutions, and health organizations.

Tuition and affordability

Students can expect straightforward pricing at $9,600 per year. The program allows $800 monthly payments. The self-paced format lets students finish in different timeframes:

• Full-time: about 3 years ($25,200 total)
• Part-time: up to 6 years ($50,400 total)

Students who move through the program quickly can save money. Many complete their studies in less than three years and cut their costs by half or more.

Licensure track

The program prepares students for both LMFT and LPCC licenses. LPCC candidates take extra courses in Career Development and Group Counseling. They also complete 280 hours of client contact during practicum, while LMFT-only students need 150 hours. Graduates must finish supervised internship hours and pass state licensing exams. Students meet one-on-one with faculty every two weeks for customized guidance throughout their studies.

9. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix has a Master of Science in Counseling program with Marriage, Family and Child Therapy specialization that California residents can complete online. This program is available to students who can’t attend traditional campus classes.

Program overview

The MSC/MFCT program meets California licensure requirements and gives students a complete preparation to earn both LMFT and LPCC credentials.

Students become skilled at:

• Counseling theories and techniques integration
• Assessment and testing processes implementation
• Research evaluation for professional practice
• Marital and family systems approaches

The 60-credit program has three portfolio courses to check progress readiness, seventeen specialized courses, and three clinical courses that run for 40 weeks. Students who finish the program and complete their postgraduate supervised hours can take California LMFT and LPCC licensure exams.

Tuition and affordability

The program costs $41,880 in total, which puts it in the middle range of California’s MFT programs. All the same, the university’s tuition guarantee keeps your rate fixed from when you start until graduation, so you won’t face any surprise costs.

Working professionals might find the monthly payment structure easier to handle than large semester payments, even though the total cost is higher than public universities.

Flexible learning model

We designed the program to be mostly online, but it has structured live elements that encourage professional growth. Students need to:

• Complete weekly assignments including papers, discussions, and collaborative activities
• Join mandatory 1.5-hour weekly live class meetings during practicum/internship
• Complete 300 minimum direct client hours at clinical placement sites

Field Placement Coordinators reach out to students about six months before practicum starts to help arrange clinical placements.

10. National University

National University became the first institution to receive COAMFTE accreditation for its online MFT program. Students can now complete their studies without having to relocate.

Program overview

The Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy program at National University offers a systems theory-based curriculum that creates culturally aware, ethical, and competent therapists. Students get these benefits:

• Online coursework paired with clinical placement in their local community
• Complete training through textbooks, journal articles, and educational videos
• Courses lasting 8 or 12 weeks with deadlines set for Sunday midnight

Students need 45 credits of coursework and clinical experience to graduate. Some states require 60 semester credits for licensure, and extra courses are available. Most students finish their degree in 2-3 years by taking 6-8 courses each year.

Tuition and affordability

The university’s graduate tuition rates are simple:

• $442 per quarter unit
• $1,989 per 4.5-quarter-unit course

The program’s total estimated cost breaks down to:

• Tuition: $16,416
• One-time learning management fee: $450
• Books and course materials: $936

Online delivery format

Students must complete nine courses in the 45-credit program before they start clinical training. Group supervision happens weekly through HIPAA-compliant video conferencing. The California Track, which needs 60 credits, meets all California Board of Behavioral Sciences licensure requirements. The program’s Supervision Methods course has earned American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy approval and counts toward becoming an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.

11. Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College’s Marriage and Family Therapy program blends cultural awareness with social justice principles. The program prepares students to meet California licensure requirements.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program weaves cultural awareness into every aspect of its curriculum. Students become skilled clinicians who understand cultural nuances. You can complete the program in 2.5 years full-time or 4 years part-time. Students must log 225 hours of supervised clinical experience before graduation. This counts toward the 3,000 hours needed for California LMFT licensure. The program uses a cohort model. Students take classes together and build a supportive learning community.

Tuition and affordability

The program costs about $69,000 in total. This makes it one of the pricier MFT programs in California. Graduate tuition for 2025-2026 runs $1,288 per credit hour. The college helps make education more affordable through:

• Military benefits: active duty pay $258/credit, veterans pay $712/credit
• Flexible monthly payment plans
• Multiple scholarships and grants

Cultural specializations

The program has four specialized tracks:

• African American Family Studies
• Latinx Family Studies
• LGBTQIA+ Studies
• Trauma Studies

These tracks help you work effectively with specific communities. You’ll learn to understand your clients through an all-encompassing approach.

12. Biola University

Biola University in La Mirada offers a unique blend of Christian theology and marriage and family therapy training. Students can pursue faith-based counseling education while getting clinical preparation.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Biola’s Talbot School of Theology prepares students to work in both Christian and secular environments. Students complete over 300 practicum hours with clients under licensed mental health professionals’ supervision. The program follows a scholar/practitioner model that merges Christian theology with systemic family therapy training. Graduates meet all educational requirements to become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in California.

Tuition and affordability

The MFT program’s cost per credit is $866 for 2025-26. The total program tuition comes to $58,022. Students who take full-time courses (9 credits per term) pay $7,794 each semester, while part-time students (3 credits) pay $2,598. Annual costs reach $45,516 when you add housing, food, and other expenses.

Counseling approach

The program aims to create marriage and family therapists who blend family therapy practice with Christian theology. Students build a strong biblical foundation to support the biopsychosocial, spiritual, and relational health of individuals, couples, and families from different backgrounds. The curriculum teaches cultural humility, and students learn to treat clients with dignity, respect, and empathy while understanding various cultural contexts in clinical practice.

13. Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary’s Marriage and Family Therapy program combines faith-based viewpoint with clinical training. Students choose this program because it merges Christian principles into their counseling practice.

Program overview

The MA in Marriage and Family Therapy equips you with the knowledge you need to pass California MFT licensure exams while developing your clinical practice skills. Students can complete the program in 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time. Weekly classes run during evening slots (2-5pm or 6-9pm), and students attend campus about 2-3 days each week. The program starts in Fall (August) and Spring (January). Spring enrollment adds six months to completion time because of practicum scheduling. Small class sizes allow personal attention with only 10-15 students admitted each semester.

Tuition and affordability

MFT/Counseling courses will cost $610 per credit while theology courses cost $530 per credit in 2025-26. Students can expect to pay $35,750 for the complete program, plus a $180 student services fee. The university provides monthly payment plans to help manage costs. Full-time graduate students living off-campus should budget around $36,963 yearly, which includes housing ($11,250), food ($7,534), and other expenses.

Theological integration

This program is known for weaving Christian theology into psychological theory throughout its courses. Students learn clinical assessment, human development, cross-cultural counseling, and discipleship. They can enhance their experience through summer studies in Israel or the Hispanic Summer Program. The faculty brings rich experience in clinical practice and supervision to the classroom.

Start Your Journey Today

Your path to becoming a licensed therapist in California starts with picking the right MFT program. Quality education doesn’t have to break the bank – programs range from $15,000 to $69,000. CSU campuses are budget-friendly, and CSU East Bay leads the pack at $14,352 for the complete program.

Each program brings something unique to the table. Public universities deliver great value while keeping academic standards high. Private schools like Daybreak University ($27,000) and the Western Institute for Social Research ($25,200 for full-time completion) give you specialized tracks and flexible schedules at reasonable prices.

The program format plays a big role in your choice. Traditional classroom settings promote strong connections with classmates and quick feedback from professors. Online options from National University and University of Phoenix work well for professionals who can’t relocate. Some programs blend both approaches with hybrid models that give you flexibility and face-to-face learning.

Clinical training varies among these programs. Many schools run their own counseling centers where you’ll get supervised experience before graduating. CSU Los Angeles, CSU Fresno, and CSU Chico excel here with their strong community partnerships and detailed practicum experiences.

Every MFT program aims to prepare you for licensure. Programs that meet California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements help you qualify for associate registration after graduation. Some schools even prepare you for dual licensure as both an LMFT and LPCC, which opens up more career options.

California’s MFT programs fit different needs – whether you want affordability, flexibility, specialization opportunities, or faith integration. You’ll find a program that gives you quality education at a manageable cost, helping you become a licensed marriage and family therapist without drowning in debt.