10 Cheapest MFT Programs in California
California’s most affordable MFT programs can save you $65,000 compared to expensive alternatives. Most online MFT program tuition ranges from $23,000 to $80,000. Several California state universities provide quality programs at just $14,352.
The investment makes sense financially. Marriage and family therapists will see a 15% job growth between 2024 and 2034, with median salaries of $63,780 per year. Starting your career without overwhelming student debt requires choosing affordable California MFT programs. Affordable online programs give you flexibility and manageable costs. Kairos University stands out as one of the best values nationwide, with program costs as low as $4,800.
This piece highlights California’s top 10 budget-friendly MFT programs to help you make a smart financial choice for your therapy career.
CSU East Bay
Total program cost: $14,352
CSU East Bay stands out with one of the most available MFT programs in California. The program uses a well-laid-out cohort approach and emphasizes social justice principles. Students get quality clinical training in a variety of settings at a cost much lower than private schools.
Program
The Marriage and Family Therapy program at CSU East Bay runs as a full-time, two-year curriculum that takes approximately five semesters to complete. Students move through the program together as a cohort. This creates a supportive learning community where everyone progresses together. The shared journey helps students support each other during their intensive training.
The MS in Counseling with MFT concentration prepares you to work with clients facing everyday challenges and serious conditions. The program focuses on:
- Training from a relational point of view
- Building resilience through strength-based interventions
- Social justice and democratic principles
- Excellence in therapeutic practice
First-year classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 8:00pm, with some weekend courses. The schedule changes to Wednesdays and Thursdays in the second year, plus 12-20 weekly hours of supervised fieldwork at placement sites. Clinical placements begin in the second year under faculty supervision and licensed professionals.
Tuition rates
CSU East Bay offers one of the cheapest MFT programs in California. The total program cost runs about $14,352 for the MFT-only track. This makes it much cheaper than private institutions. Here’s what graduate students can expect to pay in 2025-2026:
- Tuition and fees: $9,607 per year
- Books and supplies: $1,054
- Living expenses: $12,854-$21,549 (based on housing choice)
On top of that, students can get dual credentials: MFT/School Counseling for $17,940 or MFT/School Psychology for $21,528. The program’s reasonable rates and detailed training make it perfect for students who want quality education without breaking the bank.
Licensure eligibility
The MS in Counseling with MFT concentration meets all educational requirements for California’s MFT license from the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Getting licensed requires more than just the degree:
- 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 becoming Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) can take extra courses to meet those requirements.
CSU East Bay’s Department of Educational Psychology doesn’t issue licenses. Instead, it prepares students for all steps in the licensing process. The curriculum meets Sections 4980.37, 4980.40, and subdivisions (a) and (d) of Section 4980.41, Article 1 of the Business and Professions Code.
CSU San Bernardino
Total program cost: $14,352
The MS in Clinical/Counseling Psychology at CSU San Bernardino stands out from other programs. They accept just 10-15 students each year. This small class size will give a customized learning experience in one of California’s most affordable MFT programs.
Overview
CSU San Bernardino’s MS in Clinical/Counseling Psychology needs 63-71 semester units. The program focuses on two key areas: hands-on counseling skills through supervised training and a deep grasp of core subjects and research methods. The main goal is to help students become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in California. The program meets all requirements set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
The curriculum focuses on:
- Hands-on counseling skills development
- Supervised clinical training experiences
- Research methodology competencies
- Professional preparation for MFT licensure
Students work closely with mentors throughout their studies. The program runs an on-campus psychology clinic where students get valuable clinical experience. After graduation, students can become licensed MFTs. This lets them work in clinical settings, community mental health, or start a private practice with third-party payment options.
Tuition and affordability
CSU San Bernardino is one of the cheapest MFT programs in California. The total cost runs about $14,352. This is a big deal as it means that students pay much less than at private schools.
California residents pay about $6,900 per academic year for graduate tuition. Non-resident and international students pay more – around $18,000 yearly. First-year costs for international students come to about $23,368.
Students should also plan for:
- Books and supplies
- Campus fees (yearly updates follow the Higher Education Price Index)
- Parking permits
- Living expenses
The university ranks 9th in California and 265th nationwide for affordable tuition. This makes it a smart choice for future marriage and family therapists.
Program format
Students complete this full-time, daytime program in two years. This well-laid-out approach helps students learn coursework step by step while building professional skills.
The program concludes with either a thesis or complete examination. Students can choose how to show what they’ve learned. Small class sizes mean students get excellent mentoring that creates a supportive learning environment.
To apply, students usually need:
- A 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA (both overall and in major)
- A bachelor’s degree (psychology preferred, but other majors work with proper preparation)
- A finished application through CSU Apply
Students without classified status can take some graduate courses if space is available and instructors approve. Moving to candidacy requires keeping a 3.0 GPA or higher in graduate courses.
The program ended up preparing graduates not just for MFT licensure. It also sets them up well if they want to pursue doctoral studies in clinical or counseling psychology later.
CSU San Jose
Total program cost: $14,352
San Jose State University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has one of the highest pass rates for the MFT licensing exam in California. Students find this budget-friendly program gives them detailed preparation to become therapists.
Program overview
The 60-unit Master of Science program prepares students to become master’s level psychotherapists. We designed this program for future therapists, giving them the tools to work in clinical settings, counseling centers, and mental health facilities of all sizes. The curriculum focuses on:
- Theoretical and practical training
- Scientific understanding of psychopathology
- Evidence-based approaches to psychotherapy
- Clinical skills development
SJSU’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling focuses on preparing students for professional practice, unlike PhD-focused programs. Students can meet educational requirements for both California Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials through this program.
Students need to complete 150 face-to-face therapy hours and 75 client-centered advocacy hours during their studies. These hours count toward the 3,000 supervised experience hours needed for California licensing. The program makes getting these pre-degree clinical requirements easy, as “150 face-to-face therapy hours in two semesters is very achievable as agencies have infrastructures built to accomplish this”.
Tuition and affordability
San Jose State offers one of California’s most affordable MFT programs, with total costs around $14,352. Students save money compared to private schools where similar programs cost between $30,000 and $70,000.
Graduate students’ Cost of Attendance (COA) has:
- Tuition and fees (direct expenses)
- Housing and food costs (indirect expenses)
- Personal expenses and transportation
Students typically pay about $2,230 monthly for shared off-campus housing. Graduate business programs charge extra fees, but these don’t affect MFT students.
The university works hard to keep education affordable, though fees might change based on public funding. Students should check current rates before they enroll.
Accreditation and licensure
WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accredits San Jose State University’s program. The program’s exceptional pass rates for the MFT licensing exam show how well it prepares students for their careers.
California requires these steps after graduation to become a licensed therapist:
- Complete the courses and formal education requirements set by the Board of Behavioral Sciences
- Get 3,000 hours of acceptable supervised experience
- Pass the examinations administered by the Board of Behavioral Sciences
Full-time students typically need at least three and a half years from starting graduate school to getting licensed. Graduates can start collecting their required 3,000 clinical hours right after graduation.
SJSU recommends checking the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) website for detailed MFT requirements. The program will give students everything they need to meet California’s requirements for psychotherapy practice.
CSU San Francisco
Total program cost: $14,352
San Francisco State University, located in the heart of the Bay Area, offers an MS in Counseling with a Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling (MFCC) concentration. This program equips students to work as licensed therapists in a variety of mental health settings.
Program overview
The MFCC program at San Francisco State University takes a culturally-informed and inclusive approach to counseling. Students graduating from one of California’s most affordable MFT programs are ready to work in:
- Public and private mental health agencies
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals
- Private practice
- Community service organizations
The curriculum teaches students to view individual challenges within their broader social contexts through a developmentally-informed systemic-familial-relational orientation to counseling. The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) accredits the MFCC specialization, which ensures high educational standards.
Graduates meet all educational requirements to become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The program creates relationship specialists who can assess, diagnose, and treat individuals, couples, families, and groups effectively.
CSU San Francisco tuition and affordability
San Francisco State University stands out among affordable California MFT programs with total program costs starting at $14,352 for the standard MS in MFCC. The costs vary by specialization track:
- MS in MFCC: $14,352
- MS in Psychology with Clinical Psychology concentration: $16,812
- MFT/School Counseling dual track: $17,940
- MFT/School Psychology dual track: $21,528
Students can expect first-year tuition fees around $16,094 and living expenses of about $18,270 yearly. The application costs $70.
The program’s affordability makes it an excellent choice compared to private institutions that often charge double or triple for similar credentials.
Program length
SFSU adapts to different student needs with flexible timing options. Students can complete the program in:
- Two years (standard full-time format)
- Three years (extended format for working professionals)
Students pursuing dual credentials like MFT with School Counseling or School Psychology need 2.5 to 3 years minimum.
The program includes supervised clinical fieldwork during the second year. This hands-on experience helps develop professional competence and meets licensure requirements.
Graduates can register as Associate MFTs with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and start accumulating 3,000 supervised hours needed for full licensure. Students wanting Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials can take additional courses within the department.
SFSU delivers a complete, culturally-responsive training program that combines academic excellence with practical experience at one of California’s most reasonable MFT program prices.
CSU Sonoma
Total program cost: $14,352
Sonoma State University provides a flexible Master of Arts in Counseling program that works well for professionals who want to get their MFT license. The program, based in Rohnert Park, ranks among California’s most affordable MFT programs while delivering excellent academic quality and maintaining accreditation.
Sonoma State Program
The Master of Arts in Counseling program at Sonoma State believes in the healing power of human relationships. Students can choose between two professional tracks in this 60-unit graduate program:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) – helps students become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) and/or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC)
- School Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential
The CMHC program holds accreditation from the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council until September 2030. The School Counseling program earned its re-accreditation from the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing in 2020.
Students learn to become ethical, self-aware counselors who can promote health and development in a variety of populations. The CMHC specialization requires 600 clock hours of supervised field experience. Graduates meet all academic requirements needed for MFT and PCC licensure in California.
Tuition rates
The program costs $14,352 total, making it one of California’s most budget-friendly MFT programs. Students pay Mandatory Registration Charges of $10,148 each academic year.
Students should budget for these extra costs:
- Books, course materials and supplies: $856 yearly
- Food and housing: $9,776-$22,086 based on living situation
- Transportation: $916-$2,018
- Personal and miscellaneous expenses: $1,684-$2,328
Non-resident students pay extra tuition – about $12,600 yearly (based on 15 units per semester at $420 per unit). This brings their total registration charges to $21,224.
Program format
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program lets students complete their degree in:
- Two years (standard full-time)
- Two and a half years (most students choose this option)
- Three years (extended format)
Classes run Monday through Friday with morning, afternoon, and evening options. Most students come to campus three to four days each week. This schedule works great when you have work and family responsibilities.
The department runs all courses on campus right now, but might add online options later. Students can apply between October 1 and December 1 for fall semester admission. All application materials, including recommendation letters, must reach the department by the deadline.
Students need to get liability insurance starting in their second semester. This requirement helps prepare them for clinical practice.
CSU Fresno
Total program cost: $16,434
CSU Fresno’s Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling program sits in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The program prepares counselors to meet the mental health needs of central California communities. Students get a complete CACREP-accredited training at an affordable price while working toward their license.
Program overview
CSU Fresno offers a 60-unit Master of Science in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling (MFCC) for students who want to become counselors. Graduates can work in several settings including:
- Private or agency counseling practices
- County mental health programs
- Employee assistance programs
- Drug and alcohol abuse centers
- Hospital mental health settings
Students can finish the program in five semesters, which means about two and a half years of study. The Fresno Family Counseling Center gives students hands-on experience while they build their academic knowledge and practical skills for entry-level counseling positions.
Graduates can pursue MFT licensure and take the National Counselor Exam, which many states use in their professional counselor licensing process. The program actively seeks and supports students who represent the Central Valley’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity.
Tuition
CSU Fresno stands out 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 2025:
Part-time students (0-6 units per semester):
- Tuition fee: $2,340
- Additional mandatory fees (health services, student union, etc.): $887.50
- Total per semester: $3,227.50
Full-time students (7+ units per semester):
- Tuition fee: $4,032
- Additional mandatory fees: $887.50
- Total per semester: $4,919.50
Non-resident and international students pay an extra $444 per unit.
Licensure eligibility
The MFCC program meets all requirements outlined in Division 2, Chapter 13, Section 4980.37 of the California Business and Professions Code. Students who complete the program fulfill California’s educational requirements for the Marriage and Family Therapist License.
Students can also pursue dual licensure as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC). California approved this new mental health counseling license in October 2009 through SB 788, with support from the American Counseling Association. The Counselor Education Program offers all LPCC license coursework, though students need special advising to plan their courses.
Students should know that whatever degree requirements they complete, the California Board of Behavioral Sciences has additional post-graduation requirements for licensure.
CSU Long Beach
Total program cost: $19,568-$25,365
Long Beach State’s Counseling Psychology program (formerly Marriage and Family Therapy) gives students excellent mental health training at a much lower cost than private universities. Students learn essential multicultural skills while developing their clinical expertise.
Program overview
The 65-unit MS in Counseling Psychology program at CSULB prepares students to become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in California. Students can build their careers in several settings:
- Private practice settings
- Community agencies
- Government and court settings
- Hospitals and clinics
- Employee Assistance Programs
CSULB’s program stands out with its WASC accreditation, on-site clinical training, multicultural faculty, and hands-on supervision experience. The curriculum builds strong foundations in theory while teaching diagnostic skills, family systems treatment models, and evidence-based approaches for specific disorders. Students become relationship specialists who can help adults, children, families, and couples from all backgrounds.
Tuition and affordability
CSULB ranks among California’s most affordable MFT programs. California residents pay between $19,568-$25,365 total, based on their choice of 2-year or 2.5-year track.
Students can get financial help through:
- College of Education scholarships (students need a 3.0+ GPA and at least 6 units)
- Golden State Social Opportunities Program (up to $25,000 yearly with a 24-month service commitment)
- University-wide scholarships and grants
Program format
Students can choose between:
- 2-year track
- 5-year track
Faculty advisors help students pick the best track for their needs. Classes run Monday through Thursday in late afternoons (4:00pm) and evenings (7:00pm). Some weekend courses happen on Saturday-Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
The program combines in-person and online synchronous classes but doesn’t offer a fully online option. Students usually take 4-5 courses each fall and spring semester. Summer courses are limited, so students should plan carefully with their advisors. The program doesn’t require GRE scores for admission.
CSU Dominguez Hills
Total program cost: $20,736
CSU Dominguez Hills’ Department of Marital and Family Therapy runs an evening program that works well for professionals and stays affordable compared to other California MFT options. Students complete this three-year program with a strong focus on diversity, social justice, and evidence-based practices.
Program overview
CSU Dominguez Hills’ MS in Marital and Family Therapy requires 64 units that line up with California’s MFT licensure requirements under Business and Professions Code §4980.36. Students move through the program as a cohort and can finish in three years. Evening classes make it easier for students who work during the day.
The complete curriculum has:
- Family therapy theories and techniques
- Research in couples, marriage, and family therapy
- Diversity and social justice components
- 300 client contact hours of supervised clinical traineeship
The program meets educational and clinical standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Students need more flexible schedules during their second year to handle traineeship requirements and practicum courses.
Tuition and affordability
CSU Dominguez Hills stands out as one of the most affordable MFT programs in California, with total program costs around $20,736. Full-time students pay about $8,493 yearly (including campus fees), while part-time students pay $5,481.
Students should budget for these extra costs:
- Books and course materials: About $1,000 yearly for full-time students
- One-time Tevera course fee: $215
- Non-California resident fee: $396 per unit (if applicable)
The CSUDH Graduate Equity Fellowship helps eligible students with funding between $500 and $450,000 for the academic year.
Licensure eligibility
The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) has reviewed and approved the program’s educational requirements for California marriage and family therapist licensure. Graduates can register as Associate MFTs and start collecting their 3,000 supervised hours needed for full licensure.
Notwithstanding that, licensure requirements differ between states. The department asks all potential students to acknowledge these differences before they enroll. The program prepares graduates to work in outpatient care centers, hospitals, schools, social service agencies, substance abuse facilities, and private practice.
CSU Northridge
Total program cost: $20,924
CSU Northridge’s Marriage and Family Therapy program stands out with its single-course approach. Students can finish their degree in under two years while focusing deeply on each subject. The program ranks among the most affordable MFT programs in California.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at CSUN readies graduates to become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in California and most other states. The program boasts prestigious accreditations from the Commission for the Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and the International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE).
Students develop expertise in these key areas:
- Strengths-based approaches
- Social justice principles
- Evidence-based practices
- Community mental health interventions
The program prepares students to work in various settings. These include public mental health agencies, community organizations, rehabilitation centers, schools, private practices, and doctoral studies.
Tuition
The total program cost runs about $20,924 for eight semesters with summer units. This makes CSUN much more affordable than private institutions. Graduate students in 2025-2026 will pay:
- Full-time (6.1+ units): $4,032 per semester/$8,064 annually
- Part-time (0-6.0 units): $2,340 per semester/$4,680 annually
Students from outside California pay an extra $444 per unit.
Program format
Students move through the program as a cohort and must take summer classes. The unique schedule lets students focus on one course at a time. Each term typically includes two courses in eight-week blocks, running year-round. Students can attend daytime or evening classes, mostly in-person with some hybrid options.
The program requires 64-67 units and takes about 2.5-3 years. During the second year, students start their clinical practicum. They work 15-25 hours weekly at placement sites and gain 200-250 hours of clinical experience. Students can work part-time jobs (10-30 hours weekly), but the program doesn’t suit full-time workers.
Rhombus University
Total program cost: $15,000
Rhombus University is the only private institution on our list that offers a faith-based Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program. The program creates a perfect balance between biblical principles and psychological science. Students can complete this program entirely online, making it a flexible and affordable path to MFT licensure in California.
Program overview
Rhombus University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is a complete 60-unit degree program that gives you the tools you need to work in organizations of all types. These include nonprofit organizations, government agencies, religious organizations, and private clinics. The program’s unique strength lies in how it blends biblical philosophy with psychological theory. Students examine concepts like people, the mind, thoughts, emotions, and relationships from both scientific and faith viewpoints.
Students can move at their own pace because the program runs entirely online. This flexibility helps them balance their work and family commitments. The curriculum teaches counselors to help with mental health and relationship needs in a variety of populations. Key focus areas include:
- Historical and evidence-based theories of psychology
- Counseling and systemic marriage and family therapy
- Clinical competence training in therapeutic skills
- Multidimensional viewpoints on health and pathology
Tuition
The total program cost at Rhombus University is $15,000, making it one of California’s most affordable paths to MFT licensure. The program has a unique payment structure where “students pay monthly installments similar to a car payment and go at the pace they can afford”.
Students can graduate debt-free – that’s the university’s goal. This approach lets graduates pursue their professional goals without financial stress. The cost savings are substantial when compared to other private institutions offering similar credentials.
Licensure eligibility
The Board of Behavioral Sciences has approved this program. It meets all educational requirements for both Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure in California. LPCC candidates need to complete an extra 3-unit course in Vocational Counseling.
Graduates must complete these additional steps for licensure:
- 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Pass two licensing exams administered by the California BBS
The university recommends checking current requirements at www.bbs.ca.gov before enrolling in the program. Rhombus University ended up creating a budget-friendly option for students who want a faith-integrated approach to counseling education with clear paths to professional licensure.
Start Your Affordable MFT Today
Budget-friendly MFT programs make perfect sense for new therapists starting their careers. Ten California programs deliver quality education that costs much less than private schools. You could save over $65,000 in tuition. California State University campuses lead the pack with programs costing between $14,352 and $21,000. Rhombus University gives students a faith-based option at competitive rates.
Your investment will pay off nicely. The field’s job growth rate should hit 15% by 2034 – this is a big deal as it means that other professions. The median salary of $63,780 provides stable earning potential. These programs also prepare you to become both an MFT and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, which opens up more career paths.
Programs adapt to fit your schedule. Some students complete their degree in two years, while others take more time. Working professionals can attend evening classes. Cohort models and online components make these programs available to you whatever your commitments might be.
Lower costs don’t mean lower standards. Each program maintains strict accreditation requirements and delivers strong licensing exam results. Students get detailed clinical training to prepare for the 3,000 supervised hours needed after graduation.
Getting an MFT degree is one of the most important investments you’ll make. These affordable programs let you focus on becoming a great therapist instead of stressing about student loans. Now that you know about California’s budget-friendly MFT options, you can take your next step toward becoming a licensed therapist while keeping your finances healthy.