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2026 Best Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling Master’s Degree Schools

72 Colleges in the United States
3,718 Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling Degrees Awarded
$49,756 Avg Early-Career Salary

Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 165 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best marriage and family therapy/counseling schools.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling in the United States

See the highest-ranked marriage and family therapy/counseling schools offering a master’s degree below.

Top Schools in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling

1

Leading the list is Northwestern University, our #1 school for marriage and family therapy/counseling. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Evanston. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Northwestern University awarded about 40 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Marriage And Family Therapy/counseling graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $67,518 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete this degree. See the full marriage and family therapy/counseling program report for Northwestern University

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Southern California one of the top schools for marriage and family therapy/counseling. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Los Angeles. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 71 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees were awarded at University Of Southern California in the most recent year. Marriage And Family Therapy/counseling graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $61,960 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete this degree. See the full marriage and family therapy/counseling program report for University Of Southern California

3
Seattle University crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA

A rank of #3 makes Seattle University one of the top schools for marriage and family therapy/counseling. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. About 76% of students finish within six years. Seattle University awarded about 25 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their marriage and family therapy/counseling degree from Seattle University earn around $63,214 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,289 to complete this degree. Get the full marriage and family therapy/counseling details for Seattle University

4
Loma Linda University crest
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA

A rank of #4 makes Loma Linda University one of the top schools for marriage and family therapy/counseling. Loma Linda University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Loma Linda. There were roughly 30 marriage and family therapy/counseling students who graduated with this degree at Loma Linda University in the most recent data year. Marriage And Family Therapy/counseling graduates of Loma Linda University earn a median of $58,654 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,094 to complete this degree. Read more about the marriage and family therapy/counseling program at Loma Linda University

5
Fairfield University crest
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT

Fairfield University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling, ranking #5. Fairfield University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Fairfield. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. There were roughly 13 marriage and family therapy/counseling students who graduated with this degree at Fairfield University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their marriage and family therapy/counseling degree from Fairfield University earn around $52,092 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,687. Read more about the marriage and family therapy/counseling program at Fairfield University

6

San Diego State University earned the #6 position for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public institution. San Diego State University graduates 76% of students within six years. About 22 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees were awarded at San Diego State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, marriage and family therapy/counseling degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $51,162. Students borrow a median of $16,417 to complete this degree. See the full marriage and family therapy/counseling program report for San Diego State University

7

University Of Rochester landed the #7 spot for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Rochester. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. There were roughly 10 marriage and family therapy/counseling students who graduated with this degree at University Of Rochester in the most recent data year. Marriage And Family Therapy/counseling graduates of University Of Rochester earn a median of $48,836 early in their careers. University Of Rochester graduates carry a median of $21,517 in student loans. See the full marriage and family therapy/counseling program report for University Of Rochester

8

University Of San Diego placed #8 among the best marriage and family therapy/counseling schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of San Diego. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 28 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees were awarded at University Of San Diego in the most recent year. Graduates of the marriage and family therapy/counseling program make about $57,169 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,795. More information about a degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling from University Of San Diego

9

Loyola Marymount University placed #9 among the best marriage and family therapy/counseling schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Los Angeles. About 79% of students finish within six years. About 19 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees were awarded at Loyola Marymount University in the most recent year. Graduates of the marriage and family therapy/counseling program make about $55,470 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,248 to complete this degree. Read more about the marriage and family therapy/counseling program at Loyola Marymount University

10
Palo Alto University crest
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best marriage and family therapy/counseling schools. Palo Alto University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Palo Alto. Palo Alto University awarded about 57 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Marriage And Family Therapy/counseling graduates of Palo Alto University earn a median of $59,295 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,334 to complete this degree. Get the full marriage and family therapy/counseling details for Palo Alto University

11

Chapman University placed #11 among the best marriage and family therapy/counseling schools. Located in the city of Orange, Chapman University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. There were roughly 27 marriage and family therapy/counseling students who graduated with this degree at Chapman University in the most recent data year. Marriage And Family Therapy/counseling graduates of Chapman University earn a median of $59,081 early in their careers. Chapman University graduates carry a median of $21,657 in student loans. Read more about the marriage and family therapy/counseling program at Chapman University

12

Alliant International University earned the #12 position for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. Located in the city of San Diego, Alliant International University is a moderately-sized private for-profit university. There were roughly 198 marriage and family therapy/counseling students who graduated with this degree at Alliant International University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, marriage and family therapy/counseling degree recipients from Alliant International University generally make around $53,383. Alliant International University graduates carry a median of $21,234 in student loans. Read more about the marriage and family therapy/counseling program at Alliant International University

13

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System earned the #13 position for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Aliso Viejo. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System awarded about 183 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the marriage and family therapy/counseling program make about $65,898 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,471. More information about a degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling from Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

14

California State University Northridge landed the #14 spot for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. Set in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public institution. California State University Northridge graduates 57% of students within six years. About 48 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees were awarded at California State University Northridge in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, marriage and family therapy/counseling degree recipients from California State University Northridge generally make around $48,437. Typical student debt for the program is $16,202. Get the full marriage and family therapy/counseling details for California State University Northridge

15

Lewis And Clark College came in at #15 for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. Located in the city of Portland, Lewis And Clark College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 41 marriage and family therapy/counseling students who graduated with this degree at Lewis And Clark College in the most recent data year. Marriage And Family Therapy/counseling graduates of Lewis And Clark College earn a median of $52,558 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,301. More information about a degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling from Lewis And Clark College

16

California Lutheran University earned the #16 position for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Thousand Oaks. About 70% of students finish within six years. California Lutheran University awarded about 36 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the marriage and family therapy/counseling program make about $50,691 in their early career. California Lutheran University graduates carry a median of $22,727 in student loans. Read more about the marriage and family therapy/counseling program at California Lutheran University

17
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #17 for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 26 marriage and family therapy/counseling students who graduated with this degree at University Of Florida in the most recent data year. Graduates of the marriage and family therapy/counseling program make about $35,991 in their early career. University Of Florida graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Get the full marriage and family therapy/counseling details for University Of Florida

18
Drexel University crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University earned the #18 position for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. Drexel University graduates 78% of students within six years. Drexel University awarded about 25 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their marriage and family therapy/counseling degree from Drexel University earn around $44,238 in the first couple years of their career. Drexel University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling from Drexel University

19

University Of La Verne ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best marriage and family therapy/counseling schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of La Verne. University Of La Verne graduates 63% of students within six years. There were roughly 20 marriage and family therapy/counseling students who graduated with this degree at University Of La Verne in the most recent data year. Students who receive their marriage and family therapy/counseling degree from University Of La Verne earn around $35,364 in the first couple years of their career. University Of La Verne graduates carry a median of $26,314 in student loans. Get the full marriage and family therapy/counseling details for University Of La Verne

20

Seattle Pacific University earned the #20 position for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Seattle. About 62% of students finish within six years. Seattle Pacific University awarded about 28 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the marriage and family therapy/counseling program make about $44,629 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,188 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling from Seattle Pacific University

21

Southern Connecticut State University earned the #21 position for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. Set in the city of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University is a large public institution. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. Southern Connecticut State University awarded about 23 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their marriage and family therapy/counseling degree from Southern Connecticut State University earn around $54,415 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,660. See the full marriage and family therapy/counseling program report for Southern Connecticut State University

22
Biola University crest
Biola University
La Mirada, CA

Biola University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best marriage and family therapy/counseling schools. Set in the suburb of La Mirada, Biola University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Biola University graduates 68% of students within six years. About 18 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees were awarded at Biola University in the most recent year. Marriage And Family Therapy/counseling graduates of Biola University earn a median of $45,003 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,308. More information about a degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling from Biola University

23

East Carolina University placed #23 among the best marriage and family therapy/counseling schools. Located in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public university. About 63% of students finish within six years. East Carolina University awarded about 11 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Marriage And Family Therapy/counseling graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $46,547 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete this degree. Read more about the marriage and family therapy/counseling program at East Carolina University

24

California State University Dominguez Hills came in at #24 for marriage and family therapy/counseling this year. This large public university is located in the city of Carson. California State University Dominguez Hills graduates 43% of students within six years. There were roughly 25 marriage and family therapy/counseling students who graduated with this degree at California State University Dominguez Hills in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, marriage and family therapy/counseling degree recipients from California State University Dominguez Hills generally make around $52,683. Typical student debt for the program is $15,886. Get the full marriage and family therapy/counseling details for California State University Dominguez Hills

25

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #25 among the best marriage and family therapy/counseling schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Winona. About 66% of students finish within six years. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota awarded about 44 marriage and family therapy/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Marriage And Family Therapy/counseling graduates of Saint Marys University Of Minnesota earn a median of $50,065 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,081. Get the full marriage and family therapy/counseling details for Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

Rest of the Top 50 Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s marriage and family therapy/counseling ranking:

26
Syracuse University crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
27
28
29
30
Mercy College crest
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY
31
32
33
Pacific Oaks College crest
Pacific Oaks College
Pasadena, CA
34
35
36
37
38
39
Hofstra University crest
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
40
41
42
Touro University Worldwide crest
Touro University Worldwide
Los Alamitos, CA
43
La Salle University crest
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Additional Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling Award Winners

The following schools placed in the top tier for marriage and family therapy/counseling:

Rank School Location
#66 Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global Marion, IN
#78 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for marriage and family therapy/counseling:

Other Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling
Associate's Degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling
Bachelor's Degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling
View All Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling Rankings >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 165 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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