Best institutions to study Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
A program that prepares individuals to help prevent substance abuse, counsel individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and perform intervention and therapeutic services for persons suffering from addiction.
387 U.S. institutions graduated 6,319 Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.1501, a specialization of Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (CIP 51.15), and leads most directly to the Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary occupation (BLS SOC 25-1071).
About Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling programs
A program that prepares individuals to help prevent substance abuse, counsel individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and perform intervention and therapeutic services for persons suffering from addiction. Includes instruction in individual and group counseling skills, psychology of addiction, sociology, crisis intervention, substance abuse identification methodologies, substance abuse treatment modalities, substance abuse prevention and treatment resources, pharmacology and behavioral aspects of abused substances, treatment evaluation, patient observation and education, group dynamics, professional standards and ethics, and applicable law and regulations.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling program prepares individuals to address substance abuse and addiction issues through counseling and intervention. This program is ideal for those seeking to help individuals and families struggling with drug and alcohol problems, providing essential skills for a rewarding career in mental health services.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in individual and group counseling skills, psychology of addiction, crisis intervention, and various treatment modalities. Coursework also covers pharmacology, behavioral aspects of substances, and legal regulations related to substance abuse.
Credentials awarded
What Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year1,991 graduates / yr · 132 institutions32%
- Associate's degree1,401 graduates / yr · 161 institutions22%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years1,138 graduates / yr · 112 institutions18%
- Master's degree500 graduates / yr · 36 institutions7.9%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate491 graduates / yr · 53 institutions7.8%
- Bachelor's degree437 graduates / yr · 44 institutions6.9%
- Award of less than 12 weeks301 graduates / yr · 7 institutions4.8%
- Post-master's certificate55 graduates / yr · 13 institutions0.9%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship5 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.1%
Graduates over time
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 5,844 |
| 2013 | 6,147 |
| 2014 | 5,678 |
| 2015 | 5,938 |
| 2016 | 5,436 |
| 2017 | 5,124 |
| 2018 | 5,124 |
| 2019 | 6,070 |
| 2020 | 5,706 |
| 2021 | 5,408 |
| 2022 | 5,893 |
| 2023 | 5,694 |
| 2024 | 6,109 |
| 2025 | 6,319 |
Top 50 institutions for Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 292 | 43% | $21,535 | $37,693 |
| 2 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OHPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 228 | 41% | — | $18,958 |
| 3 | Community College of Baltimore County Baltimore, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 201 | 19% | — | — |
| 4 | InterCoast Colleges - West Covina West Covina, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sBachelor's | 199 | 97% | $26,763 | $37,997 |
| 5 | East Los Angeles College Monterey Park, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 167 | 37% | — | — |
| 6 | Rio Salado College Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 134 | 9% | — | — |
| 7 | Cuesta College San Luis Obispo, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 129 | 48% | — | — |
| 8 | Palo Verde College Blythe, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 117 | 31% | — | — |
| 9 | Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CAPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 112 | 45% | — | $59,278 |
| 10 | San Antonio College San Antonio, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 111 | 26% | — | — |
| 11 | Peninsula College Port Angeles, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeksBachelor's | 86 | 37% | — | — |
| 12 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 72 | 40% | — | $29,954 |
| 13 | Fresno City College Fresno, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 69 | 24% | — | — |
| 14 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 68 | 24% | — | $36,043 |
| 15 | University of Kentucky Lexington, KYPublicPost-degree cert. | 67 | 71% | — | — |
| 16 | Portland Community College Portland, ORPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 66 | 18% | — | — |
| 17 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 60 | 43% | — | $30,550 |
| 18 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 56 | 0% | — | — |
| 19 | McLennan Community College Waco, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 55 | 39% | — | — |
| 20 | Dallas College Dallas, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 54 | 32% | — | — |
| 21 | Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School Center City, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 53 | — | — | — |
| 22 | Palomar College San Marcos, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 52 | 38% | — | — |
| 23 | Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, MNPublicBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 52 | 44% | — | $56,516 |
| 24 | Baltimore City Community College Baltimore, MDPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 51 | 17% | — | — |
| 25 | Oxnard College Oxnard, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 50 | 34% | — | — |
| 26 | Anne Arundel Community College Arnold, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 50 | 31% | — | $39,370 |
| 27 | San Diego City College San Diego, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 49 | 30% | — | — |
| 28 | Capella University Minneapolis, MNPrivate for-profitPost-degree cert.Master'sDoctoral | 47 | 20% | $19,369 | — |
| 29 | Long Beach City College Long Beach, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 46 | 30% | — | — |
| 30 | Alvin Community College Alvin, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 46 | 24% | — | — |
| 31 | Allan Hancock College Santa Maria, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 42 | 26% | — | — |
| 32 | University of South Dakota Vermillion, SDPublicBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 42 | 60% | — | $41,191 |
| 33 | Old Dominion University Norfolk, VAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 42 | 46% | — | $37,645 |
| 34 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 40 | 65% | $28,911 | — |
| 35 | Camden County College Blackwood, NJPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 38 | 31% | — | — |
| 36 | Columbus State Community College Columbus, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 38 | 28% | — | — |
| 37 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 38 | 64% | — | — |
| 38 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsBachelor's | 37 | 75% | — | $46,270 |
| 39 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicPost-degree cert. | 36 | 90% | — | $50,127 |
| 40 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 36 | 29% | — | — |
| 41 | City Vision University Kansas City, MOPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor'sAssociate'sPost-degree cert. | 36 | 0% | $6,710 | — |
| 42 | Centralia College Centralia, WAPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 34 | 42% | — | — |
| 43 | Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 34 | 56% | — | $25,557 |
| 44 | Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MNPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 33 | 20% | — | $49,629 |
| 45 | Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Dover, DEPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 31 | 22% | — | — |
| 46 | Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 31 | 16% | — | $29,883 |
| 47 | City College of San Francisco San Francisco, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 30 | 40% | — | — |
| 48 | City Colleges of Chicago - Kennedy - King College Chicago, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 29 | 31% | — | — |
| 49 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology Kirkland, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 29 | 37% | — | — |
| 50 | University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 28 | 50% | $11,672 | $21,137 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions field (CIP 51.15) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 46 states & territories
Where Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling graduates come from. Each state links to all Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-1071, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling program can pursue careers as Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors or Mental Health Counselors. The job outlook is promising, with a growth rate of 17.3% and approximately 27,400 annual openings, offering a median wage of $105,620, typically requiring a doctoral or professional degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.1501
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondaryprimary SOC 25-1071 | $107,310 | +17.3% Much faster than average | ~27,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors SOC 21-1011 | — | — | — | — |
Mental Health Counselors SOC 21-1014 | — | — | — | — |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Supervise laboratory sessions.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Tools and technology used
Other Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions specializations
The 13 other 6-digit CIP codes under Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (CIP 51.15).
- Mental Health Counseling/CIP 51.1508
Counselor 12,033 graduates / yr305 institutions - Marriage and Family Therapy/CIP 51.1505
Counseling 4,547 graduates / yr138 institutions - Mental and Social Health Services and Allied ProfessionsCIP 51.15993,932 graduates / yr111 institutions
- Clinical/CIP 51.1503
Medical Social Work 3,398 graduates / yr53 institutions - Psychiatric/CIP 51.1502
Mental Health Services Technician 2,776 graduates / yr77 institutions - Community Health Services/CIP 51.1504
Liaison/ Counseling 2,189 graduates / yr102 institutions - Genetic Counseling/CIP 51.1509
Counselor 402 graduates / yr36 institutions - Clinical Pastoral Counseling/CIP 51.1506
Patient Counseling 217 graduates / yr18 institutions - Trauma CounselingCIP 51.1513214 graduates / yr17 institutions
- Psychoanalysis and PsychotherapyCIP 51.1507limited data10 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Medical Family Therapy/CIP 51.1511
Therapist limited data7 graduates / yr2 institutions - Hospice and Palliative CareCIP 51.1512limited data5 graduates / yr2 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Infant/
Toddler Mental Health Services51.1510
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions programs →
Common questions
What is the duration of the Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling program?+
The program offers various awards, including those that require at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What types of careers can I pursue after graduation?+
Graduates can work as Substance Abuse Counselors, Mental Health Counselors, or Health Specialties Teachers.
What is the job outlook for careers in this field?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a projected growth rate of 17.3%.
What is the CIP code for Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling?+
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling is CIP 51.1501 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (CIP 51.15). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to help prevent substance abuse, counsel individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and perform intervention and therapeutic services for persons suffering from addiction. Includes instruction in individual and group counseling skills, psychology of addiction, sociology, crisis intervention, substance abuse identification methodologies, substance abuse treatment modalities, substance abuse prevention and treatment resources, pharmacology and behavioral aspects of abused substances, treatment evaluation, patient observation and education, group dynamics, professional standards and ethics, and applicable law and regulations.
How many institutions offer Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling programs?+
387 U.S. institutions reported Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 46 states & territories, awarding 6,319 credentials in the year. That is 17.5% of all Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions graduates.
How much do Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary occupation, which Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling most directly leads to, pays a median of $107,310 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions field report median earnings of $36,043 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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