Best institutions to study Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor
A program that prepares individuals to counsel and assist disabled individuals and recovering patients in order to achieve their greatest physical, mental, social, educational, and vocational potential.
58 U.S. institutions graduated 935 Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.2310, a specialization of Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23), and leads most directly to the Rehabilitation Counselors occupation (BLS SOC 21-1015).
About Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor programs
A program that prepares individuals to counsel and assist disabled individuals and recovering patients in order to achieve their greatest physical, mental, social, educational, and vocational potential. Includes instruction in patient evaluation and testing, rehabilitation program planning, patient support services and referral, job analysis, adjustment psychology, rehabilitation services provision, patient counseling and education, applicable law and regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor program prepares individuals to support and guide disabled individuals and recovering patients in achieving their fullest potential across various aspects of life. This program focuses on counseling techniques, rehabilitation planning, and patient support services to help clients navigate their educational and vocational journeys. Students in this program will learn to assess client needs, develop tailored rehabilitation plans, and address barriers to employment, making it ideal for those passionate about helping others overcome challenges and achieve personal and professional goals.
Core coursework includes patient evaluation and testing, rehabilitation program planning, and counseling techniques. Students will gain essential skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication, alongside knowledge in psychology, therapy, and applicable laws and regulations.
Credentials awarded
What Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree709 graduates / yr · 50 institutions76%
- Bachelor's degree163 graduates / yr · 9 institutions17%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate31 graduates / yr · 6 institutions3.3%
- Post-master's certificate17 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.8%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship14 graduates / yr · 4 institutions1.5%
- Associate's degree1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,398 |
| 2013 | 1,484 |
| 2014 | 1,455 |
| 2015 | 1,546 |
| 2016 | 1,354 |
| 2017 | 1,289 |
| 2018 | 1,352 |
| 2019 | 1,228 |
| 2020 | 1,227 |
| 2021 | 1,044 |
| 2022 | 1,009 |
| 2023 | 941 |
| 2024 | 933 |
| 2025 | 935 |
Top 50 institutions for Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor, 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 | California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublicBachelor's | 62 | 53% | — | $32,805 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WIPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 59 | 90% | — | $32,049 |
| 3 | San Diego State University San Diego, CAPublicMaster's | 47 | 76% | — | — |
| 4 | Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VAPublicMaster'sMaster's | 45 | 63% | — | — |
| 5 | University of South Florida Tampa, FLPublicMaster's | 42 | 77% | — | — |
| 6 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TXPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 39 | 51% | — | $28,872 |
| 7 | Langston University Langston, OKPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 38 | 17% | — | — |
| 8 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, ARPublicMaster's | 37 | 42% | — | — |
| 9 | Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, LAPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 35 | 27% | — | $30,636 |
| 10 | University of Kentucky Lexington, KYPublicMaster's | 34 | 71% | — | — |
| 11 | Winston - Salem State University Winston-Salem, NCPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 33 | 47% | — | $31,421 |
| 12 | University at Buffalo Buffalo, NYPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 31 | 75% | — | — |
| 13 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 29 | 61% | — | $36,007 |
| 14 | Auburn University Auburn, ALPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 27 | 82% | — | — |
| 15 | Utah State University Logan, UTPublicMaster'sMaster's | 27 | 59% | — | — |
| 16 | East Carolina University Greenville, NCPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 22 | 63% | — | $32,371 |
| 17 | California State University - Fresno Fresno, CAPublicMaster's | 20 | 57% | — | — |
| 18 | University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras San Juan, PRPublicMaster's | 20 | 50% | — | — |
| 19 | Georgia State University Atlanta, GAPublicMaster's | 16 | 53% | — | — |
| 20 | Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MNPublicMaster's | 16 | 40% | — | — |
| 21 | Western Oregon University Monmouth, ORPublicMaster's | 16 | 47% | — | — |
| 22 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lubbock, TXPublicMaster's | 16 | — | — | — |
| 23 | George Washington University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 15 | 84% | $29,789 | — |
| 24 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NCPublicMaster's | 13 | 91% | — | — |
| 25 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WVPublicMaster's | 13 | 65% | — | — |
| 26 | The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, ALPublicMaster's | 12 | 73% | — | — |
| 27 | California State University - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CAPublicMaster's | 12 | 55% | — | — |
| 28 | Assumption University Worcester, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 12 | 75% | $24,206 | $38,094 |
| 29 | University of Wisconsin - Stout Menomonie, WIPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 12 | 55% | — | $36,736 |
| 30 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SCPublicMaster's | 11 | 79% | — | — |
| 31 | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WIPublicPost-degree cert. | 11 | 49% | — | $30,561 |
| 32 | Western Washington University Bellingham, WAPublicMaster's | 10 | 65% | — | — |
| 33 | Wright State University - Main Campus Dayton, OHPublicBachelor's | 8 | 42% | — | $35,966 |
| 34 | Alabama State University Montgomery, ALPublicMaster's | 7 | 30% | — | $22,847 |
| 35 | Mercer University Macon, GAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 7 | 70% | $22,641 | — |
| 36 | Northern Illinois University Dekalb, ILPublicMaster's | 7 | 49% | — | — |
| 37 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicMaster's | 7 | 81% | — | — |
| 38 | CUNY Hunter College New York, NYPublicMaster's | 7 | 57% | — | — |
| 39 | The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, TXPublicMaster's | 7 | 50% | — | $28,195 |
| 40 | Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, GAPublicMaster's | 6 | 41% | — | — |
| 41 | Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 66% | $24,921 | — |
| 42 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicMaster's | 5 | 64% | — | — |
| 43 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZPublicDoctoral | 4 | 68% | — | — |
| 44 | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, ARPublicMaster's | 4 | 40% | — | $30,057 |
| 45 | Springfield College Springfield, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 74% | $26,290 | — |
| 46 | Jackson State University Jackson, MSPublicMaster's | 3 | 51% | — | — |
| 47 | University of Scranton Scranton, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | 80% | $25,834 | — |
| 48 | Salve Regina University Newport, RIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | 77% | $31,899 | — |
| 49 | Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | 46% | $18,564 | — |
| 50 | Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans New Orleans, LAPublicMaster's | 2 | — | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions field (CIP 51.23) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 32 states & territories
Where Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor graduates come from. Each state links to all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 21-1015, Rehabilitation Counselors, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program often pursue careers as Rehabilitation Counselors, with a median wage of $46,110. The job outlook is stable, with an expected annual opening of 10,000 positions and a growth rate of 1.4%. A typical education requirement for these roles is a Master's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.2310
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation Counselorsprimary SOC 21-1015 | $46,850 | +1.4% Little or no change | ~10,000 | Master's degree |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1071 | $107,310 | +17.3% Much faster than average | ~27,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor 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 and maintain records and case files, including documentation, such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence.
- Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed.
- Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
- Locate barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, or transportation problems, and work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
- Monitor and record clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met.
- Participate in job development and placement programs, contacting prospective employers, placing clients in jobs, and evaluating the success of placements.
Tools and technology used
Other Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions specializations
The 16 other 6-digit CIP codes under Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23).
- Physical Therapy/CIP 51.2308
Therapist 13,795 graduates / yr277 institutions - Occupational Therapy/CIP 51.2306
Therapist 9,796 graduates / yr250 institutions - Rehabilitation ScienceCIP 51.23141,023 graduates / yr47 institutions
- Art Therapy/CIP 51.2301
Therapist 675 graduates / yr62 institutions - Therapeutic Recreation/CIP 51.2309
Recreational Therapy 640 graduates / yr49 institutions - Music Therapy/CIP 51.2305
Therapist 635 graduates / yr70 institutions - Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsCIP 51.2399582 graduates / yr38 institutions
- Orthotist/CIP 51.2307
Prosthetist 302 graduates / yr17 institutions - Animal-Assisted TherapyCIP 51.2313108 graduates / yr13 institutions
- Kinesiotherapy/CIP 51.2311
Kinesiotherapist partial data96 graduates / yr6 institutions - Play Therapy/CIP 51.2317
Therapist partial data93 graduates / yr6 institutions - Assistive/CIP 51.2312
Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering partial data52 graduates / yr8 institutions - Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsCIP 51.2300partial data51 graduates / yr6 institutions
- Dance Therapy/CIP 51.2302
Therapist partial data39 graduates / yr5 institutions - Horticulture Therapy/CIP 51.2316
Therapist limited data11 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Drama Therapy/
Therapist51.2315
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions programs →
Common questions
What is the focus of the Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling program?+
The program focuses on counseling and assisting disabled individuals and recovering patients to help them achieve their physical, mental, social, educational, and vocational potential.
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
Students can earn a Master's degree, Bachelor's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, or Post-master's certificate.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication, along with knowledge in psychology and counseling.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
Graduates typically work as Rehabilitation Counselors, with a stable job outlook and a median wage of $46,110.
What is the CIP code for Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor?+
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor is CIP 51.2310 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to counsel and assist disabled individuals and recovering patients in order to achieve their greatest physical, mental, social, educational, and vocational potential. Includes instruction in patient evaluation and testing, rehabilitation program planning, patient support services and referral, job analysis, adjustment psychology, rehabilitation services provision, patient counseling and education, applicable law and regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
How many institutions offer Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor programs?+
58 U.S. institutions reported Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 32 states & territories, awarding 935 credentials in the year. That is 3.2% of all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions graduates.
How much do Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Rehabilitation Counselors occupation, which Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor most directly leads to, pays a median of $46,850 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions field report median earnings of $32,049 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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