It is possible to make it through grad school without debt, but it's not easy. You really need to be diligent about researching grad assistantships, scholarships, TA positions, work-study programs, and all of that. Not every school will have each option. That's one thing to research. I'd say though that you should anticipate having at least some debt by the time you finish the program.
Something else I'd suggest would be to find out what the school's post-grad placement rate is, if they know and/or are willing to share that info. They might not track it, though, so don't be surprised if they can't answer the question. And find out on average how long it takes the grads to find work and/or how long it takes them to pass the licensing boards. I know for psych programs generally the schools are required to compile that info for accreditation purposes.
The app process can be long and drawn out, so the earlier you start before you want to attend the better - don't wait till the last minute. Recommendations, transcripts, test scores take some time to get to the school. And I know from experience that it can take a while for the folks you ask for recommendations to actually do them for you.
Unless you
really like a particular school, don't limit your search to one or two - expand the search to a number of them, then triage down. Be realistic about your chances of getting admitted (there's some leeway with GPA and test scores) and where you'd want to spend the next couple of years of your life. For example, if you need to be near the beach, odds are that you wouldn't be happy at the University of Wyoming. Also look at the research interests of the faculty and what type of counseling method they teach; that'll be key. Is it behavior modification or psychotherapy? After you look at a couple of schools, you'll have a better idea of what you're looking for and at.
Christian schools are expensive, but there's a built-in advantage to them if you want to do Christian counseling. Secular schools won't have those types of courses and you'll be graded according to their worldview, not your Christian worldview. The underlying philosophy of the degree program is something else to consider. That applies to Christian schools, too, by the way. Some will be more conservative or liberal than you might like and you'll need to know that going in as well. All that said, there are some awesome secular schools out there and some awesome Christian schools; there are also a lot of awful schools of both types too. Which to attend may ultimately be a gut-decision for you.
Here's the website of the American Association of Christian Counselors:
American Association of Christian Counselors It should tell you what is necessary to become a certified/licensed Christian counselor. Are you talking pastoral counseling or psychology/social work kind of counseling, like marital-family therapy giving biblical advice? Again, the AACC could help answer your questions - and might even direct you to some funding sources, though I would NOT count on that. Expect only information and you shouldn't be disappointed.
Is grad school worth it? I have a master's and a law degree; I don't regret either one if only for the friendships and relationships I formed in both programs. I have a huge debt from law school that I am struggling to repay -
that I regret. I don't enjoy the field and am trying to get out. I have friends, though, who do like law and are thriving in the field. It was their calling if you will.
My suggestion is that if you start the program and have second thoughts about it get out early; don't keep going just to go, hoping it'll get better or that the real world will be different from school. At that point, you'll have a degree you don't really want to use and the debt you're afraid of.
Hope this helps.
