Why This Matters

  • $58,120 AVERAGE YEARLY SALARY

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that school and career counselors make an average of $58,120 per year, or just under $28 per hour.

  • 8% JOB GROWTH EXPECTED

    Job growth in this field is anticipated to be much faster than average. The 8% projected growth will lead to 26,800 jobs that need to be filled by 2029.

  • HIGHEST EMPLOYMENT LEVEL IN CA, TX, NY

    The states with the highest employment rates for school counselors are California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois.

Our Research

The largest expense associated with an online master’s in school counseling is tuition for the required classes. Most schools charge tuition on a per-credit basis, and we’ve only included accredited colleges that had the lowest cost per credit hour. We’ve also broken down pricing by in-state and out-of-state tuition.

Accreditations to look for when it comes to school counseling programs include the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

  • 78 hours to write this article
  • 150 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 297 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Most Affordable Online Master's in School Counseling Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Angelo State University
01
Best in the Midwest
Fort Hays State University
01
Best in the South
University of Louisiana Monroe
01
Best in the Mid Atlantic
Edinboro University
01
Best for Clinical Mental Health
The University of Tennessee at Martin
01
Best Christian Option
Messiah University
01
Best for Transfer Students
Marywood University
01
Best Hybrid Program
Southern Arkansas University
01
Best Part-Time Option
University of North Dakota
01
Best for Crisis and Trauma Track
Arkansas State University
01
Best Full-Time Program
NC State University
01
Best Practicum
University of Missouri
01
Best No-GRE Option
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
01
Best Cohort Program
Salem College
01
Best for Diverse Populations
Lamar University
01
Best in the Northeast
UMass Boston Online
01
Best for Student Affairs
East Carolina University
01
Best for Licensure
University of Mississippi
01
Most Affordable
Sul Ross State University
01
Best in the Northwest
Oregon State University
01
Best in the Southwest
Online Business & Education Degrees - University of the Southwest
01
Best Jesuit Option
Creighton University
01
Best for College Counseling
Wake Forest University
01
Best for Mentoring
University of West Alabama
01
Best Alternative Track
Chadron State College
01
Best Portfolio Program
Kansas State University
01
Best Initial Licensure Track
University of Central Arkansas
01
Best for Working Professionals
University of Southern Mississippi
01
Best for Vets
Liberty University
01
Best in the West
Concordia University Irvine
01
Best Endorsement Option
University of Nebraska at Kearney
01
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Gwynedd Mercy University
01
Best for Special Service Providers
Adams State University
01
Best for Restorative Justice
University of Southern California
01
Best for Non-Traditional Students
Missouri Baptist University
01
Best Field Experience
College of William and Mary
01
Most Personalized Program
Concordia University, Nebraska
01
Best for Developmental Counseling
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
01
Best Residency
Seton Hall University
01
Best Competency-Based Approach
Capella University
01
Best Rank 1 Option
Morehead State University
01
Best for Group Counseling
University of the Cumberlands
01
Best Doctoral Prep
Harding University
01
Best for Research and Assessment
Vanderbilt University
01
Best for Experiential Education
Campbellsville University
01
Best Bilingual Program
Counseling at NYU
01
Best for Theory
Albany State University
01
Best Regional Public Program
West Texas A&M University
01
Fastest to Completion
The University of Texas at Tyler
01
Best HBCU
North Carolina Central University

What You Should Know About This Degree

When you’re trying to decide on the best program for you, it’s important to consider overall tuition costs as well as any extra expenses you might incur. You can estimate the overall tuition charge by multiplying the charge per credit by the number of credits you need. Other expenses may relate to general fees, books, and supplies you need to complete labs or other practicums. Online degree programs also usually require a fairly modern computer system with high-speed internet, and you may also need a webcam for synchronous classes or virtual proctoring during exams.

If you’re carrying loans from your undergraduate program, it’s important to factor those into your overall financial picture. Once you’re enrolled in a master’s program, your loans will likely be eligible for deferment, but they may continue accruing interest, depending on the type of loan you have. There are likely scholarships and loan options for those pursuing a master’s degree — the school’s financial aid office can give you more information.

If you’re planning to work while attending an online master’s in school counseling program, you’ll need to consider things like whether you have the technological proficiency for an online program and how you’ll stay on track during the program. It’s easy to fall behind if you’re not scheduling specific times for when you’ll read your textbooks, complete assignments, and study for exams.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online master’s in school counseling programs.

  • Am I eligible for this program? To be eligible for an online master’s degree in school counseling, you will need to have successfully completed an undergraduate program with at least a 2.7 GPA. Some schools require a 3.0 GPA for major-specific courses, and the more competitive the program, the higher your GPA will likely need to be. You may also be required to submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement on your interest in the field.
  • Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? The programs on our list offer both synchronous and asynchronous classes. The format of the class is often dependent on the school, program, and the instructor’s preference. Even if you are in an asynchronous program, you may still be required to do in-person supervised counseling hours.
  • How long does it take to complete an online master’s in school counseling? Most of the programs on our list require 48 credits to graduate, and for the average full-time student, that takes about two to three years. Programs that require more credits or students who need to go part-time might take four to six years. You’ll also need to consider the time it takes to complete your required supervision hours and get licensed before you’ll be able to practice.
  • What tests are required for an online master’s in school counseling program? It’s common for master’s programs to require students to submit GRE scores, but this varies by college and major. Contact the prospective school’s admissions office to find out about any specific requirements.