In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable online master’s in school counseling programs.
School counselors hold master’s degrees in school counseling or a closely related field and have received state-issued credentials. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for school counselors is expected to grow thirteen percent (faster than average) through the year 2026 as school enrollment rises. Due to the anticipated increase in employment, colleges and universities offer online master’s in school counseling programs designed for teachers or educational professionals who want to return to school without quitting their day job.
To be considered for our list of affordable online master’s in school counseling programs, schools must be accredited (regionally or nationally) and offer at least one type of online master’s in school counseling or closely related degree program. We looked at 107 accredited colleges and universities that offered online school counseling programs, such as the online master’s in school counseling or master’s in counseling. From the original pool of schools, we narrowed our search by selecting programs that had received recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We also narrowed our search by choosing schools and programs that cost less than $22,500 per year, as documented by NCES College Navigator. We listed the schools in order of raw affordability.
Featured Programs
Below is our list of the top 30 most affordable online master’s in school counseling programs.
#30 – Seton Hall University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
South Orange, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,468
Seton Hall University offers an accredited online master’s in school counseling degree program through the College of Education and Human Services. The program is designed to prepare school counselors to maximize the potential of students through the development of school counseling programs. Admission to the program requires three professional recommendations, satisfactory GRE scores, and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. All classes are delivered online and taught by Seton Hall professors. These courses include appraisal and assessment in counseling, career and development counseling, group counseling, multicultural counseling and psychology, and principles of learning and behavior modification. U.S. News and World Report ranks Seton Hall #124 in best national universities.
#29 – Gallaudet University
Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Washington, District of Columbia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,166
Gallaudet University offers a versatile master’s in school counseling online degree program that emphasizes clinical mental health. While the program prepares counselors for full-time employment in mental health and rehabilitation agencies, the degree may be applied to school counseling. Admission the program requires letters of recommendation, an interview via videophone or in person, and American Sign Language proficiency. Courses include counseling for wellness and human development, foundations of helping skills, social and cultural diversity foundations and multicultural counseling, and theories and approaches in counseling. An internship is also required. U.S. News and World Report ranks Gallaudet #22 in best regional universities in the North and #1 among the best value schools.
#28 – Creighton University
Online Master’s in School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,964
Creighton University’s online school counseling programs include the Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health. This fully online program is designed to prepare individuals for counseling careers within the school system. Three specialization options allow students to tailor their counseling degree even further by level of school setting. These specializations include elementary school counseling, PK-12 guidance counseling, and secondary school counseling. Courses vary depending on which specialization you choose. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA of higher, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a satisfactory background check. U.S. News and World Report ranks Creighton #1 in best regional universities in the Midwest, #6 in best value schools, and #2 in best online graduate education programs.
#27 – Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master of Education in School Counseling
San Antonio, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,818
The online master’s in school counseling from Our Lady of the Lake University is designed to help individuals gain the skills needed to be an effective and influential school counselor at the primary and secondary school levels. This 60-credit hour program requires courses in counseling theories – methods and techniques, ethical issues in school and professional counseling, multicultural issues in counseling, professional orientation, research methods and procedures, and theory and practice of couple and family counseling. A practicum and internship must also be completed. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #86 in best regional universities in the West.
#26 – Mercy College
Online Master’s in Counseling
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,056
Mercy College offers accredited online school counseling master’s programs designed to prepare you to work in school settings as school counselors. The program has several specializations and certificate options, including school counseling and bilingual extension. Classes may be completed entirely online, though a supervised school setting internship is required. Some of the required courses include counseling and application, counseling and ethics, diagnostic tools and measurement, human development, and introduction to school counseling. Successful completion of all courses with a 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for the degree. U.S. News and World Report ranks Mercy as a top regional university in the North. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #224-#291 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#25 – University of Massachusetts
Online M.Ed in School Counseling
Amherst, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,367
The master’s in school counseling online degree program at University of Massachusetts is a 60-credit master’s that meets the requirements for certification in Massachusetts as a school counselor. The program is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and requires the completion of courses in three core areas: counseling, education, and psychology. To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA. The GRE is also required for admission to the school counseling program. U.S. News and World Report ranks UMASS Amherst #75 in best national universities and #84 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate education programs, including school counseling, rank #70 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#24 – City University of Seattle
Online Master’s in Professional School Counseling
Seattle, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,264
City University of Seattle offers online school counseling master’s degrees through a mixed mode, cohort based structure that includes online classes and in-person meetings. The program incorporates the American School Counselor Association model and prepares students for ongoing education, such as the Doctor of Education in Leadership. Some of the required courses include counseling theory and practice, group counseling, family structures, introduction to school counseling, and societal issues in counseling. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report recognize City University of Seattle as a top regional institution in the West. Also, in recent years, the online graduate education programs have earned recognition.
#23 – Capella University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tuition: $497 per credit
Capella University offers an MS in School Counseling with 3 specializations: Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Child and Adolescent Counseling, and General School Counseling. Each specialization consists of 13 core courses, four specialization courses, two in-person residencies, one practicum and two internships. Courses are taught online by university professors. Each specialization is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
#22 – University of the Southwest
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Hobbs, New Mexico
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,376
One of the top online school counseling programs on our list in terms of affordability is the online master’s in school counseling from University of the Southwest. This fully online graduate degree program is designed to prepare students for licensure as school counselors in elementary, middle, and high school settings. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include career development and life planning, crisis and trauma interventions, group counseling, professional and ethical issues in school counseling, and program development and management. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of the Southwest #96-#126 in best regional universities in the West.
#21 – Oregon State University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Corvallis, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,061
Oregon State University offers a 75-credit master’s in school counseling online program that is delivered in a hybrid format. The program is 50 percent online and 50 percent via classroom meetings held two weekends each term in Salem, Oregon. Admission to the program is competitive and requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and professional experience are all evaluated by the admissions committee, and only twelve spots per year are available in the cohort. Some of the required courses include addictive behavior counseling, developmental perspectives in counseling, leadership for school counseling programs, and social and cultural perspectives. U.S. News and World Report ranks OSU #145 in best national universities.
Featured Programs
#20 – Messiah College
Online Master’s in Counseling
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,790
Messiah College offers an online master’s in school counseling degree that is CACREP-accredited and ideally designed to achieve work-life balance. Students earn a master’s in counseling online with a concentration in school counseling. The school counseling track consists of 30 credits and is designed to prepare students to take the Praxis II exam and become a certified school counselor in Pennsylvania and/or many other states. Some of the required courses include career counseling across the lifespan, lifespan development, organization and administration of school counseling programs, and school counseling practicum. U.S. News and World Report ranks Messiah College #4 in best regional colleges in the North and #3 in best value schools.
#19 – Edinboro University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,557
Edinboro University offers online school counseling master’s programs accredited by the CACREP. The program is designed to prepare students to work with a diverse school population, providing counseling services. Classes are delivered online and include developmental counseling in schools, ethical and professional issues in counseling, introduction to the helping professions, and techniques for counseling students with a disability. Admission requirements include an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, official transcripts, and three letters of reference. U.S. News and World Report ranks Edinboro as a top regional university in the North, and the online graduate education programs #70 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#18 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Marion, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,392
Indiana Wesleyan University’s online school counseling programs consist of the 48-credit hour master’s in school counseling that can be completed entirely online. Classes are taught by university professors and include a track of counseling and school counseling topics. The school counseling courses include appraisal of individuals and families, human growth and development, research and evaluation of methods and practice, and theory and techniques in the helping relationship. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and the school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Indiana Wesleyan #29 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #64 in best value schools.
#17 – Gwynedd Mercy University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,813
Gwynedd Mercy University’s online school counseling master’s programs are designed to prepare students to become school counselors in a variety of school settings. Admission to the program requires an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. If your undergraduate GPA falls below 3.0, you must provide satisfactory GRE scores. Classes are delivered online and taught by university professors. These classes include disabilities in the school counseling setting, group counseling and facilitation skills for the school setting, and intervention techniques in school counseling. U.S. News and World Report ranks Gwynedd Mercy among the top 187 best regional universities in the North.
#16 – Lakeland University
Online Master’s in Counseling
Plymouth, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,530
Lakeland University offers an accredited online master’s in school counseling degree designed for working professionals with career aspirations of being school counselors. The program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to prepare students for licensure and certification as a Wisconsin school counselor. A mix of hybrid and online classes make the pathway convenient for working students. Classes include foundations of school counseling, practicum in school counseling, and structure and organization of school counseling. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lakeland #126-#165 in best regional universities in the Midwest.
#15 – University of Missouri
Online M.Ed. in School and Counseling Psychology
Columbia, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,828
University of Missouri’s master’s in school counseling online degree program is a 34-credit hour degree with courses delivered 100% via distance learning. Courses are semester-based and designed for students to take two each semester, including summer. Most students finish their degree in just two years. Some of the required courses include developmental aspects of human learning, diversity issues in school mental health, foundations of school mental health, preventions and interventions in school mental health, and school mental health – policy and ethics. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s from an accredited institution but does not require GRE scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Missouri #120 in best national universities and #77 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #36 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#14 – Missouri Baptist University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Saint Louis, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,405
Missouri Baptist University’s online school counseling programs offer flexible schedules for full-time working adults. The online master’s in school counseling degree can be earned in just three years and is designed to position students to pursue doctoral programs. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include counseling skills and techniques, counseling theories, multicultural counseling, research and program evaluation in counseling settings, and school counseling program implementation and leadership. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. There is no application fee. Missouri Baptist is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #126-#165 in best regional universities in the Midwest.
#13 – University of North Dakota
Online Master’s in Counseling – K-12 School Counseling
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,189
University of North Dakota offers an accredited online master’s in school counseling degree program designed for working adults. This 48-credit, fully online degree can be earned in 2.5 years. The program is nationally ranked and accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Live online classes are held in the evening, and there are only two four-day visits required at the university campus during summer terms. Some of the required courses include counseling methods, diagnostic and prevention strategies in counseling, dynamics of addiction, life span development in counseling, multicultural counseling, and theories of counseling – personality and development. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #192 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #70 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#12 – Liberty University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,723
Liberty University offers a master’s in school counseling online degree program that takes two years, on average, to complete. The program accepts up to 50% transfer credits and is flexibly designed for working professionals. Classes are taken online and taught by university professors. These courses include career development and counseling, child and adolescent counseling in schools, counseling theories and techniques, principles of school counseling, school counseling program development and evaluation, and social and cultural foundations in counseling. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty as a top 300 best national university in the country. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #190 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
Featured Programs
#11 – Lamar University
Online M.Ed. in School Counseling
Beaumont, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,112
Lamar University’s online master’s in school counseling degree program consists of 48 credit hours that can be completed in as little as 22 months. The program is ideal for working students, teachers, and education professionals. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same university instructors that lead on-campus courses. Some of the required courses include counseling skills, human growth and development, introduction to school counseling, multicultural counseling, and professionalism – ethics and the law. Admission to the M.Ed. program requires a valid teaching certificate and an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or better, making you eligible for a GRE waiver. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lamar #231-#300 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #115 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – Salem College
Online M.Ed. in School Counseling
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,050
Salem College’s online school counseling master’s program prepares educators who want to work as school counselors. This research-driven program is comprised of online classes, internship experiences, and two weekend seminars on campus. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or at least 12 hours of graduate work completed with a 2.70 GPA. Online courses include action research and writing for publication for school counseling, ethics and legalities in education school counseling, managing the comprehensive school counseling program, and professional research seminar. U.S. News and World Report ranks Salem College #117 in best national liberal arts colleges.
#9 – Concordia University
Online Master’s in Counseling
Irvine, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,914
One of the most affordable online school counseling programs on our list is the M.A. in Counseling degree program at Concordia University. Offered through the Townsend Institute, the online master’s in counseling can be used to provide the foundation needed to work in a variety of school settings as a counselor. The program is comprised mostly of online courses taught by university professors and field experts. Courses include advanced skills of mental health counseling, foundations of crisis and trauma counseling, human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, and theory and techniques of counseling. U.S. News and World Report ranks Concordia #41 in best regional universities in the West and #36 in best value schools.
#8 – Adams State University
Online Master’s in Counseling
Alamosa, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,311
Adams State University offers online school counseling master’s programs that are CACREP-accredited and meet the state academic requirements for licensure as a school counselor and/or licensed professional counselor in the state of Colorado. Upon enrollment, students select from two different emphases: clinical mental health or school counseling. Classes are delivered entirely online and include comprehensive school counseling, counseling modalities in a school setting, foundations of school counseling, and professional school counseling issues. Admission requirements include an earned bachelor’s from an accredited institution, personal statement, and two recent letters of recommendation. U.S. News and World Report ranks Adams State #96-#126 in best regional universities in the West.
#7 – University of West Alabama
Online M.Ed. in School Counseling
Livingston, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,868
University of West Alabama offers a master’s in school counseling online degree program that is designed for educators seeking master’s level education to become a school counselor. The program consists of 48 credit hours with courses that run eight weeks in length. The average completion time for the degree is one year. Courses include advanced educational psychology, educational statistics, introduction to school counseling, strategies for crisis intervention, and techniques of educational research. Admission to the program requires an accredited bachelor’s degree or two years of satisfactory educational experience. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #114-#142 in best regional universities in the South. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #224-#291 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#6 – The University of Texas
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Tyler, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,700
The University of Texas offers a master’s in school counseling online degree program designed for working professionals. This fully online program boasts a 100% pass rate on the TExES professional school counselors’ certification examination. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who lead classes on campus. These courses include applied school counseling, assessment techniques in counseling, foundations and ethics of school counseling, mental health in schools, research and program evaluation, and supervised internship in school counseling. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. U.S. News and World Report ranks UT Tyler #90 in best regional universities in the West and #34 in top public schools.
#5 – Angelo State University
Online M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling
San Angelo, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,507
Angelo State University’s online school counseling programs include the master’s in guidance and counseling–a 36-credit hour program for those interested in careers as public school counselors, college or university counselors, and other positions in the field of counseling. The program offers eight-week courses that are 100 percent online. These courses include career and occupational counseling, curriculum and methodology trends, group counseling, legal and ethical principles, social and cultural influences, and theories of counseling. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor’s from an accredited institution, but no GRE. U.S. News and World Report ranks Angelo State #96-#126 in best regional universities in the West. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #115 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – University of Central Arkansas
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Conway, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,094
University of Central Arkansas offers a master’s in school counseling online degree that is designed to prepare individuals for school counseling programs in K-12 settings. The program offers two tracks of study: add-on licensure track or initial licensure track. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Courses include career guidance for school counselors, educational assessment and measurement, foundations of school counseling, instructional and behavioral strategies for school counselors, and research methods. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #72 in best regional universities and #26 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #168 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#3 – Southern Arkansas University
Online M.Ed. in School Counseling
Magnolia, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,038
Southern Arkansas University offers online school counseling master’s programs designed for working adults. The online master’s in school counseling is a 48-credit hour program that is offered as a hybrid or online degree. Classes are taught by university professors, and the average completion time for the degree is just 2.5 to three years. Courses include assessment procedures for counselors, counseling children and adolescents, human development for helping professionals, introduction to the counseling profession, and practicum in counseling. The program implements curriculum aligned with the American School Counselor Association’s National Model and National Standards. U.S. News and World Report ranks Southern Arkansas #114-#142 in best regional universities in the South. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #224-#291 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#2 – Chadron State College
Online M.Ed. in School Counseling
Chadron, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,647
Chadron State College offers an online master’s in school counseling degree designed to prepare students for careers as school counselors in public and private elementary, middle school, and secondary settings. The program is mostly completed online with the exception of a few courses and practicum experiences. Online courses include counseling and communication skills, counseling ethics and professional identity, family development, fundamentals of assessment, research design and data analysis, and school counseling. Entrance requirements include an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.75 or better. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Chadron State as a top regional university in the Midwest.
Featured Programs
#1 – Fort Hays State University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Hays, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,162
Fort Hays State University’s online master’s in school counseling program is designed to help students become school counselors in a variety of settings. Admission requirements include GRE test scores and proof of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Two letters of reference and official transcripts are also required. Classes are mostly administered online and taught by the same university professors who lead classes on campus. These courses include counseling skills development, foundations of counseling, lifestyle and career development, management of counseling programs, and theories of counseling. U.S. News and World Report ranks Fort Hays #126-#165 in best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #62 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News. Fort Hays offers the #1 most affordable online master’s in school counseling program on our list.
BCO Staff
October 2018
This concludes our list of the top 30 most affordable online master’s in school counseling programs.
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