Best Online Master’s in School Counseling for 2024

Interested in being a school counselor? Explore the top online master’s in school counseling programs to find the one that is right for you.
Ann Feeney
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Updated April 18, 2024
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.

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School counselors are the unsung heroes of the education system. They are devoted to ensuring student success, access, and equity from kindergarten through college.

If that sounds like the kind of career you want, an online master’s in school counseling might be the best fit. Explore this page to learn more about this degree, then check out the top-ranked online master’s in school counseling programs, as well as our sponsored programs.

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Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs for 2024

#1

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$9,950

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,245

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,017

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,992

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

31,401

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,950

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,245

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,950

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,245

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

63%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,017

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,992

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

31,401

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Concordia University-Irvine

Irvine, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$8,564

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,564

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

81%

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,990

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

3,710

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,564

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,564

Concordia University-Irvine

Irvine, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,564

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,564

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

71%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,990

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

3,710

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#3

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$10,516

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,305

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

37%

Acceptance Rate

25%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,434

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,089

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

9,517

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,516

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,305

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,516

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,305

Acceptance Rate

37%

Online Enrollment

25%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,434

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,089

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

9,517

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,684

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$24,116

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

37%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,640

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,084

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

45,130

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,684

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,116

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,684

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,116

Acceptance Rate

37%

Online Enrollment

58%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,640

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,084

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

45,130

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

Creighton University

Omaha, NE4 yearCampus + Online

$17,190

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,190

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$42,618

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,618

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

8,735

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,190

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,190

Creighton University

Omaha, NE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,190

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,190

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

39%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$42,618

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,618

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

8,735

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#6

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$9,095

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,082

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

47%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,535

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,320

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

36,831

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,095

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,082

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,095

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,082

Acceptance Rate

47%

Online Enrollment

50%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,535

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,320

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

36,831

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#7

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$38,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

25%

Acceptance Rate

16%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$58,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,708

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

8,947

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,650

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,650

Acceptance Rate

25%

Online Enrollment

16%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$58,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,708

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

8,947

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#8

University of St Thomas

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$20,934

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,934

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

98%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$30,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,800

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

3,877

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,934

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,934

University of St Thomas

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,934

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,934

Acceptance Rate

98%

Online Enrollment

72%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$30,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,800

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

3,877

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#9

New York University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$35,982

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$35,982

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

13%

Acceptance Rate

45%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$53,770

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,770

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

58,226

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$35,982

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,982

New York University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$35,982

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,982

Acceptance Rate

13%

Online Enrollment

45%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$53,770

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,770

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

58,226

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#10

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kearney, NE4 yearCampus + Online

$6,216

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,656

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,650

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

6,275

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,216

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,656

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kearney, NE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,216

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,656

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

73%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,650

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

6,275

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why Should I Get a Master’s in School Counseling Degree?

To start, you can’t become a school counselor without one. A master’s in school counseling gives you the specialized skills and training required to work closely with student populations and develop a counseling program in a school.

Benefits of a Master’s in School Counseling

  • Qualify for licensure to work with student populations
  • Access to school counseling roles
  • Boost your earning potential
  • Pick your preferred student age group
  • Make a major difference in the lives of young people
  • Learn transferable career skills

Reasons to Get Your School Counseling Degree Online

  • More flexibility
  • Complete coursework remotely
  • Ability to learn from anywhere
  • Great for career-changers

How Much Does a Master’s in School Counseling Degree Cost?

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that required tuition and fees for a master’s degree costs between $25,000-$57,000 for two years as of 2022. Attending a public college in your state or choosing an affordable online school counseling program can help keep your costs down.

Online programs can help you save on commuting costs, on-campus fees, and room and board. When you calculate the price tag of getting your online master’s degree, weigh any potential indirect costs, including:

  • Travel
  • Books
  • Materials
  • Technology fees
  • Loss of income

Average Annual Cost of Master’s Degree Tuition and Fees

Public Institution

$12,596

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$29,931

Source: NCES


Total Average Cost of a Master’s Degree (Two Years)

Public Institution

$59,440

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$85,400

Source: BestColleges

How Much Does a Masters Degree Cost?

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in School Counseling?

Most full-time programs take between 18-24 months to complete. Part-time students generally need closer to three years to graduate, while some distance learners can graduate sooner by enrolling in accelerated programs.

Required Course Credits

30-60*

Field Study Requirements

Yes*

*Depending on your program and specialization

How Much Money Can I Make With a Master’s in School Counseling Degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for school and career counselors was $61,710 in May 2023. This salary is well above the median annual salary of $58,084 for all U.S. workers.

Counselors working at public elementary and secondary schools earned a median annual salary of $73,520 in 2023, while those at colleges and universities made $55,070. Salaries vary depending on the employer and may increase with further education, experience, and credentialing.

“Generally, school counselors make similar salaries as teachers within the district. However, there is often additional pay for having a master’s [degree]… “

— Amanda Sterk, MS in School Counseling, Ed.D.

Median salary for school counselors and advisors

$61,710

Median salary for the top 10% of earners in school counseling

$100,050

Source: BLS

Salary also varies by location. Some of the top-paying states for school counselors include California, Washington, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Master’s in School Counseling Degree?

What can you do with a master’s in school counseling degree? In addition to school counseling careers, you may be able to pursue marriage therapy positions, mental health counseling careers, and other related support professions. Some of these positions may require extra licensure.

“Traditionally, those that get a degree in school counseling will want to [work] as a school counselor. However, many go on to work in social work, higher education positions, school-based after-school programs, and nonprofit organizations that focus on student success.”

— Amanda Sterk, MS in School Counseling, Ed.D.

Career Paths You Can Pursue With a Master’s in School Counseling

Is an Online Master’s in School Counseling Worth It?

Yes. Earning a master’s in school counseling can provide many personal and professional benefits. According to the BLS, school and career counselors enjoy higher-than-average median annual earnings and projected job growth.

An advanced degree can lead you to a school counseling career and fulfill a need to make a difference. The training can also prepare you for careers in other fields, along with management positions.

“School counseling is worth it on many levels. Many teachers seek to be school counselors after a few years of teaching, as they love working with students but may not want to teach all day, and they like the more varied schedule.”
Andrew Lokenauth

— Amanda Sterk, MS in School Counseling, Ed.D.

“It sounds corny, but knowing that you’re helping people reach their potential is huge. I loved that I was planting the seeds of self-care at a young age, teaching even kindergarteners that everyone has problems sometimes and it’s okay to ask for help.”
Andrew Lokenauth

— Lisa Hess, M.S. in Education, Previously Served as an Elementary School Counselor

Everything Else You Need to Know About Master’s in School Counseling Degrees

An online master’s in school counseling will require in-person fieldwork, during which you will observe a licensed practitioner at work, and later, perform counseling functions yourself. Many programs allow you to complete this in your own community. Some programs may have a brief on-campus component, such as onboarding.

Still looking for the right fit? You might also like:

Best Online Masters in Counseling Psychology Programs
Best Online Masters in Mental Health Counseling Programs
Best Online Masters in Child Development Programs

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