Best Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs of 2025
You don’t have to spend a fortune to start a school counseling career. Explore the best affordable online master’s programs in school counseling.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Affordable Master’s in School Counseling Programs
- #1: North Carolina State University — Its well-rounded approach prepares you to work in K-12 schools, while also offering the option to explore additional disciplines, like college counseling.
- #2: Oregon State University — Provides students with flexible online coursework during the week, complemented by in-person collaboration on weekends.
- #3: University of North Dakota — This online, asynchronous program gives students the flexibility to study at their own pace from anywhere.
Does a career guiding students through the challenges of school and growing up appeal to you? School counselors help students face their mental health challenges and achieve academic success, while also assisting them to improve their personal well-being from elementary to high school.
You’ll need a master’s degree to work as a school counselor. A master’s in school counseling program may also help prepare you for licensure by connecting you with practicum and internship experiences.
We’ve picked the most affordable online master’s in school counseling programs so you can return to school and earn your graduate degree without taking on much debt. Keep reading to learn more.
Best Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs
How We Rank Schools
North Carolina State University — Most Well-Rounded
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best Program for Exploring Multiple Fields of Counseling Education
North Carolina State University's online master's in school counseling program fully prepares students for licensure in K-12 schools. It allows students to study different interventions and counseling theories. Students in the school counseling discipline can also take courses in the college's other counseling education tracks, including clinical mental health counseling and college counseling.
Why Attend NC State Online
- Study Different Counseling Education Theories: School counseling students can take classes outside the discipline, including crisis counseling and group counseling.
- Hands-On Training: You'll participate in school counseling experiences at a K-12 school through a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship.
- Ready for Licensure: Counseling students will graduate meeting the requirements to pursue state licensure as a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate (LCMHCA).
Know Before You Go
- This three-year program requires you to be on campus for weekend classes in the final year.
- You must complete practicum and internships in North Carolina.
44%
$ 9,459
93%
$29,433
- Acceptance Rate
- 40%
- Students Enrolled
- 37,314
- Institution Type
- Public
Oregon State University — Best Program with Hybrid Schedule
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best Program for Local Working Professionals
At Oregon State University, you can pursue a master's in counseling while specializing in school counseling. The 90-credit program includes asynchronous online classes, making it great for local working professionals looking to advance their education. Half of all classes take place online, and the remaining classes take place in person on weekends at the Corvallis campus.
Why Attend OSU Online
- Reputable Programming: This program is accredited by two respected agencies, including the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- Diverse Skillset: OSU equips you to guide students from low-income families on how to prepare for college.
- Easy Return to College: OSU only requires a bachelor's degree in any major as a prerequisite.
Know Before You Go
- This program is only for residents of Oregon and Washington.
- In-person classes are required on weekends.
58%
$13,446
87%
$29,349
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 35,622
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Dakota — Most Flexible
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best Program for Part-Time Learners
The University of North Dakota's master of arts (MA) in counseling program offers a part-time online specialization in K-12 school counseling. The primarily asynchronous, flexible program requires just 60-66 credits, takes 2-3 years to complete, and offers three different start dates. You can access this program from anywhere as it does not require campus visits.
Why Attend UND Online
- Real Feedback: Even as an online student, you'll have access to feedback from your professors, peers, and industry experts.
- Academic Support: Students can get free, one-on-one online tutoring and unlimited academic coaching.
- Networking Opportunities: You'll get to participate in online events and activities to keep you connected to your online peers.
Know Before You Go
- At more than $877 per credit, this program has a higher tuition rate than others on our list.
69%
$11,963
83%
$17,944
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,172
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Nebraska at Kearney — Most Affordable
- Kearney, NE
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best Counseling Degree for Its Per-Credit Price
At the University of Nebraska at Kearney's 43-credit master of science (MS) in education program, you can complete your degree across seven semesters, including two summer sessions. In-state residents pay just $354 per credit, while out-of-state residents pay $567 per credit. As an online student, you'll also pay an additional $35 per credit distance education fee.
Why Attend UNK Online
- Non-Education Bachelor's Degrees Allowed: Students who have non-education degrees can still qualify to participate in this program; they'll just need to take additional courses.
- Flexible Scheduling: Working students can combine evening and blended/online courses, clinical summer campus residency courses, and fieldwork.
- Ready for Licensure: Graduates of this program will be ready to meet the licensing/certification standards to practice in Nebraska.
Know Before You Go
- Despite its low sticker price, this program has added library, technology, and distance education fees.
- Out-of-state graduates may not meet the standards for licensure in their home state after completing this program.
71%
$ 6,432
77%
$14,136
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,017
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Missouri — Best Reputation Among Accreditors
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best School Counseling Program for Triple-Layered Accreditation Confidence
Future school counselors can earn a master of education (M.Ed.) in educational, school, and counseling psychology at Mizzou Online. You can complete this 60-credit, three-year degree program 100% online. It is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Courses are taught in eight-week blocks, so you can focus on one course at a time. It's also recognized by the American Psychological Association, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the American Counselor Association.
Why Attend Mizzou Online
- Triple Accreditation: This program has three layers of accreditation, including recognition by the CAEP.
- No GRE Required: Unlike some other programs on our list, Mizzou Online does not require you to submit GRE scores for consideration.
- Manageable Schedule: Take one eight-week course at a time.
Know Before You Go
- If you don't already have a K-12 teaching certification, you must take an additional six credits in teacher preparation coursework.
- In this program, you can only take one course at a time, which can delay the process of earning your degree.
53%
$12,000
91%
$30,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,041
- Institution Type
- Public
Truman State University — Best Cohort Model
- Kirksville, MO
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best Program for Enhanced Collaboration and Outcomes
Truman State University's online MA in counseling offers a concentration in school counseling for those who want to work in a K-12 setting. The degree consists of 60 credits of coursework, nine of which are dedicated to a practicum and internship. Unlike most other programs on this list, students at Truman will work alongside each other in a cohort model, making this a great option for team players and collaborators who want to create community.
Why Attend Truman Online
- No Added Fees: Online students are not required to pay additional online course or special program fees.
- Ready for Licensure: Graduates of this program will be prepared to obtain their initial counseling licenses.
- Learn From Experts: All faculty in the program are experienced licensed counselors.
Know Before You Go
- To be considered for admission, the GRE is required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0. Alternatively, you'll need to submit a GRE score or have earned a master’s degree with a graduate GPA of 3.0 or above.
- This program has just two start dates each year, which could be a challenge for students seeking more flexibility.
52%
$11,712
84%
$11,712
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,636
- Institution Type
- Public
Citadel Military College of South Carolina — Most Veteran-Friendly
- Charleston, SC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best for Military Veterans and Service Members
At The Citadel, you can complete an M.Ed. in counselor education with a focus in school counseling, elementary, or secondary education. The 60-credit program includes studies in education issues in a multicultural society, assessing abnormal behavior, and applied measurement techniques. While this program is offered by a military school, military service is not required to participate.
Why Attend The Citadel Online
- Tuition Assistance: If you're an active-duty service member, you can qualify for up to $250 per credit hour in tuition grants.
- Support Services: Through the Student Veterans Association, veteran students have access to resources that help them transition from a service member to a student and beyond.
- No GRE Required: You won't be required to submit GRE scores to be considered for admission into this program.
Know Before You Go
- Despite available discounts for some students, this program has a higher per-credit hour tuition rate than many others on our list, at $720.
- Though this program is 100% online, you must complete required internships in person.
35%
$12,540
88%
$18,390
- Acceptance Rate
- 98%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,727
- Institution Type
- Public
Auburn University — Most Customizable
- Auburn, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best Program for Personalized Study
Auburn University's 60-credit M.Ed. in school counseling integrates practicums and internships with online coursework, preparing its graduates for careers as school counselors. You'll take courses in common core areas while gaining hands-on experience in your focus area. The program offers electives to customize your course of study.
Why Attend Auburn Online
- Double Accreditation: This program is accredited by the CAEP and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- Tuition Discounts: Alabama residents may be eligible for special tuition discounts when enrolled in this program.
- Flexible Options: You can pursue this program as a full-time or part-time student.
Know Before You Go
- To be considered for admission, you'll be required to submit your fingerprint for an Alabama background check.
- Applicants must submit a resume, a statement of intent, and a cultural statement.
45%
$10,692
93%
$32,076
- Acceptance Rate
- 50%
- Students Enrolled
- 33,015
- Institution Type
- Public
William & Mary — Most Socially Conscious
- Williamsburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best for Social Justice and Equity in Counseling Practices
As part of William & Mary's 60-credit master's in school counseling, you'll develop career-ready school counseling skills through a socially conscious lens. During the three-year program, students get hands-on training where they learn how to become culturally responsible counselors and value social justice in transforming education.
Why Attend William & Mary Online
- Real-World Practice: Through an internship and practicum, you'll get to put your skills to the test in real K-12 classrooms.
- Small Class Sizes: The average class is just 14 students, leaving room for personalized feedback and attention.
- Ready for Licensure: Upon completion, you'll be eligible to apply for counseling licensure.
Know Before You Go
- This program requires you to participate in a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship.
- At $825 per credit hour, this program is pricier than some others on our list.
14%
$10,905
95%
$29,352
- Acceptance Rate
- 33%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,762
- Institution Type
- Public
East Carolina University — Best Career Outcomes
- Greenville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Best for Securing Counseling Jobs
East Carolina University's MS in counseling program boasts excellent career outcomes for its graduates. According to the institution, 100% of the program's 2023-2024 grads secured employment in their field.
Why Attend ECU Online
- Ready for Licensure: Upon completion of this program, you'll be eligible to sit for the National Counselor’s Examination (NCE) and apply for a license with the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors.
- Industry Accreditation: This program is CACREP-accredited.
Know Before You Go
- At more than $1,072 per credit hour, this program has a higher out-of-state tuition rate compared to other schools on our list.
- The program takes work experience into consideration for admission.
72%
$ 4,749
82%
$17,898
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,785
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart, prioritizing factors like flexibility, affordability, and career outcomes. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in August 2025.
Why You Should Get a Master’s in School Counseling
Skill development: You’ll learn the critical thinking, active listening, cultural competence, and deep empathy skills needed to connect with students and improve their learning experiences.- Improve outcomes: By counseling students, you can improve educational and social outcomes, helping students reach their academic and career goals.
- Job stability: According to the BLS, jobs for school counselors are projected to grow by 4% from 2023-2033, perhaps due to a growing awareness of the need for mental health services.
- Networking opportunities: In your master’s program, you’ll have opportunities to develop connections with fellow students, professors, and other counselors — these connections can lead to professional opportunities.
Benefits of Getting a Master’s in School Counseling Online
- Online courses offer the flexibility to let you maintain your adult obligations.
- According to our 2025 Online Education Trends Report, most (95%) online master’s students and graduates say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- 75% of online master’s students and graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- 98% of online MBA and master’s students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
How to Choose the Best Master’s in School Counseling Program for You
Before you apply to any master’s in school counseling programs, carefully consider the cost and length of your program. Also, look into accreditation and careers you can pursue once you graduate.
How Much Does an Online Master’s in School Counseling Cost?
Online Master’s in Social Sciences, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$12,107
Avg. Net Price
$10,929
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data, a two-year master’s degree in the social sciences costs around $24,200. Fortunately, financial aid, which includes grants and scholarships, can reduce this amount.
With financial aid, master’s degrees in social science cost around $21,800, reducing the average tuition by over $2,000. This shows how much financial aid can reduce the cost of tuition. Fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for grants, scholarships, or student loans.
Find Financial Aid for Your Master’s in School Counseling
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in School Counseling?
Typical # of Credits
60 Credits
Typical Program Length
2 Years
Most master’s in school counseling programs require two years of study. You’ll typically need to complete 60 credits to earn your degree, or around 30 credits per year.
Accelerated programs, like the one at the University of North Carolina, can reduce the time to completion to just a year. You’ll still earn 60 credits, though. These fast-paced programs follow the same curriculum as on-campus programs.
Master’s in School Counseling Application Requirements
Application and fee- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA, usually at least a 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Application Essay
- Resume or CV
Accreditation for Master’s in School Counseling Programs
Programmatic accreditation matters because it ensures that your program is legitimate and meets rigorous standards for quality education.
Before applying to any online master’s in school counseling programs, ensure that they are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).
You can verify the accreditation of the master’s in school counseling programs you’re applying to by using the CACREP’s directory of accredited programs.
Ask an Expert: How Important Is School Counseling Programmatic Accreditation?
“The educational requirements to work as a school counselor are determined by the state you will work in, which may be different from the state your program is in. Proper accreditation helps to ensure that you are attending a reputable program, but you should always check your state board requirements.”
What Can You Do With a Master’s in School Counseling?
School counselors are projected to grow at 4% by 2023, which is as fast as average for all occupations, per the BLS. These professionals, who help students navigate school and plan their careers, earn around $65,140 annually.
Outside educational settings, you can find roles as a mental health counselor in a hospital, private practice, or treatment center, earning around $59,190 annually. You could also work as a training and development manager, which pays a high median salary of around $127,090 annually.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| School Counselor | $65,140 | Helps students achieve academic success, manage personal challenges, and engage in positive social interactions |
| Career Counselor | $65,140 | Helps students identify professional interests, navigate the workforce, and make satisfactory career decisions |
| Mental Health Counselor | $59,190 | Offers treatment and support to clients, teaching them how to cope with life challenges, build relationships, and navigate career challenges |
| Training and Development Manager | $127,090 | Improves workforce efficiency by planning and managing an organization’s training and development programs |
School and career counselors working in local, public K-12 schools tend to earn more ($76,960), on average, than counselors working at private K-12 institutions ($62,090), per BLS.
Learn More About School Counseling Jobs
Is a Master’s in School Counseling Worth It?
A master’s in school counseling is worth it if you want to work with students to improve their mental health and reach their academic and social goals.
Counseling is a community and social services profession. You can make a meaningful change in students’ lives while achieving job security and earning a liveable salary. And an accredited program will prepare you for licensure.
According to the National Association for Colleges and Employers, the mean starting salary for master’s in counseling graduates was nearly $51,680 for the class of 2023. However, the BLS reports that school and career counselors earn over $65,000 annually, on average.
One major drawback you may consider is that even the cheapest and quickest programs require time and financial investments. You might also consider that once you start your role, you can experience high caseloads, which can lead to high stress and career burnout.
Education Beyond a Master’s in School Counseling
A master’s in school counseling will make you eligible to earn a terminal degree, such as a Ph.D. in counselor education, which takes around four years to complete. With this degree, you can apply for leadership positions in academia and research.
Rayelle Davis, a licensed clinical professional counselor, shared: “A master’s degree is considered the terminal degree to work as a counselor. Pursuing a doctoral degree would be beneficial if you wanted to work in higher education, do research, or if it was a personal goal.”
You could also work in advanced clinical roles. Our 2025 Online Education Trends Report findings show that 45% of online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates say their online classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in School Counseling Programs
To graduate from a master’s in school counseling program, you’ll need to complete around 60 credit hours with a minimum GPA of usually 3.0.
You’ll take core and elective courses in counseling, and many programs end with a culminating experience, such as thesis research, practicum, or internship experiences.
You may need to pass a comprehensive exam or research project and complete supervised practicum or internship experiences.
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