Most 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 cheapest online master’s programs in school counseling.
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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.
Master’s in School Counseling Highlights
- Gain the skills needed to support students’ academic and career development.
- School counselors earned a median pay of $65,140 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- 93% of all students say their online degree has or will have a positive return on investment.
- 97% of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This list is from 2025. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$9,095
$28,301
40%
46%
Why We Chose This School
North Carolina State University's C State's online M.Ed. in counselor education requires three years of part-time study in a cohort model. You'll complete classes on a year-round schedule that includes summer classes. While courses are delivered fully online for the first two years, the final year requires several campus-based weekend classes.
Application requirements include three recommendation letters, official transcripts, and an interview. You must commit to completing your practicum and internship in North Carolina.
Highlights
- CACREP-accredited
- No entrance exam required
- Cohort model to encourage collaborative learning
Know Before You Apply
- Offered part-time
- Requires on-campus weekends in the final year
- Practicum and internship must be done in North Carolina
$6,535
$29,407
93%
37,314
Public
Yes
$9,095
$28,301
Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$9,095
$28,301
40%
46%
$6,535
$29,407
93%
37,314
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
North Carolina State University's C State's online M.Ed. in counselor education requires three years of part-time study in a cohort model. You'll complete classes on a year-round schedule that includes summer classes. While courses are delivered fully online for the first two years, the final year requires several campus-based weekend classes.
Application requirements include three recommendation letters, official transcripts, and an interview. You must commit to completing your practicum and internship in North Carolina.
Highlights
- CACREP-accredited
- No entrance exam required
- Cohort model to encourage collaborative learning
Know Before You Apply
- Offered part-time
- Requires on-campus weekends in the final year
- Practicum and internship must be done in North Carolina
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online
$13,446
$28,242
83%
56%
Why We Chose This School
At Oregon State University, you can pursue a hybrid master's in counseling with the option to specialize in school counseling. This program requires 90 credits. Designed for residents of Oregon and Washington, 50% of classes take place online. The remaining classes take place in person on weekends at the Corvallis campus.
Much of the online portion is taught asynchronously, but internship and practicum classes are synchronous. The program holds accreditation through both CACREP and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Highlights
- Accredited by two respected agencies, including CACREP
Know Before You Apply
- Only for residents of Oregon and Washington
- In-person classes required on weekends
$10,425
$31,200
87%
34,292
Public
Yes
$13,446
$28,242
Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online
$13,446
$28,242
83%
56%
$10,425
$31,200
87%
34,292
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
At Oregon State University, you can pursue a hybrid master's in counseling with the option to specialize in school counseling. This program requires 90 credits. Designed for residents of Oregon and Washington, 50% of classes take place online. The remaining classes take place in person on weekends at the Corvallis campus.
Much of the online portion is taught asynchronously, but internship and practicum classes are synchronous. The program holds accreditation through both CACREP and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Highlights
- Accredited by two respected agencies, including CACREP
Know Before You Apply
- Only for residents of Oregon and Washington
- In-person classes required on weekends
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$11,963
$17,944
77%
68%
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Dakota's MA in counseling offers a part-time online specialization in K-12 school counseling. The CAEP-accredited program requires 60-66 credits, takes 2-3 years to complete, and offers three start dates.
One-third of students at UND earn their degrees online, creating a robust learning community. As a student, you'll receive access to a dedicated academic advisor, free online tutoring, academic coaching, technical support, and networking opportunities.
Highlights
- CAEP-accredited
- No GRE scores required
- Robust support services
Know Before You Apply
- Higher tuition rates than that of other schools on our list
- Three start dates a year
$9,237
$13,856
83%
14,172
Public
Yes
$11,963
$17,944
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$11,963
$17,944
77%
68%
$9,237
$13,856
83%
14,172
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Dakota's MA in counseling offers a part-time online specialization in K-12 school counseling. The CAEP-accredited program requires 60-66 credits, takes 2-3 years to complete, and offers three start dates.
One-third of students at UND earn their degrees online, creating a robust learning community. As a student, you'll receive access to a dedicated academic advisor, free online tutoring, academic coaching, technical support, and networking opportunities.
Highlights
- CAEP-accredited
- No GRE scores required
- Robust support services
Know Before You Apply
- Higher tuition rates than that of other schools on our list
- Three start dates a year
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE2 yearCampus + Online
$6,216
$13,656
86%
71%
Why We Chose This School
At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, you can enroll in an MS in education program with a specialization in school counseling at the elementary (grades PK-8) or secondary (grades 7-12) level. The degree requires 43 credits, which are delivered online to accommodate working students. You can complete the degree after seven semesters, including two summer sessions.
UNK's program holds CAEP accreditation. In-state residents pay $337 per credit, while out-of-state residents pay $476 per credit. As an online student, you'll also pay an additional $35 per credit distance education fee.
Highlights
- CAEP-accredited
- Non-education bachelor's degree allowed
- Flexible curriculum
Know Before You Apply
- Online, library student records, and technology fees added to each credit
- Distance education fee
$6,270
$13,650
77%
6,017
Public
Yes
$6,216
$13,656
Kearney, NE2 yearCampus + Online
$6,216
$13,656
86%
71%
$6,270
$13,650
77%
6,017
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, you can enroll in an MS in education program with a specialization in school counseling at the elementary (grades PK-8) or secondary (grades 7-12) level. The degree requires 43 credits, which are delivered online to accommodate working students. You can complete the degree after seven semesters, including two summer sessions.
UNK's program holds CAEP accreditation. In-state residents pay $337 per credit, while out-of-state residents pay $476 per credit. As an online student, you'll also pay an additional $35 per credit distance education fee.
Highlights
- CAEP-accredited
- Non-education bachelor's degree allowed
- Flexible curriculum
Know Before You Apply
- Online, library student records, and technology fees added to each credit
- Distance education fee
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$10,447
$28,605
77%
54%
Why We Chose This School
Future school counselors can earn an M.Ed. in educational, school, and counseling psychology with an emphasis in school counselor, elementary, and secondary certification at Mizzou Online. You can complete this 60-credit degree 100% online.
Courses are taught in eight-week blocks, with students focusing on one course at a time. The program usually takes three years to complete. Regardless of your chosen certification area, you complete two practicum assignments. If you don't already have K-12 teaching certification, you must take an additional six credits in teacher preparation coursework.
Highlights
- CAEP-accredited
- No GRE scores required
- Scholarships available
Know Before You Apply
- Only one course taken at a time
- Extra coursework required if not already K-12 certified
$13,000
$33,200
91%
31,041
Public
Yes
$10,447
$28,605
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$10,447
$28,605
77%
54%
$13,000
$33,200
91%
31,041
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Future school counselors can earn an M.Ed. in educational, school, and counseling psychology with an emphasis in school counselor, elementary, and secondary certification at Mizzou Online. You can complete this 60-credit degree 100% online.
Courses are taught in eight-week blocks, with students focusing on one course at a time. The program usually takes three years to complete. Regardless of your chosen certification area, you complete two practicum assignments. If you don't already have K-12 teaching certification, you must take an additional six credits in teacher preparation coursework.
Highlights
- CAEP-accredited
- No GRE scores required
- Scholarships available
Know Before You Apply
- Only one course taken at a time
- Extra coursework required if not already K-12 certified
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO2 yearCampus + Online
$9,960
$9,960
80%
50%
Why We Chose This School
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. Coursework includes diagnosis in counseling, group counseling, and counseling skills.
Applicants must submit GRE scores, a personal statement, three references, and a criminal background check. Tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Highlights
- Preparing to be CACREP-accredited by early 2025
- Cohort model
- No fees for online students
Know Before You Apply
- GRE scores required
- Only two start dates each year
$9,132
$17,532
84%
3,636
Public
Yes
$9,960
$9,960
Kirksville, MO2 yearCampus + Online
$9,960
$9,960
80%
50%
$9,132
$17,532
84%
3,636
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
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. Coursework includes diagnosis in counseling, group counseling, and counseling skills.
Applicants must submit GRE scores, a personal statement, three references, and a criminal background check. Tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Highlights
- Preparing to be CACREP-accredited by early 2025
- Cohort model
- No fees for online students
Know Before You Apply
- GRE scores required
- Only two start dates each year
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, SC2 yearCampus + Online
$10,740
$18,390
98%
33%
Why We Chose This School
At The Citadel, you can complete an M.Ed. in counselor education with a focus in school counseling. Additional specializations are available in elementary or secondary education. This program meets all requirements to seek licensure upon graduation. Applicants should possess a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
The degree requires 60 credits, including studies in education issues in a multicultural society, assessing abnormal behavior, and applied measurement techniques. As part of graduation requirements, you must complete an internship and practicum.
Highlights
- CACREP-accredited
- Elementary and secondary education specializations available
- Military service not required
- GRE scores not required
Know Before You Apply
- Internship must be completed in person
- Higher tuition rate than that of other schools on our list
$13,140
$37,940
88%
3,727
Public
Yes
$10,740
$18,390
Charleston, SC2 yearCampus + Online
$10,740
$18,390
98%
33%
$13,140
$37,940
88%
3,727
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
At The Citadel, you can complete an M.Ed. in counselor education with a focus in school counseling. Additional specializations are available in elementary or secondary education. This program meets all requirements to seek licensure upon graduation. Applicants should possess a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
The degree requires 60 credits, including studies in education issues in a multicultural society, assessing abnormal behavior, and applied measurement techniques. As part of graduation requirements, you must complete an internship and practicum.
Highlights
- CACREP-accredited
- Elementary and secondary education specializations available
- Military service not required
- GRE scores not required
Know Before You Apply
- Internship must be completed in person
- Higher tuition rate than that of other schools on our list
Auburn University
Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,386
$31,158
50%
43%
Why We Chose This School
A public institution located in Alabama, Auburn University offers a 60-credit M.Ed. in school counseling, with online and on-campus delivery options. By integrating practicums and internships, the program prepares graduates for careers as school counselors.
You'll take courses in all eight CACREP common core areas while gaining hands-on experience in your focus area. The program offers electives to customize your course of study.
Applicants must submit three reference forms, a resume, a statement of intent, and a cultural statement.
Highlights
- CACREP- and CAEP-accredited
- Tuition discount for Alabama residents
- Full-time and part-time options
Know Before You Apply
- Requires Alabama fingerprint background check
- Offered by the Auburn University College of Education
$10,704
$32,112
93%
33,015
Public
Yes
$10,386
$31,158
Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,386
$31,158
50%
43%
$10,704
$32,112
93%
33,015
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
A public institution located in Alabama, Auburn University offers a 60-credit M.Ed. in school counseling, with online and on-campus delivery options. By integrating practicums and internships, the program prepares graduates for careers as school counselors.
You'll take courses in all eight CACREP common core areas while gaining hands-on experience in your focus area. The program offers electives to customize your course of study.
Applicants must submit three reference forms, a resume, a statement of intent, and a cultural statement.
Highlights
- CACREP- and CAEP-accredited
- Tuition discount for Alabama residents
- Full-time and part-time options
Know Before You Apply
- Requires Alabama fingerprint background check
- Offered by the Auburn University College of Education
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$10,516
$28,305
33%
15%
Why We Chose This School
William & Mary's M.Ed. in counseling with a concentration in school counseling stands out for its commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion. Distance learners also benefit from the public institution's commitment to experiential learning.
As part of the 60-credit master's in school counseling, you'll complete coursework online, with in-person residencies, practicums, and internships. During the three-year program, you'll develop career-ready school counseling skills through coursework and applied learning opportunities.
Highlights
- CACREP- and CAEP-accredited
- Financial aid options available for distance learners
- Experience in diverse K-12 educational environments
Know Before You Apply
- Two three-day campus residencies with intensive experiential learning activities
- 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship
- $775 per credit
$18,252
$42,053
95%
9,762
Public
Yes
$10,516
$28,305
Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$10,516
$28,305
33%
15%
$18,252
$42,053
95%
9,762
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
William & Mary's M.Ed. in counseling with a concentration in school counseling stands out for its commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion. Distance learners also benefit from the public institution's commitment to experiential learning.
As part of the 60-credit master's in school counseling, you'll complete coursework online, with in-person residencies, practicums, and internships. During the three-year program, you'll develop career-ready school counseling skills through coursework and applied learning opportunities.
Highlights
- CACREP- and CAEP-accredited
- Financial aid options available for distance learners
- Experience in diverse K-12 educational environments
Know Before You Apply
- Two three-day campus residencies with intensive experiential learning activities
- 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship
- $775 per credit
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,749
$17,898
90%
72%
Why We Chose This School
East Carolina University offers an online MS in counselor education with a specialization in school counseling. The 60-credit master's degree prepares graduates for licensure as a school counselor.
You'll complete 45 credits of core counseling courses along with additional school counseling classes and electives. The program incorporates two internships to apply classroom knowledge in educational settings. Degree-seekers interested in higher education counseling careers can specialize in student affairs and college counseling.
Highlights
- CACREP-accredited
- 100% job placement rate for 2022-2023
- 100% exam pass rate for school counseling graduates in 2023
Know Before You Apply
- Admits around half of applicants
- Higher out-of-state tuition rate compared to other schools on our list
- Admission considers work experience
$4,452
$20,729
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
$4,749
$17,898
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,749
$17,898
90%
72%
$4,452
$20,729
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
East Carolina University offers an online MS in counselor education with a specialization in school counseling. The 60-credit master's degree prepares graduates for licensure as a school counselor.
You'll complete 45 credits of core counseling courses along with additional school counseling classes and electives. The program incorporates two internships to apply classroom knowledge in educational settings. Degree-seekers interested in higher education counseling careers can specialize in student affairs and college counseling.
Highlights
- CACREP-accredited
- 100% job placement rate for 2022-2023
- 100% exam pass rate for school counseling graduates in 2023
Know Before You Apply
- Admits around half of applicants
- Higher out-of-state tuition rate compared to other schools on our list
- Admission considers work experience
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.
- Most (97%) of online master’s students and graduates in our survey say they would recommend online education to others.
- The same percentage of master’s students and graduates say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- 78% of online master’s students and graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
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 2024 Online Education Trends Report findings show that just over half (51%) 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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