The cheapest online master’s degree in school counseling can bring a rewarding career at a low cost. This degree allows you to guide youth and young adults to the best possible career. These degrees help you advance your career in education, making you one of the best professionals in this space.
But you can’t just jump into the first affordable online master’s degree in school counseling that comes across your screen. You need to take your time, do your research, and find an accredited program that works best for you. Fortunately, we’ve done most of the work by compiling this list of the best master’s in school counseling online.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$32,900
Least Expensive (Nationwide): Southeastern Oklahoma State University ~ $11,424
Most Expensive: New York University ~ $102,837
With data-driven rankings, we have created a reliable system. We have meticulously calculated the costs to deliver a trustworthy estimate, which includes tuition and fees. Everything above the gray dividing line is a “Best Buy,” as these degrees cost less than the national average. If cost is a concern, these are the cheapest online master’s degree in school counseling programs you can find.
26 Most Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $11,424.00 | All Students |
2 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $14,330.00 | All Students |
3 | University of Central Arkansas | (AR) | $14,625.00 | All Students |
4 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $14,675.00 $12,875.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
5 | Chadron State College | (NE) | $14,820.00 | All Students |
6 |  Campbellsville University | (KY) | $15,630.00 | All Students |
7 | Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $17,000.00 $21,250.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | North Carolina Central University | (NC) | $17,857.00 $62,217.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Ottawa University | (KS) | $18,759.00 | All Students |
10 | Albany State University | (GA) | $19,355.00 | All Students |
11 | Lamar University | (TX) | $19,440.00 | All Students |
12 | Southwestern Assemblies of God University | (TX) | $20,160.00 | All Students |
13 | West Texas A & M University | (TX) | $20,341.00 $40,026.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Prescott College | (AZ) | $21,528.00 | All Students |
15 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $22,427.00 $27,881.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Texas Southern University | (TX) | $23,373.00 $44,853.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $26,160.00 | All Students |
18 | University of the Southwest | (NM) | $26,250.00 | All Students |
19 | Creighton University | (NE) | $26,444.00 | All Students |
20 | Evangel University | (MO) | $27,365.00 | All Students |
21 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $28,465.00 $13,300.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
22 | Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $29,770.00 | All Students |
23 | Indiana Wesleyan University | (IN) | $30,336.00 | All Students |
24 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $30,630.00 $28,018.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
25 | Widener University | (PA) | $30,650.00 | All Students |
26 | Missouri Baptist University | (MO) | $32,742.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Massachusetts-Boston | (MA) | $34,500.00 | All Students | |
Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $36,300.00 | All Students | |
 Rivier University | (NH) | $37,586.00 | All Students | |
The University of Tennessee - Martin | (TN) | $37,860.00 $41,280.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
College of William and Mary | (VA) | $40,175.00 | All Students | |
Seton Hall University | (NJ) | $40,960.00 | All Students | |
Gwynedd Mercy University | (PA) | $43,615.00 | All Students | |
Messiah University | (PA) | $44,100.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $47,700.00 | All Students | |
St. Bonaventure University | (NY) | $49,000.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $52,286.00 | All Students | |
University of Denver | (CO) | $55,440.00 | All Students | |
 Our Lady of the Lake University | (TX) | $60,978.00 $55,206.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Wake Forest University | (NC) | $96,600.00 | All Students | |
New York University | (NY) | $102,837.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the best affordable online schools for master’s in academic counseling must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
CACREP Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
MPCAC Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited online master’s in school counseling. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master’s in school counseling in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire affordable oline master’s degree in school counseling including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an online master’s in school counseling degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the most affordable online master’s in school counseling may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest online master’s degree in school counseling for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get an Online Master’s in School Counseling?
Whether you want a stable profession or desire a career that brings daily fulfillment, there are many reasons to consider oneo f the cheapest online master’s degree in school counseling.
- Growth and stability: This is a career with reliable job stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the career of school and career counselors to grow by 10%, doubling the expected growth for all professions.
- Fulfilling work: School counseling is not for everyone, and it can certainly be frustrating. But it can also be deeply rewarding, as you get to help students reach better mental and emotional health.
- Variety of specializations: All of these degrees include school counseling, but there are many specialized topics, such as trauma counseling, student affairs, and social work. This allows you to select a concentration that is best for your future.
Think this field may be right for you? Let’s dive deeper into the education and learn more about pursuing an affordable online master’s degree in school counseling.
What’s the Cost for a School Counseling Online Master’s?
It’s only natural to look for the cheapest online master’s degree in school counseling that offers a high-quality education. Fortunately, you can find many fantastic degrees that come with a fair price.
The cheapest online master’s degree in school counseling is the Master of Education in School Counseling from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. This program only costs $11,424, a price for both in-state and out-of-state students. Our database has ten programs with a price tag under $20,000, and this price is often available to out-of-state students as well. There are 23 programs priced below $20,000, so students should have little trouble finding the right degree for their budget.
The average cost is roughly $33,000. Assuming a two-year, four-semester track, students need, on average, about $16,500 per year and $8,250 per semester to complete these programs.
There are plenty of high-cost programs as well. The most expensive online master’s in school counseling in our database is the Master of Arts in School Counseling from New York University. This program, with accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), costs over $100,000. The Master of Arts in Counseling / School Counseling from Wake Forest costs over $96,000. After these two, we see a sharp drop-off. The third-most expensive, from Could not look up degree for "Our Lady of the Lake University" using " 333303"!, costs under $61,000. That’s a $35,000 difference between #2 and #3.
Regardless of your budget, make sure you research all associated costs thoroughly before enrolling.
Top Three Most Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling
#1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Master of Education in School Counseling
Save time and money with the cheapest online school counseling master’s program on our list. Not only is the total cost around $11,424 for all online students, but it can also be completed in as little as 16 months.
This accelerated program builds on students’ existing teaching experience and introduces advanced theories and techniques to best help your students as a guidance counselor or career advisor. Courses in this CAEP-accredited program explore topics in child development and assessment, psychopathology, and diversity. Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online programs offer convenience and flexibility with coursework available 24/7 so you can balance work, school, and other obligations.
#2. Fort Hays State University – Master of Science in Counseling / School Counseling
Fort Hays State University in Kansas offers the second cheapest online master’s in school counseling. For approximately $14,330, students across the country can complete this CAEP-accredited degree program focused on helping school counseling professionals provide the best possible care to their students.
In this program, counselors will learn advanced methods and techniques to help students plan their futures, work on social skills, and develop academically to thrive throughout their lives. Coursework delves into the underlying causes of many common child and adolescent issues. Students will apply their studies in real-world settings through practicum and internship opportunities. Graduates can apply for school counseling licensure in the state of Kansas. Students planning to work in other locations should check requirements from their state board of education.
#3. University of Central Arkansas – Master of Science in School Counseling
With the MS in School Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas, you can take the next step in your school counseling career while maintaining your daily responsibilities. This online program offers flexibility along with a great value. Both in-state and out-of-state students will pay an estimated $14,625 to complete the program, making it the third lowest price on our list.
Coursework aims to prepare counselors to address the psychological, educational, social, and career challenges facing their students. Participants will learn strategies to work constructively alongside students, faculty, parents, and community members. One primary focus of this program is to foster leadership skills in all students.
Degree Program Types: What to Expect from an Online School Counseling Degree
The best master’s in school counseling online will prepare you for a rewarding career. But what should you expect from these degrees? How long do they take and what are the different specializations?
A master’s degree will encompass roughly 35 to 60 credit hours of study. While most take two years to complete, some may require three years or more.
These programs come in various types, the biggest difference being “master of arts,” “master of science,” and “master of education.” The differences are often tough to spot, but in general, a master of arts will focus on theory and philosophy of school counseling. Meanwhile, a master of science will focus on statistics and research. However, there will be overlap. A master of education, on the other hand, is very specific to the education field. While the other two may apply, broadly speaking, to a variety of professions, a master of education stays heavily focused on schools and classrooms.
There are a few different specializations. If you have a certain interest or skill, a degree with a concentration can help develop your skills and expand your career.
Some concentrations in this area include:
- Trauma counseling
- School social work
- Curriculum
- Student affairs
Start by choosing the degree type that works best for your career goals and learning style. Then you can choose a concentration that is best for your specific needs.
Courses During an Online Master’s in School Counseling
You may be looking for the most affordable online master’s in school counseling, but regardless of cost, you should research the specific coursework in each program. All programs are different, so here are a few examples of the classes you may take during an online master’s in school counseling:
University of West Alabama – Master of Education in School Counseling
This program covers a variety of related topics, including counseling techniques, crisis intervention, and counseling multicultural students. The program includes professional courses, certification area classes, and electives. In total, students must complete 60 credit hours, making this one of the larger online programs.
The professional courses section includes development and learning, education research, and educational statistics. The certification area, the largest portion of the program, focuses on counseling. Courses include “Introduction to School Counseling,” “Strategies for Crisis Intervention,” “Group Counseling,” and “Diagnostic Techniques in Counseling.”
Eastern Oregon University – Master of Science in Education / Trauma in Educational Communities
Properly dealing with trauma is vital. It can lead to better mental health, stronger learning, and greater overall wellness. This program benefits educators and school leaders who want to provide trauma counseling to a variety of students. It encompasses three sections: teacher research core (15 hours), trauma in educational communities (15 hours), and elective courses (6 hours).
The research core includes methods of education and research, while the trauma section takes a deep dive into working with trauma-affected students and families. There are five three-hour courses in this section, including “Foundations of Trauma & Identity in Education,” “Trauma-Invested Classroom Learning Environment,” and “Technology in Trauma-Invested Communities.” Electives bring a variety of subjects like literacy learning, assessment, dyslexia intervention, and curriculum standards.
Seton Hall University – Master of Arts in School Counseling
This program focuses on training school counselors to work in diverse settings. It includes 48 credit hours divided into core, assessment, sociological foundations, research, supervised experience, and professional orientation.
The counseling core is the largest section, encompassing 12 credit hours. Students will take classes like “Abnormal Psychology” and “Counseling Skills.” Throughout the program, students complete additional courses like “Appraisal and Assessment in Counseling,” “Psychology of Human Development,” and “Counseling and Supervision in School Settings.”
Accreditation for School Counseling Programs
Accreditation is an important aspect of the educational system. Acting as a quality-assurance process, accreditation is granted by independent organizations that review and approve schools and programs.
All the cheapest online master’s degree in school counseling programs in our database come from schools that have institutional accreditation. This type is granted to an entire school by regional groups such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
There is also a form called programmatic accreditation. This type of accreditation is granted by groups that focus only on that specific topic. For example, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) grants accreditation to business programs.
For school counseling, the most common group is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). While they do not focus on counseling specifically, they accredit education degrees. Many of the “master of education in school counseling” degrees in our database have accreditation by the CAEP.
CAEP-accredited organizations found in our database include:
- Texas Southern University – Master of Education in Counseling
- University of West Alabama – Master of Education in School Counseling
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Master of Education in School Counseling
While researching accreditation, you may find the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This organization focuses on counseling related to therapy, mental health, drug rehabilitation, and other similar topics. They do not specialize in school counseling, but there are programs in our database with accreditation by the CACREP. This includes the Master of Arts in School Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Typical Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in School Counseling
A master’s degree represents a high level of academic achievement. As such, they have a high level of expectations. Applicants will need to meet set requirements for education, academic performance, and professional experience. These programs meticulously choose their students, and not all applicants will be accepted. That said, most applicants with a decent academic background and experience will find a program that works for them.
The most important requirement is a bachelor’s degree. If you have not yet completed this four-year education, you will not be accepted into a master’s. Merely graduating from a bachelor’s program is not enough, as master’s programs often have GPA requirements. You’ll likely need a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 or better to gain acceptance.
Typical enrollment requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA
- Letters of recommendation from professional associates
- A statement of purpose describing why you want a master’s degree
- A professional license (Especially for master’s of education)
- Completion of a video interview
Let’s look at an example of admission requirements for an affordable online master’s degree in school counseling:
Sacred Heart University – Master of Arts in School Counseling
This school requires a bachelor’s degree, official transcripts from previous schools, two letters of recommendation, and the completion of a state-specific acknowledgment form with the School Counseling Program Director. You will also need to respond to questions on a personal statement and be available for a video conference.
School Counselor Licensing and Certification Requirements
School counselors in public schools need a license, which may be called a certification or endorsement depending on the state. Most states require a master’s degree before obtaining a license. They often require additional internships or other experience, and there will also be a licensing exam.
Some states require school counselors to have classroom experience before granting a license. You may need a teaching license, and you’ll likely need a background check as well. The requirements vary by state, so check with the American School Counselor Association for more information. The National Board of Certified Counselors can also provide information on licensing needs.
Salary and Career Outlook for School Counselors
Income is not the main motivation for becoming a school counselor. That said, there are many ways to earn a strong income in this field. While a master’s degree is typically required, school counselors enjoy some of the best salaries in education.
The median salary for school counselors was $60,510 in May 2021. Counselors at state, local, and private schools had the highest earnings with a median salary of $63,460. There is plenty of opportunity for even higher salaries, as the top 10% earn over $98,190 annually.
The overall stability for this career is strong as well. Like most education-based careers, the need for school counselors will not skyrocket, but it is projected to increase at a rate twice the national average for all careers. The growth for this profession between 2021 and 2031 is expected to be 10%, resulting in over 368,000 school counselors at the end of this ten-year period.
New Hampshire appears to be the state that values school counselors the most. There are 3.52 counselors for every 1,000 jobs in this state, placing them #1 on the list.
What’s the Next Step in Your Education?
If you want to continue your degree even further, you may consider a doctorate in counseling or career advising. A doctorate is the highest level of academic achievement, and it will make you an expert in the field. These advanced degrees build your knowledge of childhood learning, adolescent decision-making, behavioral concepts, and intervention methods.
Even if you don’t pursue a doctorate (most won’t), you may consider continuing education. This may in fact be a requirement for your licensing. Continuing education is important for staying at the forefront of your profession. Professional development through groups like the American Counseling Association will help you get the most from your career.
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