Top Online School Counseling Programs—15 Master’s Under $21,000

The most affordable online school counseling degrees could be just what your career needs. School counselors are in demand at schools in all corners of the nation. If you believe you have what it takes to help today’s children grow into the strong, capable adults of tomorrow, enrolling in affordable online school counseling programs can give you the skills and credentials you need to enter this much-needed education specialty.

Article Navigation: School Counseling Graduate Programs | Becoming a Professional School Counselor | Online School Counseling Programs: Cost & Length | 15 Most Affordable Online School Counseling Master’s Programs Under $21,000 | Career Possibilities with an Online School Counseling Degree | Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Counseling Degree Online | Accreditation for the Most Affordable Online Counseling Master’s | Find Your Master’s in School Counseling Online Here

School Counseling Graduate Programs

Online school counseling programs have classes in many aspects of psychology, but they are usually shorter than degrees that give you the credential needed to practice outside school settings as a psychologist or counselor. Online school counseling programs will also have many specialized courses in behavioral strategies, assessment, special education, and more. The most affordable online school counseling degrees provide the same quality and career possibilities as others.

School counselors come in different flavors. Some people want a more specialized program to become a guidance counselor, a college student affairs counselor, or a school psychometrist who can identify special educational needs or gifts through testing. There are focused programs that can take you into these career tracks, but most online school counseling programs offer more generalized training that will allow you to serve a student population more broadly. School counseling can involve many aspects of helping students to reach their full potential, and it can be a very rewarding career.

Many people look for an affordable online school counseling program to add skills to their career in education, either as a teacher or administrator, but some people will use online master’s in school counseling programs to switch careers into education from another profession. Some online colleges for school counseling require you to have a teaching license or certificate before you apply, while others will let you take courses before you have your state license or certificate.

Becoming a Professional School Counselor

In each state, licensure requirements for school counselors will vary. Some require their own or other exams, some require specific work experience in education, and others don’t have these requirements. Some online school counseling master’s programs help students get licensure in a particular state, but most online master’s in school counseling programs will fulfill the educational requirements for other states as well. Before choosing a program, it is advisable to check with your state to ensure that your degree will qualify you for licensure as a school counselor.

Provisional Certification

In addition to the education, states may require background checks and teaching certificates to practice as a professional. For instance, Maryland requires a master’s degree, a PreK-12 certification, and a background check, but no exam. Massachusetts, on the other hand, doesn’t require the background check at the state level but at the point of hire, yet it does require certain practicum experience and a passing score on the Massachusetts Communication and Literacy Skills Test.

With each state, the process to become licensed can be a bit different, but all online master’s in school counseling programs have extensive coursework that will meet most state requirements. Some states will allow a provisional certificate while you are enrolled in an accepted master’s program, as the demand for these professions is very high. These provisional certificates may allow you to start working as a school counselor while completing your education.

For example, Maryland currently allows aspiring school counselors to start working if they submit one semester hour of coursework per semester from an institution of higher education. Otherwise, they can submit one department-approved professional continuing education development credit. Or they can submit an equivalent number of continuing education credits.

Similarly, Michigan doesn’t necessarily require a master’s in school counseling before you can start practicing as a counselor. Instead, as long as you have a standard or professional teaching certificate AND a school counselor endorsement, you’ll qualify. To get a school counselor endorsement in Michigan, you need 30 completed semester credit hours in a school counselor education program.

Keep these prospects in mind. They allow you to gain valuable work experience as a school counselor before graduating from your program of choice.

Online School Counseling Programs: Cost & Length

School Length

The most affordable online school counseling programs can take between 18 months to three years or more to complete. All are designed to allow you to study while working, so they can be completed online. Some programs do require short on-campus visits, so consider whether you would like some in-person interaction and can afford the time to travel.

The practicum or internship component is a core part of accredited counseling programs. The internship component requires you to complete a supervised internship experience under the guidance of a licensed school counselor. Typically, this is anywhere between 300 hours and 600 hours in total. A practicum class will take up about 100 of these hours, while the remaining hours will be in a school setting.

Many of the best online programs will separate your clinical experience requirements into two sections. In this case, you complete one section each in two successive semesters. In most cases, the first half of your master’s in school counseling focuses on coursework. The second half will include the internship component. That’s because you need to have the academic underpinning necessary to work as a school counselor before practicing in a real-world environment.

School Cost

The costs for online bachelor’s school counseling programs can vary from around $20k to almost $90k. Meanwhile, online master’s in counseling programs range from as low as $10,000 to upwards of $114,000.

The cheapest online school counseling programs on this list are all in an affordable range, with tuition and fees totaling no more than $21k for in-state students. Financial aid, military education benefits, and employer training funds can help many students cover these costs.

Remember, in-state students generally pay less for their tuition than out-of-state students, even if you decide to attend your program online. Furthermore, bachelor’s programs usually cost more, including four years of education on average. Master’s programs, in contrast, are only 2 to 3 years long in most cases.

Thus, you can expect to pay more for a full bachelor’s degree in school counseling. But you can always find a great deal at an accredited university with the right resources!

15 Most Affordable Online School Counseling Degrees – Master’s Programs Under $21,000

With such a wonderful helping profession to look forward to, you may not want to spend a fortune to get the training you need to become a school counselor. Have no fear: we have a list of the most cost-effective online colleges for school counseling that will give you a quality education. The following are the most affordable online school counseling degrees in 2023:

1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

   Degree Offered: Master of Education in School Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $11,424

   Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online MEd in School Counseling offers eight different start dates per year, and the courses can be completed in as little as one year. Students will also need to do a practicum for this 42-credit program.

   Courses in the program include Theories of Counseling, Social and Cultural Diversity Issues in Counseling and Developmental School Counseling. No GRE is required for admission, and applicants with just a 2.0 GPA from their undergraduate degree with a teaching certificate or a 2.75 overall GPA of 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credits of undergraduate courses may apply. The 100% online program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University is perfect for students from anywhere who seek a cost-effective online school counseling program with no GRE.

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   Master of Education in School Counseling

    

2. Bellarmine University

   Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Education/Trauma-Informed Practices
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $13,180

   At Bellarmine University, you can complete an MA in Education with a concentration in Trauma Informed Practices. The program includes 30 credit hours and 10 courses. It’s totally online and asynchronous except for necessary practicum components. However, it also always starts in the summer, and it follows a cohort system. That means you’ll work with the same students throughout the program in its entirety.

   Students take one course per semester. Importantly, there’s a rolling application deadline, so jump on the opportunity while you can. This is an excellent program if you want to learn how to address classroom trauma and learn key behavioral practices to build healthy and effective relationships with students.

   It’s an ideal degree program for future counselors, as well as social workers, curriculum developers, instructional coaches, and more. But it’s also one of the cheapest counseling degrees online. So it’s great for those seeking an affordable online master’s in counseling.

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   Master of Arts in Education/Trauma-Informed Practices

    

3. Fort Hays State University

   Degree Offered: Master of Science in Counseling/School Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $14,330

   The 3-year online MS in Counseling – School Counseling from Fort Hays State University helps students meet state licensure requirements after they complete the program. Students can start in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Courses in the program include Research & Evaluation in Counseling, Lifestyle & Career, Management of Counseling Programs, and Professional & Ethical Issues in Counseling. Students must pass a comprehensive exam before they begin their practicum and internships.

   To apply, students will need a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credits of undergraduate work, although the faculty may conditionally admit some applicants. Up to 6 credits can be transferred from another program, and applicants must complete a video interview and a background check as part of the application process. As one of the most affordable master’s in counseling programs, it has an impressive 98% completion and 96% licensure pass rates. So it is a terrific choice for students seeking an affordable online counseling program.

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   Master of Science in Counseling / School Counseling

    

4. University of Central Arkansas

   Degree Offered: Master of Science in School Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $14,625

   The online MS in School Counseling has both asynchronous and synchronous classes, allowing for flexibility but also virtual face-to-face interaction. The program admits students with or without a teaching license, and allows up to 15 credits of graduate coursework to be transferred from another institution. Applicants must have a 2.70 GPA on undergraduate work and at least a 3.0 GPA on any graduate work completed for admission.

   GRE or Praxis scores are also required. Sample courses include Life-Span Development, Career Guidance for School Counselors, Educational Assessment & Measurement, Instructional & Behavioral Strategies for School Counselors, and Educational Programming for Students with Mild Disabilities K-12. With a well-rounded curriculum, the MS in School Counseling offers great training for those who wish to have a fully online program that includes “live” virtual interaction.

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   Master of Science in School Counseling

    

5. University of the Cumberlands

   Degree Offered: Master of the Arts in Education/School Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $14,675

   University of the Cumberlands offers an online MAEd with a concentration in School Counseling as part of their online master’s program in educational leadership. With the program accepted by almost all state boards, this degree is terrific for students across the US. Sample class titles include Advanced Human Behavior Development & Learning, Issues & Trends in Special Education, Introduction to Addiction Counseling, and Counseling Aspects of Grief & Loss.

   The 45-credit program is designed so that those who wish to pursue the EdS degree will only have to complete five classes past the master’s degree. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA from their undergraduate degree, and students who have a valid teaching license can waive the exam requirement by submitting their Praxis scores. For students who want to use their master’s degree as a stepping-stone to the EdS credential, the program from University of the Cumberlands is one of the best and most affordable online school counseling degrees.

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   Master of Art in Education / School Counseling

    

6. Chadron State College

   Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Education/School Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $14,820

   Chadron State’s MA in Education is available with a fully online concentration in school counseling. You don’t have to have a teaching degree or certificate to start with this affordable online master’s in counseling, making it highly effective and accessible for future counselors. You do need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, as well as completion of an admission essay.

   Furthermore, this program requires students to complete an internship before graduating. This is with a licensed counseling faculty member, and it’s conducted in Chadron, Nebraska. Thus, this program does require you to visit the school campus from time to time.

   Once you pass the interview, you’ll take a variety of classes covering topics like:

   – School counseling model development
   – Professional counseling practice
   – Social and cultural diversity
   – Human growth and development
   – And more

   The program is 39 hours, and the internship is only required at the end of the program. This allows you to plan ahead and decide when to spend time at the university to finish your education. Overall, it’s one of the best affordable counseling degrees online.

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   Master of Arts in Education / School Counseling

    

7. York College

   Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Education/Social & Emotional Leadership
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $15,300

   York College’s MA in Education concentrates on social and emotional leadership. This gives you the practical and technical knowledge needed to serve as a school counselor and lead academic institutions in other ways. It’s 33 credit hours in total. Completion of this program results in you becoming a credentialed administrator in Pennsylvania. Every student gets to take the certification exam at the program’s conclusion.

   Thanks to this focus, it’s good not just for school counselors. It’s also for future principals and other administrative professionals. Courses cover topics like instruction supervision, school financial management, and leadership.

   It’s in a mostly online format that includes eight synchronous course meetings. You’ll need to attend the college from time to time in person, plus interact with expert faculty frequently. If you complete this program at a full-time pace, you can complete it in as few as 18 months.

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   Master of Arts in Education / Social & Emotional Leadership

    

8. Touro University Nevada

   Degree Offered: Master of Education in School Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $15,360

   At Touro University, you can take a 60-credit M.Ed. focused on school counseling. The concentration covers many different topics, like:

   – Child development
   – Understanding high-risk behavior
   – Counseling families of exceptional children

   Most students take about three years to complete this curriculum. It includes a 600-hour internship in the final year of study, but all academic courses are delivered online. It’s a flexible degree program that results in eligibility to apply for provisional New York certification as a school counselor, too. To acquire permanent certification, you must commit to two years of post-graduation experience in a school counseling setting.

   Typically, you’ll complete 2 to 3 courses per semester, and there are two semesters per year. You must have a GPA of 3.0 from your prior schooling to qualify, and you must have at least 12 credits in education and psychology for preferred admission. Note that you do not need GRE scores to qualify for this program.

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   Master of Education in School Counseling

    

9. Campbellsville University

   Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling P-12
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $15,630

   Campbellsville University’s online MA in Education in School Counseling P-12 is a faith-based degree program rooted in ethical and Christian values. It offers 48 credits and can be completed in 18 months, with convenient 8-week classes. Courses include Foundation of Leadership & Ethics in School Counseling, Developmental Guidance for Middle/High School Counselors, Cultural Competency, and Students Victimized by Crisis & Abuse. There are three internships included to give students hands-on experience with supervision.

   A 2.75 overall GPA or 3.0 GPA on the last 30 hours of undergraduate study is required for admission. Up to 12 transfer credits are allowed, and Campbellsville is a military-friendly school with programs to assist those who serve. Students who appreciate a Christian perspective in their education and want a quick and affordable pathway to the master’s degree should consider Campbellsville’s program.

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   Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling P-12

    

10. Liberty University

    Degree Offered: Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction/Student Services (Non-Licensure)
    Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $16,036

    At Liberty University, you can complete an MA in Education that prepares you for leadership roles in the private, public, and Christian school systems. It requires a 3.0 GPA for admission, and it does not lead to state licensure or certification. This is an affordable alternative to the traditional master’s degree in counseling, accredited by SACSCOC.

    You can transfer up to 50% of your credits needed for the degree from other schools, making it an ideal choice if you have already begun your education elsewhere. The program is 100% online and all classes take eight weeks to complete. Overall, the degree has 36 credit hours, and start dates are available throughout the year.

    This is an excellent choice if you are already a licensed counselor who works in a traditional school setting. Basically, if you want a graduate degree for career development, this could be a perfect fit. The curriculum includes 15 hours of advanced education core courses and 3 “gate” courses, which are checkpoints to ensure you are making appropriate progress toward your graduation benchmarks.

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    Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Student Services

     

11. Concordia University

    Degree Offered: Master of Arts in School Counseling
    Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $17,000

    Concordia University offers a great MA in School Counseling. It is a cohort-based graduate program, meaning you’ll complete the degree with the same students from start to finish. It also authorizes all graduates to work as school counselors in California, as you’ll receive licensure upon graduation.

    The program’s 48 units in total and takes about 26 months to complete on average. It follows a blended online and in-person format. Coursework focuses on skills and theories needed to succeed as a modern school counselor. Topics covered include:

    – Crisis response and management
    – Schoolwide prevention and intervention programs
    – Counseling diverse populations

    This MA in School Counseling online is accessible as there are several start dates each year. Note that this program also requires most students to take a single practicum or fieldwork experience course during most terms. In contrast to other programs, this approach spaces out your practical coursework more evenly throughout the program, rather than loading most of it toward the end.

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    Master of Arts in School Counseling

     

12. North Carolina Central University

    Degree Offered: Master of Arts in School Counseling
    Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $17,857

    NCCU’s School Counseling MA program helps you develop the skills and practice necessary to promote social and career development for kindergarten to 12th-grade students. It qualifies graduates for North Carolina licensure as professional school counselors. To this end, it includes prep classes for the Praxis II specialty test you must complete for licensure in this state.

    The program can be completed online or on campus, including 60 credit hours. It’s fully accredited by CACREP. Admission requirements include a $50 application fee, two letters of recommendation, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and GRE scores. This is one of the only online counseling programs that asks for GRE scores.

    Students must also complete an entrance interview in order to be admitted to the program. This occurs online or at the North Carolina Central University campus. Admission dates start in the fall, however, so keep this in mind if you choose to apply.

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    Master of Arts in School Counseling

     

13. Ottawa University

    Degree Offered: Master of the Arts in Education/School Counseling Concentration
    Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $18,759

    The online MA in Education with a Concentration in School Counseling from Ottawa University offers students a program designed to help them become a school guidance counselor. With 36 credits to complete the program, courses are divided into foundation and concentration courses. Titles of classes in the degree include Theories of Trauma, Grief, & Loss; School Counseling in a Changing Environment; and Life Plan & Career Development School Counseling.

    Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, but provisional admission may be granted to those with a GPA of 2.5 to 2.9 in the last two years of undergraduate work.

    Preference is given to those with two years of relevant professional or volunteer experience. For those who know their calling is in guidance counseling, the Ottawa University MA is a perfect online college for school counseling.

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    Master of Arts in Education / School Counseling

     

14. Lamar University

    Degree Offered: Master of Education in Counseling and Development / Professional School Counselor
    Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $19,440

    Lamar University’s online MEd in Counseling and Development with a Specialization in Professional School Counseling can be completed fully online in less than 30 months. There are multiple start dates each year, and many classes are five weeks long. Longer classes are 15 weeks, including Substance Abuse Counseling and School Counseling Practicum. There is also a one-week on-campus residency required during the course of study.

    The affordable online counseling master’s tuition can be paid by the course. Applicants need to have a 2.5 undergraduate GPA and a teaching license. The Lamar University MEd offers flexible scheduling, an award-winning faculty, and a great online school counseling master’s program.

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    Master of Education in Counseling & Development / Professional School Counselor

     

15. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

    Degree Offered: Master of Education in School Counseling
    Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $20,160

    At SAGU, the MA in School Counseling preps you to help students struggling physically, emotionally, and more. Graduates learn how to guide to help students reach their maximum potential. More importantly, it prepares you to receive a Texas school counseling certification upon graduation.

    The program teaches how to provide classroom guidance and facilitate group discussions. Also, how to guide students through ethical problems or dilemmas. Other topics cover culturally diverse environments, professional counseling tactics, and the intellectual and social development of adolescents.

    This could be one of the most affordable online school counseling degrees to pursue if you are a veteran. Veterans can qualify for special military service waivers at this school. However, know that all the coursework at SAGU comes from a Christian perspective and worldview. Therefore, this school counseling program is appropriate for those who follow the Christian faith.

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    Master of Education in School Counseling

     

Career Possibilities with an Online School Counseling Degree

The job outlook for school and career counselors is projected to rise much faster than average, at 10% between 2021 and 2031. The median salary for the profession is $60,510 per year, with the vast majority of school and career counselors working in K-12 schools or higher education settings like junior colleges, professional schools, or universities. The top earners in this profession can make over $98k per year.

School counselors can have different titles and perform slightly different duties depending on the school, the needs of the student population, and the expertise of the school counselor. With the responsibility of helping students succeed, school counselors are positioned to have a profound impact on students’ lives. They also influence the success of school systems and help meet pressing needs in society for quality education for all students.

Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Counseling Degree Online

As graduate-level programs, most online master’s in counseling degrees require applicants to meet certain admission requirements. These common admission requirements include:

• A GPA or grade point average over a certain threshold. This can be anywhere from 2.3 to 3.0 or above. Typically, you need a GPA of 3.0 or higher on your previous schooling to qualify for a master’s program
• Transcripts from a completed bachelor’s program from an accredited college
• Letters of recommendation from former supervisors or professors. Usually, you’ll need to provide two or three letters from different sources
• A statement of intent explaining your reason for pursuing a master’s in counseling or your career goals

Although there are exceptions, note that GRE scores and other graduate school test scores are not usually needed. That’s because counseling programs are social studies programs. These program types don’t always rely on such scores to determine applicant quality.

Accreditation for the Most Affordable Online School Counseling Degrees

As you search for the best online counseling master’s program, make sure it is accredited. Specifically, it should be programmatically accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This council accredits many types of education programs throughout the US.

In a nutshell, accreditation from the CAEP indicates that a counseling program is well worth your time and money. More importantly, if you complete the program from a non-accredited school, you could have difficulty finding solid work post-graduation.

An accredited program has to meet the CAEP’s rigor and quality standards. As a specialized accrediting agency, the CAEP knows what separates a good counseling program from a less-than-stellar one. A CAEP-accredited program essentially prepares counselors for this profession’s modern challenges and practices.

Always double-check a program’s accreditation before applying for it. Most quality online counseling master’s programs hold accreditation by the CAEP and regional accrediting agencies like the HLC, SACSCOC, and MSCHE.

Find The Most Affordable Online School Counseling Degrees Here

You can fulfill your dream of being a school counselor with one of the most affordable online school counseling programs. You can become a go-to professional in your current school position or start a whole new chapter in your career. The most affordable online school counseling programs make it possible to keep your everyday life the same while you study to take on a new challenge that will help the students in your community. Take a look and see what inspires you to take the next step.