Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs of 2025

Interested in being a school counselor? Explore the top online master’s in school counseling programs to find the one that is right for you.
Ann Feeney
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Updated December 19, 2024
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.

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

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

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Top Online School Counseling Master’s Programs

#1

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$10,516

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,305

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

33%

Acceptance Rate

15%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,252

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,053

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

9,762

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,516

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,305

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,516

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,305

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

15%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,252

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,053

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

9,762

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$9,095

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,301

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

40%

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,535

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,407

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

37,314

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,095

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,301

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,095

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,301

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,535

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,407

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

37,314

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Butler University

Indianapolis, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$14,750

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,750

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

29%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$43,470

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$43,470

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

5,763

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,750

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,750

Butler University

Indianapolis, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,750

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,750

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

29%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$43,470

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$43,470

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

5,763

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#4

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$10,447

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,605

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,200

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

31,041

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,447

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,605

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,447

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,605

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,200

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

31,041

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

Creighton University

Omaha, NE4 yearCampus + Online

$17,496

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,496

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

72%

Acceptance Rate

37%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$43,684

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$43,684

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

8,255

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,496

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,496

Creighton University

Omaha, NE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,496

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,496

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

37%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$43,684

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$43,684

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

8,255

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#6

Auburn University

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,386

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$31,158

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

50%

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,704

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,112

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

33,015

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,386

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,158

Auburn University

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,386

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,158

Acceptance Rate

50%

Online Enrollment

43%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,704

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,112

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

33,015

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#7

University of Denver

Denver, CO4 yearCampus + Online

$55,260

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$55,260

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

71%

Acceptance Rate

36%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$55,260

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$55,260

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

13,384

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$55,260

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$55,260

University of Denver

Denver, CO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$55,260

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$55,260

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment

36%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$55,260

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$55,260

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

13,384

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#8

Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

$33,528

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,528

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

75%

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$46,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$46,380

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

9,623

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,528

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,528

Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,528

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,528

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

33%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$46,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$46,380

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

9,623

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#9

Bradley University

Peoria, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$17,820

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,820

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,380

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

5,217

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,820

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,820

Bradley University

Peoria, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,820

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,820

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

49%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,380

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

5,217

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$15,246

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,246

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

94%

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,791

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,791

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

2,165

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,246

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,246

Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,246

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,246

Acceptance Rate

94%

Online Enrollment

64%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,791

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,791

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

2,165

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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

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

Benefits of a Master’s in School Counseling

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

Reasons to Get Your School Counseling Degree Online

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

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

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

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

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

Average Annual Cost of Master’s Degree Tuition and Fees

Public Institution

$12,596

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$29,931

Source: NCES

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

Public Institution

$59,440

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$85,400

Source: BestColleges

How Much Does a Masters Degree Cost?

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

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

Required Course Credits

30-60*

Field Study Requirements

Yes*

*Depending on your program and specialization

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

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

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

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

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

Median salary for school counselors and advisors

$61,710

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

$100,050

Source: BLS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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