Most Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling of 2024
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2024To become a school counselor at a public school, you need a master’s degree and state licensure. Part-time and hybrid master’s in school counseling programs can offer you a flexible and affordable way to earn your degree.
A master’s in school counseling provides students with foundational knowledge in counseling methods, development across the lifespan, and professional ethics. Learn more about online master’s in school counseling programs, including the typical costs, courses, and admission requirements.
Featured Online School Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs
Texas A & M International University
Laredo, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,818
- Out-of-state$13,610
- In-State$3,350
- Out-of-state$10,694
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled8,455
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,640
- Out-of-state$19,084
- In-State$9,684
- Out-of-state$24,116
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled45,130
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$58,708
- Out-of-state$58,708
- In-State$38,650
- Out-of-state$38,650
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled8,947
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate13%
- Students Enrolled49,318
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- In-State$12,240
- Out-of-state$12,240
- Retention Rate19%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled9,798
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas Tech University
- Russellville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,736
- Out-of-state$11,472
- In-State$5,414
- Out-of-state$10,827
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled9,640
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Lehigh University
- Bethlehem, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$56,980
- Out-of-state$56,980
- In-State$27,000
- Out-of-state$27,000
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate46%
- Students Enrolled7,263
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Fairbanks, AK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,296
- Out-of-state$23,087
- In-State$11,265
- Out-of-state$23,095
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled6,826
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,788
- Out-of-state$17,888
- In-State$6,490
- Out-of-state$18,590
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled8,718
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$27,320
- In-State$9,095
- Out-of-state$27,082
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate47%
- Students Enrolled36,831
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
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We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2024. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
How Much Does an Online Master’s in School Counseling Cost?
Master’s degrees in psychology and related fields, like counseling, cost a higher median than those of master’s degrees in all subjects. Yet, attending a public school or an online program can help cut costs.
Public schools offer in-state tuition to residents of their state. Sometimes, out-of-state students qualify for out-of-state tuition waivers because of online enrollment or military service.
Total vs. Public | Median Tuition and Fees Paid Per Year for Master’s in Psychology Programs in 2020
All Programs
$10,040
Public Institutions
$9,500
Online programs can help you save on true program costs because they do not require many in-person expenses. With an online program, you save on room and board, eliminate in-person-only fees, and lower your transportation costs. Remember that many programs include in-person internships, practicum, or residencies.
Online vs. On-Campus | Median Tuition and Fees Paid Per Year for Master’s in Psychology Programs in 2020
On-Campus Programs
$11,740
Online Programs
$9,300
How Do I Pay for an Online Master’s in School Counseling?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
All students must submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal student financial aid, such as federal grants, scholarships, and loans. Some schools require that you fill out the FAFSA when you apply.
- Work-Study Programs: You can enroll in a federal work-study program to lower your cost of attendance (COA). This program lets you work part time on or off campus. You can qualify for federal work-study by filling out the FAFSA.
- Scholarships: Apply for college scholarships to lower your affordable online master’s in school counseling’s COA. Some scholarships limit applicants to graduate degree-seekers. Check all eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application materials closely before applying.
- Grants:Grants are sums of money, usually awarded by a government or a school, given to you for a particular purpose. While several organizations advocate for increased grant funding for school counselors, there aren’t many grant options for funding your education.
- Loans: You should only turn to student loans after exhausting all other financial aid options. Before loans, try to find scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. If you must take out loans, you can seek loan forgiveness programs after graduation. Federal loans offer lower interest rates and more payment options than private loans.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in School Counseling Program?
The most affordable online master’s in school counseling programs require 48-60 credits and take two years to finish. You complete the same core classes as on-campus degree-seekers, such as program development, theories of counseling, and legal and ethical issues.
Although your program may feature asynchronous online coursework, expect to complete many in-person experiences. They include field observations and practicum at different schools. You need this experience to qualify for a state-issued school counseling license.
Your affordable master’s in school counseling may require a final paper or capstone experience. Requirements vary by program but may require extensive research at a practicum site.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master’s in School Counseling Program?
Counseling Methods
During this survey course, students delve into case studies, current research, and established theories to learn best practices, strategies, and techniques for school counseling.Professional Ethics
This course covers several ethical challenges that school counselors might face, using case studies as examples. Any career that involves parents, students, and an imbalance of power is delicate. Covered topics may include reporting laws.Development Across the Lifespan
This course dives into modern biological, psychological, and sociological theory and research to cover how students develop during different stages of their lives. Covered topics may include personality development, identity, and intelligence.Multicultural Counseling
This course prepares future school counselors to meet the needs of learners from various backgrounds. Possible topics include self-identity and communication strategies.Practicum or Internship
To qualify for state licensure, prospective school counselors must complete supervised hours in the field. Your program can usually help you arrange an approved placement site with a licensed school counselor.
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in School Counseling Degree?
Career Outlook
Between 2023 and 2033, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 4% job growth for school counselors due to rising student enrollment rates, which is equal to the projected growth rate for all careers.
During an online master’s in school counseling program, students gain the skills to pursue state licensure and careers in public K-12 schools. Graduates can also pursue counseling careers in many fields and professional settings.
Career Paths
| Job | Job Description | Typical Entry-Level Education | Median Pay (May 2023) | Projected Percent Change in Employment (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Counselor | Works in K-12 schools, helping students apply to college and overcome academic, social, and emotional challenges. | Master’s | $61,710 | 4% |
| Career Counselor | Helps people struggling to choose a career find their best fit. | Master’s degree is helpful | $61,710 | 4% |
| Mental Health Counselor | Helps people face issues like substance use, addiction, stress, and anxiety. | Master’s | $53,710 | 19% |
| Principal | Oversees budgets, curricula, school direction, and student discipline. | Master’s | $103,460 | -1% |
| Training and Development Manager | Helps employees develop skills and knowledge in the corporate world. | $125,040 | 7% |
Continuing Education
Graduates with master’s degrees in school counseling generally do not pursue additional formal education because a master’s degree in school counseling is all you need to qualify for licensure and roles in school counseling.
If you want to teach the next generation of counselors or perform research, you can earn a Ph.D. in counseling.
Counselors working in public schools must complete several professional development hours each year set by their state. This is the most common form of continuing education for master’s degree holders in school counseling.
School Counseling Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
How Do I Choose an Online Master’s in School Counseling Program?
Cost
Many universities charge graduate students a higher per-credit tuition rate than undergraduates. Although you can expect to pay more per credit for a degree, you can save money by attending an in-state public university.
An affordable master’s in school counseling program can lower your COA in ways besides reduced tuition. Many online degrees offer cost savings compared to on-campus degrees. You can also save money by not commuting or living on campus. Some schools waive campus fees for online degree-seekers.
Program Format
If you enroll in an online program, you’ll choose between asynchronous or synchronous learning. Synchronous learning involves scheduled, live online course sessions, while asynchronous learning does not. You should also determine whether or not you can enroll full time.
Location
Even if you enroll in an online master’s in school counseling program, choosing a school close to you may still make sense. School counseling programs require supervised experiences in the field to prepare you for state licensure. It may be easier to arrange these experiences if you live closer to campus and can participate in fieldwork at the school’s partner site.
Accreditation
Limit your school search to universities with proper institutional accreditation. Institutions with this accreditation provide learners in all programs with a rigorous educational experience. Your state’s school counselor licensing board may not accept diplomas from unaccredited schools.
Your affordable online master’s in school counseling program should also hold programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation means that the program prepares you to become a licensed school counselor.
Student Support
Student services may boost success in graduate school, especially if you enroll online. Before you commit to a program, check to see if the school offers mentorship opportunities, internship placements, career services, tutoring, and advising.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in School Counseling Programs
A master’s in school counseling can often be worth it if you enjoy working with students and helping them succeed.
School counseling positions in public K-12 schools require state licensure, which requires a master’s degree. For students who know they want to become school counselors, this degree is worth it because it is required for their desired career. School counselors earn $13,830 more than the median salary for all occupations.
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