Most Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs of 2025

To 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 degrees from unaccredited schools.

Your affordable online master’s in school counseling program should also hold programmatic accreditation from either the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

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.