Rising costs and economic uncertainty have always been a concern, but for those looking for a mixture of affordability and convenience as they balance their pre-existing lives and their career goals, online courses with lower tuition are a priority. We’ve selected 25 online Masters in School Counseling programs that put their costs at a more attainable number compared to some schools.
- Affordable Online CACREP-Accredited Programs: at least 25
- Our definition of affordable: under $700 per credit
- Average Program Length: 1.5–3 years
- Tuition Range: $20,000–$40,000
Affordable Online Masters in School Counseling Programs
Emporia State University
- Emporia, Kansas
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Science, School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $355 per credit, which comes to $21,300 total for tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
The most affordable, accredited program on our list comes from Emporia State University’s School of Applied Health Sciences. At $355 per credit, this 60 credit program offers students training needed to become a licensed LPC and a licensed school counselor in Kansas at a cost that won’t lead to mountains of debt. The program takes between 2.5 and 3 years to complete the required coursework, which includes classes in ethics; crisis and trauma counseling; lifespan development; and counseling elementary, middle, and high school students.
Key Highlights:
- One of two school counseling programs in Kansas that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants need a teaching certificate and two years of teaching experience to meet school counselor licensure in Kansas, but those with degrees or experience in a counseling related field can enroll in the restricted licensure program at the school. Applicants can also enter through the Parallel Pathways initiative.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Fort Hays State University
- Hays, Kansas
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling)
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $360.29 per credit; $21,617.40 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
Students of this second, CACREP-accredited online master’s program in Kansas gain an education experience which prioritizes practical application along with its more affordable price tag at $360.29 per credit. By practical application, we mean the emphasis on practicum and internship in clinical and school settings totalling 700 hours of field experience by the end of the program.
Key Highlights:
- Students have the opportunity to collaborate and get guidance from a clinical assistant professor who specializes in community counseling.
Additional Considerations:
- Students are encouraged to get involved in student organizations, attend conferences in school counseling, and volunteer in the community.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Evangel University
- Springfield, Missouri
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling)
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $420 per credit; $25,200 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
Another affordable online master’s in school counseling program comes from Evangel University. The 60-credit program mixes theoretical coursework, hands-on application, and a Christian worldview in a program that satisfies Missouri requirements for licensure as a school counselor. Students average 6 to 9 credits per 15 week semester and begin courses in the summer. Students also need to complete two, four-day on-campus residencies throughout the program.
Key Highlights:
- Qualified applicants have to complete the program in an accelerated format (7 semesters instead of 9).
Additional Considerations:
- This program presents material from a Christian worldview.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission; Association of Theological Schools; Member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
- Program-Specific: CACREP
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, Alabama
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $429 per credit; $25,740 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
This online M.Ed. in school counseling costs $429 per credit, putting it among our top affordable online master’s in school counseling programs. It takes 3 years to complete, with courses on topics like techniques in counseling, crisis intervention, and multicultural counseling. This program is designed for current educators who are hoping to gain a master’s level education.
Key Highlights:
- The program includes the UWA Mentor Collective, which pairs students with a one-on-one mentor to help navigate school and build a network and skills in the field.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants hoping to be accepted must hold a teaching certification with two years of teaching experience.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Western New Mexico University
- Silver City, New Mexico
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Counseling, M.A. (Concentration in School Counseling)
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $437.58 per credit; $26,254.80 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
This fifth cheapest online school counseling master’s program is actually one of four concentrations of Western New Mexico University’s Counseling M.A. The other specializations include Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Addictions Counseling, and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. Along with the core 39 credits in the foundational program, students complete 9 hours of practicum and internship courses and 12 credit hours in the school counseling specialization, which include classes specific to issues in school counseling and working with adolescents and children.
Key Highlights:
- The program meets National Board for Certified Counselors requirements for becoming a National Certified Counselor (NCC).
Additional Considerations:
- Students must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) to fully complete the program.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Northern State University
- Aberdeen, South Dakota
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Counseling Masters
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $484.10 per credit; $29,046 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
With total tuition (not including additional fees) coming in below $30,000, this online masters in school counseling cost puts the program in the top ten most affordable social work programs on our list. Students are educated in the fundamentals of counseling and have the option to pursue licensure in both mental health counseling and school counseling through either the Clinical Mental Health pathway or the School Counseling pathway. Along with in-person practicum and internship experiences, students will need to attend two on-campus residencies during the program.
Key Highlights:
- The program offers courses in a digital HyFlex model, which prioritizes making classes accessible to students anywhere, offering 25 percent of classes asynchronously and 75 percent synchronously.
Additional Considerations:
- The program meets the educational standards set by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Capella University
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
M.S. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not required
Tuition: $512 per credit; $30,720 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
This affordable online M.S. in school counseling program has coursework designed with input from the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board. Coursework prepares students in theoretical concepts in counseling children and adolescents, group counseling, college counseling, career counseling , and child and adolescent psychopathology. Besides the required practicum and internship, students can gain more specific knowledge for career paths they are interested in through program specializations in Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Child and Adolescent Counseling, and General School Counseling.
Key Highlights:
- The program uses a competency-based model in which students build on models of competency through experiential assignments and specific courses to improve skills in various areas.
Additional Considerations:
- $2,500 Capella Progress Reward scholarship available for needs-based students.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Bluefield University
- Bluefield, Virginia
- 60 Credits
- Hybrid
Program:
Counseling M.A. (Concentration in School Counseling)
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $515 per credit; $30,900 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
The concentration in school counseling prepares students to work in K-12 schools. Students complete the program either full-time or part-time on a hybrid basis, with asynchronous learning online in classes that have guest speakers from around the nation. School counselor students complete assignments geared toward experiential learning, advocacy projects, and research. Students also complete a 100-hour practicum, a 600-hour internship, and a capstone project, which is required for graduation.
Key Highlights:
- The program operates on the cohort model or learning, meaning students have classmates with whom they go through the program together.
Additional Considerations:
- This is a Yellow Ribbon School, so military and first responders get discounts on tuition and fees.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP; Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); Virginia Department of Education.
Ohio University
- Athens, Ohio
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Online Master of Education in Counselor Education – School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Not required for applicants with a GPA of 2.9 or higher.
Tuition: $515 per credit; $30,900 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
The school counseling specialization of this affordable online master’s program is completely online and prepares students for working with adolescents and children in school settings. Group counseling, professional school counseling, counseling children and adolescents, and research are among the courses students can expect to take as part of the core program and the specialization.
Key Highlights:
- Designed for working professionals.
Additional Considerations:
- Within top 100 Education Programs in U.S. News and World Report’s rankings.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Adams State University
- Alamosa, Colorado
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Counselor Education M.A. (Specialty in School Counseling)
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not required
Tuition: $521.80 per credit; $31,308 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
This 2-year, affordable online master’s in school counseling is a specialty of the Counselor Education M.A. The program is identical to the on-campus version in terms of course content, according to the school website. The M.A. offers both a speciality on school counseling and in clinical mental health counseling, but regardless of the speciality chosen, the school states the program emphases student learning and development in personal growth, counseling theory and research, individual and group counseling skills, and knowledge of follow-up and supplemental services.
Key Highlights:
- Students complete two weeklong labs on-campus during the program.
Additional Considerations:
- For those with a teaching license, the program satisfies education requirements for licensure as a school counselor. For those without a teaching license, the program satisfies one of three requirements to become a Special Services Provider: School Counselor in Colorado.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Marshall University
- Huntington, West Virginia
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Counseling M.A. (Emphasis in School Counseling)
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $534.75 per credit; $32,085 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
The online M.A. in school counseling cost from Marshall University puts this program on our list for its $534.75 per credit tuition. As one of two specializations in the Counseling M.A., the School Counseling emphasis adds additional coursework to the core program, which includes classes in couples and family counseling, addiction prevention and treatment, research, diagnosis, and hands-on practicum and internship. The additional school counseling courses deal with legal issues in counseling adolescents and children and specifically counseling children and adolescents. Students also complete their practicums in a location specific to their specialization, which means their hands-on practice will take place in a school or similar setting.
Key Highlights:
- Students can choose to pursue the Violence, Loss, and Trauma Counseling graduate certificate program as well.
Additional Considerations:
- As West Virginia is one of 29 states that participate in the U.S. National Counseling Compact, and as the program meets minimum requirements for licensure as a school counselor in West Virginia, it meets the standard for practicing in those 29 states that are part of the compact.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Pennsylvania Western University
- California, Pennsylvania
- 60 Credits
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Counseling M.S. (Concentration in School Counseling)
Modality: In-person; Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not required for applicants with a GPA above 3.0.
Tuition: $545 per credit; $32,700 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
As one of three concentrations in the Counselor M.S., the School Counseling specialization prepares students for work with children and adolescents in educational settings. The concentration includes coursework in psychopathology and diagnosis, current issues in school counseling, and evidence based practices as well as classes in trauma, diagnosis, and addiction counseling for the core program, among other courses.
Key Highlights:
- Offered both online and in-person.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is one of three concentrations, including Art Therapy, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Program-Specific: CACREP
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, Louisiana
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling Track)
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $550 per credit; $33,000 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
University of Louisiana at Monroe offers one of the cheapest online school counseling master’s programs we could find, though not in our top ten. Other factors went into its inclusion on the list as well, including its coursework which integrates counseling concepts specifically into the setting of school counseling and work with children and adolescents. Coursework includes theories, methods, and advanced techniques in counseling and school counseling; group counseling in schools; principles of administration of school counseling programs; and school-based fieldwork. Many programs on this list in school counseling include a few school-centric courses but largely emphasise a general counseling foundation. This school impresses with its specificity in course content to the school counseling track.
Key Highlights:
- Students are invited to choose electives from other disciplines, and the program partners with the Education, Psychology, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Health Studies programs to further the goal of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Additional Considerations:
- Faculty provide training based on the scientific-practitioner model.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, Kansas
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: required for applicants with a GPA below 3.0.
Tuition: $570.43 per credit; $34,225.80 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
This unique degree from Kansas State University offers students an alternative education pathway to licensure in Kansas and other states for which the program satisfies licensure requirements. What makes an Ed.S. degree different from a standard master’s program is the specialization of the coursework and training, which includes classes in career development for school counselors; counseling children; counseling adolescents; and practicum and internships in school counseling.
Key Highlights:
- The program is offered as an Ed.S., which is specific to Kansas and which the school describes as a postgraduate degree that is more advanced than a master’s degree and serves as an entry-level school counseling degree.
Additional Considerations:
- Meets education requirements for licensure as both a school counselor under the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) and aLicensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Kansas.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, Virginia
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Masters in School Counseling Online (M.Ed.)
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not required
Tuition: $580 per credit; $34,800 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
Liberty University offers an affordable online master’s in school counseling that gives students a theoretical and practical framework for working as counselors in K-12 school settings along with a Christian worldview. Two weeklong on-campus courses in the program are the only non-online requirements of this program besides the practicum and internship, which are completed where students live. Students getting close to graduation work on a career plan with faculty supervisors, and they learn boundaries for managing stress and emotional burnout throughout the course and for use in their careers beyond the classroom.
Key Highlights:
- Transfer in up to 50% of the degree’s total credit requirement.
Additional Considerations:
- Liberty University curriculum is delivered alongside a Christian worldview.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP; Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Mississippi State University
- Meridian, Mississippi
- 60 Credits
- Online + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in School Counseling
Modality: Online; Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $581 per credit; $34,860 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
Another on our list of cheapest online school counseling master’s programs is Mississippi State University, which offers both an M.S. and an M.S.Ed. in school counseling. The M.S. Ed. is only available to students who already have an M.S. in school counseling or related programs. Both programs educate students on the basics of counseling K-12 students in school settings, and the specialty degree focuses further on the development of counseling programs in school settings.
Key Highlights:
- Students must complete a comprehensive exam to complete the program prior to graduation.
Additional Considerations:
- Every semester, students receive a professional and academic evaluation to measure professional growth.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP; National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Truman State University
- Kirksville, Missouri
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Online M.A. in Counseling (School Counseling)
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Required for applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0.
Tuition: $584 per credit; $35,040 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
Truman State University’s online M.A. in school counseling costs under $600 per credit, keeping tuition lower for students looking for more affordable options. Along with the hands-on portion of the program through the school-based practicum and internship, students will engage in coursework in group therapy, counseling techniques specific to working with children and adolescents, human development, and addiction treatment, among others.
Key Highlights:
- The program puts heavy emphasis on developing skills and understanding of the counseling relationship; cultural awareness; counseling skill development; ethical and reflective practice; and wellness, prevention, and intervention.
Additional Considerations:
- Students must pass a comprehensive exam to graduate from the+ program.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Indiana Wesleyan University
- Marion, Indiana
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Master’s in School Counseling Online
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Required for applicants with a GPA lower than 3.25.
Tuition: $610 per credit; $36,600 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
While breaking the $600 per credit threshold, Indiana Wesleyan University’s online M.A. in school counseling cost remains among the cheapest online school counseling master’s programs that are accredited. All of the curriculum is delivered from a Christian worldview and includes courses designed to educate future Christian clinicians on integrating faith-based perspectives and concepts in the helping profession. Other coursework includes education in research, theory and practice of counseling, group counseling, human growth and development, and work with families and individuals, among others. Students can also choose to focus specifically on school counseling or school counseling and clinical mental health counseling.
Key Highlights:
- Christian worldview-integrated curriculum.
Additional Considerations:
- Up to 35 percent of program credits can be transferred in from accredited universities.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Malone University
- Canton, Ohio
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
Master’s Program in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Not specified.
Tuition: $615 per credit; $36,900 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
Students looking for an affordable online master’s in school counseling program based in Ohio might consider Malone University’s Master’s in School Counseling. What makes this program unique is that students can choose to complete the school counseling program or the clinical mental health counseling program or both. For the school counseling program, students complete 36 credits of core courses teaching the foundations of counseling, 15 credits in courses specific to school counseling, and 9 credits of clinical experience, which includes practicum and internship.
Key Highlights:
- Students can pursue a dual degree in both clinical mental health counseling and school counseling.
Additional Considerations:
- Faith-integrated curriculum.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Auburn University
- Auburn, Alabama
- 60 Credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Modality: Online; on-campus
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Not specified.
Tuition: $630 per credit; $37,800 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
This more affordable online master’s in school counseling from Auburn University accepts students on both a part-time and full-time basis. As one of three counseling related M.Ed. programs in the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling, the school counseling master’s offers students coursework in education research, counseling children and adolescents, career development and vocational appraisal, crisis intervention, and family systems as well as emphasizing practicum and internships in educational institutions.
Key Highlights:
- The degree leads to recommendation for Class A Alabama professional education certification.
Additional Considerations:
- Graduate assistantships and fellowships available.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP; CAEP
Thomas University
- Thomasville, Georgia
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Counseling (Specialization in Professional School Counseling)
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Not specified.
Tuition: $635 per credit; $38,100 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
Thomas University’s online M.S. in school counseling cost comes with a prioritization of personalization, according to the school’s website. With core curriculum courses maintaining a class size cap of 12 students per faculty, academic and theoretical education is meant to follow a mentorship model. Students in every specialization have set core classwork in foundational concepts like research, diagnosis, and counseling theory. Students in the school counseling specialization learn content specific to working with K-12 students and have practicum and internships in school settings.
Key Highlights:
- Maintains a chapter of the Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society. Thomas University’s chapter is Rho Chi Sigma.
Additional Considerations:
- Thomas University’s counseling graduates have a 100 percent employment rate, according to the website.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Indiana University, Indianapolis
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Not specified.
Tuition: $652.21 per credit; $39,132.60 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
Students in this online school counseling master’s program receive training asynchronously and synchronously in the 100 percent online classes, which include subjects like research, diagnosis, counseling in school settings, and other courses. The practicum and internships take place in academic settings with K-12 students, and two, in-person, weeklong residencies are required during the course of the program.
Key Highlights:
- 91 percent pass rate on the Indiana school counselor licensing exam for students graduating from the program.
Additional Considerations:
- 60 percent job placement rate of graduates.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Geneva College
- Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
- 60 Credits
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Program:
M.A. in Counseling (School Counseling Concentration)
Modality: Online; on-campus; hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Not required.
Tuition: $699 per credit; $41,940 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
Geneva College’s online M.A. in school counseling cost of $699 per credit hour keeps Geneva on our top 25 list of cheapest online school counseling master’s programs. Geneva partners with clinics, schools, and other institutions in Western Pennsylvania to help connect students with internship and practicum sites, but students are also able to work in schools and other education institutions throughout the country, depending on from where students are operating. For the school counseling specific courses, programming includes: ethics in school counseling; counseling children and adolescents; organization and management of school counseling programs; curriculum, learning, inclusion, and instruction for school counselors; and elementary and secondary school counseling internships.
Key Highlights:
- The program has a low residency requirement.
Additional Considerations:
- Courses delivered with Christian worldview integration.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Winthrop University
- Rock Hill, South Carolina
- 60 Credits
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. in Counseling and Development (School Counseling Concentration)
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Not required for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Tuition: $699 per credit; $41,940 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
Winthrop’s online M.E.d. In school counseling cost is the same as Geneva’s, putting it at the end of our affordable online master’s in school counseling list. Winthrop makes a point of keeping class sizes small for a more personalized learning experience. The school counseling concentration highlights foundational ethics in school counseling and school planning, consulting, and supervision. One unique factor of this program that is different from most on this list is that there is no one week on-campus residency required to complete the program.
Key Highlights:
- Operates with small class sizes and a cohort model to facilitate closer collaboration between peers.
Additional Considerations:
- Offered full-time and takes 3 years to complete.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Walden University
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- 90 Credits
- Online
Program:
M.S. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 90 credit hours
GRE Required: not required
Tuition: $535 per credit; $48,150 total tuition (not including additional fees)
Program Overview:
While the 90 credits needed to complete this program put it at the most expensive of our affordable online master’s in school counseling programs on this list, the $535 per credit cost puts this program into a more manageable category as far as keeping costs lower as you go through the required coursework goes. The school counseling M.A. features 8 possible specializations for students to choose from, including: Addiction Counseling; Crisis and Trauma; General Program; Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling; Military Families and Culture; Play Therapy; Rehabilitation Counseling; and Telehealth Counseling, Private Practice, and Supervision.
Key Highlights:
- Opportunity to get the Believe and Achieve Scholarship to help with costs.
Additional Considerations:
- Walden’s program emphasises practical application through field experience and virtual simulations.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Counseling Students
Even though this is the list of cheapest online school counseling master’s programs, students still need to finance their education. There are plenty of financial aid and scholarship options, and some specific to counseling graduate students.
Federal financial aid
The most obvious way to fund your graduate school education is federal financial aid. Under The One Big Beautiful Bill, the Graduate Plus Loan has been terminated and isn’t an option for students hoping to use it to fund their master’s degree. However, direct unsubsidized loans are still available. Students should make sure to complete their FAFSA by June 30 for every school year they will attend.
A few federal grants are also available, such as the Education Innovation and Research grant.
State grants
Specific states also offer grants for eligible students. Some grants are also available through school and state educational agencies, such as the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program.
Students can find information about state grants from state sites or by doing an online search engine search with keywords like “(your state) graduate school grants” or “master’s program grants for (your state).”
Scholarships and assistantships specific to counseling
On top of federal and state funding options, students have access to numerous privately funded scholarships and assistantships that are specifically catered to students pursuing degrees in clinical mental health counseling. It can be overwhelming to start thinking about where to look for such opportunities, but one resource is the U.S. Department of Labor’s Scholarship Finder. Here are a few counseling-specific scholarships available as an example of what’s out there:
- Lullelia W. Harrison Scholarship in Counseling
- TCA Outstanding Graduate Student Award
- OSCA Graduate Student Scholarship Program
Career Outlook for School Counselors
The career outlook for school counselors is a bright one, especially as the demand for mental health counseling continues to grow. The median national salary for school counselors was $65,140 per year in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a projected 4 percent growth in school counselor jobs by 2034, students pursuing school counseling can expect ample opportunity for career placement following their graduation from a school counseling master’s program.
The three top-paying states for school counselors, as of 2024, are:
- District of Columbia ($77,670 per year)
- California ($74,040 per year)
- New Jersey ($71,710 per year)
Tips for Choosing an Affordable Online School Counseling Program
As overwhelming as finding and choosing an affordable online school counseling program might be, here are a few things to focus on when searching:
- Accreditation (CACREP vs. regional): Check to see if the program you’re looking at is accredited by either CACREP or a regional accrediting agency. An accrediting agency for a school counseling program simply means the program has been examined and found to satisfy minimum requirements set forth by the state or accrediting agency. To make sure the program meets minimum standards and minimize the chance of your program needing further review, check to see if it is accredited by a local or national accrediting body.
- Tuition per credit vs. total program cost: When looking at the cost of the program you’re considering, compare the tuition per credit to the total program cost, which will vary depending on the number of credits and other fees not included in the tuition. While most school counseling master’s programs are 60 credits, some are more, so what looks like a cheap school based on per credit cost may actually not provide much of a savings.
- Internship/practicum placement support: Most school counseling programs require a practicum and internship, but not all provide support in choosing and securing a site when it comes time to get hands-on experience. Look for schools that highlight their network of placement sites and connections to local educational institutions or clinics.
- Licensure preparation and reciprocity across states: Schools that are nationally accredited by CACREP or similar accrediting bodies are a good place to start here, as a CACREP program automatically satisfies academic requirements for licensure for most states. However, also check to see if the program offers career planning, residency and job searching, exam prep, and other similar courses or services that help prepare students to pursue licensing past graduation.
FAQs About Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling
What’s the cheapest online master’s in school counseling?
Emporia State University in Kansas is the cheapest program on our list at $355 per credit, which comes to $21,300 total for tuition (minus applicable fees). University of the Cumberlands, Arkansas State University, and Augusta University are also among the cheapest in the country, though future counseling students should make sure their programs satisfy licensing requirements in the states where they hope to practice.
Can I get licensed with an affordable online program?
Yes, you can get licensed with an affordable online program. Plenty of affordable online master’s in school counseling programs are accredited by CACREP and satisfy most state requirements for licensure. Low cost doesn’t mean low quality.
Are there CACREP-accredited programs that are low cost?
Yes! In fact, all of the programs on our affordable online school counseling programs list are CACREP-accredited. There may be cheaper programs that are not accredited by CACREP.
How long does it take to complete an online school counseling master’s?
On average, it takes between two and three years to complete an online school counseling master’s degree, though it depends on the program itself, whether you are taking it on a full-time or part-time basis, and whether it is an accelerated program or a standard program.
Next Steps for Future School Counselors
- Research affordable CACREP-accredited programs. Our list is a great place to start!
- Apply early for financial aid. Remember that you will need to complete a FAFSA every year that you are in school. FAFSA are due by June 30 every year.
- Prepare for licensure requirements. Getting an education that satisfies licensure requirements is the first step, but don’t forget about collecting the required graduate degree clinical hours. You will also benefit from thinking about what state you will likely be practicing from and sites where you might like to pursue a post-graduate school residency.
External links to:
- CACREP program hub
- Scholarships for counseling students:
- Lullelia W. Harrison Scholarship in Counseling
- TCA Outstanding Graduate Student Award
- OSCA Graduate Student Scholarship Program
- AAMFT Graduate Student Research Award
- Catharine Wilder Guiles Scholarship
- Dunham Foundation Scholarship Fund in honor of Wendy Prussian Hirsch
- NAJA Scholarship
- Doris W. Frey Memorial Scholarship Fund
- SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program – Dissertation Award
- Scholarship Finder
- NBCC Foundation Scholarships and Fellowships