School counselors are increasingly seen as an indispensable part of student life in modern-day schools, and the field is now more accessible than ever, with a growing number of Master’s in school counseling programs available online. Online educational programs have become a staple for many degree programs across the country, especially since the COVID-19 era. We have examined 30 online programs that offer affordability, accelerated programs, no-GRE requirements, or CACREP accreditation.
- Online CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs: 279
- Average Time to Complete: 2.6 years
- Tuition Range: $20,000–$40,000
- Top Program Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Top Program Licensure Pass Rate: 93%
Our list of top online school counseling programs had us assessing multiple factors as we considered which to include here. We looked at multiple factors, but the ones that held the most weight included cost, accreditation, overall length, and the quality of the faculty leading and teaching the programs.
Cost
The tuition for a school counseling master’s degree can vary per year depending on the school. In-person programs tend to cost between $11,554 and $20,000 per year. Online school counseling programs tend to be more affordable, with the average tuition per year coming to $12,000 or lower. For the programs we’ve included on this list, we’ve tried to keep as close to this average as possible, though other benefits in a given program might have made us make some allowances for a higher cost for some inclusions on this list.
Accreditation
For a given state to approve someone’s license as a mental health therapist, the candidate’s education and academic background (the master’s degree) need to meet minimum requirements. Accreditation is a beneficial part of that process. The primary accrediting agency for school counseling programs is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP’s standards already meet the requirements set out by most states, so a program that has been CACREP-accredited is already assumed to meet minimum standards. So, while you can go through the process of auditing a program’s academic program to make sure it fits your state’s licensing requirements, it’s often simpler to look for the CACREP accreditation label. For that reason, the programs on this list have been accredited by either CACREP or a similar agency.
Length
Online school counseling programs average between 2 and 3 years to complete, but this depends on the program, a student’s enrollment status as full or part time, and whether or not the student is participating in an accelerated program. We prioritized programs that average being completed in 2 or 3 years to stay within the average.
Faculty
While student-faculty ratio was a big consideration, with smaller class sizes being weighed more heavily, we also looked for faculty members who are both teaching and involved in their academic life while also either continuing their work as licensed clinicians or who have an extensive background working with clients. Faculty research was also a major factor that was considered.
Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs
Walden University
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- 90 credits
- Online
Program:
M.S. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 90 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $535 per credit, which comes to around $48,150 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
This online school counseling M.A. is number 1 on our list because of its relative affordability and its 8 specializations that students can 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. These specializations put this on our list of best online school counseling programs because no other school counseling programs on this list offer this variety of specializations for their school counseling programs. Personalization is key to what makes this program stand out, but affordability is another consideration.
Key Highlights:
- Students have the option to pursue the Believe and Achieve Scholarship offered by Walden.
Additional Considerations:
- Walden’s program offers more practical application opportunities through both field experience and virtual simulations.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Northern State University
- Aberdeen, South Dakota
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.S.Ed. in Counseling, School Counseling Pathway
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $484.10 per credit, which comes to around $29,046.10 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
Northern State’s program uses a unique distance model that puts it at number 2 on our list. This school counseling grad program, offered online, comes from Aberdeen, South Dakota. The program is completely online and uses a model it calls HyFlex, mixing asynchronous and synchronous coursework. Students complete 42 credits in foundational courses, including assessment and diagnosis, ethics, and group and family counseling. They also complete an additional 6 credits in courses specific to school counseling, including introduction to school counseling and design and implementation of school counseling programs. The remaining credits are in the practicum and internships required to complete the program and earn hands-on learning and application of program theory to clients.
Key Highlights:
- Uses the HyFlex model to deliver its courses.
Additional Considerations:
- Curriculum is designed to meet standards set by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
Accreditation:
- Institutional: The Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Bluefield University
- Bluefield, Virginia
- 60 credits
- Online + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling – School Counseling Concentration
Modality: Online & Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: no
Tuition: $515 per credit, which comes to $30,900 total for tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
Our number 3 spot goes to this program because of its encouragement toward personal and professional growth and opportunities to network and learn from guest speakers. While most of this online M.A. in School Counseling is done synchronously via virtual learning, it includes intensive, in-person seminars that students must complete to complete the program successfully. Students are encouraged to stretch their personal growth through advocacy projects and research, which is incorporated into the program. On top of the 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, students’ online coursework is supplemented by guest speakers who are invited to share their experience and perspective.
Key Highlights:
- Operates on the cohort model, in which students go through the program with a core group of fellow students.
Additional Considerations:
- Military members and first responders get special discounts, as the school is a Yellow Ribbon School.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP, CAEP, and the Virginia Department of Education
William & Mary
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. in Counseling – School Counseling Concentration
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: no
Tuition: $825 per credit, which comes to $49,500 total for tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
Despite being a bit on the pricier side, the William and Mary makes our best online master’s in school counseling programs list in the top 5 for its strong online program offerings and reputation for academic excellence. The school counseling concentration is a specialization in the online master’s in clinical mental health counseling program, which gives students a foundation in counseling through its core requirements and teaches students the specific interventions and issues relevant to working as a counselor in K-12 academic settings. Students in the school counseling specialization are also expected to complete their practicum and internships at locations specific to their concentration, aka private or public K-12 schools and academic institutions.
Key Highlights:
- Students are required to complete two 3-day on-campus residential experiences.
Additional Considerations:
- The school reports that graduates of the program have a 100 percent pass rate on both the NCE and NCHMCE licensing exams.
Accreditation:
- Program-Specific: CACREP
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission; School of Education is accredited by CAEP.
East Carolina University, College of Education
- Greenville, North Carolina
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Counselor Education- School Counseling Concentration; College Counseling Concentration
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: no
Tuition: Between $28,608 and $42,414 total tuition, as of October 2025.
Program Overview:
This program is unique because the core Counselor Education master’s program has both a school counseling and a student affairs and college counseling specialization characteristics that place it in the top 5 programs on our list. The core 45 credits are focused on general mental health counseling, including coursework in group counseling, individual therapy techniques, foundations of counseling, and others. Students who choose either the school counseling or college counseling track will also have coursework in career development and planning, working in K-12 settings, and other topics related to either issues specific to a college student demographic or a traditional K-12 setting. The internship and practicum also reflect the specific track chosen, with college counseling students pursuing internships at institutions of higher education and school counseling students gaining their hands-on experience at K-12 schools.
Key Highlights:
- Has both a school counseling and student affairs and college counseling concentration.
Additional Considerations:
- Students admitted after Fall 2026 are required to attend two on-campus residencies as part of successful completion of the program.
Accreditation:
- Program-Specific: CACREP
- Institutional: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Evangel University
- Springfield, Missouri
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.S. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: no
Tuition: $420 per credit hour, which comes to around $25,200 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
In our number 6 spot, this online master’s in school counseling program mixes affordability with an online education that qualifies students for eventual licensure as an LPC in Missouri, though it satisfies requirements in other states as well, especially because of the CACREP accreditation. The program puts a heavy focus on training students in both the fundamentals of counseling and working with students, but also on the design and implementation of school counseling programs at private and public schools.
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, Florida
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.S./Ed.S. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: no
Tuition: Between $444.26 and $1,138.80 per credit hour, depending on in-state or out-of-state status.
Program Overview:
One thing we like about this online school counseling masters from Florida State University that earns it our number 7 spot is that, as well as training students in designing and implementing school counseling programs, program attendees are educated in working with K-12 students in academic success strategies, college and career readiness, social and emotional development, as well as practicing and understanding working with families and communities and analyzing data to best serve the needs of students. Students can expect coursework in areas like group counseling, lifespan and development, college and career readiness, psychosocial and multicultural counseling, and crisis intervention.
Key Highlights:
- Florida State and the program itself prioritize mentorship of program students from experienced faculty.
Additional Considerations:
- Students must successfully pass the Specialist in Education Comprehensive Exam to complete the program.
Accreditation:
- Program-Specific: CACREP
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Geneva College
- Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
- 60 credits
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Program:
M.A. in Counseling, Professional School Counseling Concentration
Modality: Online; on-campus; hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: no
Tuition: Between $699 per credit hour, which comes to about $41,940, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
The graduate degree in school counseling at Geneva College is a concentration of their foundational counseling program, along with two other concentrations (marriage and family counseling and clinical mental health counseling). Students learn the foundations of counseling as well as gain experience and understanding working as a counselor in private and public school settings, all from a Christian worldview. The mix of faith-based options and commitment to placing students in appropriate practicum sites lands this program in the number 8 spot. Geneva’s program takes between two and four years to complete, and each concentration has at least 17 courses, along with some specific to the specialization and practicum/internships in placements related to the concentration. The school counseling program requires students to work in a K-12 academic setting in their internships.
Key Highlights:
- This program is low-residency, requiring students to be on campus twice during the program for in-person residencies.
Additional Considerations:
- Geneva College’s programs and courses are taught from a Christian worldview.
Accreditation:
- Program-Specific: CACREP
- Institutional: Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and the International Association for Christian Education (IACE).
Grand Canyon University
- Phoenix, Arizona
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Not for students with a GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Tuition: $615 per credit, or $9,800 per 12-18 credits.
Program Overview:
Students in this online school counseling master’s program can expect coursework heavily emphasizing work with K-12 students, but they also gain knowledge in applying data to find solutions and implement programming in schools to help with students’ emotional, academic, and personal growth and well-being, putting the program in our top 10. Students of the program also learn to identify other factors outside of the K-12 academic setting that impact children, adolescents, and teens to help facilitate holistic care. Life-span development, group counseling, counseling for college and career, and child and adolescent trauma are only a few required courses offered on top of the practicum and internship.
Key Highlights:
- The program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Education. Additionally, the program curriculum is modeled after the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model.
Additional Considerations:
- Students in online grad programs may be eligible for at least $3,340 off their tuition.
Accreditation:
- Program-Specific: CACREP
- Institutional: The Higher Learning Commission; Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU)
- Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.S. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $784 per credit, which comes to about $47,040 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
Advocacy is a major focus in this online school counseling grad program from GMercyU that earns it our number 10 spot. A major part of the curriculum is training students on both the basics of working in counseling at K-12 academic institutions, while also teaching students how to identify needs beyond the therapy session. The program’s goal is for students to have a better understanding of inside and outside classroom needs for K-12 students as they help children, adolescents, and teens and their families connect to resources and encourage and implement strategies for students to develop academically and emotionally. The program takes 2.5 years to complete, including a clinical internship and practicum.
Key Highlights:
- Students complete one on-campus residency during the program.
Additional Considerations:
- A 10 percent tuition grant is offered to students with an undergraduate degree from GMercyU.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: The Higher Learning Commission
- 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: No
Tuition: Between $349.27 and $830.82 per credit, depending on in-state or out-of-state status, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
What makes Indiana University, Indianapolis’ online graduate degree in school counseling stand out and come in at number 11 on our list is its urban focus. While the program prepares its participants to work in K-12 settings in urban, suburban, and rural areas, its emphasis is on urban and the unique challenges that come with working in schools in these settings. Classes incorporate both synchronous and asynchronous coursework, and the residency and internship/practicum experiences are the only in-person requirements for this program.
Key Highlights:
- Students complete two short on-campus residencies during their time in the program.
Additional Considerations:
- The program boasts a 60 percent job placement rate for graduates of the program actively seeking employment. The program website also states a 91 percent pass rate for program graduates on the Indiana school counseling licensure exam.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: The Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Indiana Wesleyan University
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $610 per credit, which comes to around $36,600 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
Number 12 on our list offers a combined master’s that we like. Students entering this online master’s in school counseling program have the opportunity to pursue either the school counseling (SC) master’s or the combined SC and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) degree. The SC degree gives students a more in-depth understanding of school counseling, while the SC/CMHC degree mixes knowledge and work with K-12 school counseling with a more generalized approach. The program takes 24 to 36 months to complete on average.
Key Highlights:
- Students can choose either the school counseling master’s degree or do a combined school counseling and clinical mental health counseling graduate degree, which can lead to licensure as both a school counselor and a clinical mental health counselor.
Additional Considerations:
- Coursework is offered from a Christian perspective.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: The Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Malone University
- Canton, Ohio
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $750 per credit, which comes to around $45,000 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
We put Malone University’s Master of Arts in School Counseling on our list at 13 for its commitment to a holistic approach. This program is also ideal for students looking for another Christian online school counseling grad program. The faith-based program takes a holistic approach to its training in work with K-12 students in public and private academic settings. Consultation and advocacy, program development and coordination, lifespan development, multicultural counseling, and school counseling and special education are among the courses offered alongside the experiential practicum and internships.
Key Highlights:
- The dual program option allows students to pursue both school counseling and clinical mental health counseling.
Additional Considerations:
- Coursework is taught from a Biblical worldview.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: The Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Marshall University
- South Charleston, West Virginia
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A. in Counseling, emphasis in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Not specified
Tuition: $534.75 per credit, which comes to around $32,085 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
Flexibility of programming puts Marshall University’s online grad program in school counseling at number 14 on our list. It takes between two and three years to complete, depending on the student’s pace. The program is designed to be flexible, with self-paced and live online classes offered to suit different student needs. Regardless of the synchronous or asynchronous nature of the program, students in the school counseling emphasis will take additional courses specific to counseling in the K-12 setting, including current practices in school counseling, counseling child and adolescent parents, and legal and ethical issues in counseling. They will also pursue practicum and internship placements at private or public K-12 academic institutions.
Key Highlights:
- Students both inside and outside the program have access to the certificate program called Violence, Loss, and Trauma (VoLT) Counseling.
Additional Considerations:
- Students can choose either the clinical mental health counseling specialization or the school counseling specialization.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: The Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Messiah University
- Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $800 per credit, which comes to around $48,000 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
At number 15 on our list, the Master of Arts in School Counseling is actually a track of the counseling M.A. This online school counseling program is designed to prepare students to work with elementary and secondary school students, according to the website. While taking courses in lifespan development, implementation and creation of counseling programs in schools, and other courses, students can complete the program at their own pace by utilizing Messiah’s two, three, or four-year course sequences.
Key Highlights:
- Faith-based curriculum.
Additional Considerations:
- The program takes on average two years to complete.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education
- Program-Specific: CACREP
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, North Carolina
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Yes
Tuition: Between $299.23 and $1,038.57 per credit hour, depending on in-state or out-of-state status.
Program Overview:
North Carolina State University’s online master of Arts in School Counseling program puts practicality at the core of its coursework, which is what convinced us to put this masters program in our number 16 spot. The program meets the standards of the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) in its training of future school counselors. Students complete at least 700 hours of internship and practicum in a K-12 academic setting and also gain academic insight and training in classes like psychosocial development, counseling students with special needs, assessment, consultation, vocational theory and career development, and multicultural and gender issues.
Key Highlights:
- SR Education Group ranked the program’s programming in the top online colleges in 2019.
Additional Considerations:
- A member of the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP).
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Council of Higher Education Accreditation
- Program-Specific: CACREP
North Carolina State University
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. in Counselor Education, School Counseling Concentration
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $568.33 per credit, which comes to around $34,099.80 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
Another North Carolina online school counseling program comes from North Carolina State University, and we put them at number 17 for its commitment to diversity both in the populations served and in the students they seek to attract.. Students complete the program on a part-time basis, generally taking one class at a time and taking courses all year round and through the summer to complete the program in three years. Additionally, students are expected to complete their practicum and internship at K-12 schools in North Carolina. North Carolina State University takes its multicultural commitment seriously and states that they have prioritized bringing in “culturally different students,” increasing its percentage of students from different cultural backgrounds from 5 percent to 20 percent.
Key Highlights:
- The program operates on the cohort model, meaning students go through the program with a group of the same peers.
Additional Considerations:
- Integrates the School-College-Community Collaboration Model philosophy into its curriculum.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Auburn University
- Auburn, Alabama
- 60 credits
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
Modality: Online, In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $630 per credit, which comes to $37,800 total for tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
Another master’s degree in school counseling offered online comes from Auburn University. Target practicum and internship experiences supplement the coursework, providing background in measurement and assessment, lifespan development, and crisis management, among others. Students can complete the online or on-campus program on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Key Highlights:
- Coursework emphasizes work in both the public and private school environments.
Additional Considerations:
- Students who successfully complete this degree are recommended for Class A Alabama professional educator certification.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP; Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparedness (CAEP)
Ohio University
- Athens, Ohio
- 60 credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Modality: Online; on-campus
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Yes, for students with a GPA below 2.9. Students with GPAs of 2.9 and higher do not need to submit GRE scores.
Tuition: $515 per credit, which comes to around $30,900 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
We love a program that doesn’t require a specific bachelor’s to qualify, and that emphasis on coming as you are puts this program at number 19. The online M.Ed. in School Counseling from Ohio University is actually a concentration of the Master’s in Education Counselor Education program, which has students take courses that teach the foundations of counseling, such as group counseling, counseling over the lifespan, theory and practice of counseling, and others. The school counseling coursework includes professional school counseling and counseling children and adolescents. The program is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in any field, so students do not need a background in psychology to take part.
Key Highlights:
- The program prioritizes students being advised by expert faculty experienced in the field of school counseling and counseling as a whole.
Additional Considerations:
- Students work with the Department of Counseling and Higher Education to find a placement for the required 600-hour internship.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: The Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Pennsylvania Western University
- Edinboro, Pennsylvania
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Counseling, School Counseling Concentration
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $9,810 per year, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
We put this program at number 20 because of its mix of flexibility and specialization options. This online counseling program offers a concentration in school counseling that offers flexibility and both a theoretical and hands-on education in the basics of counseling and specific knowledge areas related to counseling in a K-12 educational environment. Students in the online school counseling concentration take courses in adolescent and child development, school counseling methods, and education philosophy. They also get an understanding of how to develop a school counseling program and how to put that plan into practice in the school setting while also working with students, faculty, and parents to help children and adolescents thrive.
Key Highlights:
- Students learn from faculty experienced in counseling and research.
Additional Considerations:
- Along with the school counseling concentration, students can choose to specialize in art therapy and clinical mental health counseling.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- 60 credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
M.A. in School Counseling
Modality: Online; on-campus
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Not specified
Tuition: $730 per credit, which comes to around $43,800 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
At number 21 on the list, Regent’s online Christian school counseling program offers theoretical and practical training in school counseling from a faith perspective. Classes in Christian counseling, group counseling, assessment, and research are built upon coursework specific to school counseling and work with adolescents, teens, and children. Advocacy is a major focus of the program, and students are trained and mentored on best practices for helping connect K-12 children, teens, and adolescents with resources in their communities and connect with caregivers.
Key Highlights:
- Students are required to complete a multi-day on-campus residency.
Additional Considerations:
- Ranked in UniversityHQ’s list of top 25 Best Master’s Programs in Virginia in 2025.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Seattle University
- Seattle, Washington
- 60 credits
- Online + In-Person
Program:
M.A.Ed. in School Counseling
Modality: Online; in-person
Length: 90 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $757 per credit, which comes to around $68,130 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
A heavy emphasis on multiculturalism and anti-racism drives this online school counseling program from Seattle University and puts it on our list’s number 22 spot. Students take courses in counseling basics as well as school counseling-specific coursework to prepare them to work in public and private K-12 academic settings. Students who complete the program are eligible for a residency-level Educational Staff Associate Certification in K-12 settings in public and private schools, which is the precursor to becoming licensed as a school counselor in Washington, according to the website.
Key Highlights:
- Students complete two four-day residencies during the program.
Additional Considerations:
- Students in the program have earned national fellowships from the National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCF) with awards up to $20,000.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- Program-Specific: CACREP
St. Bonaventure University
- St. Bonaventure, New York
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $825 per credit, which comes to around $49,400 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
The mentorship model of this program lands it at our number 23 spot. St. Bonaventure offers an online graduate program in school counseling that is for both those who are in the counseling field already and for those who have no experience or background in the field of mental health counseling. With coursework emphasizing successful counseling of P-12 populations in public and private academic environments, the program encourages students to seek out mentorship with faculty and to tailor the program to fit their needs, interests, and backgrounds. Coursework is supplemented by the required practicum and internships, and students have the opportunity to seek career development through St. Bonaventure’s online career center.
Key Highlights:
- Students can choose to pursue an Advanced Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling along with their master’s.
Additional Considerations:
- The program boasts a 100 percent pass rate of graduates on the certification examination necessary to become a licensed school counselor.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Truman State University
- Kirksville, Missouri
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A. in Counseling: School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $584 per credit, which comes to around $35,040 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
Number 24 goes to Truman State’s online counseling degree, which has a school counseling degree pathway that narrows the counseling focus to working with K-12 students in various settings. The courses and internships are designed to train students to work with children, adolescents, and teens as they work through academic and career choices and challenges; balance social pressures and development; and manage relationships with parents, teachers, and peers. The program also prepares participants to help students and families gain access to community resources and understand life changes throughout the K-12 years of students’ lives.
Key Highlights:
- All faculty of the program are licensed counselors who have experience in the field of mental health counseling.
Additional Considerations:
- The program is approached from a research-based cohort model, putting students in groups of peers with whom they complete the online program.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: The Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
University of Denver
- Denver, Colorado
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,437 per credit, which comes to around $86,220 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
University of Denver’s online M.A. in School Counseling offers a quicker program for full-time students, with program completion possible in as few as 22 months, though part-time options are available. The streamlined option and quicker finish time put this program in our number 25 spot. While it is one of the quicker programs on the list, this online master’s doesn’t skimp on the academic and hands-on training, prioritizing self-reflection, skills building, and real-world experience. Even though it’s online, students are given opportunities to practice their counseling skills with peers in mock counseling sessions.
Key Highlights:
- No in-person requirements or residencies needed to successfully complete the program.
Additional Considerations:
- Optional on-campus immersion experiences are offered to students who want in-person interaction and experiential opportunities.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: The Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Winthrop University
- Rock Hill, South Carolina
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. in Counseling and Development: School Counseling Specialization
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $699 per credit, which comes to around $41,940 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
South Carolina’s Winthrop University offers a Counseling and Development online grad program with a specialization in school counseling that makes number 26. The 700 hours of required practicum and internship hours supplement the coursework in areas like ethical and foundational issues in school counseling and school planning, consultation, and supervision. These classes are designed to prepare program participants to work with students from preschool through 12th grade as they navigate relationships with family, friends, and teachers and deal with change and stress in their development.
Key Highlights:
- The cohort model puts students in small classes and has students go through the program with familiar faces to help foster a relational experience despite the online format.
Additional Considerations:
- Students are required to complete one of two scheduled on-campus residencies to complete the program. Residencies are two consecutive days that go from Friday to Saturday.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Council for Higher Education Accreditation
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Walsh University
- North Canton, Ohio
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A. in Counseling and Human Development: School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: Not for students with GPAs of 2.75 and higher.
Tuition: $745 per credit, which comes to around $44,700 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
We like that this program puts a light on work with at-risk youth and crisis counseling, which makes it number 27 on our list. This fully remote school counseling grad degree prioritizes both effective work counseling P-12 students and focused work with at-risk youth, crisis counseling, and being a bridge between families and community resources. No on-campus residencies are required in this program, making it truly online, and students have the flexibility to choose from five start dates throughout the year to begin their academic journey.
Key Highlights:
- The department offers help and support to students in finding their clinical placement sites for the practicum and internship using its network and resources.
Additional Considerations:
- Faculty offer one-on-one guidance and instruction through a Catholic perspective.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A. in Counseling: School Counseling Concentration
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $102,000 total tuition.
Program Overview:
At number 28 on our list, Wake Forest University offers an M.A. in Counseling with a concentration in school counseling which uses the internship, practicum, courses, and peer/faculty collaboration to build competence in the following areas: human growth and development; social and cultural foundations; helping relationships; group work; career and lifestyle development; appraisal and assessment; research; program evaluation; and professional orientation. The program prides itself on preparing graduates for life after degree completion, particularly in its high pass rate on national counseling certification exams.
Key Highlights:
- Wake Forest offers students help in finding their professional placements for the practicum and internship using its large network of clinical, therapeutic, and K-12 academic settings.
Additional Considerations:
- It takes 36 months to complete the program.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Adams State University
- Alamosa, Colorado
- 60 credits
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Modality: Online, In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: no
Tuition: $521.80 per credit, which comes to $31,308 total for tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
A solid program that comes in at number 29 on our list. This online school counseling grad program offers students an education that prepares them to work with K-12 students in traditional school settings, as well as craft and implement school counseling programs in the academic settings where they are placed. This online school counseling master’s program offers a unique opportunity for students hoping to seek licensure in Colorado, as graduation from the school counseling specialization means students have met one out of three requirements needed to become a Colorado Special Services Provider: School Counselor.
Key Highlights:
- Requires students to attend two one-week-long in-person labs on campus during the program.
Additional Considerations:
- Adams State University has a chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the International Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission; The Colorado Department of Education
- Program-Specific: CACREP
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, Alabama
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $429 per credit, which comes to around $25,740 total tuition, not including additional fees.
Program Overview:
Affordability puts this program at number 30 on the list. This online M.Ed. in school counseling is among the most affordable on this list, which is a big contributor to why it makes our list of top online school counseling grad programs. Courses include techniques in counseling, crisis intervention, and multicultural counseling, and it takes three years to finish the 60-credit program. This online school counseling program is designed for either current educators who want to further their education (these kinds of students need a teaching certification with two years of teaching experience) or educators who want to become school counselors.
Key Highlights:
- This program requires students to complete an on-campus residency to graduate.
Additional Considerations:
- The school’s UWA Mentor Collective program pairs students with an alumnus of the university who mentors the student throughout their academic journey.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Counseling Students
Even though many of the programs on this list of top online school counseling master’s programs are affordable, students still need to find ways to finance their education. There are plenty of financial aid and scholarship options, and some are 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 a Top Online School Counseling Program
As overwhelming as finding and choosing an online school counseling program might be, here are a few things to focus on when searching:
1. Choose an accredited program
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 minimizes the chance of your program needing further review, check to see if it is accredited by a local or national accrediting body.
2. Don’t just pay attention to the cost per credit
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.
3. Ask if the school offers internship 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.
4. Look beyond the degree
Don’t forget, the grad degree is only the first step toward getting licensed as a school counselor. It’s important to consider how the program can help set you up for success beyond graduation. 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 Top Online Master’s in School Counseling
What makes a good online master’s in school counseling?
In considering what programs to put on our list of top online school counseling programs, we looked at a few different factors, including cost, accreditation, additional resources offered to students, and the overall quality of the course offerings and learning opportunities. While all of the programs on this list satisfy most state requirements for school counselor licensure, they all offer different strengths. For example, some of the programs on our best online master’s in school counseling list are more expensive than others, but we included them because their other features make up for the higher cost, like additional resources or more flexibility.
Can I get licensed with an online school counseling program?
Yes, you can get licensed with an online program. Plenty of online master’s in school counseling programs are accredited by CACREP and satisfy most state requirements for licensure. More and more programs are offering online options for students, and the fact that it’s online doesn’t change the quality of the degree.
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 top 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 is 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
Median salary for school counselor: $65,140 in 2024 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Licensure: To become licensed as a school counselor, applicants need to complete a graduate degree in school counseling in order to gain experience with the student population. Some states don’t specifically require a school counseling degree and will accept a traditional counseling master’s. Make sure you check the requirements of your state. After finishing the graduate degree, license-hopefuls should gain post-graduation supervised residency hours under an approved mental health therapist supervisor. They also need to pass their state’s licensing exam.