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. For those looking for affordable school counseling programs, we analyzed the available CACREP-accredited programs nationwide and selected 25 online Master’s in School Counseling programs that have a cost per credit under $700.
Our Requirements For Including These Affordable Programs
- Must be CACREP-accredited
- The learning modality must be primarily online
- Tuition must be under $700 per credit
- Must not include exorbitant fees that would dramatically increase the total cost
- Must accept transfer credits (which helps to lower costs)
Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs
For most individuals looking for the most affordable path to acquiring a master’s in school counseling, the first place to look is in their own backyard. Accredited in-state public school programs are often the most affordable way for students to complete their master’s in school counseling, as in-state tuition tends to be substantially cheaper than pursuing a program from a different state. The following programs focus on providing affordable in-state tuition to their students.
Compare 25 Affordable Online School Counseling Programs (CACREP-Accredited)
We order the programs in this table from lowest to highest total tuition, and included only CACREP-accredited programs. All of these programs are 60 credits except Walden which is 90.
| School | State | Tuition / Credit | Est. Total Tuition |
| Emporia State University | KS | $355 | $21,300 |
| Fort Hays State University | KS | $360.29 | $21,617 |
| Evangel University | MO | $420 | $25,200 |
| University of West Alabama | AL | $429 | $25,740 |
| Western New Mexico University | NM | $437.58 | $26,255 |
| Northern State University | SD | $484.10 | $29,046 |
| Capella University | MN | $512 | $30,720 |
| Bluefield University | VA | $515 | $30,900 |
| Ohio University | OH | $515 | $30,900 |
| Adams State University | CO | $521.80 | $31,308 |
| Marshall University | WV | $534.75 | $32,085 |
| Pennsylvania Western University | PA | $545 | $32,700 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | LA | $550 | $33,000 |
| Kansas State University (Ed.S.) | KS | $570.43 | $34,226 |
| Liberty University | VA | $580 | $34,800 |
| Mississippi State University | MS | $581 | $34,860 |
| Truman State University | MO | $584 | $35,040 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | IN | $610 | $36,600 |
| Malone University | OH | $615 | $36,900 |
| Auburn University | AL | $630 | $37,800 |
| Thomas University | GA | $635 | $38,100 |
| Indiana University Indianapolis | IN | $652.21 | $39,133 |
| Geneva College | PA | $699 | $41,940 |
| Winthrop University | SC | $699 | $41,940 |
| Walden University (90 credits) | MN | $535 | $48,150 |
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:
Emporia State has been training school counselors since 1947 — longer than any other program in Kansas. The 60-credit MS in School Counseling is fully online with evening synchronous sessions built around working professionals’ schedules. You’ll complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, and the program leads to both Kansas PreK-12 school counselor licensure and LPC eligibility. Over 40% of practicing school counselors in Kansas hold ESU degrees, so if you’re based in the region, your professional network starts forming before you graduate.
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:
Fort Hays is one of only a handful of CACREP-accredited school counseling programs that runs entirely asynchronously — no scheduled class times at all. The 60-credit MS covers the full CACREP curriculum, and the university helps place you in practicum and internship sites near your home. At $360 per credit, it’s one of the most affordable options on this list, with an estimated total cost between $18,500 and $22,000. You’ll need to pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor exam before finishing.
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:
Evangel is a private Christian university in Springfield, Missouri, so expect the curriculum to weave in a faith-based perspective alongside the standard CACREP coursework. The 60-credit MS is fully online, and you can choose between a standard nine-semester track or an accelerated seven-semester option if you want to move faster. Class sizes are small, which means more face time with faculty. CACREP accreditation runs through October 2027, and graduates meet Missouri DESE requirements for state certification.
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:
UWA offers two paths depending on your background: an M.Ed. if you already have teaching certification and at least one year of classroom experience, or an M.S. in Guidance and Counseling if you’re coming from outside education. Both are 48 credits — lower than most programs on this list — which helps keep the total cost down. The program is mostly online but does include a required residential component on UWA’s campus for hands-on clinical skills work. Expect synchronous class sessions in late afternoons and evenings, Central Time.
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:
Western New Mexico’s 60-credit MA in Counseling lets you specialize in school counseling as one of four available strands (the others are mental health, substance abuse, and rehabilitation). The three-year program is fully online, though some courses have scheduled synchronous video sessions. You’re responsible for finding your own practicum and internship placements, so being proactive about local connections matters here. Graduates meet New Mexico’s requirements for elementary, middle, and secondary school counselor licensure.
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:
Northern State’s 60-credit MS uses a HyFlex model, with about 75% synchronous online classes and 25% asynchronous work. Starting in Fall 2026, the program adds two required in-person residency sessions to align with updated CACREP standards: one before practicum and one during internship. The program follows a two-year-plus-two-summers structure and is built around ASCA national standards. It’s a good fit if you want regular real-time interaction with faculty and classmates without relocating to South Dakota.
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:
Capella’s MS in School Counseling runs on quarter credits rather than semesters, so the 90-credit total is roughly equivalent to 60 semester credits elsewhere. What sets it apart is the specialization options: you can focus on general school counseling, child and adolescent counseling, or addiction treatment and recovery. The coursework is online, but you’ll attend two embedded in-person residencies during the program. At $512 per credit over 90 credits, the total runs higher than most programs here — do the math carefully and factor in the quarter system before comparing costs.
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:
Bluefield runs a hybrid MA in Counseling with a school counseling specialization. You’ll attend synchronous online classes plus three face-to-face intensive seminars per semester on campus in Virginia. The program offers full-time, half-time, and part-time cohort options, which is useful if you need flexibility in pacing. Bluefield is a Yellow Ribbon school, so veterans and military-connected students may have additional tuition benefits. The 60-credit program leads to Virginia DOE licensure and LPC eligibility.
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:
Ohio University’s 60-credit M.Ed. in School Counseling is 100% online with no campus visits required. The program mixes asynchronous and synchronous coursework over seven semesters and has been ranked among top school counseling programs by U.S. News. You’ll complete the standard 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, and graduates are eligible for both the Ohio Pupil Services license and the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential. At $515 per credit, total tuition comes to about $30,900.
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:
Adams State runs a cohort-based 60-credit MA in Counseling with a school counseling emphasis. The program is mostly online but includes two one-week campus intensives in Alamosa, Colorado — plan for travel if you’re out of state. You can start in either fall or spring, with the fall cohort finishing in five semesters and the spring cohort in seven. The coursework is identical to what on-campus students get, and graduates meet Colorado K-12 school counselor licensure requirements.
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:
Marshall’s 60-credit MA is built for working professionals. It’s fully online with no mandatory campus visits, and classes run in the evenings with live synchronous sessions. The program has rolling admissions for fall, spring, and summer starts, so you’re not locked into a single application window. You’ll need to pass the Praxis II exam before enrolling in your internship. Graduates qualify for West Virginia school counselor licensure and LPC eligibility.
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:
PennWest’s 60-credit MS in Counseling with a school counseling concentration is fully online and asynchronous, so you set your own schedule each week. The program has more than 30 elective courses, which gives you room to tailor the degree toward your interests. U.S. News ranked it among the top 10 best deals in online school counseling master’s programs. There’s also a 12-credit post-master’s certificate if you want to add a specialization later.
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:
ULM’s 60-credit MS is fully online with no residency requirement and no out-of-state tuition surcharge, which makes the sticker price the same whether you’re in Louisiana or across the country. The program takes about two years full-time and offers over 30 elective courses. You’ll complete your practicum in one semester and internship over two semesters, with placements in public schools, private schools, charter schools, or virtual schools. Applications have a priority deadline of November 15.
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:
Kansas State is the only program on this list that awards an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree rather than a master’s. The 60-credit program is fully online with no mandatory campus components, and it leads to dual licensure in Kansas — both school counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. The Ed.S. credential can carry salary benefits in some districts that pay more for advanced degrees beyond the master’s level. You don’t need a master’s to apply; the program is designed as an entry-level credential.
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’s 60-credit M.Ed. in School Counseling is online through Canvas but includes a hybrid clinical component. You’ll spend three full semesters on practicum and internships with weekly class meetings. The curriculum reflects Liberty’s Christian educational mission, so expect that framing throughout. CACREP and CAEP accredited, with a minimum 2.7 GPA requirement for admission. You’ll take the Praxis II before graduating. It’s a solid option if faith integration matters to you and you don’t mind the clinical schedule commitment.
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:
Mississippi State’s 60-credit MS uses a hybrid delivery model that mixes face-to-face, live online, and asynchronous classes. The curriculum integrates both the ASCA National Model and the Mississippi Counseling Model, so it’s built with state-specific requirements in mind. Admissions are limited to summer and fall starts, and you’ll need a 3.0 GPA on your last 60 undergraduate hours. Graduates are eligible for Mississippi school counselor licensure.
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 caps its online MA cohorts at 24 students — one of the smallest class sizes on this list. The 60-credit program is fully online with no additional online fees beyond the per-credit rate. Faculty are licensed counselors who actively practice, which keeps the coursework grounded in current field realities. If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, you’ll need to submit GRE scores. The cohort model means you move through the program with the same group, which can make the online experience feel less isolated.
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:
Indiana Wesleyan’s 60-credit MA in Counseling with a school counseling concentration is fully online and designed around a 2-3 year timeline depending on your course load. Like Evangel and Liberty, IWU integrates Christian principles into the curriculum — in this case with a servant-leadership focus. Skill-building starts in your first semester rather than waiting for the clinical phase, and you’ll complete on-site practicums and community-based internships. Rolling admissions means you can apply on your own schedule.
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:
Malone’s M.A.Ed. in School Counseling is 48 credits — tied with West Alabama for the fewest on this list, which translates to lower total tuition. The program is fully online and specifically geared toward Ohio licensure. You’ll take the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE 040) exam as part of your credentialing. The curriculum splits into 27 credits of foundational courses, 12 credits of school counseling core, and 9 credits of clinical experience. If you’re targeting Ohio schools specifically, the state-focused preparation is a plus.
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:
Auburn’s 60-credit M.Ed. in School Counseling is available in both on-campus and online formats. The program has a social justice and advocacy emphasis woven through the curriculum, and practicums and internships are placed to match your career goals — urban, suburban, or rural settings. You’ll need to pass both the Praxis II subject assessment and a comprehensive graduation exam. Clinical requirements follow the standard CACREP model: 100-hour practicum plus 600-hour internship.
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 60-credit MS in Counseling is fully online and carries a faculty-to-student ratio capped at 1:12, which means more individual attention than you’d get at larger programs. All courses are taught by doctoral-level faculty. The program offers four specialization tracks, and graduates pursuing school counseling in Georgia will need to pass the GACE certification exam. Thomas has received a $1.9 million HRSA grant supporting the counseling program, and fieldwork can be completed in your local area.
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:
IU Indianapolis offers a 60-credit M.S.Ed. in School Counseling that’s mostly online but includes required in-person residencies each year for community building and group skills practice. The program has a 91% pass rate on the Indiana School Counselor Licensure Exam, which is a useful indicator of how well graduates are prepared. Clinical hours follow the CACREP standard: 100-hour practicum plus 600-hour internship, with weekly group seminars and individual supervision built in. CACREP accreditation runs through March 2030.
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’s 60-credit MA in Counseling is fully online except for a required five-day residency each August on the Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania campus. The program is built from a Christian college perspective and leads to Pennsylvania DOE certification for elementary and secondary school counseling. One detail worth noting: Geneva splits the 600-hour internship into separate elementary and secondary placements (300 hours each), so you’ll gain experience across both levels rather than concentrating in one.
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 60-credit M.Ed. in Counseling and Development is fully online and can be completed in about two years. The program prepares you for LPC, NCE, and NCMHCE licensing exams in addition to school counselor certification, which gives you more career flexibility after graduation. You’ll complete two semesters of practicum and two semesters of internship, totaling 700 clinical hours. There’s also an option to pursue a dual school counseling and clinical mental health pathway if you want both credentials.
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:
Walden’s MS in School Counseling runs on quarter credits — 90 total, which is roughly equivalent to 60 semester credits. At $690 per quarter credit, total tuition is the highest on this list, so weigh that against the specialization options: general school counseling, play therapy, and trauma and crisis counseling among them. The program includes virtual simulations alongside traditional field placements, and there’s a four-day residential requirement (available virtually or in person). An accelerated track lets you take three courses per quarter if you want to finish faster.
Key Highlights:
- Opportunity to get the Believe and Achieve Scholarship to help with costs.
Additional Considerations:
- Walden’s program emphasizes practical application through field experience and virtual simulations.
Accreditation:
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission
- Program-Specific: CACREP
Tuition vs Salary: A Debt-to-Salary & Projected Break-Even Comparison by School
To paint a clearer picture of program ROI, we’ve provided the following table which shows a projected break even and debt-to-salary for each school counseling program based on the national medial salary for school counselors. Factors that we were not able to include in this were additional program fees, living fees, and any interest if loans are taken out.
| School | Est. Total Tuition | Debt-to-Salary Ratio | Months of Pre-Tax Salary |
| Emporia State University | $21,300 | 32.70% | 3.9 months |
| Fort Hays State University | $21,617 | 33.20% | 4.0 months |
| Evangel University | $25,200 | 38.70% | 4.6 months |
| University of West Alabama | $25,740 | 39.50% | 4.7 months |
| Western New Mexico University | $26,255 | 40.30% | 4.8 months |
| Northern State University | $29,046 | 44.60% | 5.4 months |
| Capella University | $30,720 | 47.20% | 5.7 months |
| Bluefield University | $30,900 | 47.40% | 5.7 months |
| Ohio University | $30,900 | 47.40% | 5.7 months |
| Adams State University | $31,308 | 48.10% | 5.8 months |
| Marshall University | $32,085 | 49.30% | 5.9 months |
| Pennsylvania Western University | $32,700 | 50.20% | 6.0 months |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | $33,000 | 50.70% | 6.1 months |
| Kansas State University (Ed.S.) | $34,226 | 52.50% | 6.3 months |
| Liberty University | $34,800 | 53.40% | 6.4 months |
| Mississippi State University | $34,860 | 53.50% | 6.4 months |
| Truman State University | $35,040 | 53.80% | 6.5 months |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | $36,600 | 56.20% | 6.7 months |
| Malone University | $36,900 | 56.60% | 6.8 months |
| Auburn University | $37,800 | 58.00% | 7.0 months |
| Thomas University | $38,100 | 58.50% | 7.0 months |
| Indiana University Indianapolis | $39,133 | 60.10% | 7.2 months |
| Geneva College | $41,940 | 64.40% | 7.7 months |
| Winthrop University | $41,940 | 64.40% | 7.7 months |
| Walden University (90 credits) | $48,150 | 73.90% | 8.9 months |
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: