Master’s Programs in New Hampshire to Become a School Counselor
Anna Jankowski is a certified school counselor in Florida. She holds a Master of Arts in School Counseling from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Hunter College. She currently works in a Title I public elementary school in West Palm Beach.
QUICK FACTS
- Number of school counseling programs in New Hampshire: 3
- Number of CACREP-accredited programs: 1
- Number of online/hybrid programs: 2
- Number of programs not requiring GRE: 3
- Tuition cost range: $40,509-$50,400
- Average annual tuition: $43,831
State of School Counseling in New Hampshire
There are three school counseling master’s degree programs in New Hampshire. Two out of the three of these programs can be completed online or in a hybrid model. None of the school counseling master’s programs in New Hampshire require applicants to submit their GRE scores. One of these programs is currently CACREP-accredited.
Comparison Table: All Programs at a Glance
New Hampshire has three master’s-level school counseling programs, with tuition ranging from $40,509 to $50,400, and two out of three are available in an online format.
| School | Degree | Credits | Tuition | Modality | CACREP | GRE | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivier University | Master of Education | 57 | $40,584 | Online | No | No | Top-rated online school in the state |
| Antioch University | Master of Arts | 60 | $50,400 | Online | Pending Accreditation | No | Leads to eligibility for licensure in multiple states |
| Plymouth State University | Master of Science | 63 | $40,509 | In-person | Yes | No | Option to pursue dual-licensure |
As of 3/26/2026
Sources: All information is taken directly from each program’s website and its respective institution.
Rivier University
- Nashua, NH
- 57 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Education
City: Nashua, NH
Modality: Online
Length: 57 credit hours
Tuition: $712 per credit, $40,584 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Rolling admissions, next session begins May 11, 2026
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.rivier.edu/admissions/graduate/
Program Overview:
Rivier University offers an online curriculum designed to be completed in three years, with two years of coursework and a year-long 600-hour internship during the final year. Students complete the program online but must participate in two weekend intensive residencies during their plan of study.
Why We Like This Program:
- Rivier University has been rated the #1 school for online master’s programs in New Hampshire according to this article.
- The curriculum offers courses in topics like positive psychology and spirituality in counseling
- Course lengths vary from seven to fourteen weeks, allowing students to divide up their coursework according to their schedule.
Additional Considerations:
- The Rivier University course catalog states that students may be eligible for certification in all 50 states. However, this is in direct contradiction with the information on the school counseling program website. Applicants should be certain to clarify what eligibility they will have upon completion of this program.
Antioch University
- Keene, NH
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Keene, NH
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $840 per credit hour, $50,400 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: Pending accreditation
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: July 1st for the fall term start
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.antioch.edu/academics/counseling-therapy/ma-in-school-counseling/
Program Overview:
Antioch University is a multi-campus higher education institution with campuses in California, Ohio, and New Hampshire. Students can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis and will have to complete two week-long in-person residencies during this program.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students who complete Antioch University’s school counseling program will be eligible for licensure in many states. See the full list here.
- While this program is not CACREP-accredited, it is “CACREP-aligned and actively seeking accreditation.”
- Applicants of all professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Additional Considerations:
- The course catalog for this program is archived, so there is limited information about the curriculum that is readily accessible.
Plymouth State University
- Plymouth, NH
- 63 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: Plymouth, NH
Modality: In-person
Length: 63 credit hours
Tuition: $643 per credit hour, $40,509 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: August 1st for the fall term start
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.plymouth.edu/school-human-public-service/program/ms/counseling
Program Overview:
Plymouth State University offers a pathway to dual-licensure in a combined School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students in this program have the option to pursue multiple concentrations in addition to school counseling. They can choose to add a concentration in addiction treatment, eating disorders, marriage and family therapy, play therapy, and wellness leadership.
Why We Like This Program:
- Plymouth State University offers the only dual-licensure track in New Hampshire.
- While the total estimated tuition cost is on par with that of private universities, students may get more value from choosing an additional concentration in this program.
- Merit-based scholarships are available.
Additional Considerations:
- This program can take over three years to complete, which is a significant time investment.
What Is the Cheapest School Counseling Master’s Program in New Hampshire?
Plymouth State University and Rivier University are the most affordable options as of March 2026, with estimated tuition rates of $40,509 and $40,584, respectively.
What Is the Job Outlook for School Counselors in New Hampshire?
Based on multiple data points, there is a growing demand for school counselors in New Hampshire. The 2020 Census reported that the state’s population increased 4.6% between 2010 and 2020.
In the 2024-2025 school year, New Hampshire’s student-to-school counselor ratio was 186:1. Despite a growing state population, this ratio is even lower than the previous ratio of 191:1. Both ratios are significantly lower than the official recommendation (the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) recommends a student-to-school counselor ratio of 250:1). This indicates that New Hampshire invests in hiring school counselors to bolster their education system.
There are over 164,000 students in grades pre-K through 12 enrolled in New Hampshire public schools. There are 501 New Hampshire public schools spread across the state in 212 school districts. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 133,000 of these students are white, making them the largest racial group. Hispanic students account for approximately 7.6% of the student population, followed by Asian American students at approximately 3%. Black and African American students are approximately 2% of the student population in New Hampshire. The remaining 8% of students are of two or more races, American Indian/Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders.
FAQs
1. How much does a school counselor make in New Hampshire?
A school counselor in New Hampshire makes $72,660 per year on average as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. How long does it take to become a school counselor in New Hampshire?
It takes between two and three years to become a school counselor in New Hampshire. This is because earning a master’s degree in school counseling (including completing the necessary fieldwork) usually takes this amount of time. In many cases, those without a teaching certificate will need to complete additional coursework.
3. What are the best CACREP-accredited programs in New Hampshire?
Plymouth State University is the only CACREP-accredited school counseling master’s program in New Hampshire.
4. What is CACREP accreditation, and why does it matter?
CACREP stands for the “Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.” It is considered the gold standard for accreditation of school counseling programs. The education departments in certain states require a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program for professional licensure as a school counselor. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program gives school counselors more portability in the future. For more information, visit the official CACREP website.
5. Can I get a school counseling degree online in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can get a school counseling degree online in New Hampshire. Both Rivier University and Antioch University offer online school counseling master’s degree programs.
6. What is the cheapest school counseling program in New Hampshire?
Plymouth State University is the cheapest school counseling program in New Hampshire, with an estimated tuition cost of $40,509. Rivier University is also very affordable with a similar estimated tuition cost of $40,584.
7. Do I need GRE scores for school counseling programs in New Hampshire?
No, you do not need GRE scores for school counseling programs in New Hampshire. None of the programs require GRE scores for admission.
8. What is the student-to-school counselor ratio in New Hampshire?
The student-to-school counselor ratio in New Hampshire is 186:1, according to the most recent data from ASCA. This is significantly lower than the 250:1 recommended ratio, which suggests that New Hampshire prioritizes hiring school counselors.
9. How do I get certified as a school counselor in New Hampshire?
In order to become a certified school counselor in New Hampshire, applicants must pass a criminal background check. Applicants must also complete an approved degree program, either in New Hampshire or out of state. Candidates may also complete their required licensure work while employed through a Site-Based Licensing Plan. All licenses must be renewed every three years. For more information, visit the New Hampshire Department of Education site.
10. Is school counseling in demand in New Hampshire?
Yes, school counseling is in demand in New Hampshire. The job growth projection for school counseling in New Hampshire is 8%, according to Career One Stop. This is twice as fast as the job growth projection for school counselors nationwide, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
