Becoming a school counselor is a fulfilling job but needs individuals who care deeply about their work and students. If you’ve found yourself interested in impacting thousands of lives while being an educator then professional school counseling may be in your future. A school counselor helps students through some of their darkest times and helps uplift the community. To truly help improve students’ lives mentally, physically, and psychologically, school counselors need the best counselor education before they’re licensed.
Below we’ve compiled a list of the top ten most affordable universities to attend while achieving an online master’s in school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, counseling psychology, secondary school counseling, and more. No matter the school you choose, all of the best online school counseling programs listed below will prepare you to help individuals to the best of your abilities. You’ll be trained by real professionals with years of experience. Along with this training, each student will have the opportunity of participating in an internship to practice their new skills. You can feel confident graduating from one of these colleges will advance you in your future career.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online master’s in school counseling degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in November of 2022.
2023 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Master’s in School Counseling Degrees
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| #1 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | $8,109 |
| #2 | University of Louisiana-Monroe | $10,846 |
| #3 | Lamar University | $11,739 |
| #4 | Adams State University | $13,388 |
| #5 | University of the Cumberlands | $13,476 |
| #6 | Albany State University | $13,520 |
| #7 | Arkansas State University | $14,189 |
| #8 | West Texas A & M University | $15,033 |
| #9 | Southern Arkansas University | $15,321 |
| #10 | Capella University | $16,545 |
| #11 | University of Missouri | $16,559 |
| #12 | University of North Dakota | $16,966 |
| #13 | University of the Southwest | $17,336 |
| #14 | Salem College | $18,339 |
| #15 | Kansas State University | $18,433 |
| #16 | College of William and Mary | $19,593 |
| #17 | Campbellsville University | $19,819 |
| #18 | Missouri Baptist University | $21,782 |
| #19 | Prescott College | $22,082 |
| #20 | Southwestern Assemblies of God University | $23,976 |
| #21 | Lubbock Christian University | $25,823 |
| #22 | Concordia University-Irvine | $27,201 |
| #23 | Liberty University | $29,382 |
| #24 | Creighton University | $31,218 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Master’s in School Counseling Degrees
1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Average Net Price: $8,109
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Southeastern Oklahoma State University provides excellent teaching and diverse counseling programs. Graduating from SOSU will promote lifelong values and skills. Students become leaders who go on to contribute and serve in their communities. Individuals attending the university appreciate the welcoming environment and the faculty who encourage continuous learning.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a positive impact on students’ lives then earning an online master’s in school counseling at Southeastern Oklahoma State University is the place to start. In this counselor education program, you’ll examine child development, psychopathology, and social/cultural diversity issues in clinical mental health counseling. Students can graduate from this counseling program in as little as 12 months with experience.
2. University of Louisiana-Monroe
Average Net Price: $10,846
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is dedicated to its students’ success which is why they offer 96 majors to choose from and hire professors who are experts in their field. The university keeps a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 so each student gets valued time. Students come from around the world to attend ULM because of the advanced counseling programs and intriguing coursework.
An online master’s in school counseling from The University of Louisiana at Monroe will teach you the vital skills needed to uplift students’ lives. You’ll gain the necessary experiences as well as learning the important applications and psychology behind the career. A few of the courses you’ll take in this counseling program include advanced techniques and theories of counseling. This counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
3. Lamar University
Average Net Price: $11,739
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Lamar University is one of the fastest-growing universities in Texas, this is because of its exceptional community and high-quality educators. Pupils attending Lamar University go on to become diverse mission-driven individuals. The university is recognized for top-tier education, specifically their hands-on learning no matter what your major.
Attending Lamar University for an online master’s in school counseling would mean becoming skilled in topics such as clinical mental health counseling and positive youth development. Individuals in this counseling program not only get plenty of class time with real professionals in the field, but each student will participate in an internship to gain real-world experience. This higher education experience will help you stand out as you search for your professional counseling position.
4. Adams State University
Average Net Price: $13,388
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Located in beautiful Alamosa, Colorado, Adams State University is an institution where stories begin. The university fosters a sense of belonging all while providing a top-tier education for all students both online and in-person. Attending Adams State University will empower you as you positively contribute to your community and better yourself.
One of the most important aspects of becoming a school counselor is finding your professional identity. An online master’s in school counseling degree at Adams State University assists students in finding their unique traits. You’ll be trained in relational skills, interpersonal skills, and theoretical knowledge. Individuals will be ready to work in a diverse range of school environments such as performing school counseling online or being part of grade schools in elementary school counseling or secondary school counseling positions.
5. University of the Cumberlands
Average Net Price: $13,476
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of the Cumberlands is a non-profit institution that was established in 1913. It is a Christian university that provides affordable education to students from all walks of life. The University of the Cumberlands is an institution that strives to provide quality, affordable education for students of all backgrounds. It is built on Christian principles and a focus on service leadership. U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of the Cumberlands #62 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, along with this ranking Niche.com gave the university a grade rating of B- for its excellence.
The University of the Cumberlands Master in School Counseling program onlone is a graduate-level program that prepares students for careers in elementary school counseling, secondary school counseling, or even school psychologist. Students are taught how to conduct assessments, develop individualized education plans, design and implement an intervention plan, organize and implement a crisis management plan, provide support for children who have been abused or neglected, establish effective relationships with parents, teachers and other professionals. The University of the Cumberlands Master in School Counseling program will prepare graduates to work with children struggling with emotional difficulties such as anxiety disorders, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
6. Albany State University
Average Net Price: $13,520
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
At Albany State University students are finding their passions because of the broad array of programs and degrees to choose from. The university is dedicated to providing excellence in teaching, learning, as well as their community environment. Individuals attending Albany State University have the freedom to contribute to research, explore their creativity, and become leaders in their communities as they study school counseling online.
The counselor education program at Albany State University is prepared to train professional counselors to serve the nation. In this advanced program, students will learn the importance of mental health, social development, and educational achievement. Towards the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to practice their skills with real professionals in a setting of their choice.
7. Arkansas State University
Average Net Price: $14,189
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
With a mission to enrich lives, Arkansas State University is known for educating today’s leaders. Arkansas State University is the second-largest university in Arkansas with over 14,000 students and is recognized as a doctoral-level institution. Attending the university guarantees the opportunity to participate in world-class research-based on your interest areas. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Gaining an online master’s in school counseling at Arkansas State University is the first step in becoming an expert counselor. This school counseling online program focuses on a variety of different topics associated with childhood development and specializes in crisis and trauma. As professionals are teaching these courses, they’re aware of what’s most relevant and pressing for those you help.
8. West Texas A&M University
Average Net Price: $15,033
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Total Graduate Enrollment: 2,653
West Texas A&M University was founded in 1910 with a mission to become one of the best post-secondary schools in the nation. At West Texas A&M the faculty values teaching and above all else, your success through your journey. Not only will students benefit from one-on-one time with their professors, but they get to share insights to create and discover. You won’t find a school more dedicated to you.
An online master’s in school counseling degree at West Texas A&M University is all about becoming an advocate for the students you help. In an ever-changing world, it’s more important than ever for school counselors to understand what their students are going through. For this reason, individuals in this program will be educated on ethical, cultural, and social differences. Students graduating from this program go on to be leaders in this career field.
9. Southern Arkansas University
Average Net Price: $15,321
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
At Southern Arkansas University students can personalize their educational path to fit their needs. The university keeps an atmosphere that aids in the growth of its students. This is a university where creativity develops and productivity thrives amongst individuals at SAU. At Southern Arkansas University you’ll do more than achieve your goals, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the world.
Among some of the best online master’s programs at Southern Arkansas University, their master’s in school counseling program has become a favorite. This program teaches participants the critical skills needed to become knowledgeable and aware professionals. Southern Arkansas University follows guidelines from the Comprehensive Developmental Guidance Program so individuals can be properly trained in childhood development. As graduates near the end of their courses, they’ll partake in an internship of their choosing.
10. Capella University
Average Net Price: $16,545
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Capella University is a leading online university that offers online degrees, diplomas, and certificates. With over 50 years of experience in education, Capella University has established itself as one of the most reputable institutions in the world. Capella University is committed to ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for a fulfilling career and personal life. Capella University offers degrees and associate’s programs that can help you move forward, no matter where your work or life takes you.
If you’re passionate about improving the future of children, consider an online MS in School Counseling from Capella University. The curriculum is comprehensive and covers the knowledge and skills you need to offer effective career counseling services. Topics such as theories of counseling with children and adolescents, group counselors, how to counsel in preparation for college, and child/teen psychopathology. Students will also have access to all resources available at Capella University, including faculty members from a variety of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, education, counseling, and more.
