2024 Most Affordable Online Masters in School Counseling

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In the modern age of education, online degree programs have surged in popularity. Among these, the Master’s in School Counseling has gained notable attention for individuals looking to make a difference in the educational journey of students. These programs prepare individuals to support the academic, career, and personal development of K-12 students. While the allure of making a meaningful impact on students’ lives is undeniable, prospective students are often deterred by the cost of obtaining such a degree. Recognizing the importance of affordability without compromising on quality, we have curated a list of the most affordable online Master’s in School Counseling programs.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Methodology

To compile this list, we dove deep into accredited universities offering online programs tailored for aspiring school counselors. Our methodology focuses on:

  1. Tuition Costs: We primarily ranked the programs based on their per-credit-hour tuition rates, ensuring an affordable pathway to this commendable profession.
  2. Accreditation: Only programs that have received accreditation from recognized bodies have been considered. Accreditation ensures the program meets the necessary standards set for educational excellence.
  3. Course Structure and Flexibility: Recognizing that many pursuing this degree may be working professionals, programs that offer flexible schedules and asynchronous learning were given preference.
  4. Student Feedback and Reviews: We took into account the experiences and testimonials of former students to gauge the real-world applicability and effectiveness of these programs.
  5. Career Support: Institutions that offer robust career support services, including internship opportunities and placement assistance, received a higher ranking.

Our goal is to provide a list that weighs both quality and affordability, ensuring students can achieve their aspirations without the daunting burden of crippling student debt.

About Our Ranking

Understanding the factors behind our ranking is crucial for students, especially those on a budget, aiming to make an informed decision about their educational future. So, let’s dive deeper:

  • Why Focus on Affordability? Higher education often comes with a significant price tag. For many, this becomes a barrier, discouraging them from pursuing further studies. By concentrating on affordability, we aim to bridge this gap, ensuring more individuals can obtain the qualifications needed to make a difference in the world of school counseling.
  • Quality Doesn’t Mean Expensive: Often, there’s a misconception that affordability equates to subpar quality. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Many esteemed institutions have realized the importance of accessibility and have revamped their fee structures or offer grants and scholarships, making their top-tier programs more attainable.
  • The Rise of Online Education: Online education is not just a fad. It has proven its mettle, especially during challenging times when traditional classroom settings were untenable. Online Master’s programs, particularly in school counseling, offer an intersection of convenience, quality, and affordability.
  • Real-World Applicability: It’s not just about obtaining a degree; it’s about what you can do with it. The programs we’ve ranked have a proven track record of producing graduates who have made significant strides in the school counseling profession. Their course structures are not just theoretical but provide hands-on experience, preparing students for the challenges they’ll face in real school environments.
  • The Bigger Picture: While this list provides a guide to the most affordable online Master’s in School Counseling degrees, it’s essential for prospective students to delve deeper. Consider factors like course curriculum, faculty qualifications, and the overall reputation of the institution. Remember, an investment in education is an investment in your future.

Pursuing a Master’s in School Counseling is an endeavor filled with the promise of impacting young lives. As educators and counselors mold the minds and hearts of the next generation, the importance of being well-trained and well-informed cannot be understated. This list is a step towards ensuring that those who have the passion and drive can access the education they need without breaking the bank.

1

University of the Cumberlands

Graduate Tuition

$4,725

Location

Williamsburg, Kentucky

2

Arkansas State University

Graduate Tuition

$4,986

Location

Jonesboro, Arkansas

3

Campbellsville University

Graduate Tuition

$5,382

Location

Campbellsville, Kentucky

4

Albany State University

Graduate Tuition

$5,400

Location

Albany , Georgia

5

West Texas A & M University

Graduate Tuition

$5,667

Location

Canyon, Texas

6

University of Missouri

Graduate Tuition

$6,562

Location

Columbia, Missouri

7

Lamar University

Graduate Tuition

$6,600

Location

Beaumont, Texas

8

Touro University Nevada

Graduate Tuition

$7,020

Location

Henderson, Nevada

9

Southern Arkansas University

Graduate Tuition

$7,480

Location

Magnolia, Arkansas

10

University of Louisiana-Monroe

Graduate Tuition

$7,500

Location

Monroe, Louisiana

11

Liberty University

Graduate Tuition

$8,300

Location

Lynchburg, Virginia

12

Salem College

Graduate Tuition

$8,400

Location

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

13

Lubbock Christian University

Graduate Tuition

$8,424

Location

Lubbock, Texas

14

Kansas State University

Graduate Tuition

$8,613

Location

Manhattan, Kansas

15

Concordia University-Irvine

Graduate Tuition

$10,260

Location

Irvine, California

16

Creighton University

Graduate Tuition

$10,386

Location

Omaha, Nebraska

17

Prescott College

Graduate Tuition

$10,764

Location

Prescott, Arizona

18

Missouri Baptist University

Graduate Tuition

$10,829

Location

Creve Coeur, Missouri

19

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Graduate Tuition

$11,130

Location

Durant, Oklahoma

20

University of North Dakota

Graduate Tuition

$11,136

Location

Grand Forks, North Dakota

21

Adams State University

Graduate Tuition

$11,310

Location

Alamosa, Colorado

22

University of the Southwest

Graduate Tuition

$13,125

Location

Hobbs, New Mexico

23

College of William and Mary

Graduate Tuition

$13,300

Location

Williamsburg, Virginia

24

Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Graduate Tuition

$14,280

Location

Waxahachie, Texas

25

Capella University

Graduate Tuition

$14,610

Location

Minneapolis, Minnesota