Top 14 Best Online School Counseling Programs No GRE Under $60,000

Thanks to online school counseling programs no GRE, the path for aspiring school counselors is both affordable and convenient!

A school counselor serves one of the most important roles in a young person’s life. These highly trained and educated professionals help students develop academic and social skills that are critical to lifelong success. They help students with behavioral challenges, provide school, work, and life advice, and guide students to the best possible future.

Becoming a school counselor, however, is a challenge. It requires a master’s degree, a level of education that has some of the most rigorous enrollment standards in all of academia. One of the traditional enrollment requirements is the Graduate Record Exam, often referred to as the “GRE” or “GRE test.”

What is the GRE?

The GRE is a time-consuming, challenging exam. It takes nearly four hours to complete, and the test is structured in four sections (one un-scored), including analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.

The test is a significant hurdle when students enroll in a master’s degree. Fortunately, many programs do not require this burdensome test. We’ve created a list of 14 excellent master’s programs in school counseling that do not require a GRE. Five of these programs are the cheapest school counseling masters online programs with no GRE, while ten are the top programs in this niche, regardless of price.

We’ll take a close look at these degrees. But first, let’s understand the admission process for non-GRE programs.

Article Navigation: Applying to a Masters in School Counseling Online | Benefits of Online School Counseling Programs with No GRE | Top 5 Cheapest Online School Counseling Programs without the GRE | 9 Best Online School Counseling Programs No GRE | Steps to Apply for Online School Counseling Programs with No GRE | Will School Counseling Masters Online without the GRE Affect Your Career? | Career Outlook for School Counselors | Learn More About Online School Counseling Programs No GRE

Applying to a Master’s in School Counseling Online

The admission process for a non-GRE master’s degree is similar to a traditional (GRE included) program. You’ll need a bachelor’s with strong grades, and you must submit documents like letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

Although these online school counseling masters programs do not require a GRE score, some will require a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score for students who come from countries where English is not the primary language. You may also need an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. So while there is no GRE requirement, you may need to complete smaller tests if English is not your main language.

Benefits of Online School Counseling Programs with No GRE

The benefit of these school counseling graduate programs online is clear: you don’t need to take the GRE. This means you don’t have to study for weeks to prepare for the exam, and you don’t have to sit for the allotted three hours and 45 minutes to complete the test.

This makes the entire application process faster and more convenient, allowing you to seamlessly transition into a school counseling program.

You’ll see other benefits from these master's in school counseling online programs as well, including a reduced cost. As we’ll discuss below, many programs are priced below $20,000, including one program that costs less than $12,000. According to the Education Data Initiative, a master’s degree in education (all specializations) “typically costs $59,840.” If you choose a program for even $30,000, you’ve saved $29,840 compared to the typical price.

It’s important to remember that online programs with no GRE requirement deliver high-quality degrees respected in the job market. These degrees hold accreditation and will qualify graduates for required licensing and certifications, although this will depend on the school and the state.

Top 5 Cheapest Online School Counseling Programs without the GRE

You can find many school counseling programs that deliver world-class educations. Here are the five cheapest online school counseling programs that do not require GRE scores.

1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

   Degree: Master of Education in School Counseling
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $11,760
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

   This master’s of education is one of the most affordable masters in school counseling online with no GRE. It builds on a teacher or educator’s classroom experience. Overall, it provides the theories and strategies required for effective counseling and career advising.

   Classes in this school counselor masters online program include:

   – “Assessment in Counseling,”
   – “Developmental School Counseling,”
   – and “Social and Cultural Diversity Issues in Counseling.”

   Southeastern Oklahoma State University has created a comprehensive online school that offers a variety of accredited degrees. They offer multiple start dates and have many programs that are 100% online. With some of the best pricing in the entire online education industry, this is a popular option for working students, parents, and anyone who needs a convenient, affordable degree.

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   Master of Education in School Counseling

    

2. University of the Cumberlands

   Degree: Master of Arts in Education / School Counseling
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $315 per credit x 45 credits ($14,175)
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

   If you want to enrich the lives of students but need an affordable price on your school counseling masters online, this program from the University of the Cumberlands is a great choice. This 45-hour program benefits licensed educators. It helps them advance their careers in a convenient online format accessed without a GRE score.

   The school counseling specialization for this program consists of 45 credit hours, which include classes like “Issues and Trends in Special Education,” “Counseling Theories & Techniques,” and “Counseling aspects of Grief and Loss.” This is a larger program; the other specializations are only 30 credit hours.

   The University of the Cumberlands is based out of Williamsburg, Kentucky. They offer affordable online and in-person programs, and have a mission to support each and every student.

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   Master of Arts in Education / School Counseling

    

3. Chadron State College

   Degree: Master of Arts in Education / School Counseling
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $392 per credit x 39 credits ($15,288)
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

   Offering flexible enrollment with three entry points throughout the year, this MA in education with a focus on school counseling is perfect for working teachers. First, the online masters degree in school counseling is affordable. It also provides convenient learning, so teachers can move from teaching to counseling. A teaching degree or certificate, however, is not required for this fully online program.

   This online masters in school counseling includes 39 credit hours. Students can select from two options: one for current teachers with a valid teaching certificate, the other is for students without an undergrad degree in education.

   While Chadron State has institutional accreditation, this program specifically holds CAEP accreditation. CAEP is an important organization in education preparation.

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   Master of Arts in Education / School Counseling

    

4. Campbellsville University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Education / School Counseling P-12
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $319 per credit x 48 credits ($15,312)
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

   In this degree, students explore advanced counseling theories and strategies. Subsequently, they graduate with the knowledge and skill to guide students to the best possible outcomes. This online program helps graduates meet the diverse needs of 21st-century students. The curriculum is rooted in Christian ethics and values, and includes counseling practices for both students and their families.

   Classes cover a variety of counseling issues, but students must also complete three internships that provide real-world experience in school counseling. Two of these internships consist of 100 hours of clinical fieldwork.

   Located in Campbellsville, Kentucky, this institute provides certificates, associate, bachelor, and graduate degrees in a myriad of subjects. The school’s education degrees have approval from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB).

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   Master of Arts in Education / School Counseling P-12

    

5. Fort Hays State University

   Degree: Master of Science in Counseling / School Counseling
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $319.45 per credit x 60 credits ($19,167)
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

   This MS in school counseling online prepares graduates to uplift young students and their schools. It teaches professionals to help students plan their future careers and develop the academic and social skills that are vital to long term success.

   This program requires three years of online attendance. Students are exposed to theories in counseling and the typical issues that arise during a young person’s life. Classes in this affordable online school counseling masters program include “Counseling Skills Development,” “Theories of Counseling,” and “Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling.” Before graduation, students must also complete three hours of practicum and six hours of an internship.

   The program benefits students with teaching licenses in Kansas. However, the degree can be adapted to meet the needs of all qualified applicants.

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   Master of Science in Counseling / School Counseling

    

9 Best Online School Counseling Programs No GRE

When you are looking for a high-quality online master’s degree in school counseling, consider one of these excellent programs.

1. Prescott College

   Degree: Master of Education in School Counseling
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $598 per credit x 36 credits ($21,528)
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

   Consisting of 36 credit hours, this program from Prescott College in Arizona trains future school counselors who are equipped to work in Pre-K through 12th-grade settings. When students complete this program, they can qualify for an Institutional Recommendation for Arizona Standard School Counselor, PreK-12 certification.

   Classes in this program focus on school counseling and education. Courses include “Human Growth and Development,” “Group Dynamics Processing and Counseling,” and “Social and Ecological Perspectives.”

   Prescott College has created a large selection of online courses, including this Master of Education program. They are dedicated to creating a passionate community of change-driven professionals. These ethics are woven into all of their academic programs.

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   Master of Education in School Counseling

    

2. Creighton University

   Degree: Master of Science in School Counseling
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $626 per credit x 36 credits ($22,536)
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

   Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska is one of the most prestigious schools in the Midwest. They offer a variety of online graduate programs, including this Master of Science in School Counseling. This program prepares students for a counseling career within the school system. Students learn about child and adolescent development and establish skills that help young people cope with challenges and obstacles.

   Throughout this online masters in school counseling, students learn about counseling and academic guidance. They complete classes like “Issues in Child and Adolescent Development for School Counselors” and “Issues in Elementary School Counseling.” There is also an “Internship in Secondary School Counseling” and a master’s thesis.

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   Master of Science in School Counseling

3. Liberty University

   Degree: MEd in School Counseling
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $565 per credit x 60 credits ($33,900)
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

   With a flexible delivery method combined with elite-level instruction, this is one of the best online master’s in school counseling programs you can find. The program consists of counseling and education-based classes. For example, “Career Development and Counseling,” “Multicultural Counseling,” and “Foundations of Education and School Counseling.”

   To graduate from this advanced counseling program, students must complete 60 total credit hours, although 50% of the credit hours may transfer with approval. After graduation, students are eligible for Virginia licenses.

   Liberty has become a popular online institution. They offer a broad scope of online programs at various academic levels, and all degrees are taught through convenient, flexible formats.

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   MEd in School Counseling

    

4. Grand Canyon University

   Degree: MEd in School Counseling
   Tuition: $590 per credit x 60 credits ($35,400)
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

   If you have a bachelor’s degree (in any field) and want to pursue a career in school counseling, this is a top-quality option. As one of the best school counseling programs online, this degree creates a strong knowledge of child development and counseling methods. Most notably, this program does not require that you work as a teacher before enrolling in the program. With no GRE requirement, this creates seamless access for many aspiring school counselors.

   Courses in this program include counseling for groups and individuals. It encompasses subjects like childhood trauma, college counseling, and legal considerations. When combined, these subjects create a well-rounded graduate who can immediately contribute to elementary and secondary schools.

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   MEd in School Counseling

    

5. Rivier University

   Degree: MEd in School Counseling
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $664 per credit x 57 credits ($37,848)
   Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

   Learn to create emotional growth and academic development with this online degree from Rivier University in Nashua, New Hampshire. The program helps students gain specialized training in counseling methods, so they can help students facing numerous challenges. Graduates can qualify for school counseling licensure in all 50 states.

   Coursework throughout this program includes a wide range of counseling-related subjects. Students learn to conduct group counseling sessions while learning about issues such as human interaction, counseling techniques, and cultural foundations.

   Rivier University was founded as a four-year Catholic institution in 1933. They continue to deliver education programs that encompass the mind, body, and spirit. These principles are part of their online programs.

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   MEd in School Counseling

    

6. Walden University

   Degree: Master of Science in School Counseling
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $505 per credit x 90 credits ($45,450)
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

   If you want to become a school counselor, this MS in school counseling online is one of the top online programs. You’ll learn to create evidence-based counseling plans, develop professional skills for school counseling, and evaluate student needs within school settings. Consider this program if you are interested in concentrations from addiction counseling, crisis and trauma, military families and culture, or marriage, couple, and family counseling. There are even several online accelerated school counseling programs available at Walden University.

   Courses look at a broad range of counseling topics that encompass numerous issues. Classes include “Theories in Counseling,” “Lifespan Development,” and “Child and Adolescent Counseling.”

   This program holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation demonstrates the high-quality education that students receive when they enroll in this school counseling masters online program.

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   Master of Science in School Counseling

    

7. Sacred Heart University

   Degree: Master of Arts in School Counseling
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $800 per credit x 60 credits ($48,000)
   Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

   This is a 60-credit program that incorporates online classroom learning with real-world experience. It prepares highly competent and effective school counselors for rewarding careers. The program is approved by both CACREP and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).

   This program takes a whole-person approach to counseling. It’s designed to focus on the integrity, respect, and care of all students, and they have developed an online learning platform that creates broader outreach to learners of all ages. Courses in this elite program include research methods and evaluation, as well as career counseling techniques.

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   Master of Arts in School Counseling

    

8. University of North Dakota

   Degree: Master of Arts in Counseling / K-12 School Counseling
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $800 per credit x 60 credits ($48,000)
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

   When you graduate from this program, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to engage in crisis prevention, risk assessment, and safety planning for youth and students. The K-12 School Counseling emphasis creates graduates who can encourage and engage school-aged children, helping them deal with social and emotional issues while excelling in school and life.

   Coursework is designed around the social and emotional wellbeing of students. You learn how to use empirical data to address issues in schools and create strong futures for as many children as possible. Courses in this non-GRE program include fascinating subjects like group theory, career counseling, and lifespan development.

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   Master of Arts in Counseling / K-12 School Counseling

    

9. Our Lady of the Lake University

   Degree: MA in Counseling: School Counseling Specialization
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $981 per credit x 60 credits ($58,860)
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

   This high-quality program from Our Lady of the Lake University can be completed in three and a half years. It encompasses 60 credit hours that transform students into school counseling experts. This program takes a hands-on approach to learning but delivers education in a 100%-online format. There are no on-campus requirements, but local internships and practicums provide real-world experience.

   Courses in this program include “Counseling Theories,” “Human Development Across the Lifespan,” “Ethical Issues in Counseling,” and “Clinical Diagnostics.” There is also a research class, which examines counseling-related research techniques and methods.

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   MA in Counseling / School Counseling

    

Steps to Apply for Online School Counseling Programs with No GRE

The process for applying to a school counseling program is fairly simple. While each school is different, the process will start by filling out an official application, which you can usually complete through the school’s website.

Once you have completed an application, you’ll need to submit all appropriate documents, which will likely include:

• Official transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose
• Teaching certificate (if required as part of the admission process)

Related Article: Top Online School Counseling Programs - 15 Master's Under $21,000

Will School Counseling Master’s Online without the GRE Affect Your Career?

No. The GRE is a test used for academic admissions, not professional placement. Online school counseling programs no GRE, therefore, do not limit your career options.

Most non-GRE school counselor programs will qualify graduates for licensing, and employers are rarely concerned with how you enrolled in a master’s program. They are more concerned that you have completed an accredited degree, enhanced your knowledge, and gained the necessary skills to help students and improve schools. You can reach these milestones with a non-GRE program.

Related Article: How to Become a School Counselor

Career Outlook for School Counselors

After graduating with a master's degree in school counseling online, you are ready for a rewarding career in education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school counselors have a median salary of $60,140. While these caring professionals are motivated by more than money, the top 10% earn over $98,530 a year.

The career is also stable. The BLS expects the overall job market to increase by 3% between 2022 and 2032. Education and career counselor jobs should grow by 5%, while the roles of “counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists” are expected to grow by 9%.

Learn More About Online School Counseling Programs No GRE

A school counselor masters online with no GRE provides a faster route to a world-class education. Visit GetEducated.com to learn more about these degrees and find out how you can become a school counselor!