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Minnesota School Counseling Degree Programs

AKA: Minnesota School Counseling Degree Programs

Minnesota School Counseling Degree Programs Ranked and Sorted
School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: September 30th, 2026

Department of Education Seal

Data Source:

Dept. of Education - 2026

School Counselor Certification has analyzed data from 7 schools who offer degree programs in the field of school counseling. Jump to schools.

While school counselors in Minnesota average $82,428 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025) and salaries are projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, you may feel any school will do. However, assessing your options is always worthwhile.

Filter Minnesota’s schools offering programs in school/guidance counseling by type of university and rank by institution statistics such as tuition, admission rate, graduation rate and SAT scores.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a School Counseling Program in Minnesota

When selecting a school counseling program in Minnesota, consider these key factors:

  1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This guarantees the program meets high standards for professional preparation.
  2. Curriculum and Specialization: Evaluate the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your career goals. Some programs may offer specializations in areas like school counseling, mental health counseling, or college counseling.
  3. Field Placement Opportunities: Look for programs that provide ample field placement opportunities in K-12 schools. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing practical skills and building professional networks.
  4. Faculty Expertise: Research the faculty’s qualifications and experience. Experienced faculty members can offer valuable guidance and mentorship throughout your program.
  5. Student Support Services: Consider the availability of student support services, such as academic advising, career counseling, and financial aid assistance.
  6. Program Outcomes: Investigate the program’s success rate in terms of student placement in counseling positions and licensure exam pass rates.
  7. Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition costs and available financial aid options to determine the best fit for your budget.
  8. Program Location: Consider your preferences for location, whether you prefer a large city, a smaller town, or an online program.
  9. Program Philosophy and Approach: Research the program’s philosophy and approach to counseling. This can help you determine if it aligns with your own values and beliefs.
  10. Networking Opportunities: Consider the program’s opportunities for networking with other students, faculty, and professionals in the field. This can be valuable for building your career.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a school counseling program in Minnesota that best meets your educational and career goals.

Schools Listed

School Counseling Universities/Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato, MN 1st for In-State Tuition $9,572 IN-STATE TUITION $18,942 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree
  • Doctoral Degree
  • Graduate/Professional Certificate

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$42,646
Doctoral Degree
Not enough data
Graduate/Professional Certificate
Not enough data

Program fields may include:

  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
  • College Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other.
Institution Specifics/Quality

Type of Institution

Public

Total Enrollment

11,703

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

54.68%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,572

Out-of-State Tuition:

$18,942

Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):

$19,139

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

88.44%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Saint Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud, MN 2nd for In-State Tuition $10,245 IN-STATE TUITION $10,245 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree
  • Graduate/Professional Certificate

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$41,652
Graduate/Professional Certificate
Not enough data

Program fields may include:

  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
  • College Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other.
Institution Specifics/Quality

Type of Institution

Public

Total Enrollment

5,088

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

44.95%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$10,245

Out-of-State Tuition:

$10,245

Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):

$13,529

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

94.8%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead, MN 3rd for In-State Tuition $10,428 IN-STATE TUITION $10,428 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree
  • Graduate/Professional Certificate

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$41,403
Graduate/Professional Certificate
Not enough data

Program fields may include:

  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
  • College Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other.
Institution Specifics/Quality

Type of Institution

Public

Total Enrollment

3,072

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

57.31%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$10,428

Out-of-State Tuition:

$10,428

Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):

$17,997

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

58.76%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

545

Average SAT Math Score:

565

Winona State UniversityWinona, MN 4th for In-State Tuition $10,576 IN-STATE TUITION $17,308 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree
  • Non-Credential Program (Preparatory Coursework/Teacher Certification)

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
Not enough data
Non-Credential Program (Preparatory Coursework/Teacher Certification)
Not enough data

Program fields may include:

  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
  • College Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other.
Institution Specifics/Quality

Type of Institution

Public

Total Enrollment

5,144

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

60.41%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$10,576

Out-of-State Tuition:

$17,308

Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):

$17,503

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

75.49%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

550

Average SAT Math Score:

575

Walden UniversityMinneapolis, MN 5th for In-State Tuition $12,762 IN-STATE TUITION $12,762 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree
  • Doctoral Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$39,489
Doctoral Degree
Not enough data

Program fields may include:

  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
  • College Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other.
Institution Specifics/Quality

Type of Institution

Private for-profit

Total Enrollment

9,136

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

Not enough data

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$12,762

Out-of-State Tuition:

$12,762

Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):

$33,817

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

Not enough data

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Capella UniversityMinneapolis, MN 6th for In-State Tuition $14,400 IN-STATE TUITION $14,400 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree
  • Doctoral Degree
  • First Professional Degree
  • Graduate/Professional Certificate

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
Not enough data
Doctoral Degree
$54,490
First Professional Degree
$44,692
Graduate/Professional Certificate
Not enough data

Program fields may include:

  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
  • College Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other.
Institution Specifics/Quality

Type of Institution

Private for-profit

Total Enrollment

18,364

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

0%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$14,400

Out-of-State Tuition:

$14,400

Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):

$17,956

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

Not enough data

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Hamline UniversitySaint Paul, MN 7th for In-State Tuition $50,004 IN-STATE TUITION $50,004 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Graduate/Professional Certificate

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Graduate/Professional Certificate
Not enough data

Program fields may include:

  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
  • College Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other.
Institution Specifics/Quality

Type of Institution

Private nonprofit

Total Enrollment

1,776

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

70.15%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$50,004

Out-of-State Tuition:

$50,004

Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):

$20,744

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

87.63%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

640

Average SAT Math Score:

585

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