Arkansas School Counseling Degree Programs

AKA: Arkansas School Counseling Degree Programs

Arkansas 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 9 schools who offer degree programs in the field of school counseling. Jump to schools.

While school counselors in Arkansas average $70,842 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025) and salaries are projected to to grow 10.8% from 2024 to 2034, you may feel any school will do. However, assessing your options is always worthwhile.

Filter Arkansas’ 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 Arkansas

When selecting a school counseling program in Arkansas, consider the following aspects:

  1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP). This accreditation signifies that the program meets high standards of quality and prepares graduates for licensure.
  2. Program Focus: Determine if the program aligns with your career goals. Some programs may specialize in specific areas like elementary, middle, or high school counseling, while others may offer a more generalist approach.
  3. Field Experiences: Look for programs that provide ample opportunities for practical experience through internships and practicums. This hands-on training will equip you with the skills needed to excel in the field.
  4. Faculty Expertise: Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty. A program with experienced and knowledgeable professors can significantly enhance your learning experience.
  5. Coursework: Review the curriculum to ensure it covers the core competencies required for school counseling, such as counseling theory, group counseling, career counseling, and crisis intervention.
  6. Licensure Preparation: Verify that the program prepares you for the Arkansas state licensure exam. This is essential for obtaining a school counseling license and working in the field.
  7. Student Support Services: Consider the availability of resources like academic advising, tutoring, and counseling services for students. These can be valuable in navigating the program and addressing personal challenges.
  8. Program Outcomes: Explore the program’s success rate in placing graduates in school counseling positions. This can provide insights into the program’s effectiveness and reputation.
  9. Cost and Financial Aid: Consider the tuition costs and financial aid options available. Compare the costs of different programs to make an informed decision.
  10. Location and Campus Culture: If attending a traditional program, consider the location and campus culture. Factors like proximity to schools, the size of the campus, and the overall atmosphere can influence your experience.
Schools Listed

School Counseling Universities/Colleges in Arkansas

Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro, AR 1st for In-State Tuition $8,090 IN-STATE TUITION $14,522 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
$42,722
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

9,110

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

53.21%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$8,090

Out-of-State Tuition:

$14,522

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

$12,366

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

82.26%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

550

Average SAT Math Score:

565

Henderson State UniversityArkadelphia, AR 2nd for In-State Tuition $8,244 IN-STATE TUITION $10,620 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's 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

Public

Total Enrollment

1,456

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

40.7%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$8,244

Out-of-State Tuition:

$10,620

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

$23,405

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

Not enough data

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

527

Average SAT Math Score:

538

Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville, AR 3rd for In-State Tuition $8,674 IN-STATE TUITION $14,668 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
$36,415
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

5,388

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

44.63%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$8,674

Out-of-State Tuition:

$14,668

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

$12,970

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

95.89%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock, AR 4th for In-State Tuition $9,748 IN-STATE TUITION $22,158 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$45,502

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

4,949

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

41.2%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,748

Out-of-State Tuition:

$22,158

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

$17,248

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

58.78%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

555

Average SAT Math Score:

545

Southern Arkansas University Main CampusMagnolia, AR 5th for In-State Tuition $9,960 IN-STATE TUITION $15,690 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

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

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$40,910
Graduate/Professional Certificate
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

2,708

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

35.27%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,960

Out-of-State Tuition:

$15,690

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

$14,027

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

75.33%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

515

Average SAT Math Score:

520

University of ArkansasFayetteville, AR 6th for In-State Tuition $10,104 IN-STATE TUITION $29,966 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
$42,461
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

Public

Total Enrollment

28,677

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

70.56%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$10,104

Out-of-State Tuition:

$29,966

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

$18,209

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

74.3%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

575

Average SAT Math Score:

560

University of Central ArkansasConway, AR 7th for In-State Tuition $10,523 IN-STATE TUITION $18,023 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$41,070

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

7,762

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

51.1%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$10,523

Out-of-State Tuition:

$18,023

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

$16,511

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

89.49%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

550

Average SAT Math Score:

520

Harding UniversitySearcy, AR 8th for In-State Tuition $26,262 IN-STATE TUITION $26,262 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$41,163

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

3,382

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

69.76%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$26,262

Out-of-State Tuition:

$26,262

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

$22,130

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

70.52%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

595

Average SAT Math Score:

580

John Brown UniversitySiloam Springs, AR 9th for In-State Tuition $31,756 IN-STATE TUITION $31,756 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's 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 nonprofit

Total Enrollment

1,471

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

71.52%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$31,756

Out-of-State Tuition:

$31,756

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

$20,397

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

76.14%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

608

Average SAT Math Score:

603

Rank By:
Schools

Type of Institution

Program Fields (and degrees offered)