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: November 1st, 2024

School Counselor Certification has analyzed data from 9 schools who offer degree programs in the field of school counseling.

While school counselors in Arkansas average $67,424 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023) and salaries are projected to to grow 4.7% from 2022 to 2032, 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.

read more

Department of Education Seal

Data Source:

Dept. of Education - 2025

Schools Listed
Rank By:
Schools

Type of Institution

Program Fields (and degrees offered)

School Counseling Universities/Colleges in Arkansas

Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro, AR 1st for In-State Tuition $7,456 IN-STATE TUITION $13,312 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

7,463

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

53.72%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$7,456

Out-of-State Tuition:

$13,312

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

$11,857

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

69.51%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

550

Average SAT Math Score:

565

Henderson State UniversityArkadelphia, AR 2nd for In-State Tuition $7,560 IN-STATE TUITION $9,768 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

1,800

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

36.2%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$7,560

Out-of-State Tuition:

$9,768

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

$18,465

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

70.66%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

527

Average SAT Math Score:

538

Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville, AR 3rd for In-State Tuition $8,071 IN-STATE TUITION $13,891 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

6,108

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

42.93%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$8,071

Out-of-State Tuition:

$13,891

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

$13,765

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

94.39%

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 $8,366 IN-STATE TUITION $18,957 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

4,802

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

43.42%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$8,366

Out-of-State Tuition:

$18,957

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

$16,711

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

61.46%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

555

Average SAT Math Score:

545

University of ArkansasFayetteville, AR 5th for In-State Tuition $9,656 IN-STATE TUITION $27,410 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

26,002

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

70.1%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,656

Out-of-State Tuition:

$27,410

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

$16,050

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

78.93%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

575

Average SAT Math Score:

560

Southern Arkansas University Main CampusMagnolia, AR 6th for In-State Tuition $9,680 IN-STATE TUITION $15,110 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

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

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Bachelor's Degree
Not enough data
Master's Degree
$40,910
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

2,787

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

42.21%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,680

Out-of-State Tuition:

$15,110

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

$16,307

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

63.61%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

515

Average SAT Math Score:

520

University of Central ArkansasConway, AR 7th for In-State Tuition $9,778 IN-STATE TUITION $16,728 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

7,563

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

47.08%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,778

Out-of-State Tuition:

$16,728

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

$15,889

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

91.21%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

550

Average SAT Math Score:

520

Harding UniversitySearcy, AR 8th for In-State Tuition $23,148 IN-STATE TUITION $23,148 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

3,198

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

72.09%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$23,148

Out-of-State Tuition:

$23,148

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

$19,505

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

45.12%

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 $29,720 IN-STATE TUITION $29,720 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

1,354

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

67.3%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$29,720

Out-of-State Tuition:

$29,720

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

$20,404

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

56.64%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

608

Average SAT Math Score:

603