Illinois School Counseling Degree Programs

AKA: Illinois School Counseling Degree Programs

Illinois 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 18 schools who offer degree programs in the field of school counseling.

While school counselors in Illinois average $76,080 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023) and salaries are projected to grow 6.1% from 2022 to 2032, you may feel any school will do. However, assessing your options is always worthwhile.

Filter Illinois’ 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 Illinois

When selecting a school counseling program in Illinois, future students should consider the following aspects:

  1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This indicates the program meets high standards for quality education.
  2. Curriculum: Evaluate the curriculum to ensure it aligns with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and the Illinois State Standards for School Counselors. This ensures you receive comprehensive training for the role.
  3. Field Experiences: Look for programs that offer ample field experiences in various school settings. This practical experience will enhance your skills and prepare you for real-world challenges.
  4. Faculty Expertise: Research the faculty’s qualifications and experience. Experienced faculty members can provide valuable guidance and mentorship.
  5. Program Size: Consider the size of the program. Smaller class sizes may offer more personalized attention from faculty.
  6. Location: If geographic location is important, consider programs in areas where you wish to work.
  7. Specializations: Some programs may offer specialized tracks, such as school counseling with a focus on early childhood, middle school, or high school.
  8. Cost and Financial Aid: Research the program’s tuition, fees, and financial aid options to ensure it fits your budget.
  9. Career Services: Explore the program’s career services to see if they offer assistance with job placement and networking.
  10. Student Support: Inquire about the program’s student support services, such as academic advising, counseling, and mentorship programs.

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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 Illinois

Governors State UniversityUniversity Park, IL 1st for In-State Tuition $10,468 IN-STATE TUITION $17,980 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Doctoral Degree
  • Graduate/Professional Certificate

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

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

2,589

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

25.65%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$10,468

Out-of-State Tuition:

$17,980

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

$9,833

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

57.48%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

480

Average SAT Math Score:

465

National Louis UniversityChicago, IL 2nd for In-State Tuition $11,580 IN-STATE TUITION $11,580 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
Not enough data
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 nonprofit

Total Enrollment

3,791

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

33.33%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$11,580

Out-of-State Tuition:

$11,580

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

$14,290

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

92.05%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Chicago State UniversityChicago, IL 3rd for In-State Tuition $12,018 IN-STATE TUITION $12,018 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

1,364

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

19.51%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$12,018

Out-of-State Tuition:

$12,018

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

$6,916

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

48.51%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Northeastern Illinois UniversityChicago, IL 4th for In-State Tuition $12,101 IN-STATE TUITION $22,192 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$52,716

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

4,058

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

28.73%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$12,101

Out-of-State Tuition:

$22,192

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

$13,209

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

62.7%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, IL 5th for In-State Tuition $12,662 IN-STATE TUITION $12,662 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
$39,764
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

11,408

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

49.98%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$12,662

Out-of-State Tuition:

$12,662

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

$13,484

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

70.68%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston, IL 6th for In-State Tuition $13,101 IN-STATE TUITION $15,528 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
$35,899
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

4,586

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

51.56%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$13,101

Out-of-State Tuition:

$15,528

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

$12,388

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

67.96%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

520

Average SAT Math Score:

500

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at ChicagoChicago, IL 7th for In-State Tuition $13,224 IN-STATE TUITION $13,224 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Doctoral Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

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 nonprofit

Total Enrollment

34

Accredited By:

Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Graduation Rate:

Not enough data

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$13,224

Out-of-State Tuition:

$13,224

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

Not enough data

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

6.98%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Western Illinois UniversityMacomb, IL 8th for In-State Tuition $14,406 IN-STATE TUITION $14,406 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$38,145

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

5,196

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

47.33%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$14,406

Out-of-State Tuition:

$14,406

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

$11,990

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

75%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Illinois State UniversityNormal, IL 9th for In-State Tuition $15,170 IN-STATE TUITION $27,011 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$38,991

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

18,019

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

68.88%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$15,170

Out-of-State Tuition:

$27,011

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

$19,966

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

86.24%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

560

Average SAT Math Score:

540

Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale, IL 10th for In-State Tuition $15,416 IN-STATE TUITION $15,416 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
Not enough data
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

7,922

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

48.68%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$15,416

Out-of-State Tuition:

$15,416

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

$16,729

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

91.5%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

535

Average SAT Math Score:

510

Roosevelt UniversityChicago, IL 11th for In-State Tuition $33,068 IN-STATE TUITION $33,068 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$49,096

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

2,362

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

53.27%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$33,068

Out-of-State Tuition:

$33,068

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

$21,110

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

88.32%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

505

Average SAT Math Score:

485

Concordia University-ChicagoRiver Forest, IL 12th for In-State Tuition $34,964 IN-STATE TUITION $34,964 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
$60,778
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

1,285

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

51.17%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$34,964

Out-of-State Tuition:

$34,964

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

$18,256

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

93.04%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Saint Xavier UniversityChicago, IL 13th for In-State Tuition $35,770 IN-STATE TUITION $35,770 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
$45,951
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

2,963

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

56.01%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$35,770

Out-of-State Tuition:

$35,770

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

$12,688

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

84.13%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Lewis UniversityRomeoville, IL 14th for In-State Tuition $36,530 IN-STATE TUITION $36,530 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

3,650

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

70.23%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$36,530

Out-of-State Tuition:

$36,530

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

$17,977

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

74.06%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

565

Average SAT Math Score:

580

Bradley UniversityPeoria, IL 15th for In-State Tuition $37,800 IN-STATE TUITION $37,800 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
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

Private nonprofit

Total Enrollment

4,133

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

74.87%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$37,800

Out-of-State Tuition:

$37,800

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

$23,005

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

75.14%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

585

Average SAT Math Score:

585

DePaul UniversityChicago, IL 16th for In-State Tuition $42,840 IN-STATE TUITION $42,840 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$45,989

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

13,968

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

72.18%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$42,840

Out-of-State Tuition:

$42,840

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

$29,430

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

70.17%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Loyola University ChicagoChicago, IL 17th for In-State Tuition $49,498 IN-STATE TUITION $49,498 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$52,132

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

11,626

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

76.53%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$49,498

Out-of-State Tuition:

$49,498

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

$35,555

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

79.15%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

640

Average SAT Math Score:

620

Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago, IL 18th for In-State Tuition $50,640 IN-STATE TUITION $50,640 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Doctoral Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

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 nonprofit

Total Enrollment

2,877

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

72.71%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$50,640

Out-of-State Tuition:

$50,640

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

$23,738

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

61.44%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

640

Average SAT Math Score:

680