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Iowa School Counseling Degree Programs

AKA: Iowa School Counseling Degree Programs

Iowa 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 6 schools who offer degree programs in the field of school counseling. Jump to schools.

While school counselors in Iowa average $69,434 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025) and salaries are projected to grow 10.8% from 2024 to 2034, you may feel any school will do. However, assessing your options is always worthwhile.

Filter Iowa’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 Iowa

When selecting a school counseling program in Iowa, 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. Curriculum: Evaluate the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your career goals and interests. Look for programs that cover a broad range of topics, including counseling theories, group counseling, career counseling, and crisis intervention.
  3. Fieldwork and Practicum Experiences: Prioritize programs that offer ample opportunities for fieldwork and practicum experiences. These hands-on experiences will provide valuable practical skills and allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
  4. Faculty Expertise: Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty. Look for professors who are actively involved in the field and can offer guidance and mentorship.
  5. Program Outcomes: Consider the program’s success rate in terms of student placement and licensure. Look for programs with a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers in school counseling.
  6. Specializations: If you have specific interests, such as elementary school counseling or secondary school counseling, look for programs that offer specialized tracks or concentrations.
  7. Location: Consider your preferred location within Iowa. Some programs may be located in larger cities, while others may be in smaller towns or rural areas.
  8. Cost and Financial Aid: Research the cost of tuition and fees, as well as any available financial aid options. Consider the overall cost of attending the program, including living expenses and books.
  9. Program Culture and Fit: Visit campus or attend information sessions to get a sense of the program’s culture and whether it aligns with your values and goals.
  10. Networking Opportunities: Consider the opportunities for networking with other students, faculty, and alumni. These connections can be valuable for career advancement and professional development.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a school counseling program in Iowa that best meets your needs and prepares you for a successful career.

Schools Listed

School Counseling Universities/Colleges in Iowa

University of Northern IowaCedar Falls, IA 1st for In-State Tuition $9,936 IN-STATE TUITION $21,712 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
$40,868
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

7,529

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

64.86%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,936

Out-of-State Tuition:

$21,712

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

$15,901

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

92.74%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

535

Average SAT Math Score:

550

University of IowaIowa City, IA 2nd for In-State Tuition $11,283 IN-STATE TUITION $33,371 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

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

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$44,487
Doctoral 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

22,264

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

74.76%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$11,283

Out-of-State Tuition:

$33,371

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

$22,531

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

83.62%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

625

Average SAT Math Score:

615

Northwestern CollegeOrange City, IA 3rd for In-State Tuition $36,710 IN-STATE TUITION $36,710 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

1,175

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

63.93%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$36,710

Out-of-State Tuition:

$36,710

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

$25,907

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

80.36%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

545

Average SAT Math Score:

545

Loras CollegeDubuque, IA 4th for In-State Tuition $39,824 IN-STATE TUITION $39,824 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

1,083

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

68.1%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$39,824

Out-of-State Tuition:

$39,824

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

$20,716

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

99.86%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Buena Vista UniversityStorm Lake, IA 5th for In-State Tuition $41,798 IN-STATE TUITION $41,798 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$45,249

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

1,366

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

57.92%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$41,798

Out-of-State Tuition:

$41,798

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

$18,846

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

77.61%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

532

Average SAT Math Score:

520

Drake UniversityDes Moines, IA 6th for In-State Tuition $52,130 IN-STATE TUITION $52,130 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$49,067

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

2,543

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

76.09%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$52,130

Out-of-State Tuition:

$52,130

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

$29,127

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

63.85%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

655

Average SAT Math Score:

645

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