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Missouri School Counseling Degree Programs

AKA: Missouri School Counseling Degree Programs

Missouri 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 13 schools who offer degree programs in the field of school counseling. Jump to schools.

While school counselors in Missouri average $70,591 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025) and salaries are projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2034, you may feel any school will do. However, assessing your options is always worthwhile.

Filter Missouri’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 Missouri

Here are some key aspects to consider when selecting a school counseling program in Missouri:

  1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This guarantees the program meets high standards for quality and prepares graduates for successful careers.
  2. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Approval: Confirm that the program is approved by the DESE. This ensures that graduates will be eligible to obtain the necessary state certification to practice as a school counselor in Missouri.
  3. Program Focus: Determine if the program aligns with your career goals. Some programs may specialize in elementary, middle, or high school counseling, while others offer a more generalist approach.
  4. Curriculum: Evaluate the curriculum to ensure it covers the core competencies required for school counselors, such as counseling, consultation, and coordination. Look for programs that offer a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
  5. Field Experience: Consider the amount and quality of field experience opportunities provided by the program. These experiences are essential for developing practical skills and gaining exposure to different school settings.
  6. Faculty Expertise: Research the faculty’s qualifications and experience in the field of school counseling. Look for programs with faculty who are actively engaged in research and have a strong commitment to student success.
  7. Program Size and Class Sizes: Consider the size of the program and the class sizes. Smaller programs may offer more personalized attention and opportunities for mentorship.
  8. Location and Cost: Evaluate the location of the program and the associated costs, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Consider factors such as the job market in the area and the potential for networking opportunities.
  9. Student Support Services: Inquire about the support services available to students, such as academic advising, career counseling, and financial aid. These services can be valuable in helping you succeed in the program.
  10. Program Outcomes: Research the program’s success rate in terms of graduate employment and licensure. Look for programs with a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers as school counselors.
Schools Listed

School Counseling Universities/Colleges in Missouri

Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield, MO 1st for In-State Tuition $9,502 IN-STATE TUITION $18,770 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
$35,481
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

13,313

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

59.69%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,502

Out-of-State Tuition:

$18,770

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

$17,613

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

90.53%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

555

Average SAT Math Score:

550

Lincoln UniversityJefferson City, MO 2nd for In-State Tuition $9,796 IN-STATE TUITION $17,692 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

Public

Total Enrollment

1,392

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

30.57%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,796

Out-of-State Tuition:

$17,692

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

$19,092

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

Not enough data

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Truman State UniversityKirksville, MO 3rd for In-State Tuition $9,838 IN-STATE TUITION $18,566 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

2,513

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

71.5%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,838

Out-of-State Tuition:

$18,566

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

$12,780

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

83.77%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

602

Average SAT Math Score:

590

Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau, MO 4th for In-State Tuition $9,903 IN-STATE TUITION $9,903 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
$42,014
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

6,373

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

58.01%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,903

Out-of-State Tuition:

$9,903

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

$15,882

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

73.52%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville, MO 5th for In-State Tuition $10,611 IN-STATE TUITION $17,324 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

4,378

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

53.39%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$10,611

Out-of-State Tuition:

$17,324

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

$16,244

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

86.09%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

515

Average SAT Math Score:

528

University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City, MO 6th for In-State Tuition $12,587 IN-STATE TUITION $30,227 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
$39,474
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

6,817

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

57.43%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$12,587

Out-of-State Tuition:

$30,227

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

$13,310

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

72.18%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

657

Average SAT Math Score:

668

University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis, MO 7th for In-State Tuition $14,112 IN-STATE TUITION $35,112 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
$40,063
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

5,024

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

54.5%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$14,112

Out-of-State Tuition:

$35,112

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

$15,071

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

62.67%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

575

Average SAT Math Score:

585

University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia, MO 8th for In-State Tuition $14,837 IN-STATE TUITION $36,056 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
$48,350
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

23,929

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

76.24%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$14,837

Out-of-State Tuition:

$36,056

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

$20,268

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

78.47%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

625

Average SAT Math Score:

615

Stephens CollegeColumbia, MO 9th for In-State Tuition $28,300 IN-STATE TUITION $28,300 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
$36,604
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

391

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

46.25%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$28,300

Out-of-State Tuition:

$28,300

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

$23,459

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

77.22%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

575

Average SAT Math Score:

525

Evangel UniversitySpringfield, MO 10th for In-State Tuition $28,548 IN-STATE TUITION $28,548 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$34,036

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

1,229

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

61.14%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$28,548

Out-of-State Tuition:

$28,548

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

$18,669

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

71.61%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Culver-Stockton CollegeCanton, MO 11th for In-State Tuition $30,875 IN-STATE TUITION $30,875 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

807

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

48.69%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$30,875

Out-of-State Tuition:

$30,875

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

$21,983

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

99.1%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

525

Average SAT Math Score:

500

Webster UniversitySaint Louis, MO 12th for In-State Tuition $31,750 IN-STATE TUITION $31,750 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

2,304

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

58.66%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$31,750

Out-of-State Tuition:

$31,750

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

$27,047

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

86.23%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

582

Average SAT Math Score:

560

Missouri Baptist UniversitySaint Louis, MO 13th for In-State Tuition $34,612 IN-STATE TUITION $34,612 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
$37,283
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

Private nonprofit

Total Enrollment

1,488

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

40.77%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$34,612

Out-of-State Tuition:

$34,612

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

$27,006

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

68.6%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

515

Average SAT Math Score:

475

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