North Carolina School Counseling Degree Programs

AKA: North Carolina School Counseling Degree Programs

North Carolina 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 16 schools who offer degree programs in the field of school counseling. Jump to schools.

While school counselors in North Carolina average $67,668 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025) and salaries are projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, you may feel any school will do. However, assessing your options is always worthwhile.

Filter North Carolina’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 North Carolina

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

  1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This guarantees that the program meets high standards for counselor education.
  2. Program Focus: Determine if the program aligns with your career goals. Some programs may specialize in areas like elementary, middle, or high school counseling, or specific counseling approaches like school-based mental health counseling or school-to-career transition.
  3. Field Experiences: Look for programs that offer ample field experiences, such as internships or practicums, to gain hands-on experience in school counseling settings.
  4. Faculty Expertise: Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty members. Their expertise can significantly influence your learning experience and career preparation.
  5. Program Outcomes: Explore the program’s success rates in terms of student placement in schools, licensure exam pass rates, and graduate satisfaction.
  6. Program Philosophy: Consider the program’s approach to school counseling. Some programs may emphasize a particular theoretical framework or counseling approach.
  7. Cost and Financial Aid: Evaluate the tuition, fees, and financial aid options available to help you manage the cost of the program.
  8. Location and Campus Culture: Consider your preferences for location and the overall campus culture of the university.
  9. Program Length and Flexibility: Determine if the program’s length and scheduling options align with your personal and professional commitments.
  10. Networking Opportunities: Evaluate the program’s opportunities for networking with other students, faculty, and professionals in the field.
Schools Listed

School Counseling Universities/Colleges in North Carolina

University of North Carolina at PembrokePembroke, NC 1st for In-State Tuition $3,648 IN-STATE TUITION $7,648 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$40,286

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

5,330

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

47.24%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$3,648

Out-of-State Tuition:

$7,648

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

$10,260

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

93.26%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

520

Average SAT Math Score:

495

Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee, NC 2nd for In-State Tuition $4,630 IN-STATE TUITION $8,630 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$39,817

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

10,024

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

62.15%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$4,630

Out-of-State Tuition:

$8,630

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

$13,315

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

81.83%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

580

Average SAT Math Score:

565

North Carolina Central UniversityDurham, NC 3rd for In-State Tuition $6,699 IN-STATE TUITION $19,735 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$43,550

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

6,081

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

46.1%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$6,699

Out-of-State Tuition:

$19,735

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

$15,359

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

86.96%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

540

Average SAT Math Score:

500

North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro, NC 4th for In-State Tuition $6,813 IN-STATE TUITION $20,673 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
$44,291
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

12,182

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

58.78%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$6,813

Out-of-State Tuition:

$20,673

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

$10,846

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

49.9%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

545

Average SAT Math Score:

535

University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC 5th for In-State Tuition $7,239 IN-STATE TUITION $22,492 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
$41,059
Doctoral Degree
Not enough data
Graduate/Professional Certificate
$34,670

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

24,453

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

71.49%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$7,239

Out-of-State Tuition:

$22,492

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

$15,435

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

79.6%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

605

Average SAT Math Score:

615

East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC 6th for In-State Tuition $7,361 IN-STATE TUITION $23,638 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
$42,605
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

19,896

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

66.46%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$7,361

Out-of-State Tuition:

$23,638

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

$15,739

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

89.21%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC 7th for In-State Tuition $7,579 IN-STATE TUITION $25,212 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
$38,092
Graduate/Professional Certificate
$37,036

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

Public

Total Enrollment

19,444

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

76.15%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$7,579

Out-of-State Tuition:

$25,212

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

$16,836

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

90.14%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

610

Average SAT Math Score:

605

University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro, NC 8th for In-State Tuition $7,661 IN-STATE TUITION $24,012 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree
  • Doctoral Degree
  • First Professional Degree
  • Graduate/Professional Certificate

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$39,686
Doctoral Degree
Not enough data
First Professional 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

14,062

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

59.92%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$7,661

Out-of-State Tuition:

$24,012

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

$10,965

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

88.51%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

608

Average SAT Math Score:

570

North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh, NC 9th for In-State Tuition $8,799 IN-STATE TUITION $32,847 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Post-baccalaureate Certificate
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctoral Degree
  • Graduate/Professional Certificate

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Post-baccalaureate Certificate
Not enough data
Master's Degree
$38,510
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

27,371

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

86.78%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$8,799

Out-of-State Tuition:

$32,847

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

$17,303

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

41.74%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

665

Average SAT Math Score:

690

University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC 10th for In-State Tuition $8,994 IN-STATE TUITION $41,203 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$45,402

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

20,752

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

92.13%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$8,994

Out-of-State Tuition:

$41,203

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

$11,655

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

15.34%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

625

Average SAT Math Score:

635

Lenoir-Rhyne UniversityHickory, NC 11th for In-State Tuition $31,900 IN-STATE TUITION $31,900 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$41,616

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

1,359

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

51.52%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$31,900

Out-of-State Tuition:

$31,900

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

$20,689

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

84.59%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Salem CollegeWinston-Salem, NC 12th for In-State Tuition $33,848 IN-STATE TUITION $33,848 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$46,313

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

423

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

61.76%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$33,848

Out-of-State Tuition:

$33,848

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

$18,277

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

76.67%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

580

Average SAT Math Score:

547

Gardner-Webb UniversityBoiling Springs, NC 13th for In-State Tuition $34,760 IN-STATE TUITION $34,760 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

1,856

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

51.58%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$34,760

Out-of-State Tuition:

$34,760

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

$17,674

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

77.21%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

545

Average SAT Math Score:

543

Campbell UniversityBuies Creek, NC 14th for In-State Tuition $41,600 IN-STATE TUITION $41,600 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

2,680

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

54.42%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$41,600

Out-of-State Tuition:

$41,600

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

$24,516

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

87.18%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

575

Average SAT Math Score:

555

High Point UniversityHigh Point, NC 15th for In-State Tuition $45,312 IN-STATE TUITION $45,312 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Graduate/Professional Certificate

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

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

5,129

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

68.04%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$45,312

Out-of-State Tuition:

$45,312

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

$38,707

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

75.31%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

608

Average SAT Math Score:

595

Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem, NC 16th for In-State Tuition $67,642 IN-STATE TUITION $67,642 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$40,913

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

5,485

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

90.25%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$67,642

Out-of-State Tuition:

$67,642

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

$28,719

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

21.67%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Rank By:
Schools

Type of Institution

Program Fields (and degrees offered)