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South Dakota School Counseling Degree Programs

AKA: South Dakota School Counseling Degree Programs

South Dakota 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 4 schools who offer degree programs in the field of school counseling. Jump to schools.

While school counselors in South Dakota average $64,410 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025) and salaries are projected to grow 7.6% from 2024 to 2034, you may feel any school will do. However, assessing your options is always worthwhile.

Filter South Dakota’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 South Dakota

  1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This guarantees the program meets high standards for professional preparation.
  2. Program Focus: Determine if the program aligns with your career goals. Some programs may specialize in early childhood, elementary, secondary, or higher education counseling.
  3. Field Experiences: Look for programs that offer ample opportunities for fieldwork in schools. This practical experience is crucial for developing essential skills and understanding the daily challenges of school counselors.
  4. Faculty Expertise: Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty members. Their knowledge and guidance can significantly impact your learning and professional development.
  5. Coursework: Evaluate the curriculum to ensure it covers all the core competencies required for school counselors in South Dakota. This includes areas such as academic counseling, career counseling, personal/social counseling, and group counseling.
  6. Internship Opportunities: Check if the program offers internships or practicum placements that allow you to gain experience in various school settings. These opportunities can help you network with professionals in the field and explore different career paths.
  7. Technology Integration: Consider programs that incorporate technology into their curriculum. This will prepare you to utilize digital tools and resources effectively in your future role.
  8. Cost and Financial Aid: Research the tuition costs and available financial aid options. Consider factors such as scholarships, grants, and student loans to determine the affordability of the program.
  9. Location and Campus Culture: If location is important to you, consider the proximity of the program to your preferred job market. Additionally, explore the campus culture and student support services to ensure a positive learning environment.
  10. Program Outcomes: Look for information about the program’s success rates in terms of student placement and licensure exams. This can provide insights into the program’s effectiveness in preparing graduates for successful careers.
Schools Listed

School Counseling Universities/Colleges in South Dakota

Sinte Gleska UniversityMission, SD 1st for In-State Tuition $4,714 IN-STATE TUITION $4,714 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

487

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

0%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$4,714

Out-of-State Tuition:

$4,714

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

$12,768

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

Not enough data

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

Northern State UniversityAberdeen, SD 2nd for In-State Tuition $8,845 IN-STATE TUITION $11,947 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

1,273

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

60.26%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$8,845

Out-of-State Tuition:

$11,947

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

$15,812

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

93%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

565

Average SAT Math Score:

540

South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD 3rd for In-State Tuition $9,299 IN-STATE TUITION $12,809 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

9,198

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

60.33%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,299

Out-of-State Tuition:

$12,809

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

$19,841

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

98.34%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

540

Average SAT Math Score:

560

University of South DakotaVermillion, SD 4th for In-State Tuition $9,432 IN-STATE TUITION $12,942 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

5,439

Accredited By:

Higher Learning Commission

Graduation Rate:

57.59%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,432

Out-of-State Tuition:

$12,942

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

$19,858

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

98.78%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

575

Average SAT Math Score:

595

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Type of Institution

Program Fields (and degrees offered)