Virginia School Counseling Degree Programs

AKA: Virginia School Counseling Degree Programs

Virginia 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 13 schools who offer degree programs in the field of school counseling.

While school counselors in Virginia average $76,069 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023) and salaries are projected to grow 5.1% from 2022 to 2032, you may feel any school will do. However, assessing your options is always worthwhile.

Filter Virginia’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 Virginia

When selecting a school counseling program in Virginia, 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 professional preparation.
  2. Curriculum and Coursework: Examine the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your interests and career goals. Look for programs that offer a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
  3. Field Experiences: Prioritize programs with robust field experience components. These opportunities allow you to apply your learning in real-world settings and gain valuable hands-on experience.
  4. Faculty Expertise: Research the faculty members’ qualifications and areas of specialization. Look for faculty who are actively engaged in research and have a strong commitment to student success.
  5. Program Outcomes: Explore the program’s success rates in terms of student placement, licensure exams, and career advancement.
  6. Specializations: If you have a specific area of interest, such as elementary, middle, or high school counseling, or a particular counseling approach, look for programs that offer specialized tracks or concentrations.
  7. Location and Cost: Consider the program’s location and the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses. Factor in the potential for financial aid or scholarships.
  8. Program Philosophy and Culture: Research the program’s philosophy and culture to ensure it aligns with your values and learning style. Consider factors such as the program’s emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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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 Virginia

Virginia State UniversityPetersburg, VA 1st for In-State Tuition $9,654 IN-STATE TUITION $21,409 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$54,405

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

4,295

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

47.41%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$9,654

Out-of-State Tuition:

$21,409

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

$14,164

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

89.72%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

480

Average SAT Math Score:

455

Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA 2nd for In-State Tuition $11,220 IN-STATE TUITION $31,170 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
$44,711
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

18,152

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

55.53%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$11,220

Out-of-State Tuition:

$31,170

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

$15,415

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

95.14%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

570

Average SAT Math Score:

550

Radford UniversityRadford, VA 3rd for In-State Tuition $11,916 IN-STATE TUITION $24,453 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$40,357

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

5,945

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

57.41%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$11,916

Out-of-State Tuition:

$24,453

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

$16,310

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

93.34%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

515

Average SAT Math Score:

535

James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg, VA 4th for In-State Tuition $13,092 IN-STATE TUITION $30,152 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
$43,958
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

19,968

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

83.18%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$13,092

Out-of-State Tuition:

$30,152

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

$22,465

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

78.31%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

620

Average SAT Math Score:

605

George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA 5th for In-State Tuition $13,401 IN-STATE TUITION $38,983 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
$53,830
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

26,447

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

73.99%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$13,401

Out-of-State Tuition:

$38,983

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

$17,385

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

90%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

625

Average SAT Math Score:

620

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg, VA 6th for In-State Tuition $14,586 IN-STATE TUITION $34,838 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

30,339

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

87.55%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$14,586

Out-of-State Tuition:

$34,838

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

$20,292

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

56.98%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

650

Average SAT Math Score:

660

Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, VA 7th for In-State Tuition $15,828 IN-STATE TUITION $37,786 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
$46,698
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

20,552

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

68.17%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$15,828

Out-of-State Tuition:

$37,786

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

$20,405

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

91%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

605

Average SAT Math Score:

580

Regent UniversityVirginia Beach, VA 8th for In-State Tuition $19,680 IN-STATE TUITION $19,680 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
$36,142
Doctoral Degree
Not enough data
Graduate/Professional Certificate
$40,083

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

4,281

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

62.5%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$19,680

Out-of-State Tuition:

$19,680

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

$17,220

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

32.34%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

560

Average SAT Math Score:

535

University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville, VA 9th for In-State Tuition $20,342 IN-STATE TUITION $55,914 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
$49,255
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

17,103

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

94.52%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$20,342

Out-of-State Tuition:

$55,914

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

$23,101

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

18.66%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

720

Average SAT Math Score:

720

Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA 10th for In-State Tuition $22,511 IN-STATE TUITION $22,511 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.

Degree Levels Offered

  • Master's Degree

Salary 1 Year After Graduation

Master's Degree
$43,706

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

48,408

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

60.36%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$22,511

Out-of-State Tuition:

$22,511

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

$29,882

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

99.29%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

William & MaryWilliamsburg, VA 11th for In-State Tuition $23,970 IN-STATE TUITION $47,196 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
$41,092
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

6,778

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

91.65%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$23,970

Out-of-State Tuition:

$47,196

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

$19,442

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

33.5%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

720

Average SAT Math Score:

720

Hampton UniversityHampton, VA 12th for In-State Tuition $29,162 IN-STATE TUITION $29,162 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
Not enough data
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

Private nonprofit

Total Enrollment

2,846

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

59.92%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$29,162

Out-of-State Tuition:

$29,162

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

$40,511

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

74.47%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A

University of LynchburgLynchburg, VA 13th for In-State Tuition $34,500 IN-STATE TUITION $34,500 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

1,543

Accredited By:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduation Rate:

57.03%

Costs

In-State Tuition:

$34,500

Out-of-State Tuition:

$34,500

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

$22,104

Admissions

Applicants Accepted:

95.94%

Average SAT Score:

N/A

Average SAT Reading Score:

N/A

Average SAT Math Score:

N/A