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2025 Best Student Counseling Schools

240 Colleges in the United States
14,506 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$51,797 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you plan on majoring in student counseling, you won't be alone since the degree program is ranked #72 in the country in terms of popularity. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

In 2025, College Factual analyzed 240 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Student Counseling Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 14,506 degrees in student counseling to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Student Counseling School

Best Student Counseling Schools The student counseling program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Student Counseling rankings. We derive our Best Overall Student Counseling School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Student Counseling Rankings by Degree Level

Bachelor's Degrees in Student Counseling
Master's Degrees in Student Counseling
Doctor's Degrees in Student Counseling

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Student Counseling Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Student Counseling in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of student counseling degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Student Counseling

1
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
135 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$57,236 Median Starting Salary

New York University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in student counseling. NYU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #16 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means NYU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 135 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent year we have data available. Those student counseling students who get their degree from New York University make $5,439 more than the typical student counseling grad.

More information about a degree in student counseling from New York University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In MD
31 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded

Any student who is interested in student counseling needs to look into University of Maryland - College Park. Located in the suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were approximately 31 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in student counseling from University of Maryland - College Park

3
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$48,924 Median Starting Salary

University of Florida is a great option for students pursuing a degree in student counseling. UF is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Gainesville. A Best Colleges rank of #56 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were about 27 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the student counseling program state that they receive average early career earnings of $48,924.

More information about a degree in student counseling from University of Florida

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
71 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
22.5% Growth in Graduates

University of Georgia is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in student counseling. UGA is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Athens. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were about 71 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the student counseling degree program at University of Georgia get $4,805 more than the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in student counseling from University of Georgia

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
40 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$42,105 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were about 40 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the student counseling program make an average of $42,105 for their early career.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Indiana University - Bloomington

6
Alfred crest
Alfred University
Alfred, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
$66,377 Median Starting Salary

Alfred is a small private not-for-profit university located in the rural area of Alfred. This university ranks 56th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 19 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Alfred in the most recent year we have data available. Those student counseling students who get their degree from Alfred University earn $14,580 more than the average student counseling graduate.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Alfred University

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
116 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$67,075 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Los Angeles, Cal State LA is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 87th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 116 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Cal State LA in the most recent data year. Student Counseling degree recipients from California State University - Los Angeles get an earnings boost of approximately $15,278 above the average income of student counseling graduates.

More information about a degree in student counseling from California State University - Los Angeles

8
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
$55,652 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Boston U is a great university overall.

There were about 21 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the student counseling program at Boston University get $3,855 above the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Boston University

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
143 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
37.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were roughly 143 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Montclair State in the most recent year we have data available. Student Counseling degree recipients from Montclair State University receive an earnings boost of about $2,716 over the average earnings of student counseling majors.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Montclair State University

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
56 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$50,118 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Raleigh, NC State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #122 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means NC State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 56 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the student counseling program state that they receive average early career earnings of $50,118.

More information about a degree in student counseling from North Carolina State University

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
93 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Azusa, Azusa Pacific is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 18th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.More information about a degree in student counseling from Azusa Pacific University

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
189 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$52,024 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Columbia, Mizzou is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #131 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Mizzou is a great university overall.

There were about 189 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the student counseling program make an average of $52,024 for their early career.

More information about a degree in student counseling from University of Missouri - Columbia

13
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In CT

UCONN is a fairly large public university located in the fringe town of Storrs. A Best Colleges rank of #57 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UCONN is a great university overall.

There were approximately 13 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at UCONN in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in student counseling from University of Connecticut

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
74 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
24.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Columbia, UofSC is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #99 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UofSC is a great university overall.

There were about 74 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the student counseling program earn around $42,686 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in student counseling from University of South Carolina - Columbia

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
72 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$50,832 Median Starting Salary

NAU is a very large public university located in the city of Flagstaff. This university ranks 7th out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were approximately 72 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at NAU in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the student counseling program report average early career earnings of $50,832.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Northern Arizona University

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
161 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
4.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Manhattan, K -State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 44 schools for overall quality in the state of Kansas.

There were roughly 161 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at K -State in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the student counseling program make around $47,436 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Kansas State University

17
Hunter crest
Hunter College
New York, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
37 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$59,968 Median Starting Salary

Hunter is a very large public college located in the large city of New York. This college ranks 30th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 37 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Hunter in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the student counseling major at Hunter College make $8,171 more than the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Hunter College

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
61 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
27.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of River Forest, Concordia University, Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #125 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Concordia University, Chicago is a great university overall.

There were about 61 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Concordia University, Chicago in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the student counseling major at Concordia University, Chicago make $22,899 more than the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Concordia University, Chicago

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
49 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
16.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Baltimore, Loyola Maryland is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 35 colleges for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were about 49 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Maryland in the most recent data year. Those student counseling students who get their degree from Loyola University Maryland earn $4,401 more than the typical student counseling student.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Loyola University Maryland

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
46 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$57,999 Median Starting Salary

TCNJ is a medium-sized public college located in the large suburb of Ewing. This college ranks 6th out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were approximately 46 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at TCNJ in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the student counseling major at The College of New Jersey make $6,202 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in student counseling from The College of New Jersey

21
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
93 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
36.6% Growth in Graduates

Florida State is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tallahassee. A Best Colleges rank of #117 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

There were approximately 93 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the student counseling program at Florida State University earn $5,136 above the standard graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Florida State University

22
National University crest
National University
San Diego, CA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
207 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
36.2% Growth in Graduates

National University is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of San Diego. This university ranks 37th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 207 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at National University in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the student counseling program at National University earn $12,788 more than the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in student counseling from National University

23
Clemson crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
127 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
20.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize suburb of Clemson, Clemson is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were roughly 127 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Clemson in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the student counseling program make an average of $48,485 for their early career.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Clemson University

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
42 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$69,340 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Seattle, SPU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 12th out of 50 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were about 42 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at SPU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the student counseling program at Seattle Pacific University get $17,543 above the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Seattle Pacific University

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
98 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
25.5% Growth in Graduates

UNC Charlotte is a fairly large public university located in the city of Charlotte. This university ranks 10th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 98 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at UNC Charlotte in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the student counseling program report average early career wages of $47,641.

More information about a degree in student counseling from University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Rest of the Top Best Student Counseling Schools

26
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
27
28
LIU Post crest
LIU Post
Brookville, NY
29
30
Seton Hall crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ
31
32
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL

33

34
Auburn crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
35
36
Brooklyn College crest
Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY
37
Rider crest
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ
38
39
40
41

42

43
44
45
Kean crest
Kean University
Union, NJ
46
47
48

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Student Counseling Schools award.

Rank College Location
49 Gonzaga University Spokane, WA
50 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL
51 University of Dayton Dayton, OH
52 California State University - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA
53 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY
54 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
55 University of Missouri - St Louis Saint Louis, MO
56 Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI
57 Monmouth University West Long Branch, NJ
58 University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK
59 University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA
60 University of Memphis Memphis, TN
61 Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OH
62 Butler University Indianapolis, IN
63 San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA
64 University of Louisville Louisville, KY
65 North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, ND
66 Georgia State University Atlanta, GA
67 Brandman University Irvine, CA
68 Manhattan College Riverdale, NY
69 Wayne State College Wayne, NE
70 Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL
71 St. Bonaventure University Saint Bonaventure, NY
72 Harding University Searcy, AR
73 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA
74 St John’s University - New York Queens, NY
75 Arizona State University - Tempe Tempe, AZ
76 Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA
77 Chapman University Orange, CA
78 Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX
79 Wilmington University New Castle, DE
80 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL

Student Counseling by Region

View the Best Student Counseling Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Student Counseling is one of 14 different types of Education programs to choose from.

Student Counseling Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services 12,926
College Student Counseling & Personnel Services 1,110
Other Student Counseling & Personnel Services 470

View All Student Counseling Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Teacher Education Grade Specific 110,770
Educational Administration 46,975
Teacher Education Subject Specific 42,343
Special Education 35,973
General Education 29,389
Curriculum & Instruction 19,217
Instructional Media Design 9,224
Teaching English or French 5,525
Other Education 4,887
Educational Assessment 3,853

View All Student Counseling Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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