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2024 Best Student Counseling Schools

360 Colleges in the United States
13,858 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$44,291 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 2024, College Factual analyzed 360 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Student Counseling Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 13,858 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 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Student Counseling

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
175 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
39.4% Growth in Graduates

University of Southern California is a wonderful decision for students interested in a degree in student counseling. Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were about 175 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, student counseling degree recipients generally make about $43,485 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in student counseling from University of Southern California

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
21st Most Popular In NY
16.0% Growth in Graduates

Teachers College at Columbia University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in student counseling. Teachers College is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #12 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Teachers College is a great university overall.

There were approximately 25 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Teachers College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University

3
Seattle U crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
50 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
30.0% Growth in Graduates

Seattle University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in student counseling. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle U is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 51 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were approximately 50 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Seattle U in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the student counseling major at Seattle University get $16,409 above the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Seattle University

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In MD
3.6% Growth in Graduates

Any student pursuing a degree in student counseling needs to take a look at University of Maryland - College Park. Located in the large suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #42 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were about 28 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

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
55 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$54,531 Median Starting Salary

UGA is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Athens. A Best Colleges rank of #72 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were about 55 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available. Student Counseling degree recipients from University of Georgia get an earnings boost of around $10,240 over the typical earnings of student counseling graduates.

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

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
227 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$48,350 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Columbia, Mizzou is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 48 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were approximately 227 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the student counseling program at University of Missouri - Columbia get $4,059 more than the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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

7

Located in the small suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #33 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were roughly 20 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the student counseling major at University of Virginia - Main Campus make $4,964 above the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in student counseling from University of Virginia - Main Campus

8
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
181 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$46,814 Median Starting Salary

NYU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #27 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means NYU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 181 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 receive $2,523 more than the typical student counseling grad.

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

9
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
42 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$42,986 Median Starting Salary

UF is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Gainesville. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were about 42 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the student counseling program report average early career income of $42,986.

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

10
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
42 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$42,874 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were approximately 42 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, student counseling degree recipients typically earn about $42,874 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Vanderbilt University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$53,406 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #49 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 23 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent year we have data available. Student Counseling degree recipients from George Washington University get an earnings boost of around $9,115 over the typical income of student counseling graduates.

More information about a degree in student counseling from George Washington University

12

Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were about 23 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent year we have data available. Those student counseling students who get their degree from Johns Hopkins University receive $11,943 more than the average student counseling graduate.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Johns Hopkins University

13
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
57 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
5.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Moraga, SMC is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 30th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 57 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at SMC in the most recent data year. Those student counseling students who get their degree from Saint Mary's College of California receive $13,167 more than the typical student counseling student.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Saint Mary’s College of California

14
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA

William & Mary is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Williamsburg. This school ranks 4th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 29 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at William & Mary in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the student counseling program report average early career earnings of $41,092.

More information about a degree in student counseling from William & Mary

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
49 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$40,891 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #55 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were roughly 49 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 $40,891 for their early career.

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

16
Clemson crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
101 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
18.8% Growth in Graduates

Clemson is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Clemson. This university ranks 1st out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were approximately 101 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Clemson in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the student counseling program state that they receive average early career income of $40,676.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Clemson University

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
90 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$54,215 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were about 90 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Montclair State in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the student counseling major at Montclair State University get $9,924 above the average college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
51 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
2.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Seattle, SPU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 10th out of 51 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were roughly 51 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at SPU in the most recent data year. Student Counseling degree recipients from Seattle Pacific University earn a boost of around $18,890 above the typical earnings of student counseling majors.

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

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
44 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
45.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of River Forest, Concordia University, Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 5th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were roughly 44 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Concordia University, Chicago in the most recent year we have data available. Student Counseling degree recipients from Concordia University, Chicago receive an earnings boost of approximately $16,487 over the average income of student counseling graduates.

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

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
55 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
$51,108 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 20th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 55 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Marymount in the most recent year we have data available. Student Counseling degree recipients from Loyola Marymount University receive an earnings boost of approximately $6,817 over the typical earnings of student counseling majors.

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

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
154 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
1.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Manhattan, K -State is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 47 colleges for overall quality in the state of Kansas.

There were roughly 154 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at K -State in the most recent data year. After graduating, student counseling degree recipients typically earn about $42,444 at the beginning of their careers.

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

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
$70,696 Median Starting Salary

Fresno Pacific is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Fresno. This university ranks 59th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 27 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Fresno Pacific in the most recent year we have data available. Student Counseling degree recipients from Fresno Pacific University get an earnings boost of around $26,405 over the average income of student counseling graduates.

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

23
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$42,908 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 #54 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Boston U is a great university overall.

There were approximately 27 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, student counseling degree recipients generally make about $42,908 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Boston University

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
103 Student Counseling Degrees Awarded
12.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Corvallis, Oregon State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 30 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were roughly 103 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Oregon State in the most recent data year. Student Counseling degree recipients from Oregon State University receive an earnings boost of approximately $6,300 over the typical earnings of student counseling graduates.

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

25
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
26th Most Popular In NY
55.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 12th out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 18 student counseling students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in student counseling from Syracuse University

Rest of the Top Best Student Counseling Schools

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27
28
29
30
31
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
32

33
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

34
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
35
36
37
38
39
40
Duquesne crest
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA
41

42
Capella University crest
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN

43
44
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
45
46
47
48
49
Villanova crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
50
National University crest
National University
San Diego, CA

 

Additional Award Winners

This section represents the rest of the schools awarded a Best Student Counseling Schools badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 360 different United States student counseling schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJ
52 Whitworth University Spokane, WA
53 San Diego State University San Diego, CA
54 University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND

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
55 Concordia University, Irvine Irvine, CA
56 Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OH
57 University of Redlands Redlands, CA
58 Angelo State University San Angelo, TX
59 Lewis & Clark College Portland, OR
60 Gonzaga University Spokane, WA
61 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC
62 North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, ND
63 Manhattan College Riverdale, NY
64 Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ
65 Fordham University Bronx, NY
66 University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
67 DePaul University Chicago, IL
68 University of Missouri - St Louis Saint Louis, MO
69 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
70 Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ
71 Wilmington University New Castle, DE
72 University of West Alabama Livingston, AL

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 12,323
College Student Counseling & Personnel Services 1,082
Other Student Counseling & Personnel Services 453

View All Student Counseling Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Teacher Education Grade Specific 110,226
Educational Administration 46,469
Teacher Education Subject Specific 43,297
Special Education 36,792
General Education 29,810
Curriculum & Instruction 19,832
Instructional Media Design 8,695
Teaching English or French 5,791
Other Education 4,858
Teaching Assistants 2,751

View All Student Counseling Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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