The field of education is constantly changing, and student affairs graduate programs also referred to as student development graduate programs, can help professionals adapt to these changes. Student Affairs is a community of individuals and departments that create programming and offer resources that support the growth and advancement of students. More importantly, graduate programs in this field can support professionals in advising, counselling, management, administration, and other fields through which they can respond to the needs of students and administrations.
At first, the process of choosing a Student Affairs Graduate Program can appear overwhelming. You should decide whether graduate school is right for you and your priorities in your career. A graduate degree is mandatory if you intend to excel in middle or upper management of student affairs, as the area of student affairs tends to be specialized by individuals with advanced degrees. In student affairs, graduate degree programs can range from 33 to 60 semester hours. The period of the curriculum does not generally mean the program’s quality. Your studies can usually take about two years to complete.
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Minnesota State University Mankato
Minnesota State University Mankato provides, through the Department of Counseling and Student Personnel, a Master of Science in College Student Affairs. School counselling and mental health counselling degrees are both offered by the agency. This program’s graduates also have a good knowledge of the developmental challenges faced by college students and how to better address the needs of this particular group. In fields such as admissions, counselling, student activities, and career development, the College Student Affairs program can train graduates to seek careers for a variety of professional roles on college campuses.
Founded In: 1868
Tuition: $22,208 for 2021
ACT/SAT: Test Optional for 2021
Acceptance Rate: 61%
GPA: 3.0
Rank: 1
Contact: 1-800-722-0544
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at Minnesota State University Mankato for students
- Charles and Ellora Aliss Scholarship: Educational Fund
- Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program: Up to $6000
- Graduate Assistantships: Up to $10,000
- International Maverick Scholarship: $3,890 per semester
Apply for Admission
Hampton University
Hampton University’s Department of Counseling offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in Student Affairs and College Student Development. The program is based on practice and seeks to assist students in their individual and spiritual development. In two-year post-secondary contexts, as well as four-year colleges and universities, this degree can train graduates for jobs. The program has secured grant funds and is now able to offer students working with children and youth during their clinical experience a $10,000 stipend.
Founded In: 1928
Tuition: $42,148 for 2021
ACT/SAT: Suspended for 2021-2022
Acceptance Rate: 65%
GPA: N/A
Rank: 2
Contact: 757-727-5000
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at Hampton University for students
- ECA Centennial Scholarships: Educational Fund
- NACA Foundation Graduate Scholarships: Educational Fund
- ECT Foundation Master Scholarships: Educational Fund
Apply for Admission
South Dakota State University
A Master of Education in Counseling and Human Resource Development is available from South Dakota State University with a concentration in the administration of student affairs. This is a program of 36 credit hours that trains graduates for higher education careers with an emphasis on recognizing the factors that impact the life of a student. Although there are no criteria for registration or licensing for student staff professionals, students who complete the program along with their written and oral assessments will be endorsed as professionals in student affairs. Additionally, after completing the national test before or after graduation, candidates in the program will be able to work towards National Certified Counselor certification.
Founded In: 1881
Tuition: $336.80 per credit hour for residents & $647.55 per credit hour for non residents
ACT/SAT: Test Optional for 2021
Acceptance Rate: 90%
GPA: 3.0
Rank: 3
Contact: 605-688-6831
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at South Dakota State University for students
- The Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarship: Educational Fund
- Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund: Educational Fund
- Joseph F. Nelson Graduate Scholarship: Educational Fund
- SDSU Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award: Educational Fund
- Graduate Student Wokini Scholarship: $5,000
Apply for Admission
St. Cloud State University
A Master of Science in College Counseling and Student Development is offered by St. Cloud State University. This program allows students to select from two available courses of study with a thesis alternative (54 credits) and a comprehensive examination alternative (48 credits). The program emphasizes experiential learning, a concentration on diverse communities, and strong connections that are fostered by small classrooms with students and teachers. The program follows a cohort model of opportunities for part or full-time attendance for students. The ability to study abroad in South Africa and Malaysia is a special aspect of the program. In addition, some graduate assistantships receive up to a $10,000 stipend annually along with tuition reimbursement per semester for up to eight credits.
Founded In: 1869
Tuition: $23,098 per year for residents &$27,124 per yea for non-residents
ACT/SAT: Test Optional for 2021
Acceptance Rate: 85%
GPA: 3.14
Rank: 4
Contact: 320-308-0121
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at St. Cloud State University for students
- Dennis M. Thayer Leadership Award: $1,000
- Recovery Resource Centre Scholarship: $250
- Alice L. Binger Scholarship for Internship Programs: Educational Fund
- Bradley Quin Erickson Memorial Scholarship: Educational Fund
Apply for Admission
Slippery Rock University
At Slippery Rock University, a Master of Arts in student affairs in higher education with college counselling is available for 60 credits. This licensing track program will train graduates at colleges and universities for careers as mental health counsellors. Also, as career counsellors, disability counsellors, or academic advisors on college and university campuses, graduates would be well trained for professional careers. This three-year program prepares graduates for the certification of the National Certified Counselor (NCC) as well as the licensure as professional counsellors (LPC). Licensing standards differ by state, and for licensing requirements, students should contact the board of the state they choose to practice in.
Founded In: 1889
Tuition: $662.70 per credit hour for residents & $971.40 per credit hour for non-residents
ACT/SAT: Test Optional for 2021
Acceptance Rate: 73%
GPA: 3.0
Rank: 5
Contact: 724-738-2035
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at Slippery Rock University for students
- William and Nancy Allenbaugh Scholarship: Up to $500
- Charles M. Bennet Fellowship: Educational Fund
- Counselling and Development Fellowship: Up to $500
- Lawrence A. Upton Memorial Scholarship: Up to $1,250
Apply for Admission
Edinboro University Of Pennsylvania
To prepare graduates for careers in education and academic environments, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in college counselling. This 60-63 credit program aims to train candidates for national credential and licensing tests in an attempt to enable college campuses to have professionally trained college counsellors at their disposal to students. It is possible to complete this college therapy program entirely online.
Founded In: 1857
Tuition: $680.35 per credit hour for residents & $936.10 per credit hour for non residents
ACT/SAT: Test optional for 2021
Acceptance Rate: 83%
GPA: 3.9
Rank: 6
Contact: 814-732-1923
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania for students
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship: Educational Fund
- Anna F. Filley Scholarship: Educational Fund
- Jean Bloom Rehabilitation Counseling Scholarship: Educational Fund
Apply for Admission
West Chester University
A Master of Science in Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs from West Chester University can be earned by interested students. This 48-hour credit program includes 700 hours of fieldwork and helps students to exercise the talents they have mastered in the classroom in counselling and higher education/student affairs. In all 50 states, this Master of Science degree completes the key educational criteria for licensing as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). In addition, to become National Certified Counselors, students who complete the national test would be eligible. Each student in the program will be assisted by a full-time faculty counsellor to meet educational and career objectives.
Founded In: 1871
Tuition: $641.14 credit hour for residents & $911.14 per credit hour for non residents
ACT/SAT: Test Optional for 2021
Acceptance Rate: 75%
GPA: 3.43
Rank: 7
Contact: 610-436-1000
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at West Chester University for students
- Addy Kelly Memorial Scholarship: Educational Fund
- Brad Taylor Scholarship: Educational Fund
- Cheryl Hamel School Counselor Memorial Scholarship: Educational Fund
- R. E. Drayer Graduate Scholarship: $1,000
Apply for Admission
Youngstown State University
A Master of Education in Student Affairs and College Counseling is provided by Youngstown State University. Within 2 years of full-time study, this degree can be completed. Students can select from two tracks, the non-counselling licensure track (51 credits) and the counselling licensure track (66 credits). Graduates who complete the licensing track will be prepared to practice with students in clinical settings such as mental health and recovery facilities, as well as in private practice in colleges and universities. Via graduate assistantships, some funding is available for students.
Founded In: 1908
Tuition: $12,390 in-state & $18,390 out-of-state
ACT/SAT: Test optional for 2021
Acceptance Rate: 68%
GPA: Minimum of 3.0 or better
Rank: 8
Contact: 330-941-3000
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at Youngstown State University for students
- First Opportunity Scholarship: $1,000 per year
- Red and White Scholarship: $2,000 per year
- Deans’ Scholarship: $3,000 per year
- Honors College Awards: Estimated betwwwn $5,000 to $18,000
- Academic Achievement Award: $500 per academic year
Apply for Admission
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a Master of Science in Counseling and Student Affairs degree. Student Affairs and College Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling are the three fields of focus in the program. The program presents candidates with a generalist orientation with the ability to define and choose a course of study that best fits their individual career goals. Students may opt to complete the full time (2 years) or part-time curriculum (up to 5 years). Besides, by providing classes in the evening and through a blended model, the program strives to be versatile for students and allow students to retain work schedules.
Founded In: 1888
Tuition: $459 per credit hour
ACT/SAT: Test optional for 2021
Acceptance Rate: 65%
GPA: 3.0 minimum
Rank: 9
Contact: 218-477-2297
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at Minnesota State University Moorhead for students
- College of Education & Human Services-Graduate student: Educational Fund
- Graduate NSSLHA/Collegiate Sertoma Award: Educational Fund
- Marlane Sanderson Graduate Student Scholarship: Educational Fund
- Anonymous Academic & Need-Based Scholarship: Educational Fund
- Davis and Francis Butler Scholarship: Educational Fund
