Best Master's In Counseling Management Degrees

A ranking of the best master's in nonprofit management programs. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
by

Updated January 6, 2023

check mark Reviewed by

Our Integrity Network

CollegeChoice.net is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for CollegeChoice.net as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

CollegeChoice.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

Earn a Master's in Nonprofit Management

The top master's in nonprofit management programs blend a theoretical curriculum with experiential learning. Nonprofit graduate students gain professional experience through internships and capstone projects.

Students at these programs build a strong network with community-based organizations, nonprofits, and philanthropic foundations, increasing their competitiveness on the job market after graduation. With options ranging from accelerated one-year programs to part-time programs designed for working professionals, these universities offer flexible options for students planning a career in nonprofit management.

Professionals who complete a master's degree in nonprofit management work as program directors, CEOs, and executive directors for local, national, or international nonprofit organizations. By taking specialized coursework, graduate students also build valuable skills in fundraising management, grant writing, and volunteer management. These high-demand skills let graduates pursue a variety of careers in the growing nonprofit sector. The many master's in nonprofit management salary opportunities include lucrative and rewarding positions at the management level.

mini icon

Accredited Online Non-profit Management Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

What are the best Master degree programs in Nonprofit Management?

College Choice wants to help you navigate the growing number of graduate degrees offered in the field of nonprofit studies. To that end, with reference to resources like U.S. News & World Report, Payscale.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and school websites, we’ve considered various factors including program and school reputation, tuition, and forecasted salary to compile a list of the forty best Master of Nonprofit Management degree programs. In case you're interested in assessing online colleges generally, we've created a ranking of the best ones in the country.

Annual tuition data had to be figured in several ways. Some schools charge an annual rate. Others charge a rate per term. While, still others charge per credit. For those providing per term or per credit rates, we figured the annual tuition based on completion of the degree in two years. A majority of the programs are designed to be completed in two years, but some can be completed in an accelerated format and so students may be able to complete these programs in less time. Their annual costs in the accelerated format would typically be greater but paid less frequently.

Best Master’s in Nonprofit Management Degrees 2022

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Best Master’s In Counseling Management Degrees

Texas A&M University-College Station

  • College Station, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Prospective graduate students can earn an executive master of public service and administration degree at Texas A&M University-College Station, an institution known for developing flexible graduate programs. Remote learners can access the school’s catalog of 38 online master's degrees, including the executive master of public service and administration. This degree does not require relocation or daily transportation, which contributes to the popularity among full-time workers and others who need flexible schedules.

A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in the major, or a related field, is usually required for admission unless otherwise stated. A big draw to a master’s degree like this program is the intensive coursework that provides enrollees with advanced preparation in their field. Preparation for a doctoral program is another benefit of this degree.

Texas students can expect to pay $6,677 per year in tuition, while out-of-state degree-seekers pay $18,700. Learners can use resources at the financial aid department to determine if they qualify for financial aid like grants and scholarships. Another source of financial aid are loans, which students can pursue from the government or private banks.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,941
Out-of-state
$34,190
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,677
Out-of-state
$18,700
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
68,726
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
14% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Master’s In Counseling Management Degrees

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Prospective graduate students can earn a master of public administration degree at the University of Southern California, an institution known for developing flexible graduate programs. The master of public administration program is one of the top-ranked programs that attracts remote learners. The Los Angeles-based school offers 55 online master's programs. The program’s appeal includes a flexible online format that lets degree-seekers work and pursue other interests.

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in the major or a related one unless otherwise stated on the program or admissions website. The enhanced job opportunities and potentially higher pay make the program a worthy pursuit for many degree-seekers. Preparation for a doctoral program is another benefit of this degree.

The school charges $46,272 in tuition annually. Learners can use resources at the financial aid department to determine if they qualify for financial aid like grants and scholarships. Many enrollees may also want to consider loans as an option to afford tuition.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,256
Out-of-state
$57,256
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$46,272
Out-of-state
$46,272
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
48,321
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
17% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#3 Best Master’s In Counseling Management Degrees

Syracuse University

  • Syracuse, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Syracuse University’s online graduate programs emphasize quality and affordability. Learners with a bachelor’s in public administration may want to explore the top-ranked executive master of public administration. This program emphasizes rigorous academics and a flexible learning format.

Enrollees receive more individualized attention with a 15-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Learners complete specialized coursework and training focused on advanced theoretical concepts and practices in public administration. This academic preparation is a prerequisite for higher-level careers in business and industry or a doctoral program in some cases.

Degree-seekers can expect to pay about $38,880 per year for tuition. Students can apply for scholarships and grants to help pay for their degree. Another popular way to finance their education is to take out a student loan, funding used by about 42% of learners at the school.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$50,616
Out-of-state
$50,616
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$38,880
Out-of-state
$38,880
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
22,850
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
15% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Master’s In Counseling Management Degrees

Grand Valley State University

  • Allendale, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Grand Valley State University enrolls students in one of the nation’s best master of public administration programs for online degree-seekers. Learners acquire advanced skills that employers want in middle- to high-level professionals. Some graduates go on to pursue a doctorate.

The school’s online format is a big draw for students who need adaptability. Enrollees can fit in other responsibilities such as work, caregiving, and family life because of the program’s flexibility. The academic environment at the school is supportive and student-focused, whether degree-seekers study in person or online. 

For consideration, applicants need a bachelor’s to apply. Acceptance letters go out to about 83% of applicants to this school, but expect some differences across programs. Students can expect to pay around $17,208 per year for tuition if they live in Michigan.  Degree candidates can use grants, loans, and scholarships to help fund their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,180
Out-of-state
$18,610
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,208
Out-of-state
$17,208
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
24,033
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
12% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Master’s In Counseling Management Degrees

University of Nebraska at Omaha

  • Omaha, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

University of Nebraska at Omaha administers several quality online graduate programs. Learners with a bachelor's degree in public administration may find the master of public administration with a nonprofit management concentration appealing. Enrollees complete an accredited curriculum with little need to relocate or give up their full-time jobs.

The school’s 17-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio provides personalized learning opportunities to students. Degree-seekers acquire the advanced training employers want in potential hires knowledgeable about best practices. Graduates leave the program equipped for more advanced career opportunities and the option to pursue a doctoral program.

Nebraska students pay an annual tuition of about $5,558, while out-of-state enrollees pay $14,440. Many degree-seekers work with the financial aid department to identify aid such as scholarships and grants. Another option includes student loans. About 38% of enrollees use them to finance all or part of their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,224
Out-of-state
$19,488
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,558
Out-of-state
$14,440
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
15,153
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best Master’s In Counseling Management Degrees

SUNY at Albany

  • Albany, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

SUNY at Albany offers students an online master of public administration degree that is a top-ranked program in its class. Learners receive the advanced training employers expect from highly skilled professionals. The degree prepares enrollees for a terminal degree such as a Ph.D.

This program offers a format conducive to effective time-management that many learners need. Students do not need to sacrifice other important aspects of their lives such as work and family to earn this degree. Degree candidates receive faculty support and access to an engaging academic community, whether they study on campus or online.

Degree-seekers interested in pursuing a master’s usually need a bachelor’s in the major or a related field to apply. The school accepts around 54% of all who apply, though different programs have different averages. If accepted, students in New York can expect to pay around $11,310 per year before applying grants, loans, and scholarships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,660
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
17,544
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
19% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#7 Best Master’s In Counseling Management Degrees

University of Pennsylvania

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

University of Pennsylvania’s flexible programs allow graduate students to earn a master of science in nonprofit leadership degree while they work and maintain other obligations. The Philadelphia-based school’s catalog includes three online master's degrees such as the master of science in nonprofit leadership. Students who may have had challenges pursuing graduate school because of their hectic schedules can appreciate this degree’s flexibility.

Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree or a related credential to apply to master’s programs. The potential job opportunities and higher pay make the program a worthy pursuit for many enrollees. The degree may satisfy the entry requirements for a Ph.D. program in this field.

The institution charges an annual tuition of about $36,254. Learners can use resources at the financial aid department to determine if they qualify for financial aid like grants and scholarships. Loans may also be available to help students pay for all or part of the program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$51,156
Out-of-state
$51,156
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$36,254
Out-of-state
$36,254
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
8%
Students Enrolled
26,675
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
6% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#8 Best Master’s In Counseling Management Degrees

Arizona State University Online

  • Scottsdale , AZ
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Many students attend schools such as Arizona State University Online to earn degrees from a distance, and the public school develops programs with them in mind. One option is the master of nonprofit leadership and management.

Logistics is no barrier to earning this degree, which was designed with adaptability and flexibility in mind. Professionals, caretakers, and other busy enrollees can attend virtual sessions and complete assignments at convenient times. A key feature of online learning here is a blend of academic rigor and flexibility that strongly prepares students for advanced positions in their field.

It’s typical for degree-seekers to need a bachelor's in the major or a related one to apply to a master’s program. Consult the program to learn details like how to submit transcripts and recommendation letters if required.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
No

#9 Best Master’s In Counseling Management Degrees

Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network

  • Boston, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network offers an online master of science in nonprofit management program that ranks highly among similar degree offerings. Learners acquire advanced skills that employers want in middle- to high-level professionals. Some master's degree-holders move on to a doctorate.

The school designs these programs to be delivered using an established online format, a big draw for many learners. Students do not need to sacrifice other important aspects of their lives such as work and family to earn this degree. Another benefit is the support that enrollees receive from faculty and services such as career advising to help enrollees plan their future.

For consideration, applicants usually need a bachelor's degree. If accepted, students in Massachusetts can expect to pay around $24,933 per year before applying grants, loans, and scholarships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,298
Out-of-state
$29,298
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,933
Out-of-state
$24,933
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,857
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#10 Best Master’s In Counseling Management Degrees

Georgia State University

  • Atlanta, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Georgia State University delivers one of the nation’s top-ranked online master of public administration programs to students around the country. A bachelor’s degree provides foundational education compared to the advanced training in this program. Those who complete the master of public administration degree can also choose to pursue a terminal degree, such as a Ph.D.

The school’s online format appeals to busy learners with multiple obligations. This flexibility gives students more control over their schedules and makes it easier to juggle priorities. Enrollees also like the fact that faculty serve as mentors. Learners study in an environment that helps them reach their full potential.

Though the department can provide more information, the application requirements include a bachelor’s degree and transcripts. The admission rate is an average of 76% of applicants. Degree-seekers can use financial aid such as loans and grants to pay the annual tuition, which is approximately $7,164 for Georgia residents.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,158
Out-of-state
$22,389
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,164
Out-of-state
$22,662
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
35,041
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
5% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
mini icon

Accredited Online Non-profit Management Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

Online College Resources

Helping you prepare and gain the most out of your educational experience.

Discover a program that is right for you.

Search schools to find the program that is right for you.