2026 Best Value Student Counseling Schools
Looking for the best-value Student Counseling programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 493 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Student Counseling Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
University Of The Cumberlands tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Student Counseling programs schools in the United States. Based in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,875 in tuition and fees. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,868. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Set against $22,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of The Cumberlands
Out of the 493 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Concordia University Irvine landed the #2 spot. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,480. Graduates carry a median of $26,085 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Get the full Concordia University Irvine report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Student Counseling students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Chicago, which ranked #4 this year. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,956 in debt. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. Concordia University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Concordia University Chicago
Out of the 493 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Wilmington University landed the #5 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wilmington University
Wayne State College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Wayne State College is a public school based in Wayne, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,171. The median Student Counseling program debt is $22,974. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,075 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,974 median debt. Read more about Wayne State College
Doane College Crete placed #7 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. The median Student Counseling program debt is $28,802. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,316 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Doane College Crete
Mcdaniel College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $23,247. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,663. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Mcdaniel College
Drake University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Drake University alumni report median earnings of $71,901 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants. Get the full Drake University report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. The median Student Counseling program debt is $27,471. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. Read the full report on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Buena Vista University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,798. Graduates carry a median of $29,317 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Buena Vista University
University Of Scranton landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,500. Median earnings reach $74,652 ten years out. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Scranton has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full University Of Scranton profile
Fitchburg State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Fitchburg State University alumni report median earnings of $53,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Fitchburg State University
Chadron State College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Chadron State College is a public school based in Chadron, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,294 in tuition and fees. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,912. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,002. Set against $22,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Chadron State College profile
Seattle University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Seattle University Student Counseling students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full Seattle University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Hamline University placed #17 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,530. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Hamline University
Westminster College Pa placed #18 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,290. Graduates carry a median of $26,528 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,861 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Westminster College Pa has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Westminster College Pa
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Whitworth University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,880. Whitworth University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,051 in debt. Whitworth University alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Whitworth University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Whitworth University
Salem College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Salem College is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,848. Students borrow a median of $26,789 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,640 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,789 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Salem College
Northern State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in Aberdeen, SD. Students from in state pay about $8,845 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,143. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,618. Set against $26,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Northern State University profile
Fresno Pacific University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,660. Students borrow a median of $24,596 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $58,896 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,596 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fresno Pacific University profile
Providence College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $63,550. Students borrow a median of $26,833 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,054 ten years after entry. Set against $26,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 51% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Providence College
Youngstown State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Youngstown State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Concordia University Seward ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,640. Concordia University Seward Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,726 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Concordia University Seward
The College Of New Jersey came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,429. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,323 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,429 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The College Of New Jersey report
Lubbock Christian University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,540. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $28,337. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,787. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lubbock Christian University profile
Winona State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,551. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Winona State University
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,447. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Stephens College placed #31 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, MO, Stephens College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. Stephens College Student Counseling students take on a median of $33,326 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stephens College admits about 77% of applicants. More on Stephens College
Loras College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,824. Loras College Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,528 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loras College admits about 100% of applicants. More on Loras College
Harding University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Harding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Searcy, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,962. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,715. Harding University alumni report median earnings of $52,876 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Harding University
Gonzaga University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,188. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Gonzaga University
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,153. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Concordia University Wisconsin Student Counseling students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Concordia University Wisconsin report
University Of La Verne offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in La Verne, CA, University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,470. University Of La Verne Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,314 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,464. Set against $26,314 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of La Verne
Delta State University placed #38 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. The median Student Counseling program debt is $23,432. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,991. That is a strong return on a $23,432 median debt. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants. Read the full report on Delta State University
Marywood University placed #39 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $27,744. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,817. Set against $27,744 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Marywood University report
Liberty University placed #40 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Liberty University Student Counseling students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Xavier University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cincinnati, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,425. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,614. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,873 ten years after entry. Set against $26,614 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Xavier University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Xavier University report
National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,245 in tuition and fees. National Louis University Student Counseling students take on a median of $29,242 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,799 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. National Louis University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full National Louis University report
Montclair State University placed #42 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,286. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Montclair State University report
John Brown University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Siloam Springs, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $31,756. John Brown University Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,216 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,907. Set against $25,216 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on John Brown University
Freed Hardeman University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Henderson, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,620. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,479. Median earnings reach $47,485 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,479 median debt. Freed Hardeman University has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on Freed Hardeman University
University Of West Alabama came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,990, with out-of-state students paying around $20,090. University Of West Alabama Student Counseling students take on a median of $31,894 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,232. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Alabama admits about 43% of applicants. More on University Of West Alabama
Lewis University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Romeoville, IL. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,838 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $66,099 ten years out. Set against $24,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full Lewis University profile
Spalding University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Louisville, KY, Spalding University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,000. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $29,862. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,438 ten years after entry. Set against $29,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Spalding University
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $21,896 in student loans. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Northern Illinois University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Northern Illinois University Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Best Value Student Counseling Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Student Counseling Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 493 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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