2026 Best Value Student Counseling Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Student Counseling doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 493 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree evaluated 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Student Counseling doctoral degree schools in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 493 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #2 spot. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Northern Illinois University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Student Counseling ranking in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Student Counseling ranking in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. 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 admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at National Louis University, which ranked #5 this year. National Louis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. National Louis University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on National Louis University
Montclair State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $25,286 in student loans. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Montclair State University
University Of West Georgia placed #7 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This public school is set in Carrollton, GA. Students from in state pay about $6,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. University Of West Georgia Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,789 in debt. University Of West Georgia alumni report median earnings of $49,587 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Georgia has an acceptance rate of 52%. More on University Of West Georgia
Governors State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in University Park, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,004. Governors State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,990 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,169. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%. Read more about Governors State University
Seattle Pacific University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,407. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,188. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,506. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. Seattle Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 83%. More on Seattle Pacific University
University Of Georgia landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. The median Student Counseling program debt is $21,792. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #11 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Students borrow a median of $26,307 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. Set against $26,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Wyoming landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
Sam Houston State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,850. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
Kansas State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Kansas State University
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Capella University
University Of North Texas landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Texas A And M University Commerce offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. The median Student Counseling program debt is $23,796. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,296. That is a strong return on a $23,796 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas A And M University Commerce profile
Duquesne University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,986. Duquesne University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,297 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,742. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Duquesne University
Texas Tech University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,271. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Corpus Christi, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $20,794. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,508 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,865 ten years out. Set against $25,508 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University Corpus Christi profile
University Of Memphis landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Students borrow a median of $26,315 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. That is a strong return on a $26,315 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of Memphis
Indiana State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,582. Median earnings reach $48,387 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full Indiana State University report
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #24 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,513 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,673 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Arkansas landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,019. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
Arizona State University placed #27 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Arizona State University report
University Of New Orleans placed #28 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. University Of New Orleans is a public school based in New Orleans, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,172, with out-of-state students paying around $14,008. Students borrow a median of $23,048 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,872. Set against $23,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of New Orleans
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,977 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,160 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. University Of Iowa Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report
Oregon State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Oregon State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,043 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,010 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Oregon State University report
Florida Atlantic University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Florida Atlantic University Student Counseling students take on a median of $20,212 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Florida Atlantic University
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in Athens, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,546. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $21,818. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Texas Christian University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Students borrow a median of $22,960 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants. Get the full Texas Christian University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,393. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
George Washington University placed #37 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,910. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. See the full George Washington University profile
University Of Florida ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Student Counseling students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
Georgia State University placed #39 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,091. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,384. Set against $26,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. More on Georgia State University
College Of William And Mary landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $18,935. Median earnings reach $73,490 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,935 median debt. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on College Of William And Mary
Western Michigan University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,981 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Oakland University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Rochester Hills, MI. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,972. Oakland University alumni report median earnings of $58,612 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,972 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Oakland University report
Regent University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Regent University is a private not-for-profit school based in Virginia Beach, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,650. Graduates carry a median of $29,451 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,498. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on Regent University
University Of Mississippi Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. Graduates carry a median of $22,444 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,994. Set against $22,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Mississippi Main Campus
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,742 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
University Of Northern Colorado offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. University Of Northern Colorado Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,974 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,231 ten years after entry. Set against $23,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Northern Colorado
Kent State University At Kent landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,174. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. The median Student Counseling program debt is $23,530. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,113 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Set against $22,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
The University Of Texas At San Antonio placed #50 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,312. The University Of Texas At San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $57,131 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At San Antonio has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At San Antonio
Related Student Counseling Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Student Counseling Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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