2026 Best Value Student Counseling Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Student Counseling graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 493 institutions 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree analyzed schools to compile 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Concordia University Chicago earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,956. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Chicago profile
You'll get strong value at Hamline University, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,530. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,106 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Hamline University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Moorhead earned it the #3 place in the United States. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
A rank of #4 makes The College Of New Jersey one of the best values in the United States. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. The College Of New Jersey Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,429 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,323. That is a strong return on a $24,429 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
University Of West Alabama came in at #5 on this year's best-value Student Counseling ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Livingston, AL. Students from in state pay about $10,990 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,090 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,894 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,232. Set against $31,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read the full report on University Of West Alabama
Marywood University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. 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. Graduates carry a median of $27,744 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,817. Set against $27,744 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marywood University has an acceptance rate of 61%. Get the full Marywood University report
Bradley University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,160. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,380. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,852. That is a strong return on a $26,380 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bradley University
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,286. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Magnolia, AR, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,960, compared with $15,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $20,385. Median earnings reach $42,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,385 median debt. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Angelo State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Angelo State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $21,237 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,116. Set against $21,237 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Angelo State University admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on Angelo State University
Valdosta State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,124, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $28,661. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,361 ten years after entry. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants. More on Valdosta State University
Carson Newman College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jefferson City, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,700. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,843. Carson Newman College alumni report median earnings of $48,382 a decade after entry. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carson Newman College admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Carson Newman College
Saint Cloud State University placed #14 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,076. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Seattle Pacific University placed #15 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,407. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,506. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full Seattle Pacific University profile
California State University Los Angeles placed #16 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,211 ten years after entry. Set against $14,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about California State University Los Angeles
University Of North Dakota landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Nebraska At Kearney landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Graduates carry a median of $22,173 in student loans. University Of Nebraska At Kearney alumni report median earnings of $50,105 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,173 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
South Dakota State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. South Dakota State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,989 in debt. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Southeast Missouri State University placed #21 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Students borrow a median of $23,289 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,289 median debt. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. More on Southeast Missouri State University
Manhattan College placed #23 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverdale, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $53,400. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,968. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,316 ten years after entry. Set against $25,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Manhattan College admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Manhattan College
Loyola Marymount University placed #24 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,248 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Loyola Marymount University alumni report median earnings of $78,349 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Loyola Marymount University report
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,399. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Sam Houston State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Graduates carry a median of $24,850 in student loans. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
Lakeland College placed #27 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Plymouth, WI. Students from in state pay about $33,396 in tuition and fees. Lakeland College Student Counseling students take on a median of $29,722 in debt. Lakeland College alumni report median earnings of $55,961 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,722 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Lakeland College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Murray State University placed #29 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Murray State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,420 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,737. Set against $23,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Murray State University
Niagara University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,345. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,208. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,196. Set against $26,208 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Niagara University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Niagara University profile
Wichita State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. Set against $24,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Wichita State University
University Of Redlands offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Redlands, CA, University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $60,878 in tuition and fees. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $27,175. University Of Redlands alumni report median earnings of $72,690 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. See the full University Of Redlands profile
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina placed #32 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,570, while out-of-state students pay about $38,508. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,305. Median earnings reach $72,085 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 23% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
Alfred University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Alfred, NY, Alfred University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,138. Graduates carry a median of $25,706 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,897 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Alfred University
University Of Memphis ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,315 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. That is a strong return on a $26,315 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Memphis report
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,408. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
East Carolina University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,747. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,747 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full East Carolina University profile
Rider University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Rider University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lawrenceville, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,120. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,241. Rider University alumni report median earnings of $62,208 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rider University report
Assumption College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Assumption College is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,356. Students borrow a median of $26,995 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,895. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read more about Assumption College
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Kansas State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,546 in debt. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kansas State University
The Sage Colleges came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,164. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,702. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,316. Set against $26,702 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Sage Colleges has an acceptance rate of 53%. Read the full report on The Sage Colleges
University Of Alaska Fairbanks ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Fairbanks, AK, University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,083, compared with $25,892 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,439 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,866 ten years after entry. Set against $23,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full University Of Alaska Fairbanks profile
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their Student Counseling program here. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
University Of West Georgia landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,789. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,587. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Georgia admits about 52% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
University Of Georgia placed #45 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. University Of Georgia Student Counseling students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on University Of Georgia
Eastern University placed #46 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Saint Davids, PA, Eastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,400. Students borrow a median of $28,584 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,655. That is a strong return on a $28,584 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Eastern University profile
American International College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Springfield, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,230. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $30,390. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,124. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. American International College admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about American International College
Canisius College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Buffalo, NY, Canisius College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,200. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,673. Canisius College alumni report median earnings of $60,681 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Canisius College profile
Arkansas Tech University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,674 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Graduates carry a median of $23,257 in student loans. Arkansas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $41,766 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arkansas Tech University
Clemson University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. The median Student Counseling program debt is $23,783. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Clemson University
Rivier College landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Nashua, NH, Rivier College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,488 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,917 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,248. That is a strong return on a $28,917 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rivier College profile
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Capella University
Troy University offered strong value this year, earning the #54 position. This public school is set in Troy, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,176, with out-of-state students paying around $20,352. Students borrow a median of $26,439 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,062. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Troy University
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 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. 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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