2026 Best Value Student Counseling Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Student Counseling master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 493 colleges 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 help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found University Of The Cumberlands to be the best-value Student Counseling school in the United States. Based in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,036 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. More on Concordia University Irvine
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Chicago, which ranked #3 this year. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,956. Median earnings reach $54,089 ten years out. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on Concordia University Chicago
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wilmington University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Wilmington University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,054 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. See the full Wilmington University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wayne State College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Wayne State College is a public school based in Wayne, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,171. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. That is a strong return on a $22,974 median debt. More on Wayne State College
Doane College Crete offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,985. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $28,802. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. Set against $28,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Doane College Crete profile
Mcdaniel College placed #7 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit school based in Westminster, MD. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $23,247. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,663 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 Mcdaniel College
Drake University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Students borrow a median of $22,273 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,901. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read the full report on Drake University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Buena Vista University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,798. The median Student Counseling program debt is $29,317. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. Set against $29,317 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Buena Vista University profile
University Of Scranton ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. University Of Scranton Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $74,652 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. University Of Scranton has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Fitchburg State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Fitchburg State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. Fitchburg State University alumni report median earnings of $53,874 a decade after entry. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Fitchburg State University
Chadron State College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Chadron State College is a public school based in Chadron, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,294. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,912. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Chadron State College
Seattle University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Seattle University Student Counseling students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Seattle University
Westminster College Pa offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,290. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,528. Westminster College Pa alumni report median earnings of $53,861 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on Westminster College Pa
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,585 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Whitworth University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,880. Graduates carry a median of $26,051 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Whitworth University profile
Salem College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Winston-Salem, NC, Salem College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,848. Salem College Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,789 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,640. Set against $26,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full Salem College profile
Northern State University placed #19 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Northern State University is a public school based in Aberdeen, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,845, with out-of-state students paying around $11,947. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,143. Median earnings reach $47,618 ten years out. Set against $26,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern State University profile
Fresno Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fresno, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,660. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,596. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. More on Fresno Pacific University
Providence College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $63,550. Students borrow a median of $26,833 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,054. That is a strong return on a $26,833 median debt. About 51% of those who apply are admitted. More on Providence College
Youngstown State University placed #22 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,373. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Concordia University Seward placed #23 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,640. Students borrow a median of $26,726 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,415 ten years after entry. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Concordia University Seward
The College Of New Jersey came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ewing, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. The College Of New Jersey Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,429 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,323. That is a strong return on a $24,429 median debt. The College Of New Jersey has an acceptance rate of 62%. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
Lubbock Christian University placed #25 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $28,540 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,337 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,787 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,337 median debt. Lubbock Christian University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Lubbock Christian University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Winona State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Winona State University report
Stephens College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Stephens College is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. Graduates carry a median of $33,326 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,071. Set against $33,326 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stephens College has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on Stephens College
Loras College placed #28 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dubuque, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,824. Loras College Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,528 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,289 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. Loras College has an acceptance rate of 100%. Get the full Loras College report
Harding University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Graduates carry a median of $26,715 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,876 ten years after entry. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Harding University report
Gonzaga University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Students borrow a median of $25,188 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Gonzaga University alumni report median earnings of $78,892 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Gonzaga University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,447 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Concordia University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Mequon, WI. Students from in state pay about $35,470 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,172 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin
Marywood University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $27,744. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. Set against $27,744 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read the full report on Marywood University
University Of La Verne offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in La Verne, CA, University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,470 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,314 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,464. That is a strong return on a $26,314 median debt. University Of La Verne has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full University Of La Verne report
Delta State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Delta State University is a public school based in Cleveland, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,605. Delta State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,432 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,432 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. See the full Delta State University profile
Liberty University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Liberty University
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,286. 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. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Montclair State University report
Xavier University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,425. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,614. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,873. That is a strong return on a $26,614 median debt. Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Xavier University
John Brown University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Siloam Springs, AR, John Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,756. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,216. John Brown University alumni report median earnings of $53,907 a decade after entry. Set against $25,216 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full John Brown University profile
Freed Hardeman University placed #41 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,620. Students borrow a median of $24,479 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. That is a strong return on a $24,479 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on Freed Hardeman University
Lewis University placed #43 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Graduates carry a median of $24,838 in student loans. Median earnings reach $66,099 ten years out. Set against $24,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Lewis University report
Spalding University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Louisville, KY, Spalding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,000 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $29,862. Median earnings reach $49,438 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,862 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Spalding University
University Of West Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. University Of West Alabama is a public school based in Livingston, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $10,990, with out-of-state students paying around $20,090. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $31,894. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,232 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of West Alabama
Illinois State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $21,896. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
California Baptist University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,228. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $28,169. Median earnings reach $61,504 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full California Baptist University report
Carson Newman College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jefferson City, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,700. Graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,382 ten years after entry. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carson Newman College admits about 90% of applicants. More on Carson Newman College
Universidad Del Turabo placed #49 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Universidad Del Turabo Student Counseling students take on a median of $14,155 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,223. Set against $14,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Universidad Del Turabo
National University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. National University Student Counseling students take on a median of $30,426 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full National University report
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Related Student Counseling Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.