2026 Best Value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 802 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 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 Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide this year in the United States. Based in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,097. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $20,787 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. Set against $20,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide admits about 58% of applicants. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Out of the 802 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #2 spot. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. The median Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program debt is $23,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Typical Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology student debt is $27,471. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Out of the 802 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Worcester State University landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Typical Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology student debt is $24,451. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Worcester State University
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Moorhead, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete their Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
Post University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Waterbury, CT, Post University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,922. Typical Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology student debt is $35,364. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. Set against $35,364 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Post University
Fielding Graduate University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, Fielding Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Fielding Graduate University
Avila University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kansas City, MO, Avila University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,200. The median Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program debt is $29,750. Avila University alumni report median earnings of $52,773 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Avila University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Saint Josephs University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,260. Graduates carry a median of $26,426 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,881 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Josephs University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Saint Josephs University profile
Mount St Marys College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,564. Mount St Marys College Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,379 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mount St Marys College
Concordia University Irvine ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,480. Graduates carry a median of $26,085 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Concordia University Irvine
Illinois State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program debt is $21,896. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Illinois State University
Lynchburg College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,380. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. More on Lynchburg College
Carlos Albizu University San Juan came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Juan, PR, Carlos Albizu University San Juan is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,120 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. See the full Carlos Albizu University San Juan profile
Vanguard University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Vanguard University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Costa Mesa, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,700. Typical Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology student debt is $21,111. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,541. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full Vanguard University Of Southern California profile
National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,245. Students borrow a median of $29,242 to complete their Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,799. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about National Louis University
Trinity Christian College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Trinity Christian College is a private not-for-profit school based in Palos Heights, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,605. Typical Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology student debt is $28,722. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,700. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Trinity Christian College admits about 85% of applicants. More on Trinity Christian College
National University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. National University Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $30,426 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. Read more about National University
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Teaneck, NJ. Students from in state pay about $37,010 in tuition and fees. The median Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program debt is $24,770. Median earnings reach $57,273 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,770 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Northern Illinois University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. 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 admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Salve Regina University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newport, RI, Salve Regina University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,100. Salve Regina University Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,975 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Salve Regina University
University Of North Texas ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Students borrow a median of $19,583 to complete their Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,583 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,780. The median Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program debt is $32,107. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,899. That is a strong return on a $32,107 median debt. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles admits about 46% of applicants. See the full The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles profile
John Carroll University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in University Heights, OH, John Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,500 in tuition and fees. John Carroll University Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $26,131 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,860. Set against $26,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full John Carroll University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of South Dakota placed #26 among the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Typical Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology student debt is $26,322. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Walden University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $55,500 in student loans. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $55,500 median debt. Read more about Walden University
Rowan University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,488 in student loans. Rowan University alumni report median earnings of $59,988 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,488 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rowan University report
Freed Hardeman University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,620. Freed Hardeman University Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $24,479 in debt. Freed Hardeman University alumni report median earnings of $47,485 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Freed Hardeman University has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full Freed Hardeman University profile
Golden Gate University San Francisco landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,343. Students borrow a median of $33,968 to complete their Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,434. That is a strong return on a $33,968 median debt. Read more about Golden Gate University San Francisco
Rider University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lawrenceville, NJ, Rider University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,120. Students borrow a median of $26,241 to complete their Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,208 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rider University
George Fox University placed #33 among the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Newberg, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,320. Students borrow a median of $25,324 to complete their Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $59,761 ten years out. Set against $25,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on George Fox University
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #35 among the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. University Of Nebraska At Omaha Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $21,783 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. Set against $21,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago placed #36 among the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools in the United States. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $21,780. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $40,645 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,899. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago admits about 34% of applicants. Read more about The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology student debt is $24,408. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Bowie State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools. Based in Bowie, MD, Bowie State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,218, while out-of-state students pay about $19,938. The median Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program debt is $28,474. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,537. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Bowie State University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,330 to complete their Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete their Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Capella University
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Typical Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology student debt is $25,449. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Niagara University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Niagara University, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $39,345. Graduates carry a median of $26,208 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,196 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Niagara University
Touro College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Touro College is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,052. Students borrow a median of $20,285 to complete their Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,419 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. Get the full Touro College report
Northern Kentucky University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Northern Kentucky University Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $25,572 in debt. Northern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $50,220 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,572 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Northern Kentucky University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program debt is $22,386. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Central Michigan University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Central Michigan University Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $27,857 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Central Michigan University report
University Of Central Arkansas came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. The median Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program debt is $22,920. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
Nicholls State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Nicholls State University is a public school based in Thibodaux, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,149, while out-of-state students pay about $9,242. Typical Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology student debt is $24,513. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,454. Set against $24,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Nicholls State University profile
Grand Valley State University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Grand Valley State University Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology students take on a median of $26,378 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,378 median debt. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
La Sierra University placed #52 among the best-value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Riverside, CA, La Sierra University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,710. The median Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology program debt is $29,507. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,824 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,507 median debt. La Sierra University admits about 92% of applicants. More on La Sierra University
Related Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Clinical Counseling Applied Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 802 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.