2026 Best Value Student Counseling Schools
Looking for the best-value Student Counseling programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 arm you with the information you need, Teaching Degree Search 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 Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is University Of The Cumberlands, our #1 best-value Student Counseling school in the United States. University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamsburg, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,875. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,868. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Set against $22,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of The Cumberlands has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about University Of The Cumberlands
Out of the 493 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Concordia University Irvine landed the #2 spot. Based in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. Concordia University Irvine Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,085 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,083. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66%. See the full Concordia University Irvine profile
A rank of #3 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Concordia University Chicago came in at #4 on this year's best-value Student Counseling ranking in the United States. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Graduates carry a median of $26,956 in student loans. 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. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
You'll get strong value at Wilmington University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Students borrow a median of $26,054 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wilmington University report
Wayne State College placed #6 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,171. Graduates carry a median of $22,974 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,075 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wayne State College profile
Doane College Crete landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,985 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $28,802. Median earnings reach $53,316 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,802 median debt. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Doane College Crete
Mcdaniel College placed #8 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,081. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,247. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mcdaniel College admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Drake University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $22,273. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full Drake University profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Student Counseling students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
Buena Vista University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Storm Lake, IA. Students from in state pay about $41,798 in tuition and fees. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $29,317. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,156. That is a strong return on a $29,317 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Buena Vista University
University Of Scranton placed #12 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,777. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,652 ten years after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Scranton
Fitchburg State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,840. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fitchburg State University
Chadron State College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Chadron, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,294. Students borrow a median of $22,912 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chadron State College profile
Seattle University placed #15 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,289. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Seattle University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,260. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Hamline University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,530 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Hamline University
Westminster College Pa offered strong value this year, earning the #18 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. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $53,861 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Westminster College Pa has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Westminster College Pa profile
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,585. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Whitworth University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. Students from in state pay about $52,880 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,051 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. That is a strong return on a $26,051 median debt. Whitworth University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Whitworth University profile
Salem College placed #21 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Winston-Salem, NC, Salem College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,848. Students borrow a median of $26,789 to complete their Student Counseling program here. 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
Fresno Pacific University placed #22 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,660. Students borrow a median of $24,596 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,896. Set against $24,596 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fresno Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read more about Fresno Pacific University
Northern State University placed #22 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,143. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,618. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern State University
Providence College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $63,550. Providence College Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,833 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,054 ten years after entry. Set against $26,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Providence College admits about 51% of applicants. Read more about Providence College
Youngstown State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,373. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Concordia University Seward landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit school based in Seward, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $40,640. Students borrow a median of $26,726 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $52,415 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
The College Of New Jersey offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. The College Of New Jersey alumni report median earnings of $73,323 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. See the full The College Of New Jersey profile
Lubbock Christian University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $28,540. Students borrow a median of $28,337 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,787. Set against $28,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lubbock Christian University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Lubbock Christian University profile
Winona State University placed #29 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Winona State University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Stephens College placed #31 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. Graduates carry a median of $33,326 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,071 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,326 median debt. Stephens College has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Stephens College profile
Loras College placed #32 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dubuque, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $39,824. Loras College Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,528 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,289 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loras College has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read more about Loras College
Harding University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Searcy, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Harding University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,715 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,876 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. Harding University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Harding University
Gonzaga University placed #33 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,188 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gonzaga University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Gonzaga University
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Concordia University Wisconsin placed #36 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Mequon, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $27,172. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin
University Of La Verne landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in La Verne, CA, University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,470. Students borrow a median of $26,314 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,464. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on University Of La Verne
Delta State University placed #38 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,605. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. More on Delta State University
Marywood University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,420. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $27,744. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. Marywood University admits about 61% of applicants. Read more about Marywood University
Liberty University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Liberty University Student Counseling students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Xavier University placed #41 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cincinnati, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,425. Students borrow a median of $26,614 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $64,873 ten years out. Set against $26,614 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Xavier University report
Montclair State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $25,286 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Montclair State University profile
National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,245. Students borrow a median of $29,242 to complete their Student Counseling program here. National Louis University alumni report median earnings of $45,799 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about National Louis University
John Brown University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Siloam Springs, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,756. John Brown University Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,216 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,907 ten years out. Set against $25,216 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full John Brown University report
Freed Hardeman University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,620. Freed Hardeman University Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,479 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. Set against $24,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Freed Hardeman University has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on Freed Hardeman University
University Of West Alabama came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,990, while out-of-state students pay about $20,090. The median Student Counseling program debt is $31,894. University Of West Alabama alumni report median earnings of $44,232 a decade after entry. Set against $31,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of West Alabama
Lewis University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Romeoville, IL. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,838 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,099 ten years after entry. Set against $24,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lewis University profile
Spalding University placed #49 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. 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. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $29,862. Spalding University alumni report median earnings of $49,438 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Spalding University
Illinois State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Illinois State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $21,896 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. 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
Northern Illinois University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Best Value Student Counseling Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Student Counseling Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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