2026 Best Value Student Counseling Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Student Counseling doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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, Teaching Degree Search reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Student Counseling Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Provo to be the best-value Student Counseling school in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
You'll get strong value at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
A rank of #4 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,153. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at National Louis University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,245. National Louis University Student Counseling students take on a median of $29,242 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full National Louis University report
Montclair State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Montclair State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,286 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Montclair State University
University Of West Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,088, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. University Of West Georgia Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,789 in debt. University Of West Georgia alumni report median earnings of $49,587 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
Governors State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in University Park, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,004. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Governors State University alumni report median earnings of $58,169 a decade after entry. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. More on Governors State University
Seattle Pacific University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,407. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,188. Median earnings reach $64,506 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Seattle Pacific University
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #11 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,307 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wyoming landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $20,283. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wyoming
Sam Houston State University placed #13 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Students borrow a median of $24,850 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
Kansas State University placed #14 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,546. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kansas State University profile
Capella University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. The median Student Counseling program debt is $35,998. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Read the full report on Capella University
University Of North Texas came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $21,817 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Texas A And M University Commerce placed #17 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Texas A And M University Commerce is a public school based in Commerce, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Graduates carry a median of $23,796 in student loans. Texas A And M University Commerce alumni report median earnings of $50,296 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University Commerce
Duquesne University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,986. Duquesne University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,297 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,742 ten years after entry. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duquesne University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Duquesne University
Texas Tech University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,271. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Corpus Christi, TX, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $20,794. Graduates carry a median of $25,508 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,865 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,508 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University Corpus Christi
University Of Memphis landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,315. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Indiana State University placed #22 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Indiana State University is a public school based in Terre Haute, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,582. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. Set against $25,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Indiana State University report
University Of Maryland College Park placed #23 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public school based in Indiana, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,513. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,513 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,673. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Arkansas landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,019. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Arizona State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Arizona State University report
University Of New Orleans ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,172, with out-of-state students paying around $14,008. Students borrow a median of $23,048 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,872 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of New Orleans
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Graduates carry a median of $24,977 in student loans. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of Iowa landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. University Of Iowa Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. More on University Of Iowa
Oregon State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $24,043 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,010. Set against $24,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Oregon State University profile
Florida Atlantic University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $20,212 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. Set against $20,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Florida Atlantic University
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #34 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median Student Counseling program debt is $21,818. 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. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,393 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Texas Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,740. Graduates carry a median of $22,960 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants. See the full Texas Christian University profile
George Washington University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. George Washington University Student Counseling students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
University Of Florida placed #38 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Student Counseling students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
Georgia State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Graduates carry a median of $26,091 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,384 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Georgia State University
College Of William And Mary came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. College Of William And Mary Student Counseling students take on a median of $18,935 in debt. College Of William And Mary alumni report median earnings of $73,490 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,935 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%. Read the full report on College Of William And Mary
Western Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $27,981. Western Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $53,562 a decade after entry. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Oakland University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in Rochester Hills, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,972. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,612. Set against $25,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oakland University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Oakland University report
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $20,542. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. 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 Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Mississippi Main Campus came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. The median Student Counseling program debt is $22,444. University Of Mississippi Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $50,994 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mississippi Main Campus admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about University Of Mississippi Main Campus
Regent University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Regent University Student Counseling students take on a median of $29,451 in debt. Regent University alumni report median earnings of $44,498 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,451 median debt. Regent University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about Regent University
Kent State University At Kent came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,174. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Northern Colorado landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $11,901, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. Graduates carry a median of $23,974 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,231 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,974 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Northern Colorado
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. The median Student Counseling program debt is $23,530. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #49 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Students borrow a median of $22,113 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Set against $22,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
The University Of Texas At San Antonio ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,312. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At San Antonio admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At San Antonio
Related Student Counseling Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Student Counseling Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Student Counseling Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
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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