2026 Best Value Student Counseling Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Student Counseling graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 493 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Teaching Degree Search evaluated 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Concordia University Chicago to be the best-value Student Counseling school in the United States. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Students borrow a median of $26,956 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
You'll get strong value at Hamline University, which ranked #2 this year. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Graduates carry a median of $25,530 in student loans. 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. Read the full report on Hamline University
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #3 on this year's best-value Student Counseling ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Graduates carry a median of $24,447 in student loans. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
You'll get strong value at The College Of New Jersey, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,632 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. Students borrow a median of $24,429 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,323. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
University Of West Alabama came in at #5 on this year's best-value Student Counseling ranking in the United States. Set in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,990, with out-of-state students paying around $20,090. Graduates carry a median of $31,894 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,232 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of West Alabama
Marywood University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $27,744 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. Marywood University has an acceptance rate of 61%. Get the full Marywood University report
Bradley University placed #7 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Bradley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Peoria, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,380. Median earnings reach $66,852 ten years out. Set against $26,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bradley University report
Montclair State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $25,286 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Montclair State University report
Angelo State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $21,237. Median earnings reach $50,116 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,237 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full Angelo State University report
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus placed #9 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Magnolia, AR, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,960, with out-of-state students paying around $15,690. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Student Counseling students take on a median of $20,385 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,386. Set against $20,385 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. See the full Southern Arkansas University Main Campus profile
Valdosta State University placed #12 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $28,661. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,361 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Valdosta State University
Carson Newman College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,700. Carson Newman College Student Counseling students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,382 ten years out. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Carson Newman College report
Saint Cloud State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Cloud State University
Seattle Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,407. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,188. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,506 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Seattle Pacific University
California State University Los Angeles landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $14,430. Median earnings reach $59,211 ten years out. Set against $14,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University Los Angeles profile
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Student Counseling program here. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Dakota
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #19 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Graduates carry a median of $22,173 in student loans. University Of Nebraska At Kearney alumni report median earnings of $50,105 a decade after entry. Set against $22,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Southeast Missouri State University placed #21 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Southeast Missouri State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,289 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. That is a strong return on a $23,289 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southeast Missouri State University report
South Dakota State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Students borrow a median of $24,989 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Manhattan College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverdale, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,968 in student loans. Median earnings reach $86,316 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Manhattan College
Loyola Marymount University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,867. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,248. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,349. Set against $22,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola Marymount University admits about 45% of applicants. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. That is a strong return on a $23,399 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Sam Houston State University placed #26 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,850. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
Lakeland College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Plymouth, WI, Lakeland College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,396. The median Student Counseling program debt is $29,722. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,961. Set against $29,722 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Lakeland College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Murray State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,420. Murray State University alumni report median earnings of $44,737 a decade after entry. Set against $23,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Murray State University
Niagara University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,345. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,208. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,196. That is a strong return on a $26,208 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Niagara University
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,262. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Wichita State University
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charleston, SC. Students from in state pay about $12,570 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,508. Students borrow a median of $24,305 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $72,085 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina admits about 23% of applicants. Read the full report on Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
University Of Redlands offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Redlands, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $60,878. University Of Redlands Student Counseling students take on a median of $27,175 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,690. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Redlands profile
Alfred University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Alfred University is a private not-for-profit school based in Alfred, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $38,138. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,706. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,897. That is a strong return on a $25,706 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on Alfred University
University Of Memphis landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. University Of Memphis Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of Memphis report
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Missouri State University Springfield Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,408 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
East Carolina University placed #37 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This public school is set in Greenville, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,146. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full East Carolina University profile
Rider University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lawrenceville, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,120. Rider University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,241 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,208. That is a strong return on a $26,241 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rider University
Kansas State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,546 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kansas State University profile
The Sage Colleges landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,164. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,702. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,316 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 53%. See the full The Sage Colleges profile
Assumption College placed #39 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Assumption College is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,356. Graduates carry a median of $26,995 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,895. That is a strong return on a $26,995 median debt. Assumption College has an acceptance rate of 83%. More on Assumption College
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Student Counseling students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Alaska Fairbanks offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a public school based in Fairbanks, AK. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,083, with out-of-state students paying around $25,892. Students borrow a median of $23,439 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,866. That is a strong return on a $23,439 median debt. See the full University Of Alaska Fairbanks profile
University Of West Georgia placed #44 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. Students borrow a median of $26,789 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,587. Set against $26,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. Get the full University Of West Georgia report
University Of Georgia placed #45 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Eastern University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Saint Davids, PA, Eastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,400. The median Student Counseling program debt is $28,584. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,655. That is a strong return on a $28,584 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Eastern University
American International College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Springfield, MA, American International College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,230 in tuition and fees. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $30,390. American International College alumni report median earnings of $53,124 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about American International College
Canisius College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Canisius College is a private not-for-profit school based in Buffalo, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $34,200. Graduates carry a median of $24,673 in student loans. Canisius College alumni report median earnings of $60,681 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Canisius College admits about 72% of applicants. More on Canisius College
Arkansas Tech University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,674, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Graduates carry a median of $23,257 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,766. That is a strong return on a $23,257 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Arkansas Tech University report
Clemson University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,783. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Read more about Clemson University
Capella University landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Capella University
Rivier College offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashua, NH. In-state tuition and fees average $39,488. Students borrow a median of $28,917 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Rivier College alumni report median earnings of $52,248 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,917 median debt. Rivier College admits about 83% of applicants. Read more about Rivier College
Troy University came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Set in Troy, AL, Troy University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,176, while out-of-state students pay about $20,352. Graduates carry a median of $26,439 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,062. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Troy University report
Related Student Counseling Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Student Counseling Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Student Counseling Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Teaching Degree Search (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 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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