2026 Best Value Student Counseling Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Student Counseling master’s 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 evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Student Counseling Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is University Of The Cumberlands, our #1 best-value Student Counseling school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamsburg, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,868. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,868 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,085. Concordia University Irvine alumni report median earnings of $65,083 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Irvine admits about 66% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Chicago, which ranked #3 this year. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,956. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
Wilmington University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Student Counseling ranking in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,844 ten years out. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wilmington University
You'll get strong value at Wayne State College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. The median Student Counseling program debt is $22,974. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wayne State College report
Doane College Crete placed #6 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Crete, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $41,985. Doane College Crete Student Counseling students take on a median of $28,802 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,316 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Doane College Crete
Mcdaniel College placed #7 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Graduates carry a median of $23,247 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,663. 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 Mcdaniel College
Drake University placed #8 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Drake University alumni report median earnings of $71,901 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Drake University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #9 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Student Counseling students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Buena Vista University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 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. The median Student Counseling program debt is $29,317. Median earnings reach $49,156 ten years out. Set against $29,317 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Buena Vista University
University Of Scranton ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Student Counseling program here. University Of Scranton alumni report median earnings of $74,652 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Scranton admits about 81% of applicants. See the full University Of Scranton profile
Fitchburg State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,840. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants. More on Fitchburg State University
Chadron State College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Chadron, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,294. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,912. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,002. That is a strong return on a $22,912 median debt. See the full Chadron State College profile
Seattle University placed #14 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Seattle University report
Westminster College Pa placed #15 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,290. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,861. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Westminster College Pa
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Student Counseling program debt is $23,585. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Set against $23,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Whitworth University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,880. Graduates carry a median of $26,051 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. That is a strong return on a $26,051 median debt. Whitworth University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Whitworth University profile
Salem College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,848. Salem College Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,789 in debt. Salem College alumni report median earnings of $44,640 a decade after entry. Set against $26,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Salem College
Fresno Pacific University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,660 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,596. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fresno Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full Fresno Pacific University profile
Northern State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Northern State University is a public school based in Aberdeen, SD. Students from in state pay about $8,845 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,947. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,143. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,618. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern State University
Providence College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Providence College is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $63,550. Providence College Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,833 in debt. Median earnings reach $87,054 ten years out. Set against $26,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 51%. Get the full Providence College report
Youngstown State University placed #22 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on Youngstown State University
Concordia University Seward offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,640. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,726. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,415 ten years after entry. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
The College Of New Jersey ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. The College Of New Jersey Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,429 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,323 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,429 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. Get the full The College Of New Jersey report
Lubbock Christian University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,540. Graduates carry a median of $28,337 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,787 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,337 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Lubbock Christian University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,551. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Winona State University
Stephens College placed #27 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, MO, Stephens College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,300 in tuition and fees. Stephens College Student Counseling students take on a median of $33,326 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Stephens College
Loras College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dubuque, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,824. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,528. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,289. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. See the full Loras College profile
Harding University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Harding University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,715 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,876 ten years out. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read the full report on Harding University
Gonzaga University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,892. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gonzaga University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Gonzaga University
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. 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. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Concordia University Wisconsin came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. The median Student Counseling program debt is $27,172. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,075 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Concordia University Wisconsin
University Of La Verne placed #34 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in La Verne, CA, University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,470. University Of La Verne Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,314 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,464. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of La Verne admits about 71% of applicants. See the full University Of La Verne profile
Marywood University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,420. Marywood University Student Counseling students take on a median of $27,744 in debt. Marywood University alumni report median earnings of $55,817 a decade after entry. Set against $27,744 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read more about Marywood University
Delta State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,432. 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. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Delta State University
Liberty University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. The median Student Counseling program debt is $27,414. 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. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Liberty University report
Montclair State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,286. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
Xavier University placed #39 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,425. Xavier University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,614 in debt. Xavier University alumni report median earnings of $64,873 a decade after entry. 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
John Brown University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Siloam Springs, AR, John Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,756. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,216. John Brown University alumni report median earnings of $53,907 a decade after entry. Set against $25,216 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. John Brown University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on John Brown University
Freed Hardeman University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Henderson, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $25,620. Freed Hardeman University Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,479 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,485 ten years out. Set against $24,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Freed Hardeman University
Lewis University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Romeoville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Lewis University Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,838 in debt. Median earnings reach $66,099 ten years out. Set against $24,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lewis University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about Lewis University
Spalding University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Louisville, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,000. Graduates carry a median of $29,862 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,438. That is a strong return on a $29,862 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Spalding University
University Of West Alabama ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,990, with out-of-state students paying around $20,090. Students borrow a median of $31,894 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,232. Set against $31,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of West Alabama report
Illinois State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,896 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Illinois State University report
Carson Newman College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,700 in tuition and fees. Carson Newman College Student Counseling students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,382. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carson Newman College has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Carson Newman College
California Baptist University placed #47 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,228. California Baptist University Student Counseling students take on a median of $28,169 in debt. California Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $61,504 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California Baptist University report
Universidad Del Turabo came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gurabo, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Universidad Del Turabo Student Counseling students take on a median of $14,155 in debt. Universidad Del Turabo alumni report median earnings of $26,223 a decade after entry. Set against $14,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Universidad Del Turabo
National University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $30,426. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full National University report
Northern Illinois University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Related Student Counseling Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Student Counseling Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Student Counseling Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Student Counseling Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by 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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