2026 Best Value Student Counseling Schools
Looking for the best-value Student Counseling programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 493 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
University Of The Cumberlands tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Student Counseling programs schools in the United States. Located in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,036. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of The Cumberlands
Concordia University Irvine came in at #2 on this year's best-value Student Counseling ranking in the United States. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,085. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Irvine profile
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #3 this year. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $12,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 493 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Concordia University Chicago landed the #4 spot. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Graduates carry a median of $26,956 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Chicago
Out of the 493 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Wilmington University landed the #5 spot. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. Read the full report on Wilmington University
Wayne State College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. Students borrow a median of $22,974 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,974 median debt. More on Wayne State College
Doane College Crete landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,985. Graduates carry a median of $28,802 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,316 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,802 median debt. Doane College Crete has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Doane College Crete
Mcdaniel College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westminster, MD. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,247 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Mcdaniel College alumni report median earnings of $60,663 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Drake University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years 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 #10 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $27,471. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Buena Vista University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit school based in Storm Lake, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,798. The median Student Counseling program debt is $29,317. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Buena Vista University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Buena Vista University report
University Of Scranton ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Scranton
Fitchburg State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fitchburg, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Fitchburg State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Fitchburg State University report
Chadron State College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,294. The median Student Counseling program debt is $22,912. Chadron State College alumni report median earnings of $47,002 a decade after entry. Set against $22,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Chadron State College profile
Seattle University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full Seattle University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,260. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Hamline University placed #17 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Graduates carry a median of $25,530 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Hamline University profile
Westminster College Pa came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,290. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,528. Median earnings reach $53,861 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Westminster College Pa
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,585 in debt. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Whitworth University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $52,880. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,051. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Whitworth University report
Salem College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Winston-Salem, NC, Salem College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,848. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,789. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,640 ten years after entry. Set against $26,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Salem College admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Salem College report
Northern State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Northern State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,143 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,618 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern State University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on Northern State University
Fresno Pacific University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,660. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,596. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,896 ten years after entry. Set against $24,596 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fresno Pacific University admits about 64% of applicants. More on Fresno Pacific University
Providence College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Providence College is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. Students from in state pay about $63,550 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,833 in student loans. Median earnings reach $87,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted. More on Providence College
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Concordia University Seward offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,640. Students borrow a median of $26,726 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Seward
The College Of New Jersey landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,429. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,323. That is a strong return on a $24,429 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. More on The College Of New Jersey
Lubbock Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,540 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,337 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,787. That is a strong return on a $28,337 median debt. Lubbock Christian University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Lubbock Christian University profile
Winona State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Winona State University
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #30 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,447. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
Stephens College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Stephens College is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. The median Student Counseling program debt is $33,326. 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 admits about 77% of applicants. More on Stephens College
Loras College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Loras College is a private not-for-profit school based in Dubuque, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $39,824. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loras College has an acceptance rate of 100%. See the full Loras College profile
Harding University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,962. Harding University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,715 in debt. Harding University alumni report median earnings of $52,876 a decade after entry. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Harding University
Gonzaga University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Gonzaga University Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,188 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Gonzaga University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, 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. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Concordia University Wisconsin came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. Concordia University Wisconsin Student Counseling students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,075 ten years after entry. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Wisconsin report
University Of La Verne placed #37 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit school based in La Verne, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,470. Graduates carry a median of $26,314 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,464. That is a strong return on a $26,314 median debt. University Of La Verne has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on University Of La Verne
Delta State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. The median Student Counseling program debt is $23,432. Delta State University alumni report median earnings of $41,991 a decade after entry. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read more about Delta State University
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. Graduates carry a median of $27,744 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,817. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marywood University
Liberty University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Liberty University
Xavier University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,425. Graduates carry a median of $26,614 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,873 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Xavier University
National Louis University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,245. Students borrow a median of $29,242 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $45,799 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full National Louis University report
Montclair State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,286. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Montclair State University
John Brown University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Siloam Springs, AR, John Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,756. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,216. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,907 ten years after entry. Set against $25,216 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on John Brown University
Freed Hardeman University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Freed Hardeman University report
University Of West Alabama ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,990 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,090. Students borrow a median of $31,894 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,232. That is a strong return on a $31,894 median debt. University Of West Alabama admits about 43% of applicants. Read more about 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,838. Lewis University alumni report median earnings of $66,099 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,838 median debt. Lewis University has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Lewis University profile
Spalding University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Louisville, KY, Spalding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,000 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,862 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,438. Set against $29,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Spalding University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Spalding University
Illinois State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Illinois State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $21,896 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. 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. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
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
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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