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 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Student Counseling Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
A rank of #3 makes Northern Illinois University one of the best values in the United States. 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. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Northern Illinois University
A rank of #4 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,153. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on 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. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $29,242. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,799 ten years after entry. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on National Louis University
Montclair State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,286 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,088, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. Graduates carry a median of $26,789 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,587. That is a strong return on a $26,789 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
Governors State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in University Park, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,004 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $58,169 ten years out. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%. Read the full report on Governors State University
Seattle Pacific University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,407. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Seattle Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $64,506 a decade after entry. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Seattle Pacific University
University Of Georgia placed #10 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $21,792. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,307 in debt. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Wyoming came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Sam Houston State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,850. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Kansas State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State University
Capella University placed #15 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Capella University is a private for-profit school based 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Capella University
University Of North Texas came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $21,817. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas
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. Students from in state pay about $10,026 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,796. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,296 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Commerce
Duquesne University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,297 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Duquesne University alumni report median earnings of $74,742 a decade after entry. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Duquesne University
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,271. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Corpus Christi, TX, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,794. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,508. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi alumni report median earnings of $51,865 a decade after entry. Set against $25,508 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Corpus Christi
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Students borrow a median of $26,315 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Indiana State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,582 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana State University
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Student Counseling students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Students borrow a median of $26,513 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $51,019 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,673. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
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 run about $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Arizona State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $21,842. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Arizona State University
University Of New Orleans placed #28 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. University Of New Orleans is a public school based in New Orleans, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,172, while out-of-state students pay about $14,008. University Of New Orleans Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,048 in debt. University Of New Orleans alumni report median earnings of $47,872 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,048 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of New Orleans
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,977 to complete their Student Counseling program here. 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. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of Iowa ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,463. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Oregon State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $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. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Oregon State University
Florida Atlantic University placed #32 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located 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. The median Student Counseling program debt is $20,212. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,746. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants. Read more about Florida Atlantic University
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,546. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #34 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Student Counseling students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #34 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Texas Christian University placed #34 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. Students borrow a median of $22,960 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $68,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,960 median debt. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Christian University report
George Washington University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees average $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. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. More on George Washington University
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $17,669. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Florida
Georgia State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Georgia State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $26,091 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,384. That is a strong return on a $26,091 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Georgia State University report
College Of William And Mary came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. College Of William And Mary is a public school based in Williamsburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,935 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,490 ten years after entry. Set against $18,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of William And Mary has an acceptance rate of 34%. Read more about College Of William And Mary
Western Michigan University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. The median Student Counseling program debt is $27,981. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Oakland University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,972. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,612. Set against $25,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Oakland University profile
University Of Mississippi Main Campus placed #43 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public school based in University, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Students borrow a median of $22,444 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,994 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Mississippi Main Campus
Regent University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,650 in tuition and fees. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $29,451. 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 admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Regent University
Indiana University Bloomington placed #43 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,742 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,174. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,388. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kent State University At Kent report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
University Of Northern Colorado landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Northern Colorado is a public school based in Greeley, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. University Of Northern Colorado Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,974 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,231 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,974 median debt. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Northern Colorado profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. The median Student Counseling program debt is $22,113. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
The University Of Texas At San Antonio landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At San Antonio profile
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
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (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).