2026 Best Value Student Counseling Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Student Counseling graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Concordia University Chicago tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Student Counseling graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Graduates carry a median of $26,956 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,089 ten years out. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Concordia University Chicago profile
Hamline University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Student Counseling ranking 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about 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. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program 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 has an acceptance rate of 59%. More on Minnesota State University Moorhead
The College Of New Jersey came in at #4 on this year's best-value Student Counseling ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Ewing, NJ. Students from in state pay about $19,632 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Students borrow a median of $24,429 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $73,323 ten years out. Set against $24,429 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full The College Of New Jersey profile
You'll get strong value at University Of West Alabama, which ranked #5 this year. University Of West Alabama is a public school based in Livingston, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $10,990, with out-of-state students paying around $20,090. Graduates carry a median of $31,894 in student loans. University Of West Alabama alumni report median earnings of $44,232 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,894 median debt. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of West Alabama report
Marywood University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $27,744. Marywood University alumni report median earnings of $55,817 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. Marywood University admits about 61% of applicants. Read more about Marywood University
Bradley University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. Graduates carry a median of $26,380 in student loans. Bradley University alumni report median earnings of $66,852 a decade after entry. Set against $26,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants. See the full Bradley University profile
Montclair State University placed #8 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Montclair State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,286 in debt. 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. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Montclair State University report
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus placed #9 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This public school is set in Magnolia, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,960, while out-of-state students pay about $15,690. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Student Counseling students take on a median of $20,385 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,386. That is a strong return on a $20,385 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Arkansas University Main Campus profile
Angelo State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in San Angelo, TX. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. The median Student Counseling program debt is $21,237. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,116. That is a strong return on a $21,237 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on Angelo State University
Valdosta State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. The median Student Counseling program debt is $28,661. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,361. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Valdosta State University profile
Carson Newman College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jefferson City, TN. 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. Carson Newman College alumni report median earnings of $48,382 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carson Newman College admits about 90% of applicants. More on Carson Newman College
Saint Cloud State University placed #14 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $25,076. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Seattle Pacific University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,407 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,506 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. Seattle Pacific University admits about 83% of applicants. See the full Seattle Pacific University profile
California State University Los Angeles came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University Los Angeles profile
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,110. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of North Dakota
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. The median Student Counseling program debt is $22,173. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,173 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Southeast Missouri State University is a public school based in Cape Girardeau, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Southeast Missouri State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $23,289 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,289 median debt. Southeast Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
South Dakota State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $24,989 to complete their Student Counseling program here. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Manhattan College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Riverdale, NY, Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,400 in tuition and fees. Manhattan College Student Counseling students take on a median of $25,968 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,316 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Manhattan College admits about 79% of applicants. Get the full Manhattan College report
Loyola Marymount University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,248 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,349 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Loyola Marymount University
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Sam Houston State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Sam Houston State University Student Counseling students take on a median of $24,850 in debt. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
Lakeland College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Plymouth, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,396. Graduates carry a median of $29,722 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,961. That is a strong return on a $29,722 median debt. Lakeland College has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Lakeland College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Murray State University placed #29 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,420 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,737 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,420 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Murray State University
Niagara University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Niagara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Niagara University, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,345. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,208. Niagara University alumni report median earnings of $56,196 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Niagara University
Wichita State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,262. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wichita State University
University Of Redlands came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Redlands, CA, University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,878. The median Student Counseling program debt is $27,175. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,690. That is a strong return on a $27,175 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full University Of Redlands report
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,570, compared with $38,508 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,305 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,085 ten years out. Set against $24,305 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 23% of applicants are accepted. See the full Citadel Military College Of South Carolina profile
Alfred University placed #34 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Alfred, NY, Alfred University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,138. Students borrow a median of $25,706 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Alfred University alumni report median earnings of $54,897 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,706 median debt. Alfred University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on Alfred University
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located 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. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,315. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. 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
Missouri State University Springfield placed #36 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
East Carolina University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on East Carolina University
Rider University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lawrenceville, NJ, Rider University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,120 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,241. Rider University alumni report median earnings of $62,208 a decade after entry. Set against $26,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rider University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Rider University
The Sage Colleges offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit school based in Troy, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,164. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,702. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,316. Set against $26,702 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 53%. Get the full The Sage Colleges report
Kansas State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kansas State University report
Assumption College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Worcester, MA, Assumption College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,356. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,995. Median earnings reach $74,895 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Assumption College admits about 83% of applicants. See the full Assumption College profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $21,818. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
University Of Alaska Fairbanks ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Fairbanks, AK, University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,083, compared with $25,892 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,439. University Of Alaska Fairbanks alumni report median earnings of $48,866 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,439 median debt. Read more about University Of Alaska Fairbanks
University Of West Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. University Of West Georgia is a public school based in Carrollton, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,088, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,789. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,587. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%. More on University Of West Georgia
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. University Of Georgia Student Counseling students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. 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 more about University Of Georgia
Eastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Saint Davids, PA, Eastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,400. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $28,584. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,655. Set against $28,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Eastern University
American International College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located 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. The median Student Counseling program debt is $30,390. American International College alumni report median earnings of $53,124 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,390 median debt. American International College admits about 100% of applicants. More on American International College
Canisius College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Buffalo, NY, Canisius College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,200. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,673. 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 has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on Canisius College
Arkansas Tech University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,674, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,257. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,766 ten years after entry. Set against $23,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas Tech University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Arkansas Tech University
Clemson University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $23,783. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Clemson University report
Rivier College landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Nashua, NH, Rivier College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,488. Students borrow a median of $28,917 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $52,248 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rivier College report
Capella University came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. Capella University Student Counseling students take on a median of $35,998 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Capella University
Troy University landed the #54 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Troy, AL, Troy University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,176, with out-of-state students paying around $20,352. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,439. Troy University alumni report median earnings of $42,062 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,439 median debt. Troy University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Troy University
Related Student Counseling Value Rankings
Explore 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 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).
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