2026 Best Value Student Counseling Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Student Counseling master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 493 schools 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 analyzed 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 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. University Of The Cumberlands Student Counseling students take on a median of $22,868 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Set against $22,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report
Concordia University Irvine came in at #2 on this year's best-value Student Counseling ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,083. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. More on Concordia University Irvine
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Chicago, which ranked #3 this year. Located 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on Concordia University Chicago
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wilmington University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $26,054 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. Read more about Wilmington University
Out of the 493 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Wayne State College landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Wayne, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. The median Student Counseling program debt is $22,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wayne State College report
Doane College Crete placed #6 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. The median Student Counseling program debt is $28,802. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,316. That is a strong return on a $28,802 median debt. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Doane College Crete
Mcdaniel College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,081. Students borrow a median of $23,247 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,663. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. Mcdaniel College admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
Drake University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $22,273. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. 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. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Buena Vista University placed #10 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,798. Students borrow a median of $29,317 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $49,156 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Buena Vista University
University Of Scranton came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. 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. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Fitchburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,840. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Chadron State College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. That is a strong return on a $22,912 median debt. See the full Chadron State College profile
Seattle University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. 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. Seattle University Student Counseling students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Seattle University
Westminster College Pa came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Wilmington, PA. Students from in state pay about $40,290 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $26,528. Westminster College Pa alumni report median earnings of $53,861 a decade after entry. Set against $26,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Westminster College Pa report
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
Whitworth University placed #17 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. 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. Whitworth University alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Whitworth University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Whitworth University profile
Salem College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in Winston-Salem, NC, Salem College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $33,848. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,789. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,640. Set against $26,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Salem College
Northern State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Aberdeen, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, with out-of-state students paying around $11,947. Students borrow a median of $26,143 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,618. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern State University
Fresno Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,660. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,596. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Fresno Pacific University
Providence College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $63,550. Graduates carry a median of $26,833 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,054. That is a strong return on a $26,833 median debt. Providence College admits about 51% of applicants. See the full Providence College profile
Youngstown State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Concordia University Seward placed #23 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,640. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,726. Median earnings reach $52,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Concordia University Seward
The College Of New Jersey landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. The College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Ewing, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,429. Median earnings reach $73,323 ten years out. Set against $24,429 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The College Of New Jersey
Lubbock Christian University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,540. Students borrow a median of $28,337 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,787 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lubbock Christian University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Student Counseling Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Winona State University placed #26 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Winona State University
Stephens College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, Stephens College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. The median Student Counseling program debt is $33,326. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,071. Set against $33,326 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stephens College admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Stephens College report
Loras College placed #28 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. 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. Loras College alumni report median earnings of $58,289 a decade after entry. Set against $26,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Loras College profile
Harding University placed #29 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,962 in tuition and fees. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $26,715. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harding University has an acceptance rate of 70%. See the full Harding University profile
Gonzaga University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Gonzaga University report
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Student Counseling program debt is $25,153. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,447. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Concordia University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,470 in tuition and fees. The median Student Counseling program debt is $27,172. Concordia University Wisconsin alumni report median earnings of $56,075 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin
University Of La Verne ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Located in La Verne, CA, University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,470. Students borrow a median of $26,314 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,464. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of La Verne report
Marywood University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. The median Student Counseling program debt is $27,744. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. Set against $27,744 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marywood University admits about 61% of applicants. Get the full Marywood University report
Delta State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Median earnings reach $41,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Delta State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. More on Delta State University
Liberty University placed #37 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Montclair State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,286 in student loans. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Montclair State University
Xavier University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,425 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,614 to complete their Student Counseling program here. Xavier University alumni report median earnings of $64,873 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,614 median debt. Xavier University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Xavier University
John Brown University ranked #40 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 average $31,756. Graduates carry a median of $25,216 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,907. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on John Brown University
Freed Hardeman University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit school based in Henderson, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,620. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $24,479. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,485. That is a strong return on a $24,479 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Freed Hardeman University
Lewis University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,200. The median Student Counseling program debt is $24,838. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about Lewis University
Spalding University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Louisville, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,000. The median Student Counseling program debt is $29,862. Spalding University alumni report median earnings of $49,438 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,862 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Spalding University profile
Illinois State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Student Counseling student debt is $21,896. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
University Of West Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Alabama admits about 43% of applicants. More on University Of West Alabama
California Baptist University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,228. California Baptist University Student Counseling students take on a median of $28,169 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,504. That is a strong return on a $28,169 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California Baptist University
Carson Newman College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,700. Graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,382. 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
Universidad Del Turabo ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Based in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. The median Student Counseling program debt is $14,155. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,223 ten years after entry. Set against $14,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Universidad Del Turabo
Northern Illinois University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Student Counseling schools. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Student Counseling program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
National University placed #50 among the best-value Student Counseling schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. The median Student Counseling program debt is $30,426. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on National University
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
This list is compiled 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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