2026 Best Value Mental Social Health Services Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Mental Social Health Services associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1009 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Mental Social Health Services Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Camden County College, our #1 best-value Mental Social Health Services school in the United States. This public school is set in Blackwood, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. Graduates carry a median of $12,999 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt. See the full Camden County College profile
A rank of #2 makes Northcentral Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,889, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Students borrow a median of $16,882 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,925 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,882 median debt. More on Northcentral Technical College
You'll get strong value at Southeast Community College Area, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,940 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. Set against $22,940 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
You'll get strong value at Centralia College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,266, with out-of-state students paying around $5,651. Median earnings reach $43,140 ten years out. Read more about Centralia College
You'll get strong value at Alvin Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,906 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,402. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $8,600. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,762 ten years after entry. Set against $8,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Alvin Community College
Oakland Community College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Auburn Hills, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,120, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,141 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Median earnings reach $37,395 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,141 median debt. Read the full report on Oakland Community College
Seattle Community College Central Campus came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,238, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $14,699. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,307. That is a strong return on a $14,699 median debt. See the full Seattle Community College Central Campus profile
Central Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,277 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,429 ten years after entry. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Central Community College
Highline Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Based in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,772, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $8,958. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,869 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,958 median debt. Read more about Highline Community College
Wenatchee Valley College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Wenatchee, WA, Wenatchee Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,552, compared with $5,054 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $11,462. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,127 ten years after entry. Set against $11,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wenatchee Valley College profile
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. El Centro College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $22,011 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. Set against $22,011 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about El Centro College
Lee College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,520, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. Lee College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $10,941 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,178. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lee College
Walla Walla Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Walla Walla, WA, Walla Walla Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,279, compared with $6,700 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $15,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,526. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. Read the full report on Walla Walla Community College
Wayne County Community College District came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,112, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Wayne County Community College District Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $20,820 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,079. Set against $20,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wayne County Community College District
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,375 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Students borrow a median of $12,799 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,799 median debt. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
Western Technical College La Cross placed #16 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Western Technical College La Cross Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $17,454 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $17,454 median debt. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
Houston Community College placed #17 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,460. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $19,223. Median earnings reach $39,254 ten years out. Set against $19,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Houston Community College report
Rochester Community And Technical College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,389. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $20,291. Rochester Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,287 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,291 median debt. Get the full Rochester Community And Technical College report
Wharton County Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,192, compared with $5,904 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $10,916. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,960. Set against $10,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wharton County Junior College
Lone Star College System offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in The Woodlands, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Students borrow a median of $10,425 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. That is a strong return on a $10,425 median debt. See the full Lone Star College System profile
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Students borrow a median of $14,997 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,553 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College placed #22 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fennimore, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $12,112 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Baltimore City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Baltimore, MD, Baltimore City Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,314, while out-of-state students pay about $7,394. Graduates carry a median of $12,554 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,025. That is a strong return on a $12,554 median debt. More on Baltimore City Community College
Yakima Valley Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Yakima Valley Community College is a public school based in Yakima, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,312, with out-of-state students paying around $5,873. Yakima Valley Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $14,649 in debt. Yakima Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,499 a decade after entry. Set against $14,649 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Yakima Valley Community College profile
Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $14,869. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mental Social Health Services Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Kilgore College placed #26 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Kilgore College is a public school based in Kilgore, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,160, with out-of-state students paying around $5,256. Kilgore College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $16,734 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,975 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kilgore College
Northeast Texas Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Mount Pleasant, TX, Northeast Texas Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,980, while out-of-state students pay about $5,620. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $15,089. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,870. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northeast Texas Community College
Blackhawk Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,747, while out-of-state students pay about $6,803. Students borrow a median of $13,715 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Median earnings reach $41,620 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,715 median debt. Get the full Blackhawk Technical College report
Moraine Park Technical College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, while out-of-state students pay about $7,084. Moraine Park Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $11,471 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,371. Set against $11,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Moraine Park Technical College
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,812 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,413. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Graduates carry a median of $35,927 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,894. That is a strong return on a $35,927 median debt. Read the full report on Waukesha County Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #32 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Chippewa Valley Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $14,234 in debt. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Set against $14,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
San Jacinto Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $11,376 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,062. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full San Jacinto Community College profile
Fox Valley Technical College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $13,319. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
Cuesta College placed #34 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,350 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,010. Students borrow a median of $18,958 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,047. Set against $18,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cuesta College report
Yuba College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Marysville, CA, Yuba College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,128, with out-of-state students paying around $8,208. Students borrow a median of $8,729 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Yuba College alumni report median earnings of $39,552 a decade after entry. Set against $8,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Yuba College
Clover Park Technical College placed #37 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,634. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $15,154. Median earnings reach $41,787 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,154 median debt. Read the full report on Clover Park Technical College
Century College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in White Bear Lake, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $21,332. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,424 ten years after entry. Set against $21,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Century College
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $22,350. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,264. Set against $22,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gateway Technical College
Jefferson Community College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Watertown, NY, Jefferson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,264, with out-of-state students paying around $11,700. Students borrow a median of $14,804 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,991. That is a strong return on a $14,804 median debt. See the full Jefferson Community College profile
Anoka Ramsey Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,682. Students borrow a median of $22,593 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Anoka Ramsey Community College alumni report median earnings of $48,342 a decade after entry. Set against $22,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Anoka Ramsey Community College report
Napa Valley College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Napa, CA, Napa Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,156, while out-of-state students pay about $11,908. Napa Valley College alumni report median earnings of $49,517 a decade after entry. Get the full Napa Valley College report
Mohave Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Kingman, AZ, Mohave Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,208 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,968. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $14,766. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,522. Set against $14,766 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Mohave Community College
Wor Wic Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salisbury, MD, Wor Wic Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $8,400. Wor Wic Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $13,995 in debt. Wor Wic Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,748 a decade after entry. Set against $13,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wor Wic Community College
Lake Area Technical Institute landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Watertown, SD. Students from in state pay about $6,718 in tuition and fees. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $13,674. Median earnings reach $45,473 ten years out. Set against $13,674 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Cuny Kingsborough Community College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,252, compared with $8,132 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,939 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,621. Set against $5,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cuny Kingsborough Community College profile
Minneapolis Community And Technical College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,161. Graduates carry a median of $36,302 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,086. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Mclennan Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,910. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $14,073. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,163. That is a strong return on a $14,073 median debt. See the full Mclennan Community College profile
Midland College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Midland College is a public school based in Midland, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,180. Students borrow a median of $9,000 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,958. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Midland College profile
Odessa College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Odessa, TX, Odessa College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,688, with out-of-state students paying around $4,926. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $9,087. Median earnings reach $42,026 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,087 median debt. Read more about Odessa College
Related Mental Social Health Services Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services 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 1009 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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