2026 Best Value Mental Social Health Services Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Mental Social Health Services master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1009 institutions 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 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 Mental Social Health Services Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Mental Social Health Services master's degree schools in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $37,800. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $25,462. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. See the full La Salle University profile
Milligan College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Mental Social Health Services ranking in the United States. Located in Milligan, TN, Milligan College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,450. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $26,150. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,641 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Milligan College admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Milligan College report
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,269 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,269 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
You'll get strong value at Ashland University, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,210. Students borrow a median of $24,536 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ashland University profile
You'll get strong value at Touro University Worldwide, which ranked #5 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Alamitos, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,640. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $32,289. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,803 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Touro University Worldwide
Viterbo University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,250. Students borrow a median of $29,107 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,660. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Viterbo University report
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bethel University Minnesota profile
Grace College And Theological Seminary placed #8 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona Lake, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $29,645. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $21,211. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,411. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Grace College And Theological Seminary
Universidad Central Del Caribe came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Universidad Central Del Caribe is a private not-for-profit school based in Bayamon, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,304, while out-of-state students pay about $7,313. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,468. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on Universidad Central Del Caribe
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $12,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Ottawa University Online offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Overland Park, KS. Students from in state pay about $13,296 in tuition and fees. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $30,758. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,552 ten years after entry. Set against $30,758 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Ottawa University Online
Harding University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,962. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $26,715. Harding University alumni report median earnings of $52,876 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Harding University
Fitchburg State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Students borrow a median of $25,840 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Fitchburg State University
University Of Western States ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. University Of Western States is a private not-for-profit school based in Portland, OR. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $27,382. More on University Of Western States
Montreat College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Montreat, NC, Montreat College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,450. Graduates carry a median of $24,168 in student loans. Montreat College alumni report median earnings of $45,151 a decade after entry. Set against $24,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montreat College has an acceptance rate of 69%. More on Montreat College
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,080. Students borrow a median of $27,081 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Metropolitan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Students borrow a median of $42,688 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. Set against $42,688 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
Lindenwood University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $28,663. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Walden University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Walden University
Universidad Del Este placed #22 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit school based in Carolina, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $15,167. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,328 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,167 median debt. More on Universidad Del Este
Gonzaga University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,892 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Gonzaga University
University Of Mary offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bismarck, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,356. Graduates carry a median of $26,983 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,909 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on University Of Mary
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Winona State University
Wilmington University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $26,054. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wilmington University
Marietta College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Marietta, OH, Marietta College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,652. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,180. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marietta College has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Marietta College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mental Social Health Services Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of South Dakota came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Whitworth University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,880. Whitworth University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $26,051 in debt. Whitworth University alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Whitworth University
Xavier University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,425 in tuition and fees. Xavier University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $26,614 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,873 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Xavier University
Mount Mercy University placed #32 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,878. Graduates carry a median of $27,709 in student loans. Mount Mercy University alumni report median earnings of $60,787 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mount Mercy University
Marian University Wisconsin placed #33 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Fond Du Lac, WI. Students from in state pay about $35,204 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,242 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Median earnings reach $53,501 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,242 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marian University Wisconsin
Trinity Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Washington, DC, Trinity Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,610. Trinity Washington University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $31,194 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,804 ten years out. Set against $31,194 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Trinity Washington University has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read the full report on Trinity Washington University
The College Of New Jersey offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. The College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Ewing, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Students borrow a median of $24,429 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,323. That is a strong return on a $24,429 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The College Of New Jersey
Henderson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Henderson State University is a public school based in Arkadelphia, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,244 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,620 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,234 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Median earnings reach $43,459 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt. See the full Henderson State University profile
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Liberty University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Liberty University
Grand Canyon University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $39,560 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,186 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $39,560 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Gardner Webb University placed #39 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boiling Springs, NC. Students from in state pay about $34,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,039. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gardner Webb University has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on Gardner Webb University
New Mexico Highlands University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. New Mexico Highlands University is a public school based in Las Vegas, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,416, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $18,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,937 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on New Mexico Highlands University
Rivier College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Based in Nashua, NH, Rivier College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,488. Graduates carry a median of $28,917 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,248 ten years out. Set against $28,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full Rivier College profile
Saint Cloud State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $31,171. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,171 median debt. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Texas A And M University Central Texas placed #44 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based in Killeen, TX, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,363, compared with $17,155 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,160 in student loans. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University Central Texas report
Purdue University Northwest placed #44 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,083 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,318. Set against $25,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Northwest
Oklahoma Baptist University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Oklahoma Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Shawnee, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,570. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $23,425. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,434 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 49%. See the full Oklahoma Baptist University profile
John Carroll University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in University Heights, OH, John Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,500. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $26,131. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,860 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,131 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about John Carroll University
Northwest Nazarene University placed #48 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Located in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,824 in tuition and fees. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $27,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,719. Set against $27,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full Northwest Nazarene University profile
Pacific Oaks College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Pasadena, CA, Pacific Oaks College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,520. Students borrow a median of $31,608 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,485 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 34%. Read the full report on Pacific Oaks College
Lenoir Rhyne University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Hickory, NC, Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,900 in tuition and fees. Lenoir Rhyne University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $26,900 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,543 ten years after entry. Set against $26,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lenoir Rhyne University
Carson Newman College landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,700. Graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,382 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carson Newman College admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Carson Newman College
Friends University offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Friends University is a private not-for-profit school based in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $34,192. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $29,721. Friends University alumni report median earnings of $52,113 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Friends University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Friends University profile
Malone University offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. Located in Canton, OH, Malone University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,160. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $27,956. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Malone University profile
Bowie State University landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bowie, MD, Bowie State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,218, with out-of-state students paying around $19,938. Bowie State University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $28,474 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,537 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowie State University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Bowie State University report
Related Mental Social Health Services Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Associate’s 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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).