2026 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Master’s Degree Schools
[Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services](/majors/education/student-counseling/counselor-education-school-counseling-and-guidance-services/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 476 schools to find the best return on investment for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services students.
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2026 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools
Cuny Hunter College tops our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools in the United States. Cuny Hunter College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $11,091. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $59,968 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 54%.
A rank of #2 makes California State University Long Beach one of the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $15,671 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $58,659 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services will find it at California State University Fullerton, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $15,525 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $54,471. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Los Angeles earned it the #4 place for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $14,430. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $67,075. That is a strong return on a $14,430 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Fresno is a great value for students pursuing a degree in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $15,598. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $46,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
Cuny Brooklyn College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,452 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,402 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $13,303 in student loans. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $45,604. That is a strong return on a $13,303 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.
California State University San Bernardino placed #7 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,088, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $15,149 in student loans. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $42,421. Set against $15,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.
California State University Stanislaus earned the #8 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. California State University Stanislaus is a large public school located in the suburb of Turlock. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,242, while out-of-state students pay about $20,842. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $14,813 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of California State University Stanislaus earn a median of $46,807 early in their careers. Set against $14,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Stanislaus admits about 98% of applicants.
California State University Northridge placed #9 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $16,202. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of California State University Northridge earn a median of $57,751 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
California State University Bakersfield ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. California State University Bakersfield is a large public school located in the city of Bakersfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,087, while out-of-state students pay about $20,687. Median earnings reach $59,009 ten years out. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Cuny Queens College placed #11 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $12,157. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Cuny Queens College generally make around $41,465. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
Cuny Lehman College came in at #12 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,410, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,213 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $69,652. That is a strong return on a $13,213 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Florida placed #13 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $48,924. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Dominguez Hills came in at #14 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Located in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, compared with $20,054 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,886 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of California State University Dominguez Hills earn a median of $51,759 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Texas A And M International University landed the #15 spot for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services value this year. Texas A And M International University is a large public school located in the city of Laredo. In-state tuition and fees average $7,894, with out-of-state students paying around $19,454. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $15,095. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Texas A And M International University generally make around $54,867. That is a strong return on a $15,095 median debt. Texas A And M International University admits about 44% of applicants.
California State University Sacramento came in at #16 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. California State University Sacramento is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Students borrow a median of $17,492 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $59,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas Pan American landed the #17 spot for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services value this year. Located in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of The University Of Texas Pan American earn a median of $57,345 early in their careers. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.
Utah Valley University placed #18 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Utah Valley University generally make around $51,242. Set against $16,478 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Florida Atlantic University placed #19 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $20,212 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $53,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Located in the town of Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,200, while out-of-state students pay about $16,410. Students borrow a median of $18,660 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $57,536. That is a strong return on a $18,660 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
California State University East Bay earned the #21 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. California State University East Bay is a large public school located in the suburb of Hayward. Students from in state pay about $7,583 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $18,073. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of California State University East Bay earn a median of $71,142 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,073 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Florida State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Florida State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $20,488. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Florida State University generally make around $57,059. Set against $20,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%.
University Of Central Florida came in at #23 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from University Of Central Florida generally make around $45,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.
San Francisco State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. San Francisco State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Francisco. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $17,024 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from San Francisco State University generally make around $73,361. That is a strong return on a $17,024 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #25 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $54,334. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s counselor education/school counseling & guidance services value ranking:
Other Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services rankings across degree levels:
View All Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Rankings >
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 476 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 217 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
