2026 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
[Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services](/majors/education/student-counseling/counselor-education-school-counseling-and-guidance-services/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 80 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services students.
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2026 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools
Leading the list is Cuny Hunter College, our #1 best value for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services in the Middle Atlantic Region. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,091 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $59,968 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. The acceptance rate is 54%.
Cuny Brooklyn College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,452, compared with $15,402 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $13,303. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $45,604. Set against $13,303 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Cuny Lehman College one of the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,360. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $13,213. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $69,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%.
A rank of #4 makes Cuny Queens College one of the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Cuny Queens College is a very large public school located in the city of Queens. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Students borrow a median of $12,157 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $41,465. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Queens College admits about 64% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at New Jersey City University earned it the #5 place for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Set in the city of Jersey City, New Jersey City University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,460. Students borrow a median of $22,107 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from New Jersey City University generally make around $55,457. Set against $22,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New Jersey City University admits about 98% of applicants.
Kean University placed #6 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Kean University is a large public school located in the suburb of Union. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,299, while out-of-state students pay about $22,446. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $26,703. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Kean University generally make around $55,811. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kean University admits about 76% of applicants.
Montclair State University placed #7 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Montclair State University generally make around $54,513. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Holy Family University placed #8 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Holy Family University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $26,562. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Holy Family University earn a median of $59,355 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Maryland College Park earned the #9 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of University Of Maryland College Park earn a median of $57,901 early in their careers. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.
Wilmington University placed #10 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the suburb of New Castle, Wilmington University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Wilmington University earn a median of $56,496 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt.
Mercy College placed #11 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Set in the suburb of Dobbs Ferry, Mercy College is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,880. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $28,304 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Mercy College earn a median of $61,432 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,304 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Suny College At Oswego came in at #12 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Located in the town of Oswego, Suny College At Oswego is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,825 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,735. Students borrow a median of $25,163 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Suny College At Oswego earn a median of $53,106 early in their careers. Set against $25,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
William Paterson University Of New Jersey ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Located in the suburb of Wayne, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,704 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $25,644. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from William Paterson University Of New Jersey generally make around $60,928. That is a strong return on a $25,644 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Set in the town of Indiana, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,380 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $26,513. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $43,914. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
Suny College At Brockport ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Suny College At Brockport is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Brockport. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,752, compared with $15,822 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $24,757. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Suny College At Brockport generally make around $49,502. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Brockport admits about 71% of applicants.
State University Of New York At New Paltz landed the #16 spot for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services value this year. Located in the town of New Paltz, State University Of New York At New Paltz is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,572, compared with $18,822 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $21,530 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of State University Of New York At New Paltz earn a median of $41,000 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,530 median debt. State University Of New York At New Paltz admits about 62% of applicants.
Niagara University came in at #17 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the suburb of Niagara University, Niagara University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,345 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $26,208. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Niagara University generally make around $51,918. That is a strong return on a $26,208 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania Western University placed #18 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Pennsylvania Western University is a large public school located in the town of California. In-state tuition and fees average $11,436, compared with $16,054 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,295 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania Western University admits about 94% of applicants.
Canisius College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Located in the city of Buffalo, Canisius College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $34,200. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $24,673 in student loans. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $42,672. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Bowie State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Set in the suburb of Bowie, Bowie State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,218, compared with $19,938 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $28,474. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $47,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowie State University admits about 72% of applicants.
University At Buffalo ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. University At Buffalo is a very large public school located in the suburb of Buffalo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $22,232. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $52,403. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Located in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $26,330. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $39,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
New York Institute Of Technology ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Set in the rural area of Old Westbury, New York Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,560. Students borrow a median of $25,435 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $60,429. Set against $25,435 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Rowan University landed the #24 spot for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services value this year. Rowan University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glassboro. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $24,488 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Rowan University generally make around $50,042. Set against $24,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #25 spot for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services value this year. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Kutztown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $26,867. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $51,775 early in their careers. Set against $26,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
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:
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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 · 80 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 27 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.
