2027 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools in the Southeast Region
[Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services](/majors/education/student-counseling/counselor-education-school-counseling-and-guidance-services/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 87 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools.
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2027 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools in the Southeast 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
For return on investment in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services, no school beat University Of Florida this year. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $48,924 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
Florida Atlantic University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. Students from in state pay about $4,879 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $53,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Florida International University one of the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $19,349 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $46,820. That is a strong return on a $19,349 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Central Florida one of the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $21,620 in student loans. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $45,569. That is a strong return on a $21,620 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $48,566 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of University Of South Florida Main Campus earn a median of $54,334 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%.
Marshall University placed #7 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,162 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,342 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Marshall University generally make around $47,527. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marshall University admits about 96% of applicants.
Florida State University placed #8 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Students borrow a median of $20,488 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $60,249. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%.
Murray State University came in at #9 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Located in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $23,420. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $48,423. Set against $23,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants.
University Of North Florida came in at #10 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,964, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $18,523 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from University Of North Florida generally make around $51,862. Set against $18,523 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 53%.
Valdosta State University landed the #11 spot for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services value this year. Located in the city of Valdosta, Valdosta State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $28,661. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Valdosta State University earn a median of $67,508 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants.
American Public University System earned the #12 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $23,438. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of American Public University System earn a median of $57,404 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt.
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke earned the #13 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the town of Pembroke, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $27,089. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of University Of North Carolina At Pembroke earn a median of $45,525 early in their careers. Set against $27,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants.
Fort Valley State University ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Set in the town of Fort Valley, Fort Valley State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,878. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $35,963 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Fort Valley State University earn a median of $32,127 early in their careers. Set against $35,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
North Carolina A And T State University came in at #15 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Located in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina A And T State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,813, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. Students borrow a median of $29,078 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $47,460. That is a strong return on a $29,078 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #16 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Located in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,600. Students borrow a median of $23,770 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of The University Of Tennessee Martin earn a median of $49,357 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,770 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Morehead State University landed the #17 spot for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services value this year. Morehead State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Morehead. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $25,896 in student loans. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $48,352. That is a strong return on a $25,896 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #18 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Students borrow a median of $24,977 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earn a median of $47,800 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants.
Florida Gulf Coast University placed #19 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the suburb of Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,118, while out-of-state students pay about $25,162. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $20,015. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $50,427. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
Western Kentucky University came in at #20 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $44,778 early in their careers. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
University Of West Alabama ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. University Of West Alabama is a large public school located in the rural area of Livingston. Students from in state pay about $10,990 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,090 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,894 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 West Alabama generally make around $62,006. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Georgia earned the #22 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $21,792. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $63,139 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
Louisiana Tech University earned the #23 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Louisiana Tech University is a large public school located in the town of Ruston. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $23,846. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $42,180. Set against $23,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Albany State University landed the #24 spot for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services value this year. Albany State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Albany. In-state tuition and fees average $5,656, compared with $17,008 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $28,158. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Albany State University generally make around $47,466. Set against $28,158 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #25 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Eastern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the town of Richmond. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Students borrow a median of $25,122 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of $42,618 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year:
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 87 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 87 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.
