2026 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools in Arkansas

1

Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR

Our analysis ranked Arkansas Tech University the best value for a degree in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services in Arkansas. Set in the town of Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,674, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $23,257 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Arkansas Tech University generally make around $39,709. That is a strong return on a $23,257 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

2

Arkansas State University Main Campus
Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Set in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Arkansas State University Main Campus generally make around $45,639. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants.

3

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Magnolia, AR

A rank of #3 makes Southern Arkansas University Main Campus one of the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Set in the town of Magnolia, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,960, with out-of-state students paying around $15,690. Students borrow a median of $20,385 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Southern Arkansas University Main Campus earn a median of $45,997 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR

University Of Central Arkansas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Central Arkansas is a large public school located in the city of Conway. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $22,920. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of University Of Central Arkansas earn a median of $47,217 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,920 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

5

University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Arkansas earned it the #5 place for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the city of Fayetteville, University Of Arkansas is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $24,019. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from University Of Arkansas generally make around $45,925. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

6

Harding University
Searcy, AR

Harding University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Harding University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Searcy. Students from in state pay about $25,962 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,715 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Harding University earn a median of $47,027 early in their careers. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.