2026 Best Value Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Schools in New Jersey

1

Kean University
Union, NJ

Kean University tops our 2026 list of the best value mental health counseling/counselor schools in New Jersey. Located in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mental health counseling/counselor graduates is $26,703. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Kean University generally make around $48,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kean University admits about 76% of applicants.

2

Centenary College
Hackettstown, NJ

Centenary College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value mental health counseling/counselor schools. Centenary College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Hackettstown. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,732. Students borrow a median of $25,081 to complete the mental health counseling/counselor program here. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Centenary College generally make around $46,520. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

3

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey
Galloway, NJ

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value mental health counseling/counselor schools. Located in the rural area of Galloway, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,266, with out-of-state students paying around $24,524. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $24,990 in student loans. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey earn a median of $43,490 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

4

Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ

A rank of #4 makes Rider University one of the best values for mental health counseling/counselor. Located in the suburb of Lawrenceville, Rider University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,120. Students borrow a median of $26,241 to complete the mental health counseling/counselor program here. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Rider University generally make around $51,657. Set against $26,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rider University admits about 79% of applicants.

5

Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ

Seton Hall University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value mental health counseling/counselor schools. Located in the suburb of South Orange, Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $53,170. Typical student debt for mental health counseling/counselor graduates is $23,422. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Seton Hall University generally make around $49,297. Set against $23,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seton Hall University admits about 73% of applicants.

6

Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth University came in at #6 for value in mental health counseling/counselor this year. Located in the suburb of West Long Branch, Monmouth University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $46,552 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for mental health counseling/counselor graduates is $26,847. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Monmouth University earn a median of $53,196 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Monmouth University admits about 89% of applicants.