2026 Best Value Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor Master’s Degree Schools

[Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor](/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/vocational-rehabilitation-counseling-counselor/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 72 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor Schools
Our analysis ranked Cuny Hunter College the best value for a degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor 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. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Early-career vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates make about $81,562. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Fresno earned it the #2 place for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,598 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Early-career vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates make about $56,219. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.
A rank of #3 makes The University Of Texas Pan American one of the best values for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. Students from in state pay about $9,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Students borrow a median of $16,014 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Early-career vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates make about $56,699. That is a strong return on a $16,014 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
A rank of #4 makes California State University San Bernardino one of the best values for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor. Located in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Students borrow a median of $15,149 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Soon after graduation, vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor degree recipients from California State University San Bernardino generally make around $50,998. That is a strong return on a $15,149 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
University Of South Florida Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Early-career vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates make about $40,855. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #6 spot for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor value this year. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Soon after graduation, vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $48,775. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 15%.
The University Of Texas At El Paso earned the #7 position for value in vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor this year. Set in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $19,819. Early-career vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates make about $59,225. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants.
West Virginia University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor schools. West Virginia University is a very large public school located in the city of Morgantown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $23,772 in student loans. Soon after graduation, vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor degree recipients from West Virginia University generally make around $58,261. That is a strong return on a $23,772 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Utah State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor schools. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Soon after graduation, vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $50,348. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.
University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras came in at #10 for value in vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor this year. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a large public school located in the city of San Juan. Students from in state pay about $5,324 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $5,673 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras earn a median of $24,272 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
Winston Salem State University placed #11 among the best values for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor. Set in the city of Winston-Salem, Winston Salem State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,126 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,782. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $28,000. Soon after graduation, vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor degree recipients from Winston Salem State University generally make around $67,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winston Salem State University admits about 78% of applicants.
University Of North Texas landed the #12 spot for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor value this year. University Of North Texas is a very large public school located in the city of Denton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $25,370. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of University Of North Texas earn a median of $50,628 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Saint Cloud State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor schools. Located in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $25,076. Soon after graduation, vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor degree recipients from Saint Cloud State University generally make around $48,255. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
Wayne State University landed the #14 spot for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor value this year. Set in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Students borrow a median of $26,689 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $58,625 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
San Diego State University landed the #15 spot for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor value this year. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,417 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Soon after graduation, vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $57,626. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%.
Alabama State University placed #16 among the best values for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor. Alabama State University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Montgomery. Students from in state pay about $11,248 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,576. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $33,000 in student loans. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of Alabama State University earn a median of $50,606 early in their careers. Set against $33,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Georgia State University placed #17 among the best values for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor. Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $26,091. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of Georgia State University earn a median of $66,212 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,091 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #18 for value in vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $23,982. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $64,762 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,982 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.
East Carolina University landed the #19 spot for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor value this year. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $67,264 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earned the #20 position for value in vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor this year. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $26,750. Early-career vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates make about $59,906. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #21 spot for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor value this year. Located in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates make about $46,566. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Emporia State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor schools. Set in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,106, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $23,131. Soon after graduation, vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor degree recipients from Emporia State University generally make around $46,440. That is a strong return on a $23,131 median debt. Emporia State University admits about 98% of applicants.
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor schools. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a large public school located in the city of Little Rock. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,911, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $27,093 in student loans. Soon after graduation, vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of Arkansas At Little Rock generally make around $48,029. Set against $27,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%.
University Of Kentucky placed #24 among the best values for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor. Set in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of University Of Kentucky earn a median of $48,176 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center placed #25 among the best values for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor. Located in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,214, compared with $22,514 for out-of-state students. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $24,889 in student loans. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center earn a median of $73,661 early in their careers. Set against $24,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Rest of the Top 45 Best Value Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor:
Other Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor Degree Levels
Explore the best-value vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor schools at other degree levels:
View All Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 72 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 30 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.