[Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology](/majors/psychology/clinical-counseling-applied-psychology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 489 schools to find the best return on investment for clinical, counseling & applied psychology students.
Finding the Best Value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology School for You
The right clinical, counseling & applied psychology school can pay off for years to come. That is why we built our Best Value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
Leading the list is Cuny Bernard M Baruch College, our #1 best value for clinical, counseling & applied psychology in the United States. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Bernard M Baruch College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,464, with out-of-state students paying around $15,414. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $11,691. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $65,155. That is a strong return on a $11,691 median debt. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.
Cuny Queens College came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. Located in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $12,157 in student loans. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $68,068. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.
California State University Long Beach came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $15,732. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $81,000. That is a strong return on a $15,732 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice one of the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Located in the city of New York, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $13,421. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice earn a median of $42,009 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%.
Students looking for strong value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology will find it at Cuny Brooklyn College, which ranked #5. 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. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $13,303 in student loans. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $60,816. Set against $13,303 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Brooklyn College admits about 58% of applicants.
California State University Northridge ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. Set in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $16,202. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $81,871. That is a strong return on a $16,202 median debt. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants.
University Of South Florida Main Campus earned the #7 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. 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, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $65,597. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%.
California State University Fresno landed the #8 spot for clinical, counseling & applied psychology value this year. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $15,598. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $49,502. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants.
California State University San Bernardino landed the #9 spot for clinical, counseling & applied psychology value this year. Set in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,088, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $14,958 in student loans. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from California State University San Bernardino generally make around $47,204. Set against $14,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus placed #10 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Located in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,168, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $16,008 in student loans. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $63,381. Set against $16,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
University Of Florida landed the #11 spot for clinical, counseling & applied psychology value this year. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $58,388 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.
Cuny Hunter College placed #12 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,382, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $11,091. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $51,372 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants.
California State University Sacramento landed the #13 spot for clinical, counseling & applied psychology value this year. Set in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $17,492 in student loans. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of California State University Sacramento earn a median of $49,907 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,492 median debt. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants.
Cuny City College ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. Set in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,340 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $13,389. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $53,154. That is a strong return on a $13,389 median debt. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants.
Utah Valley University earned the #15 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $51,242 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,478 median debt.
The University Of Texas Pan American earned the #16 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Located in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of The University Of Texas Pan American earn a median of $61,846 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,694 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Central Florida ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $21,620 in student loans. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from University Of Central Florida generally make around $55,976. Set against $21,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%.
Florida International University landed the #18 spot for clinical, counseling & applied psychology value this year. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $19,349. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $52,517. Set against $19,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Illinois At Chicago earned the #19 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $61,829 early in their careers. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Idaho earned the #20 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $43,853. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants.
Portland State University earned the #21 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,475 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $47,717 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Texas At Dallas landed the #22 spot for clinical, counseling & applied psychology value this year. University Of North Texas At Dallas is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Dallas. Students from in state pay about $9,595 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Florida State University landed the #23 spot for clinical, counseling & applied psychology value this year. Florida State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $20,488. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Florida State University generally make around $51,884. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
Lamar University placed #24 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Set in the city of Beaumont, Lamar University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,905 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $26,988 in student loans. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Lamar University generally make around $61,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Florida Atlantic University earned the #25 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $13,500. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $25,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology:
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 · 489 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 489 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).
[Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology](/majors/psychology/clinical-counseling-applied-psychology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
