2026 Best Value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
[Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology](/majors/psychology/clinical-counseling-applied-psychology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 802 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools.
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2026 Best Value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Schools
Our analysis ranked Cuny Bernard M Baruch College the best value for a degree in 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,464, compared with $15,414 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,691 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Cuny Bernard M Baruch College earn a median of $57,204 early in their careers. Set against $11,691 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%.
Students looking for strong value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology will find it at Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice, which ranked #2. Located in the city of New York, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $13,421. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice generally make around $35,656. That is a strong return on a $13,421 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%.
A rank of #3 makes California State University Fresno one of the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from California State University Fresno generally make around $49,502. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology will find it at Farmingdale State College, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Farmingdale, Farmingdale State College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,626, compared with $18,536 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $20,175. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $28,904. That is a strong return on a $20,175 median debt. Farmingdale State College admits about 63% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes University Of California San Diego one of the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $15,000. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $26,953. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.
University Of Washington Bothell Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Bothell. In-state tuition and fees average $12,919, with out-of-state students paying around $43,155. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $14,259 in student loans. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $33,192. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #7 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $61,829. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Middle Tennessee State University earned the #8 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $23,375. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University generally make around $35,159. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants.
Eastern Washington University placed #9 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Eastern Washington University is a large public school located in the town of Cheney. In-state tuition and fees average $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $21,754 in student loans. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Eastern Washington University generally make around $70,143. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Arizona State University placed #10 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $69,344. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of North Texas placed #11 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Located in the city of Denton, University Of North Texas is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $19,583. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $32,553. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Saint Cloud State University placed #12 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Located in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Students borrow a median of $24,948 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Saint Cloud State University earn a median of $42,406 early in their careers. Set against $24,948 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
Clayton State University earned the #13 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Set in the suburb of Morrow, Clayton State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,180, while out-of-state students pay about $16,532. Students borrow a median of $35,448 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $27,532. Set against $35,448 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Purdue University Global placed #14 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Purdue University Global is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Students from in state pay about $10,101 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,412. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $42,443 in student loans. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Purdue University Global earn a median of $35,086 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $42,443 median debt.
University Of Puerto Rico Ponce earned the #15 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Set in the city of Ponce, University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,324. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $5,000 in student loans. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of University Of Puerto Rico Ponce earn a median of $12,349 early in their careers. Set against $5,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #16 for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $40,687 in student loans. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from University Of Phoenix Arizona generally make around $41,118. That is a strong return on a $40,687 median debt.
Suny College At Buffalo ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Buffalo. In-state tuition and fees average $8,533, compared with $19,653 for out-of-state students. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $25,257 in student loans. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $39,412. Set against $25,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $20,542. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $69,444 early in their careers. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.
Rogers State University came in at #19 for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Set in the town of Claremore, Rogers State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750, while out-of-state students pay about $16,410. Students borrow a median of $22,936 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Rogers State University earn a median of $45,644 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wayne State College placed #20 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Set in the town of Wayne, Wayne State College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,171 in tuition and fees. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Wayne State College earn a median of $35,028 early in their careers. Set against $23,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Ball State University came in at #21 for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Students borrow a median of $27,075 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $64,930 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,075 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo earned the #22 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Arecibo. In-state tuition and fees average $5,324. Students borrow a median of $4,500 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo earn a median of $6,023 early in their careers. Set against $4,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo admits about 59% of applicants.
Central Michigan University earned the #23 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $27,857. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $50,688 early in their careers. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Mississippi State University came in at #24 for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Set in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $26,000. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Mississippi State University earn a median of $27,841 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants.
Bay Path College placed #25 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Located in the suburb of Longmeadow, Bay Path College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,302 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $29,811. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Bay Path College generally make around $65,008. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
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:
Other Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology rankings across degree levels:
View All Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 802 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 70 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.
