2026 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools in the The Plains States Region
[Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services](/majors/education/student-counseling/counselor-education-school-counseling-and-guidance-services/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong counselor education/school counseling & guidance services education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 46 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools.
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2026 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools in the The Plains States Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools
University Of Missouri St Louis tops our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools in the The Plains States Region. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,120, compared with $37,620 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $25,943 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from University Of Missouri St Louis generally make around $44,437. Set against $25,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri St Louis admits about 63% of applicants.
Chadron State College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Chadron, Chadron State College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,294. Students borrow a median of $22,912 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Chadron State College earn a median of $57,719 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,912 median debt.
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Set in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $21,783. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Omaha generally make around $48,692. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
University Of Missouri Kansas City came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Located in the city of Kansas City, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,371, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $23,741 in student loans. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $46,957. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wichita State University earned it the #5 place for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Set in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $24,262 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Wichita State University earn a median of $53,762 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Fort Hays State University came in at #6 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the town of Hays, Fort Hays State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Students borrow a median of $25,967 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Fort Hays State University generally make around $54,939. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Saint Cloud State University earned the #7 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Saint Cloud State University earn a median of $48,473 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $22,635 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of University Of Northern Iowa earn a median of $46,566 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,635 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants.
Southeast Missouri State University placed #9 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Located in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,903. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $23,289. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of $45,743 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Wayne State College landed the #10 spot for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services value this year. Wayne State College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Wayne. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $22,974 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Wayne State College earn a median of $51,778 early in their careers. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Emporia State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Emporia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. Students borrow a median of $23,131 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $57,008. That is a strong return on a $23,131 median debt. Emporia State University admits about 98% of applicants.
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #12 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Located in the city of Fargo, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $25,153. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of $52,154 early in their careers. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
Northwest Missouri State University placed #13 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Set in the town of Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Northwest Missouri State University generally make around $42,939. Set against $23,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants.
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #14 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the town of Kearney, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $22,173 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Kearney generally make around $47,366. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Minnesota State University Moorhead earned the #15 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Located in the suburb of Moorhead, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Minnesota State University Moorhead earn a median of $48,510 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted.
Missouri State University Springfield earned the #16 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $45,995. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants.
Kansas State University landed the #17 spot for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services value this year. Located in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $23,546. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Kansas State University earn a median of $47,436 early in their careers. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants.
Buena Vista University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. Set in the town of Storm Lake, Buena Vista University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,798 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $29,317. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $49,397. Set against $29,317 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Capella University earned the #19 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the city of Minneapolis, Capella University is a very large private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from Capella University generally make around $69,183. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of North Dakota came in at #20 for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. Soon after graduation, counselor education/school counseling & guidance services degree recipients from University Of North Dakota generally make around $49,340. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants.
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value counselor education/school counseling & guidance services schools. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $63,559 early in their careers. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
University Of Iowa earned the #22 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $24,463. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $48,327 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants.
Stephens College placed #23 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Set in the city of Columbia, Stephens College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,300 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $33,326 to complete the counselor education/school counseling & guidance services program here. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Stephens College earn a median of $41,511 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stephens College admits about 77% of applicants.
Concordia University Seward placed #24 among the best values for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services. Concordia University Seward is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Seward. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,640. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $26,726. Early-career counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates make about $51,046. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Seward admits about 86% of applicants.
Missouri Baptist University earned the #25 position for value in counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, Missouri Baptist University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $33,122. Typical student debt for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services graduates is $27,337. Counselor Education/school Counseling & Guidance Services graduates of Missouri Baptist University earn a median of $40,340 early in their careers. Set against $27,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri Baptist University admits about 69% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 28 Best Value Counselor Education/School Counseling & Guidance Services Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for counselor education/school counseling & guidance services this year:
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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 · 46 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 23 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.
