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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Student Counseling Schools in Massachusetts

6 Colleges in the United States
$26,619 Avg Student Debt
$65,964 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Student Counseling Badge [Student Counseling](/majors/education/student-counseling/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 16 schools to find the best return on investment for student counseling students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Student Counseling Schools in Massachusetts

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in student counseling, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Student Counseling Schools

1

Bridgewater State University tops our 2026 list of the best value student counseling schools in Massachusetts. Set in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,734, while out-of-state students pay about $17,874. Typical student debt for student counseling graduates is $26,632. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $54,196. That is a strong return on a $26,632 median debt. Bridgewater State University admits about 88% of applicants.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Massachusetts Boston earned it the #2 place for student counseling. University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public school located in the city of Boston. Students from in state pay about $15,898 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,115. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $26,236 in student loans. Student Counseling graduates of University Of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of $60,385 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

3

A rank of #3 makes Salem State University one of the best values for student counseling. Set in the suburb of Salem, Salem State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $27,176 in student loans. Soon after graduation, student counseling degree recipients from Salem State University generally make around $51,929. That is a strong return on a $27,176 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

4
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Boston University earned it the #4 place for student counseling. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $55,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%.

5
Assumption College crest
Assumption College
Worcester, MA

A rank of #5 makes Assumption College one of the best values for student counseling. Located in the city of Worcester, Assumption College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,356. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $26,995 in student loans. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $54,194. Set against $26,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.

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6
Springfield College crest
Springfield College
Springfield, MA

Springfield College earned the #6 position for value in student counseling this year. Springfield College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Springfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,974. Students borrow a median of $27,151 to complete the student counseling program here. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $49,996. That is a strong return on a $27,151 median debt. Springfield College admits about 72% of applicants.

7
Merrimack College crest
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA

Merrimack College landed the #7 spot for student counseling value this year. Located in the suburb of North Andover, Merrimack College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,962. Students borrow a median of $26,913 to complete the student counseling program here. Soon after graduation, student counseling degree recipients from Merrimack College generally make around $50,506. Set against $26,913 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Merrimack College admits about 70% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 16 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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