ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Student Counseling Schools in the Southeast Region

81 Colleges in the United States
$24,531 Avg Student Debt
$52,456 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 129 schools to find the best return on investment for student counseling students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/student-counseling/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/student-counseling/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/student-counseling/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/education/student-counseling/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/education/student-counseling/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/student-counseling/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/student-counseling/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 16
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 13.11), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Educational Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Educational Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - School Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - School Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "School Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "School Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Child Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Child Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Counseling Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Counseling Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Counseling Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Counseling Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Counseling Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Counseling Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Counseling PhD Programs (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Counseling PhD Programs (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Mental Health Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Mental Health Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "School Psychology (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "School Psychology (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "School Psychology (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "School Psychology (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "School Psychology (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "School Psychology (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "School Psychology (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "School Psychology (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Child Psychology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Child Psychology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Child Psychology (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Child Psychology (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Counselor Education (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Counselor Education (I Have a Masters)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 13
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 13 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 13
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 3 offers with relevance >= 1.0

2026 Best Value Student Counseling Schools in the Southeast Region

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

Best Value Student Counseling Schools

1
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida tops our 2026 list of the best value student counseling schools in the Southeast Region. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Student Counseling graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $48,924 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.

2

Students looking for strong value in student counseling will find it at Florida Atlantic University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $20,212 to complete the student counseling program here. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $53,838. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%.

3

University Of South Florida Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in student counseling, landing the #3 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, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete the student counseling program here. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $54,334. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Florida International University earned it the #4 place for student counseling. Florida International University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Miami. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete the student counseling program here. Student Counseling graduates of Florida International University earn a median of $46,820 early in their careers. Set against $19,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Central Florida earned it the #5 place for student counseling. Set in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Typical student debt for student counseling graduates is $21,620. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $45,569. Set against $21,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%.

ADBLOCK #101
6
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University placed #6 among the best values for student counseling. 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 student counseling graduates is $20,488. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $60,249. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

7
Marshall University crest
Marshall University
Huntington, WV

Marshall University landed the #7 spot for student counseling value this year. Located in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,162, with out-of-state students paying around $20,342. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete the student counseling program here. Student Counseling graduates of Marshall University earn a median of $47,527 early in their careers. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marshall University admits about 96% of applicants.

8

Murray State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value student counseling schools. Murray State University is a large public school located in the town of Murray. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Typical student debt for student counseling graduates is $23,420. Student Counseling graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $48,423 early in their careers. Set against $23,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

9

Florida Gulf Coast University landed the #9 spot for student counseling value this year. Located in the suburb of Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,162. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $20,015 in student loans. Student Counseling graduates of Florida Gulf Coast University earn a median of $50,427 early in their careers. Set against $20,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Gulf Coast University admits about 63% of applicants.

10

American Public University System earned the #10 position for value in student counseling this year. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,438 to complete the student counseling program here. Soon after graduation, student counseling degree recipients from American Public University System generally make around $57,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #115
11

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #11 for value in student counseling this year. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Pembroke. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. Typical student debt for student counseling graduates is $27,089. Student Counseling graduates of University Of North Carolina At Pembroke earn a median of $45,525 early in their careers. Set against $27,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

12

University Of The Cumberlands landed the #12 spot for student counseling value this year. Located in the town of Williamsburg, University Of The Cumberlands is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. Students borrow a median of $22,868 to complete the student counseling program here. Soon after graduation, student counseling degree recipients from University Of The Cumberlands generally make around $50,309. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.

13

Eastern Kentucky University placed #13 among the best values for student counseling. Eastern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the town of Richmond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $25,122 in student loans. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $42,618. Set against $25,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants.

14

University Of North Florida earned the #14 position for value in student counseling this year. University Of North Florida is a large public school located in the city of Jacksonville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,964, while out-of-state students pay about $19,407. Students borrow a median of $18,523 to complete the student counseling program here. Student Counseling graduates of University Of North Florida earn a median of $51,862 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,523 median debt. The acceptance rate is 53%.

15

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #15 among the best values for student counseling. Located in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete the student counseling program here. Soon after graduation, student counseling degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $48,566. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. The acceptance rate is 15%.

ADBLOCK #145
16

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value student counseling schools. Set in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Typical student debt for student counseling graduates is $24,977. Student Counseling graduates of University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earn a median of $47,800 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

17

Valdosta State University earned the #17 position for value in student counseling this year. Located in the city of Valdosta, Valdosta State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,661 to complete the student counseling program here. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $67,508. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.

18

The University Of Tennessee Martin landed the #18 spot for student counseling value this year. Located in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,560, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,770 to complete the student counseling program here. Student Counseling graduates of The University Of Tennessee Martin earn a median of $49,357 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

19
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University came in at #19 for value in student counseling this year. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete the student counseling program here. Soon after graduation, student counseling degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $44,778. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.

20

Middle Tennessee State University came in at #20 for value in student counseling this year. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for student counseling graduates is $22,754. Soon after graduation, student counseling degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University generally make around $46,032. That is a strong return on a $22,754 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #150
21

Morehead State University landed the #21 spot for student counseling value this year. Located in the town of Morehead, Morehead State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,024, with out-of-state students paying around $14,980. Students borrow a median of $25,896 to complete the student counseling program here. Student Counseling graduates of Morehead State University earn a median of $48,352 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

22

North Carolina A And T State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value student counseling schools. Located in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina A And T State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,813, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. Students borrow a median of $29,078 to complete the student counseling program here. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $47,460. Set against $29,078 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.

23

University Of Georgia landed the #23 spot for student counseling value this year. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete the student counseling program here. Soon after graduation, student counseling degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $63,139. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.

24

Fort Valley State University landed the #24 spot for student counseling value this year. Fort Valley State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Fort Valley. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,878. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $35,963 in student loans. Soon after graduation, student counseling degree recipients from Fort Valley State University generally make around $32,127. That is a strong return on a $35,963 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

25

West Virginia University landed the #25 spot for student counseling value this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $23,772 in student loans. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $50,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Student Counseling Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for student counseling this year:

26
27
28
29
30
31
Arkansas Tech University crest
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
Augusta University crest
Augusta University
Augusta, GA
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

ADBLOCK #173
View All Student Counseling Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 129 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 81 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options