2026 Best Value Student Counseling Schools in Tennessee

1

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

Our analysis ranked Middle Tennessee State University the best value for a degree in student counseling in Tennessee. Set in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,754 to complete the student counseling program here. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $46,032. That is a strong return on a $22,754 median debt. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants.

2

The University Of Tennessee Martin
Martin, TN

Students looking for strong value in student counseling will find it at The University Of Tennessee Martin, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,560, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for student counseling graduates is $23,770. Soon after graduation, student counseling degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee Martin generally make around $49,357. Set against $23,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

3

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value student counseling schools. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public school located in the city of Chattanooga. Students from in state pay about $10,448 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,324 to complete the student counseling program here. Early-career student counseling graduates make about $47,104. Set against $23,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Memphis
Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in student counseling, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,315 to complete the student counseling program here. Soon after graduation, student counseling degree recipients from University Of Memphis generally make around $45,618. That is a strong return on a $26,315 median debt. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants.

5

Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN

Tennessee Technological University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value student counseling schools. Set in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $17,580 in student loans. Student Counseling graduates of Tennessee Technological University earn a median of $42,655 early in their careers. Set against $17,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

6

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University landed the #6 spot for student counseling value this year. Located in the city of Johnson City, East Tennessee State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $21,301 in student loans. Student Counseling graduates of East Tennessee State University earn a median of $37,904 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,301 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

7

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee placed #7 among the best values for student counseling. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Typical student debt for student counseling graduates is $22,859. Student Counseling graduates of The University Of Tennessee earn a median of $47,236 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

8

Lee University
Cleveland, TN

Lee University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value student counseling schools. Set in the city of Cleveland, Lee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,790. Typical student debt for student counseling graduates is $26,422. Student Counseling graduates of Lee University earn a median of $38,249 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,422 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%.

9

Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University placed #9 among the best values for student counseling. Located in the city of Nashville, Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,572. Student Counseling graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Student Counseling graduates of Lipscomb University earn a median of $48,949 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lipscomb University admits about 68% of applicants.