2026 Best Value Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Schools in Massachusetts

1

Middlesex Community College Bedford
Bedford, MA

For return on investment in mental health counseling/counselor, no school beat Middlesex Community College Bedford this year. Set in the suburb of Bedford, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,098, while out-of-state students pay about $12,170. Students borrow a median of $11,602 to complete the mental health counseling/counselor program here. Early-career mental health counseling/counselor graduates make about $48,427. Set against $11,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill, MA

Northern Essex Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value mental health counseling/counselor schools. Northern Essex Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Haverhill. In-state tuition and fees average $6,732, while out-of-state students pay about $12,516. Typical student debt for mental health counseling/counselor graduates is $12,033. Early-career mental health counseling/counselor graduates make about $27,799. That is a strong return on a $12,033 median debt.

3

Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value mental health counseling/counselor schools. Located in the suburb of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Early-career mental health counseling/counselor graduates make about $51,168. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA

A rank of #4 makes University Of Massachusetts Boston one of the best values for mental health counseling/counselor. Located in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,898, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete the mental health counseling/counselor program here. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of University Of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of $54,309 early in their careers. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants.

5

Springfield College
Springfield, MA

A rank of #5 makes Springfield College one of the best values for mental health counseling/counselor. Set in the city of Springfield, Springfield College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,974. Students borrow a median of $27,151 to complete the mental health counseling/counselor program here. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Springfield College generally make around $49,880. Set against $27,151 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Springfield College admits about 72% of applicants.

6

Suffolk University
Boston, MA

Suffolk University landed the #6 spot for mental health counseling/counselor value this year. Located in the city of Boston, Suffolk University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $47,550. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $26,670 in student loans. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Suffolk University earn a median of $50,911 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,670 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.

7

Lesley University
Cambridge, MA

Lesley University came in at #7 for value in mental health counseling/counselor this year. Lesley University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. In-state tuition and fees average $34,256. Students borrow a median of $24,818 to complete the mental health counseling/counselor program here. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Lesley University generally make around $47,290. That is a strong return on a $24,818 median debt. Lesley University admits about 97% of applicants.

8

Merrimack College
North Andover, MA

Merrimack College placed #8 among the best values for mental health counseling/counselor. Set in the suburb of North Andover, Merrimack College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,962. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $26,913 in student loans. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Merrimack College earn a median of $50,506 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Merrimack College admits about 70% of applicants.