2026 Best Value Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Schools in Minnesota

1

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

Our analysis ranked University Of Minnesota Twin Cities the best value for a degree in mental health counseling/counselor in Minnesota. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mental health counseling/counselor graduates is $21,577. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $61,488. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.

2

Bethany Lutheran College
Mankato, MN

Bethany Lutheran College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mental health counseling/counselor, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Mankato, Bethany Lutheran College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,360. Typical student debt for mental health counseling/counselor graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Bethany Lutheran College generally make around $44,462. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bethany Lutheran College admits about 39% of applicants.

3

Winona State University
Winona, MN

Winona State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value mental health counseling/counselor schools. Set in the town of Winona, Winona State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Early-career mental health counseling/counselor graduates make about $53,109. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

4

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN

A rank of #4 makes Capella University one of the best values for mental health counseling/counselor. Capella University is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Minneapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete the mental health counseling/counselor program here. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Capella University earn a median of $47,787 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt.

5

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #5 place for mental health counseling/counselor. Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public school located in the city of Mankato. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical student debt for mental health counseling/counselor graduates is $27,269. Early-career mental health counseling/counselor graduates make about $46,691. Set against $27,269 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

6

Bethel University Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota landed the #6 spot for mental health counseling/counselor value this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Paul, Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete the mental health counseling/counselor program here. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Bethel University Minnesota generally make around $61,465. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.