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2026 Best Value Mental Social Health Services Schools
Looking for the best-value Mental Social Health Services programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1009 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Trade College reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Mental Social Health Services Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Camden County College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Camden County College is a public school based in Blackwood, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. Camden County College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $12,999 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,212. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Camden County College
Out of the 1009 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Seattle Community College Central Campus landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,238 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $14,699. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,307 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,699 median debt. Get the full Seattle Community College Central Campus report
A rank of #3 makes Northcentral Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,889, compared with $7,132 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $16,882. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,925. That is a strong return on a $16,882 median debt. More on Northcentral Technical College
You'll get strong value at Centralia College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,266, with out-of-state students paying around $5,651. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,140. Read more about Centralia College
Southeast Community College Area came in at #5 on this year's best-value Mental Social Health Services ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $22,940. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,405. Set against $22,940 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Central Community College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $10,277 in student loans. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt. See the full Central Community College profile
Alvin Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,906, with out-of-state students paying around $4,402. Students borrow a median of $8,600 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Alvin Community College report
Oakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $22,141. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,395. That is a strong return on a $22,141 median debt. Read the full report on Oakland Community College
Rochester Community And Technical College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,389 in tuition and fees. Rochester Community And Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $20,291 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Rochester Community And Technical College
Columbia Southern University placed #9 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit school based in Orange Beach, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,224. Students borrow a median of $33,180 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,534. Set against $33,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
Highline Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Des Moines, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,772, compared with $5,332 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $8,958. Highline Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,869 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,958 median debt. Read more about Highline Community College
Hennepin Technical College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Students borrow a median of $17,887 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,460. That is a strong return on a $17,887 median debt. Read the full report on Hennepin Technical College
Wenatchee Valley College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Wenatchee, WA, Wenatchee Valley College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,552 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,054 for out-of-state students. Wenatchee Valley College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $11,462 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,127 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,462 median debt. Read the full report on Wenatchee Valley College
Northwest Technical College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bemidji, MN, Northwest Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,254. Northwest Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $31,053 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,930. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northwest Technical College profile
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $22,011. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on El Centro College
Lee College placed #16 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Set in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $10,941. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,178. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lee College profile
Walla Walla Community College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Walla Walla, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,279, with out-of-state students paying around $6,700. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Walla Walla Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,526 a decade after entry. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walla Walla Community College profile
Century College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,214. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $21,332. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,424 ten years after entry. Set against $21,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Century College
Western Technical College La Cross offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,454 in student loans. Western Technical College La Cross alumni report median earnings of $45,303 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,454 median debt. More on Western Technical College La Cross
Wayne County Community College District ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,112, with out-of-state students paying around $4,067. Graduates carry a median of $20,820 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,079. Set against $20,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wayne County Community College District profile
Wharton County Junior College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Wharton County Junior College is a public school based in Wharton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,192, while out-of-state students pay about $5,904. Graduates carry a median of $10,916 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,960. Set against $10,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wharton County Junior College
Metropolitan Community College Area offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $12,799. Median earnings reach $38,773 ten years out. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Area report
Lake Area Technical Institute ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,718. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $13,674. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,473 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Houston Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,040, compared with $5,460 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $19,223. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,254. Set against $19,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Houston Community College
Santa Fe Community College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Santa Fe, NM, Santa Fe Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,851, with out-of-state students paying around $4,131. Graduates carry a median of $15,267 in student loans. Santa Fe Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,005 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,267 median debt. More on Santa Fe Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mental Social Health Services Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College placed #26 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $12,112. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,112 median debt. See the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College profile
Baltimore City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Baltimore City Community College is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,314, compared with $7,394 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,554 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Baltimore City Community College
Lone Star College System ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $10,425. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. Set against $10,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lone Star College System report
Cuesta College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, Cuesta College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,350 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,010 for out-of-state students. Cuesta College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $18,958 in debt. Cuesta College alumni report median earnings of $46,047 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cuesta College
Napa Valley College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Napa, CA, Napa Valley College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,156, while out-of-state students pay about $11,908. Napa Valley College alumni report median earnings of $49,517 a decade after entry. Read the full report on Napa Valley College
Minnesota State Community And Technical College placed #31 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fergus Falls, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,908 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,197 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,591. That is a strong return on a $18,197 median debt. See the full Minnesota State Community And Technical College profile
Yakima Valley Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Yakima, WA, Yakima Valley Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,312, while out-of-state students pay about $5,873. Students borrow a median of $14,649 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Yakima Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,499 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,649 median debt. More on Yakima Valley Community College
Kilgore College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Kilgore, TX, Kilgore College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,160, with out-of-state students paying around $5,256. Graduates carry a median of $16,734 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,975. Set against $16,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Kilgore College profile
Yuba College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Yuba College is a public school based in Marysville, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,128, while out-of-state students pay about $8,208. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $8,729. Median earnings reach $39,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,729 median debt. More on Yuba College
Northeast Texas Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Mount Pleasant, TX, Northeast Texas Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,980, with out-of-state students paying around $5,620. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $15,089. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,870. That is a strong return on a $15,089 median debt. Read the full report on Northeast Texas Community College
Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Tyler, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $14,869. Tyler Junior College alumni report median earnings of $38,140 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. Read more about Tyler Junior College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $16,812. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
New Mexico State University Dona Ana offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Las Cruces, NM. Students from in state pay about $2,322 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,360. New Mexico State University Dona Ana Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $10,284 in debt. New Mexico State University Dona Ana alumni report median earnings of $39,067 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,284 median debt. Read more about New Mexico State University Dona Ana
Moraine Park Technical College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,819, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Moraine Park Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $11,471 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,371. Set against $11,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Moraine Park Technical College
Mclennan Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Waco, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $5,910. Mclennan Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $14,073 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mclennan Community College report
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College placed #42 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $14,997 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,553 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. Get the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College report
Blackhawk Technical College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,747 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,803. Blackhawk Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $13,715 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,620 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Blackhawk Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Waukesha County Technical College is a public school based in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Graduates carry a median of $35,927 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,894. Set against $35,927 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Metropolitan State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Students borrow a median of $42,688 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. Set against $42,688 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Students borrow a median of $14,234 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,234 median debt. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Jefferson Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Based in Watertown, NY, Jefferson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,264, while out-of-state students pay about $11,700. Graduates carry a median of $14,804 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,991 ten years out. Set against $14,804 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Jefferson Community College report
University Of New Mexico Taos Campus placed #48 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Located in Ranchos de Taos, NM, University Of New Mexico Taos Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $5,136. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $10,986. Median earnings reach $44,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of New Mexico Taos Campus
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Students borrow a median of $13,319 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Clover Park Technical College placed #50 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Set in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,634. Graduates carry a median of $15,154 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,787. Set against $15,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Clover Park Technical College
Gateway Technical College came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kenosha, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Gateway Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $22,350 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,264 ten years after entry. Set against $22,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Gateway Technical College profile
Best Value Mental Social Health Services Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1009 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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