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2026 Best Value Mental Social Health Services Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Mental Social Health Services associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1009 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Trade College analyzed 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Camden County College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Mental Social Health Services associate's degree schools in the United States. Set in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. Students borrow a median of $12,999 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Camden County College alumni report median earnings of $41,212 a decade after entry. Set against $12,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Camden County College
Out of the 1009 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northcentral Technical College landed the #2 spot. Northcentral Technical College is a public school based in Wausau, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,889 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,132 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $16,882. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,925 ten years after entry. Set against $16,882 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northcentral Technical College report
You'll get strong value at Southeast Community College Area, which ranked #3 this year. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Southeast Community College Area Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $22,940 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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
You'll get strong value at Centralia College, which ranked #4 this year. Set 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. Centralia College alumni report median earnings of $43,140 a decade after entry. Read the full report on Centralia College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Alvin Community College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,906, while out-of-state students pay about $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. That is a strong return on a $8,600 median debt. See the full Alvin Community College profile
Oakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Oakland Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $22,141 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,395 ten years after entry. Set against $22,141 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Oakland Community College
Seattle Community College Central Campus came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,238, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Seattle Community College Central Campus Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $14,699 in debt. 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
Central Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Central Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $10,277 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,429. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt. Read the full report on Central Community College
Highline Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Des Moines, WA. Students from in state pay about $4,772 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,958 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,869. That is a strong return on a $8,958 median debt. Read more about Highline Community College
Wenatchee Valley College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Wenatchee, WA, Wenatchee Valley College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,552 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,054. Students borrow a median of $11,462 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,127 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wenatchee Valley College report
El Centro College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Graduates carry a median of $22,011 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on El Centro College
Lee College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $10,941. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,178 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,941 median debt. Read more about Lee College
Walla Walla Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Walla Walla, WA, Walla Walla Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,279, while out-of-state students pay about $6,700. Walla Walla Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $15,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,526. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. Read the full report on Walla Walla Community College
Wayne County Community College District ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set 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. Wayne County Community College District Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $20,820 in debt. Median earnings reach $29,079 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,820 median debt. Get the full Wayne County Community College District report
Metropolitan Community College Area ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $12,799 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,773. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
Western Technical College La Cross placed #16 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,820, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. Students borrow a median of $17,454 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $17,454 median debt. Get the full Western Technical College La Cross report
Houston Community College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,040, compared with $5,460 for out-of-state students. Houston Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $19,223 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,254. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Houston Community College profile
Rochester Community And Technical College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,389. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $20,291. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Rochester Community And Technical College report
Wharton County Junior College placed #19 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Located in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,192 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,904. Graduates carry a median of $10,916 in student loans. Wharton County Junior College alumni report median earnings of $44,960 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,916 median debt. Get the full Wharton County Junior College report
Lone Star College System placed #20 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Located in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,512. Students borrow a median of $10,425 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Lone Star College System alumni report median earnings of $42,466 a decade after entry. Set against $10,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lone Star College System profile
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,997 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,553 a decade after entry. Set against $14,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College report
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,904, with out-of-state students paying around $7,147. Graduates carry a median of $12,112 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Baltimore City Community College placed #23 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Baltimore City Community College is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,314, compared with $7,394 for out-of-state students. Baltimore City Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $12,554 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,025. That is a strong return on a $12,554 median debt. Get the full Baltimore City Community College report
Yakima Valley Community College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Yakima, WA, Yakima Valley Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,312, compared with $5,873 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,649 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,499 ten years after entry. Set against $14,649 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Yakima Valley Community College profile
Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $14,869. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,140. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. Read the full report on Tyler Junior College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mental Social Health Services Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Kilgore College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Kilgore, TX, Kilgore College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,160, with out-of-state students paying around $5,256. Kilgore College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $16,734 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,975 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kilgore College
Northeast Texas Community College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Northeast Texas Community College is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,980, with out-of-state students paying around $5,620. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $15,089. Northeast Texas Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,870 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,089 median debt. See the full Northeast Texas Community College profile
Blackhawk Technical College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Blackhawk Technical College is a public school based in Janesville, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,747, while out-of-state students pay about $6,803. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $13,715. Blackhawk Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,620 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,715 median debt. Read the full report on Blackhawk Technical College
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $16,812. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Madison Area Technical College
Moraine Park Technical College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, while out-of-state students pay about $7,084. Moraine Park Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $11,471 in debt. Moraine Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,371 a decade after entry. Set against $11,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Moraine Park Technical College profile
Waukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $35,927. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,894. That is a strong return on a $35,927 median debt. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
San Jacinto Community College placed #32 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $11,376. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. Get the full San Jacinto Community College report
Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Chippewa Valley Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $14,234 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. Set against $14,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Fox Valley Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $13,319 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Cuesta College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Cuesta College is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,350, compared with $11,010 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $18,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,047. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cuesta College
Yuba College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Marysville, CA, Yuba College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,128, compared with $8,208 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $8,729. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,552. That is a strong return on a $8,729 median debt. See the full Yuba College profile
Clover Park Technical College placed #37 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lakewood, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,634. Students borrow a median of $15,154 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,787. That is a strong return on a $15,154 median debt. Get the full Clover Park Technical College report
Century College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Century College is a public school based in White Bear Lake, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,214. Students borrow a median of $21,332 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Century College profile
Gateway Technical College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $7,199. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $22,350. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,264. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Gateway Technical College profile
Jefferson Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Watertown, NY, Jefferson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,264, compared with $11,700 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,804 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,991. Set against $14,804 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Jefferson Community College
Anoka Ramsey Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,682. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $22,593. Median earnings reach $48,342 ten years out. Set against $22,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Anoka Ramsey Community College
Napa Valley College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Napa, CA, Napa Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,156, compared with $11,908 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,517. Read the full report on Napa Valley College
Mohave Community College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kingman, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,208, with out-of-state students paying around $7,968. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $14,766. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,522. That is a strong return on a $14,766 median debt. Read more about Mohave Community College
Wor Wic Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,840, compared with $8,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,995 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,748. That is a strong return on a $13,995 median debt. Read more about Wor Wic Community College
Lake Area Technical Institute landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,718 in tuition and fees. Lake Area Technical Institute Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $13,674 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lake Area Technical Institute profile
Cuny Kingsborough Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,252, while out-of-state students pay about $8,132. Students borrow a median of $5,939 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,621 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cuny Kingsborough Community College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,161. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $36,302. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,086 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $36,302 median debt. More on Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Mclennan Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, compared with $5,910 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $14,073. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mclennan Community College
Midland College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Midland College is a public school based in Midland, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,180. Midland College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $9,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,958 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt. See the full Midland College profile
Odessa College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Odessa, TX, Odessa College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,688, compared with $4,926 for out-of-state students. Odessa College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $9,087 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,026. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Odessa College profile
Related Mental Social Health Services Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Mental Social Health Services Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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
The ranking above is published by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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