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2026 Best Value Mental Social Health Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Mental Social Health Services bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1009 colleges 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 evaluated schools to compile 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Seattle Community College Central Campus earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,238, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $14,699. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,307. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Seattle Community College Central Campus profile
A rank of #2 makes Columbia Southern University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,224. Graduates carry a median of $33,180 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,534 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,180 median debt. More on Columbia Southern University
You'll get strong value at Metropolitan State University, which ranked #3 this year. Metropolitan State University is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Graduates carry a median of $42,688 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. That is a strong return on a $42,688 median debt. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
A rank of #4 makes Ottawa University Online one of the best values in the United States. Located in Overland Park, KS, Ottawa University Online is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,296. Graduates carry a median of $30,758 in student loans. Ottawa University Online alumni report median earnings of $55,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ottawa University Online
Out of the 1009 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Ottawa University Kansas City landed the #5 spot. Set in Overland Park, KS, Ottawa University Kansas City is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,296. Students borrow a median of $30,758 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Median earnings reach $55,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,758 median debt. Read more about Ottawa University Kansas City
Minot State University placed #7 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $25,788. Median earnings reach $51,759 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants. Read the full report on Minot State University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,074, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,378 in student loans. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $38,550 a decade after entry. Set against $20,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,997, while out-of-state students pay about $12,062. Students borrow a median of $19,695 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,669. That is a strong return on a $19,695 median debt. Get the full Lake Washington Institute Of Technology report
University Of South Dakota ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Ashford University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $48,372 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,404. That is a strong return on a $48,372 median debt. Get the full Ashford University report
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Marion, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,648. Graduates carry a median of $44,811 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $44,811 median debt. Read the full report on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Saint Cloud State University placed #14 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $31,171. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,171 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Grand Canyon University placed #15 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $39,560 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. Set against $39,560 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $29,804 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $29,804 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Northern Illinois University
Western New Mexico University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Silver City, NM, Western New Mexico University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,855, compared with $14,341 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $27,425. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,095 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,425 median debt. Read the full report on Western New Mexico University
University Of The Cumberlands landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamsburg, KY. Students from in state pay about $9,875 in tuition and fees. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $22,750. Median earnings reach $45,036 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $27,269 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $27,269 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
New Mexico Highlands University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Las Vegas, NM, New Mexico Highlands University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,416, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Students borrow a median of $18,375 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. New Mexico Highlands University alumni report median earnings of $45,937 a decade after entry. Set against $18,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on New Mexico Highlands University
Chicago State University placed #20 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Chicago State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,754, while out-of-state students pay about $12,757. Chicago State University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $43,322 in debt. Chicago State University alumni report median earnings of $42,778 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Chicago State University report
Southern New Hampshire University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,200. Graduates carry a median of $33,428 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,318 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern New Hampshire University profile
Ohio Christian University placed #24 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based in Circleville, OH, Ohio Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,190. Graduates carry a median of $46,200 in student loans. Ohio Christian University alumni report median earnings of $39,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ohio Christian University profile
University Of Maine At Augusta came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Augusta, ME. Students from in state pay about $8,888 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,178. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $35,115. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,342 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,115 median debt. More on University Of Maine At Augusta
Washburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Topeka, KS, Washburn University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,945, while out-of-state students pay about $20,949. Washburn University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $31,063 in debt. Washburn University alumni report median earnings of $49,774 a decade after entry. Set against $31,063 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Washburn University
Worcester State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Worcester State University alumni report median earnings of $60,624 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Worcester State University
Western Washington University placed #29 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Located in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,361 in student loans. Western Washington University alumni report median earnings of $62,569 a decade after entry. Set against $20,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Western Washington University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mental Social Health Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Alaska Anchorage came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,738, while out-of-state students pay about $21,322. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $16,011. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,871 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,011 median debt. Get the full University Of Alaska Anchorage report
Suny College At Brockport came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Brockport, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $8,752, while out-of-state students pay about $15,822. Graduates carry a median of $24,757 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,496 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Brockport has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about Suny College At Brockport
Northwestern State University Of Louisiana placed #32 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Northwestern State University Of Louisiana is a public school based in Natchitoches, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,864, compared with $19,652 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,021. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Northwestern State University Of Louisiana admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about Northwestern State University Of Louisiana
Lackawanna College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Lackawanna College is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,400. Lackawanna College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $33,011 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lackawanna College profile
James Madison University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. James Madison University is a public school based in Harrisonburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,954. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on James Madison University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
The University Of West Florida placed #36 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based in Pensacola, FL, The University Of West Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,776, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. The University Of West Florida Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $19,677 in debt. The University Of West Florida alumni report median earnings of $49,137 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,677 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. More on The University Of West Florida
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. University Of Central Arkansas is a public school based in Conway, AR. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants. More on University Of Central Arkansas
William Paterson University Of New Jersey came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wayne, NJ, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,704, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,780 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full William Paterson University Of New Jersey report
Indiana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,387 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Indiana State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Indiana State University report
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. The University Of Texas Pan American Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $14,694 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,620 ten years after entry. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
Northern Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. Northern Kentucky University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $25,572 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,220 ten years after entry. Set against $25,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Northern Kentucky University profile
Davenport University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Grand Rapids, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $24,466. Davenport University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Davenport University alumni report median earnings of $45,099 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Davenport University profile
Old Dominion University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Graduates carry a median of $30,949 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,914. That is a strong return on a $30,949 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Old Dominion University profile
Viterbo University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,250. Viterbo University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $29,107 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,660 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Viterbo University
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $19,249. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Kansas landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,907 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $24,907 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on University Of Kansas
Eastern Washington University placed #47 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cheney, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Eastern Washington University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $21,754 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,897. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Eastern Washington University report
University Of St Francis landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $25,695. University Of St Francis alumni report median earnings of $63,926 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of St Francis
Crown College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Bonifacius, MN, Crown College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,410. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $29,537. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,057 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 23% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Crown College report
Alvernia University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Reading, PA, Alvernia University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,000. Students borrow a median of $54,779 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,055. That is a strong return on a $54,779 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read more about Alvernia University
Northern Michigan University placed #52 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Set in Marquette, MI, Northern Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,322, while out-of-state students pay about $19,944. Students borrow a median of $22,608 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,107 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,608 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Michigan University
University Of Arizona landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. University Of Arizona Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
University Of Detroit Mercy came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Set in Detroit, MI, University Of Detroit Mercy is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,946. Students borrow a median of $29,053 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,030. Set against $29,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on University Of Detroit Mercy
Indiana Wesleyan University placed #55 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,352. Indiana Wesleyan University Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $44,811 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,986. That is a strong return on a $44,811 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University
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 Associate’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. 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).