2026 Best Value Mental Social Health Services Schools
Looking for the best-value Mental Social Health Services programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1009 schools 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, Healthcare Degree Search analyzed schools to build 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
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best-value Mental Social Health Services school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $25,462. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about La Salle University
You'll get strong value at Camden County College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Blackwood, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $12,999. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,212. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt. More on 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 #3 spot. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,238, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. The median Mental Social Health Services program 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. Read the full report on Seattle Community College Central Campus
A rank of #4 makes Northcentral Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,889 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $16,882. Median earnings reach $44,925 ten years out. 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 #5 this year. Set in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,266 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,651. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,140. See the full Centralia College profile
Southeast Community College Area placed #6 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. 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
Central Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $10,277. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,429. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt. Read more about Central Community College
Alvin Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,906, with out-of-state students paying around $4,402. Alvin Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $8,600 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,762 ten years after entry. Set against $8,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Alvin Community College report
Oakland Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Based 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. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $22,141. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,395. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Oakland Community College
Columbia Southern University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set 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. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. Set against $33,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Columbia Southern University
Rochester Community And Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Rochester, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,389. Rochester Community And Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $20,291 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Rochester Community And Technical College
Highline Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Highline Community College is a public school based in Des Moines, WA. Students from in state pay about $4,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. Highline Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $8,958 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,869 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,958 median debt. Read the full report on Highline Community College
Hennepin Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,940. Students borrow a median of $17,887 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,460. Set against $17,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
Wenatchee Valley College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Based 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. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $11,462. Median earnings reach $41,127 ten years out. Set against $11,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wenatchee Valley College profile
Northwest Technical College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bemidji, MN, Northwest Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,254. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $31,053. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,930. That is a strong return on a $31,053 median debt. Get the full Northwest Technical College report
El Centro College placed #16 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $22,011. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full El Centro College report
Lee College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Lee College is a public school based in Baytown, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,520, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $10,941. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,178. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lee College profile
Walla Walla Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Walla Walla, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,279, with out-of-state students paying around $6,700. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $15,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,526 ten years after entry. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walla Walla Community College report
Century College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set 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. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt. Read more about Century College
Western Technical College La Cross came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. Students borrow a median of $17,454 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,303 ten years after entry. Set against $17,454 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
Wayne County Community College District placed #21 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. 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. Median earnings reach $29,079 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wayne County Community College District
Wharton County Junior College placed #22 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $10,916 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, 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 ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $12,799. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
Lake Area Technical Institute placed #24 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,718. Graduates carry a median of $13,674 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,473 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,674 median debt. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Houston Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Houston Community College is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,040, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Graduates carry a median of $19,223 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,254 ten years after entry. Set against $19,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Houston Community College profile
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:
Santa Fe Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Santa Fe, NM. Students from in state pay about $1,851 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,131 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $15,267. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,005. Set against $15,267 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Santa Fe Community College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $12,112. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. Set against $12,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Baltimore City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Baltimore City Community College is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,314, while out-of-state students pay about $7,394. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $12,554. Median earnings reach $36,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Baltimore City Community College profile
Lone Star College System came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $10,425. Median earnings reach $42,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lone Star College System
Cuesta College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, Cuesta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,350, compared with $11,010 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $18,958. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,047 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cuesta College
Napa Valley College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Napa, CA, Napa Valley College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,156, compared with $11,908 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,517. Get the full Napa Valley College report
Minnesota State Community And Technical College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fergus Falls, MN, Minnesota State Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,908. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $18,197. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,591. That is a strong return on a $18,197 median debt. More on Minnesota State Community And Technical College
Yakima Valley Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Yakima Valley Community College is a public school based in Yakima, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,312, compared with $5,873 for out-of-state students. Yakima Valley Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $14,649 in debt. Yakima Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,499 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Yakima Valley Community College profile
Kilgore College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. This public school is set in Kilgore, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,160, compared with $5,256 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $16,734. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,975. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Kilgore College report
Yuba College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Marysville, CA, Yuba College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,128, with out-of-state students paying around $8,208. Yuba College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $8,729 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,552. That is a strong return on a $8,729 median debt. More on Yuba College
Northeast Texas Community College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mount Pleasant, TX, Northeast Texas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,980, with out-of-state students paying around $5,620. Students borrow a median of $15,089 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Northeast Texas Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,870 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Texas Community College
Madison Area Technical College placed #38 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $16,812. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Tyler Junior College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tyler, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Students borrow a median of $14,869 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. 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. See the full Tyler Junior College profile
New Mexico State University Dona Ana placed #40 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Set in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,322, while out-of-state students pay about $6,360. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $10,284. Median earnings reach $39,067 ten years out. Set against $10,284 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full New Mexico State University Dona Ana profile
Moraine Park Technical College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $11,471. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,371. Set against $11,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Moraine Park Technical College profile
Mclennan Community College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,910. Graduates carry a median of $14,073 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Mclennan Community College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $14,997. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,553. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. Get the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College report
Blackhawk Technical College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,747, compared with $6,803 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,715 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,620 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,715 median debt. See the full Blackhawk Technical College profile
Waukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Waukesha County Technical College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $35,927 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,927 median debt. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
University Of Western States came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Portland, OR, University Of Western States is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Western States alumni report median earnings of $27,382 a decade after entry. More on University Of Western States
Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #47 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, 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. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Jefferson Community College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Jefferson Community College is a public school based in Watertown, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,264, compared with $11,700 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,804 in student loans. Jefferson Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,991 a decade after entry. 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 offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Ranchos de Taos, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $5,136. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $10,986. Median earnings reach $44,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,986 median debt. See the full University Of New Mexico Taos Campus profile
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Clover Park Technical College landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,634 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,154 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,787 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,154 median debt. Read more about Clover Park Technical College
Best Value Mental Social Health Services Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each 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
This list is compiled by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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).