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 colleges 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.
To help you make your decision, Healthcare Degree Search reviewed 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Camden County College to be the best-value Mental Social Health Services school in the United States. Set in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Graduates carry a median of $12,999 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. Set against $12,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Camden County College
You'll get strong value at Northcentral Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, compared with $7,132 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,882 in student loans. 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
Out of the 1009 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southeast Community College Area landed the #3 spot. Set in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,940 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,405 ten years after entry. Set against $22,940 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
A rank of #4 makes Centralia College one of the best values in the United States. Centralia College is a public school based in Centralia, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,266, compared with $5,651 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,140 ten years after entry. Get the full Centralia College report
Alvin Community College 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 Alvin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Alvin Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,762 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Alvin Community College report
Oakland Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. Oakland Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,395 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,141 median debt. Get the full Oakland Community College report
Seattle Community College Central Campus placed #7 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,238, compared with $5,796 for out-of-state students. Seattle Community College Central Campus Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $14,699 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,307 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,699 median debt. Read the full report on Seattle Community College Central Campus
Central Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Central Community College
Highline Community College placed #9 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Set in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,772, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $8,958. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,869. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Highline Community College
Wenatchee Valley College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Wenatchee, WA, Wenatchee Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,552, with out-of-state students paying around $5,054. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $11,462. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,127. That is a strong return on a $11,462 median debt. See the full Wenatchee Valley College profile
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. The median Mental Social Health Services program 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. Get the full El Centro College report
Lee College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,520, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $10,941. Lee College alumni report median earnings of $42,178 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,941 median debt. Read more about Lee College
Walla Walla Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Walla Walla, WA, Walla Walla Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,279, while out-of-state students pay about $6,700. Graduates carry a median of $15,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,526. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Walla Walla Community College
Wayne County Community College District placed #14 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,112, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $20,820. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,079. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wayne County Community College District
Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Metropolitan Community College Area Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $12,799 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. That is a strong return on a $12,799 median debt. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
Western Technical College La Cross landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Technical College La Cross is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $17,454. 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. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
Houston Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Based in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,040, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $19,223. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,254. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Houston Community College
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. Students from in state pay about $6,389 in tuition and fees. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $20,291. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,287. That is a strong return on a $20,291 median debt. See the full Rochester Community And Technical College profile
Wharton County Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,192, while out-of-state students pay about $5,904. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $10,916. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wharton County Junior College
Lone Star College System came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. 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, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,425 in student loans. Lone Star College System alumni report median earnings of $42,466 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,425 median debt. Read the full report on Lone Star College System
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,960, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Students borrow a median of $14,997 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. Set against $14,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Students borrow a median of $12,112 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College report
Baltimore City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Baltimore, MD, Baltimore City Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,314, with out-of-state students paying around $7,394. Baltimore City Community College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $12,554 in debt. Baltimore City Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,025 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Baltimore City Community College
Yakima Valley Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Yakima, WA, Yakima Valley Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,312, with out-of-state students paying around $5,873. Graduates carry a median of $14,649 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,499 ten years out. Set against $14,649 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Yakima Valley Community College profile
Tyler Junior College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Tyler Junior College Mental Social Health Services students take on a median of $14,869 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about 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 ranked #26 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, while out-of-state students pay about $5,256. Students borrow a median of $16,734 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,975. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kilgore College
Northeast Texas Community College placed #27 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,980, while out-of-state students pay about $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. That is a strong return on a $15,089 median debt. Read the full report on Northeast Texas Community College
Blackhawk Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Blackhawk Technical College is a public school based in Janesville, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,747, compared with $6,803 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,715 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. 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. Get the full Blackhawk Technical College report
Moraine Park Technical College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $11,471. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,371. That is a strong return on a $11,471 median debt. See the full Moraine Park Technical College profile
Madison Area Technical College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $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. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. Read the full report on Madison Area Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Students borrow a median of $35,927 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
San Jacinto Community College placed #32 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pasadena, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Students borrow a median of $11,376 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,062. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. Get the full San Jacinto Community College report
Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $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. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Students borrow a median of $13,319 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Fox Valley Technical College
Cuesta College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, Cuesta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,350, compared with $11,010 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,958 in student loans. Cuesta College alumni report median earnings of $46,047 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,958 median debt. Get the full Cuesta College report
Yuba College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. This public school is set in Marysville, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,128, compared with $8,208 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $8,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Yuba College
Clover Park Technical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,634 in tuition and fees. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $15,154. Median earnings reach $41,787 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Clover Park Technical College
Century College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,214. Students borrow a median of $21,332 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt. See the full Century College profile
Gateway Technical College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $22,350. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. Set against $22,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Gateway Technical College
Jefferson Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Watertown, NY, Jefferson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,264, with out-of-state students paying around $11,700. Graduates carry a median of $14,804 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,991. That is a strong return on a $14,804 median debt. Read more about Jefferson Community College
Anoka Ramsey Community College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools. Set in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,682. Graduates carry a median of $22,593 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,342. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Anoka Ramsey Community College report
Napa Valley College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Napa Valley College is a public school based in Napa, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,156 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,908. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,517. Read more about Napa Valley College
Mohave Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kingman, AZ, Mohave Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,208, compared with $7,968 for out-of-state students. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $14,766. Median earnings reach $35,522 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,766 median debt. Get the full Mohave Community College report
Wor Wic Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Wor Wic Community College is a public school based in Salisbury, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $8,400. The median Mental Social Health Services program debt is $13,995. Median earnings reach $36,748 ten years out. Set against $13,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wor Wic Community College
Lake Area Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,718. Graduates carry a median of $13,674 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Cuny Kingsborough Community College placed #46 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Set in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,252, while out-of-state students pay about $8,132. Typical Mental Social Health Services student debt is $5,939. Cuny Kingsborough Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,621 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cuny Kingsborough Community College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,161. Students borrow a median of $36,302 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Minneapolis Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,086 a decade after entry. Set against $36,302 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Mclennan Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $5,910. Students borrow a median of $14,073 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Mclennan Community College
Midland College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Midland, TX, Midland College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,180. Students borrow a median of $9,000 to complete their Mental Social Health Services program here. Median earnings reach $43,958 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Midland College
Odessa College placed #50 among the best-value Mental Social Health Services schools in the United States. Based in Odessa, TX, Odessa College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,688, with out-of-state students paying around $4,926. 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. That is a strong return on a $9,087 median debt. Read more about Odessa College
Related Mental Social Health Services Value Rankings
Explore 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
These rankings are produced by Healthcare Degree Search (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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