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Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Ohio dominates the most affordable Mental and Social Health Services programs, with five campuses offering net costs below $7,000. Ohio University's regional campuses show the starkest variation in outcomes, from Eastern Campus at just $4,503 with a 20% graduation rate to Lancaster Campus at $6,133 with only 13.7% completing their programs. The gap between public and private options remains narrow, with City Vision University in Kansas City charging $6,709 while most public institutions stay under $7,000. Mental health services employment continues expanding across rural and urban areas as federal funding increases community health center staffing. California State University-Fresno produces graduates earning $27,280 annually with manageable debt loads of $14,833, reflecting the field's focus on service over high salaries. Eastern New Mexico University stands out with graduates earning $33,382, significantly above the typical range of $27,000 to $38,000 for new professionals in community mental health roles.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $14,715
Net Price Range
$33,144
Avg. Program Earnings
42.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,886 $5,156 39.8%
4 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
5 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
6 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
7 $6,329 $4,865 31.4%
8 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
9 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
10 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
11 $6,709 $6,400
12 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
13 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
14 $7,075 $4,714
15 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
16 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
17 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
18 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
19 $8,829 $13,800 69.2% 92.1%
20 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
21 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
22 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
23 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
24 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
25 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
26 $11,353 $8,618 23.3%
27 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
28 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
29 $11,881 $11,905 75.0% 100.0%
30 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
31 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
32 $12,267 $10,110 47.6%
33 $12,514 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
34 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
35 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%
36 $13,091 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
37 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
38 $13,725 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
39 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
40 $13,780 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%
41 $13,809 $8,864 44.6% 97.9%
42 $13,879 $12,830 33.3%
43 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
44 $14,141 $7,260 25.6%
45 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
46 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
47 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
48 $14,590 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
49 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
50 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate differences among Ohio University campuses?

Ohio University's regional campuses show graduation rates ranging from 12.1% at Chillicothe to 20% at Eastern Campus, despite similar net costs around $5,000 to $6,500. These campuses primarily serve working adults and part-time students who often transfer before completing associate degrees. The low completion rates reflect the campuses' role as stepping stones rather than final destinations for many students pursuing mental health careers.

How do earnings compare between different regions for mental health graduates?

Mental health graduates from Eastern New Mexico University earn $33,382 annually, while California State University-Fresno graduates start at $27,280. The $6,000 difference reflects regional cost of living and state funding for community mental health services. Northern Kentucky graduates earn $34,420, benefiting from proximity to Cincinnati's healthcare market and Kentucky's recent Medicaid expansion increasing mental health job opportunities.

Is the debt burden reasonable for mental health services graduates?

Graduate debt varies significantly, from $14,833 at California State University-Fresno to $26,000 at Ohio University campuses. Mental health starting salaries of $27,000 to $37,000 make the lower debt loads more manageable. Students at community colleges and technical institutes often graduate debt-free, while four-year programs typically require additional schooling for licensure, justifying slightly higher debt levels.

Does location affect job prospects in mental health services?

Rural campuses like Eastern New Mexico University and Sinte Gleska University train students for underserved areas where mental health professionals receive loan forgiveness and higher starting wages. Urban programs at Seattle Central College and Wake Technical Community College prepare graduates for hospital systems and private practices. The 2022 expansion of telehealth services has created new opportunities regardless of campus location.

Where do community colleges fit in mental health education pathways?

Lake Washington Institute of Technology achieves a 39.8% graduation rate while charging just $5,886 net cost, preparing students for immediate entry-level positions. Seattle Central College and Wake Technical Community College offer similar outcomes at under $7,000 annually. These programs focus on practical skills for substance abuse counseling, mental health technician roles, and community outreach positions that require certification rather than four-year degrees.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.