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2027 Best Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Schools in the Great Lakes Region

44 Colleges in the United States
1,315 Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Degrees Awarded
$47,685 Avg Early-Career Salary

Mental Health Counseling/Counselor is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 44 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best mental health counseling/counselor schools.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Mental Health Counseling/Counselor in the Great Lakes Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall mental health counseling/counselor education in the Great Lakes Region.

Top Schools in Mental Health Counseling/Counselor

1

Elgin Community College is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in mental health counseling/counselor. This large public university is located in the city of Elgin. About 28 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Elgin Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their mental health counseling/counselor degree from Elgin Community College earn around $43,975 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $7,727 to complete this degree. Get the full mental health counseling/counselor details for Elgin Community College

2
Marquette University crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI

Students looking for a strong mental health counseling/counselor program will find one at Marquette University, which ranked #2. Marquette University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Milwaukee. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. There were roughly 95 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Marquette University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $53,880 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,122. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Marquette University

3

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. This large public university is located in the town of Whitewater. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater graduates 63% of students within six years. There were roughly 11 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin Whitewater in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $45,767 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,306. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

4

Students looking for a strong mental health counseling/counselor program will find one at Illinois Institute Of Technology, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Chicago, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. About 11 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Illinois Institute Of Technology in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Illinois Institute Of Technology generally make around $71,315. Illinois Institute Of Technology graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for Illinois Institute Of Technology

5

A rank of #5 makes Bradley University one of the top schools for mental health counseling/counselor. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Peoria. About 76% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 57 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Bradley University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Bradley University generally make around $50,358. Bradley University graduates carry a median of $26,380 in student loans. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Bradley University

6

Indiana University Bloomington came in at #6 for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. About 80% of students finish within six years. Indiana University Bloomington awarded about 37 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their mental health counseling/counselor degree from Indiana University Bloomington earn around $52,123 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete this degree. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for Indiana University Bloomington

7
Capital University crest
Capital University
Columbus, OH

Capital University earned the #7 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the suburb of Columbus, Capital University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Capital University graduates 60% of students within six years. There were roughly 34 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Capital University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Capital University generally make around $46,516. Typical student debt for the program is $28,269. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Capital University

8
Parkland College crest
Parkland College
Champaign, IL

Parkland College earned the #8 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Located in the city of Champaign, Parkland College is a large public university. There were roughly 13 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Parkland College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Parkland College generally make around $40,409. Parkland College graduates carry a median of $10,168 in student loans. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Parkland College

9
Marian University Indiana crest
Marian University Indiana
Indianapolis, IN

Marian University Indiana earned the #9 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Marian University Indiana is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 16 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Marian University Indiana in the most recent data year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Marian University Indiana earn a median of $49,784 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $28,633 to complete this degree. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Marian University Indiana

10

Western Michigan University earned the #10 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public university. Western Michigan University graduates 58% of students within six years. About 40 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Western Michigan University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $42,266. Western Michigan University graduates carry a median of $27,981 in student loans. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for Western Michigan University

11

Ohio University Main Campus came in at #11 for mental health counseling/counselor this year. This very large public university is located in the town of Athens. Ohio University Main Campus graduates 65% of students within six years. About 16 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Ohio University Main Campus in the most recent year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $40,516 in their early career. Ohio University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for Ohio University Main Campus

12
John Carroll University crest
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH

John Carroll University earned the #12 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of University Heights. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. John Carroll University awarded about 64 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $47,866 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,131. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from John Carroll University

13

Columbus State Community College placed #13 among the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. Set in the city of Columbus, Columbus State Community College is a very large public institution. Columbus State Community College awarded about 10 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Students borrow a median of $9,041 to complete this degree. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Columbus State Community College

14
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University placed #14 among the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. Oakland University is a large public school located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. About 58% of students finish within six years. About 39 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Oakland University in the most recent year. Students who receive their mental health counseling/counselor degree from Oakland University earn around $46,551 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,972 to complete this degree. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for Oakland University

15

University Of Dayton came in at #15 for mental health counseling/counselor this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Dayton. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. About 27 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at University Of Dayton in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of Dayton generally make around $42,415. Typical student debt for the program is $25,033. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for University Of Dayton

16

Northeastern Illinois University earned the #16 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. Roughly 22% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 28 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Northeastern Illinois University in the most recent year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of $50,825 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $17,600 to complete this degree. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Northeastern Illinois University

17
Xavier University crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH

Xavier University landed the #17 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Cincinnati. Xavier University graduates 68% of students within six years. There were roughly 27 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Xavier University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their mental health counseling/counselor degree from Xavier University earn around $47,839 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,614 to complete this degree. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for Xavier University

18
Viterbo University crest
Viterbo University
La Crosse, WI

Viterbo University came in at #18 for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Viterbo University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of La Crosse. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 27 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Viterbo University in the most recent year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $46,100 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $29,107 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Viterbo University

19

Cleveland State University landed the #19 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Cleveland State University is a large public school located in the city of Cleveland. The six-year graduation rate is 51%. Cleveland State University awarded about 60 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $49,648 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,336. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Cleveland State University

20
Central Michigan University crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University earned the #20 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Central Michigan University is a large public school located in the town of Mount Pleasant. About 59% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 35 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Central Michigan University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $40,333 in their early career. Central Michigan University graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Get the full mental health counseling/counselor details for Central Michigan University

21
Lewis University crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Lewis University placed #21 among the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Romeoville. Lewis University graduates 67% of students within six years. About 32 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Lewis University in the most recent year. Students who receive their mental health counseling/counselor degree from Lewis University earn around $38,831 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,838 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Lewis University

22

University Of Wisconsin Stout came in at #22 for mental health counseling/counselor this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Menomonie. University Of Wisconsin Stout graduates 55% of students within six years. There were roughly 25 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin Stout in the most recent data year. Students who receive their mental health counseling/counselor degree from University Of Wisconsin Stout earn around $49,730 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Wisconsin Stout graduates carry a median of $25,821 in student loans. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for University Of Wisconsin Stout

23

Grace College And Theological Seminary landed the #23 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the town of Winona Lake, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. About 38 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Grace College And Theological Seminary in the most recent year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $46,139 in their early career. Grace College And Theological Seminary graduates carry a median of $21,211 in student loans. Get the full mental health counseling/counselor details for Grace College And Theological Seminary

24

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #24 among the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Cincinnati. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. There were roughly 20 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus in the most recent data year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $46,689 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $53,508. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

25
University Of Indianapolis crest
University Of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

University Of Indianapolis ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. University Of Indianapolis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis. About 56% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 24 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at University Of Indianapolis in the most recent data year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of University Of Indianapolis earn a median of $52,298 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,699 to complete this degree. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at University Of Indianapolis

Rest of the Top 44 Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong mental health counseling/counselor education:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Aquinas College Michigan crest
Aquinas College Michigan
Grand Rapids, MI
33
Malone University crest
Malone University
Canton, OH
34
35
36
37
38
39
Andrews University crest
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI
40
Lakeland College crest
Lakeland College
Plymouth, WI
41
42
43
Ursuline College crest
Ursuline College
Pepper Pike, OH
44

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 44 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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