2027 Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region
[Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing](/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-nursing/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 38 schools to find the best return on investment for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing students.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools
University Of Michigan Flint earned the #1 spot for value among psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Flint, University Of Michigan Flint is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,236, while out-of-state students pay about $27,790. Students borrow a median of $39,231 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Michigan Flint generally make around $108,929. Set against $39,231 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Purdue University Global came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Global is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,101 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,412 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $38,512 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $96,363. That is a strong return on a $38,512 median debt.
A rank of #3 makes Mount Carmel College Of Nursing one of the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Set in the city of Columbus, Mount Carmel College Of Nursing is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,600. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Mount Carmel College Of Nursing generally make around $88,238. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Saginaw Valley State University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of University Center. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,930, with out-of-state students paying around $30,450. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $91,542. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Michigan Ann Arbor one of the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $66,254. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #6 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $28,408. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis generally make around $89,364. Set against $28,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Wayne State University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $30,165 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $103,835. Set against $30,165 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.
University Of Southern Indiana earned the #8 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the suburb of Evansville, University Of Southern Indiana is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,066, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $25,089. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Southern Indiana generally make around $91,255. That is a strong return on a $25,089 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Indiana State University placed #9 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Terre Haute. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $30,155 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Indiana State University generally make around $53,952. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants.
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #10 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $20,455 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $91,063 early in their careers. Set against $20,455 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.
University Of St Francis ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. University Of St Francis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Joliet. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $30,700. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $94,166. Set against $30,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #12 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the city of Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $25,000. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $91,263. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Set in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of $86,743 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants.
Lewis University landed the #14 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Romeoville. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Lewis University generally make around $90,066. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Lewis University admits about 71% of applicants.
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global landed the #15 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Set in the rural area of Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,648. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $31,000. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global earn a median of $90,378 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt.
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #16 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $25,000. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $92,233. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.
University Of Toledo earned the #17 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,157, while out-of-state students pay about $21,517. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $22,400. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Toledo earn a median of $76,736 early in their careers. Set against $22,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Ursuline College came in at #18 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the suburb of Pepper Pike, Ursuline College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,990 in tuition and fees. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $35,000 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Ursuline College earn a median of $93,515 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $35,000 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
Otterbein University came in at #19 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the suburb of Westerville, Otterbein University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,548. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Otterbein University generally make around $89,634. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Illinois State University landed the #20 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Set in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $23,075 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Illinois State University generally make around $90,432. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Davenport University landed the #21 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Located in the suburb of Grand Rapids, Davenport University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $24,466. Students borrow a median of $46,829 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Davenport University earn a median of $85,605 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $46,829 median debt. Davenport University admits about 98% of applicants.
Spring Arbor University landed the #22 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Spring Arbor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Spring Arbor. In-state tuition and fees average $34,014. Students borrow a median of $29,748 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Spring Arbor University generally make around $89,684. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%.
Michigan State University landed the #23 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $28,500. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $89,879 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,500 median debt. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.
Kent State University At Kent ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $28,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Kent State University At Kent generally make around $83,999. Set against $28,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Walsh University ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the suburb of North Canton, Walsh University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,030. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Walsh University generally make around $81,961. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Walsh University admits about 71% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 38 Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value ranking:
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 38 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 38 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
