2027 Best Value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

[Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology](/majors/psychology/clinical-counseling-applied-psychology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 69 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for clinical, counseling & applied psychology students.
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2027 Best Value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the clinical, counseling & applied psychology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Schools
Our analysis ranked University Of Illinois At Chicago the best value for a degree in clinical, counseling & applied psychology in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $20,115. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $61,829. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
University Of Michigan Dearborn came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Dearborn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,640, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. Students borrow a median of $26,516 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $62,536. Set against $26,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis one of the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $56,930. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Purdue University Global one of the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Purdue University Global is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,101, compared with $14,412 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $42,443. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Purdue University Global earn a median of $39,572 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #5 makes Indiana State University one of the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Set in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $25,582 in student loans. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Indiana State University earn a median of $53,952 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Governors State University earned the #6 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Located in the suburb of University Park, Governors State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,004. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $24,990. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Governors State University earn a median of $52,581 early in their careers. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #7 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Set in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $24,925 in student loans. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $48,357. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Wayne State University earned the #8 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Wayne State University generally make around $58,918. Set against $26,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Chicago landed the #9 spot for clinical, counseling & applied psychology value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $12,000. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from University Of Chicago generally make around $39,808. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants.
National Louis University came in at #10 for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Set in the city of Chicago, National Louis University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,245. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $29,242. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of National Louis University earn a median of $57,591 early in their careers. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay landed the #11 spot for clinical, counseling & applied psychology value this year. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a large public school located in the city of Green Bay. In-state tuition and fees average $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $24,477. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $42,853. Set against $24,477 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public school located in the town of Whitewater. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $25,306 in student loans. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of University Of Wisconsin Whitewater earn a median of $45,767 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Youngstown State University came in at #13 for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Youngstown State University is a large public school located in the city of Youngstown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $50,731. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Chicago State University placed #14 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Set in the city of Chicago, Chicago State University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,754, while out-of-state students pay about $12,757. Students borrow a median of $43,322 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $47,477. That is a strong return on a $43,322 median debt. Chicago State University admits about 43% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. Located in the town of River Falls, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $24,245. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of University Of Wisconsin River Falls earn a median of $47,577 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,245 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Detroit Mercy landed the #16 spot for clinical, counseling & applied psychology value this year. University Of Detroit Mercy is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Detroit. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,946. Students borrow a median of $29,053 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from University Of Detroit Mercy generally make around $54,597. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #17 for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $26,657. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of $54,074 early in their careers. Set against $26,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Ball State University came in at #18 for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $27,075 in student loans. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $64,930 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Cleveland State University ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value clinical, counseling & applied psychology schools. Set in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,502. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $26,336 in student loans. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Cleveland State University generally make around $54,181. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #20 spot for clinical, counseling & applied psychology value this year. University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public school located in the city of Akron. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $25,347. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from University Of Akron Main Campus generally make around $68,344. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse earned the #21 position for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Set in the city of La Crosse, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $23,551 in student loans. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates of University Of Wisconsin La Crosse earn a median of $61,488 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Grand Valley State University placed #22 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Located in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Typical student debt for clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates is $26,378. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Grand Valley State University generally make around $54,320. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #23 among the best values for clinical, counseling & applied psychology. Located in the city of Eau Claire, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Students borrow a median of $22,574 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $49,911. That is a strong return on a $22,574 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants.
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #24 for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. Soon after graduation, clinical, counseling & applied psychology degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $69,444. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Baker College Of Flint came in at #25 for value in clinical, counseling & applied psychology this year. Set in the town of Owosso, Baker College Of Flint is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,000. Students borrow a median of $30,688 to complete the clinical, counseling & applied psychology program here. Early-career clinical, counseling & applied psychology graduates make about $46,774. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s clinical, counseling & applied psychology value ranking:
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 69 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 69 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.