2026 Best Value Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Schools in Illinois

1

Elgin Community College
Elgin, IL

Elgin Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value mental health counseling/counselor schools in Illinois. Located in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,252, while out-of-state students pay about $9,516. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $7,727 in student loans. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Elgin Community College earn a median of $43,975 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt.

2

College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of Dupage earned it the #2 place for mental health counseling/counselor. College Of Dupage is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, compared with $12,750 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,492 to complete the mental health counseling/counselor program here. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of College Of Dupage earn a median of $43,025 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Parkland College
Champaign, IL

A rank of #3 makes Parkland College one of the best values for mental health counseling/counselor. Set in the city of Champaign, Parkland College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,284, compared with $13,266 for out-of-state students. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $10,168 in student loans. Early-career mental health counseling/counselor graduates make about $40,409. That is a strong return on a $10,168 median debt.

4

Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL

Northeastern Illinois University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value mental health counseling/counselor schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,383, while out-of-state students pay about $22,726. Typical student debt for mental health counseling/counselor graduates is $17,600. Early-career mental health counseling/counselor graduates make about $50,825. That is a strong return on a $17,600 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.

5

Governors State University
University Park, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Governors State University earned it the #5 place for mental health counseling/counselor. Set in the suburb of University Park, Governors State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,004. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $24,990 in student loans. Early-career mental health counseling/counselor graduates make about $51,711. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Governors State University admits about 48% of applicants.

6

Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Lewis University landed the #6 spot for mental health counseling/counselor value this year. Set in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for mental health counseling/counselor graduates is $24,838. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Lewis University earn a median of $38,831 early in their careers. Set against $24,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.

7

Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL

Roosevelt University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value mental health counseling/counselor schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Roosevelt University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,315. Typical student debt for mental health counseling/counselor graduates is $23,879. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Roosevelt University generally make around $47,220. Set against $23,879 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.

8

Bradley University
Peoria, IL

Bradley University landed the #8 spot for mental health counseling/counselor value this year. Set in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,160 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,380 to complete the mental health counseling/counselor program here. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Bradley University generally make around $50,358. That is a strong return on a $26,380 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

9

Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, IL

Moody Bible Institute placed #9 among the best values for mental health counseling/counselor. Moody Bible Institute is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $15,786 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for mental health counseling/counselor graduates is $13,318. Early-career mental health counseling/counselor graduates make about $40,708. Set against $13,318 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Moody Bible Institute admits about 83% of applicants.