ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Schools in the Southeast Region

34 Colleges in the United States
1,172 Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Degrees Awarded
$44,289 Avg Early-Career Salary

Mental Health Counseling/Counselor degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their mental health counseling/counselor programs.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 68 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for mental health counseling/counselor students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/mental-social-health-services/mental-health-counseling-counselor/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/mental-social-health-services/mental-health-counseling-counselor/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/mental-social-health-services/mental-health-counseling-counselor/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/mental-social-health-services/mental-health-counseling-counselor/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/mental-social-health-services/mental-health-counseling-counselor/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/mental-social-health-services/mental-health-counseling-counselor/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/mental-social-health-services/mental-health-counseling-counselor/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 31
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 51.15), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Clinical Mental Health Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Clinical Mental Health Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Mental Health Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Mental Health Counseling (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in Psychology - Mental Health" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in Psychology - Mental Health" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Counseling Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Counseling Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Counseling Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Counseling Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Counseling Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Counseling Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Counseling PhD Programs (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Counseling PhD Programs (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Counselor Education (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Counselor Education (I Have a Masters)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Clinical Psychology (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Clinical Psychology (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Psychology Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Psychology Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Psychology EdS Programs (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Psychology EdS Programs (I Have a Masters)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Psychology Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Psychology Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Psychology PhD Programs (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Psychology PhD Programs (I Have a Masters)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Psychology PsyD Programs (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Psychology PsyD Programs (I Have a Masters)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Science & Engineering Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Science & Engineering Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BSW - Social Work (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BSW - Social Work (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DSW - Social Work (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DSW - Social Work (I Have a Masters)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSW - Social Work (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSW - Social Work (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "PhD - Social Work (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "PhD - Social Work (I Have a Masters)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Doctorate Programs (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Doctorate Programs (I Have a Masters)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "General Psychology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "General Psychology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "General Psychology (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "General Psychology (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "General Psychology (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "General Psychology (I Have a Masters)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 9
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 7 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 7
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 2 offers with relevance >= 1.0

Best Schools for Mental Health Counseling/Counselor in the Southeast Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the mental health counseling/counselor degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Mental Health Counseling/Counselor

1
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

Leading the list is University Of Miami, our #1 school for mental health counseling/counselor. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Coral Gables. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. There were roughly 24 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at University Of Miami in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of Miami generally make around $48,813. Students borrow a median of $17,750 to complete this degree. Get the full mental health counseling/counselor details for University Of Miami

2
Marymount University crest
Marymount University
Arlington, VA

A rank of #2 makes Marymount University one of the top schools for mental health counseling/counselor. Set in the city of Arlington, Marymount University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 54% of students finish within six years. Marymount University awarded about 39 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Marymount University earn a median of $55,202 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,880 to complete this degree. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Marymount University

3
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 34 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at University Of Florida in the most recent year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $35,991 in their early career. University Of Florida graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for University Of Florida

4
Belmont University crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN

A rank of #4 makes Belmont University one of the top schools for mental health counseling/counselor. Set in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 22 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Belmont University in the most recent year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Belmont University earn a median of $49,699 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,447 to complete this degree. Get the full mental health counseling/counselor details for Belmont University

5

Students looking for a strong mental health counseling/counselor program will find one at East Carolina University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. There were roughly 35 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at East Carolina University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $47,542 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,747. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for East Carolina University

6

University Of North Florida earned the #6 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 26 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Florida in the most recent data year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of University Of North Florida earn a median of $45,840 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $18,523. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for University Of North Florida

7

Agnes Scott College placed #7 among the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. Located in the suburb of Decatur, Agnes Scott College is a small private not-for-profit university. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 18 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Agnes Scott College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $28,191 in their early career. Agnes Scott College graduates carry a median of $26,811 in student loans. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Agnes Scott College

8

University Of West Alabama earned the #8 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. University Of West Alabama is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Livingston. Roughly 28% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 69 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at University Of West Alabama in the most recent year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $53,270 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $31,894. Get the full mental health counseling/counselor details for University Of West Alabama

9

University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #9 among the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. Located in the city of Birmingham, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public university. University Of Alabama At Birmingham graduates 64% of students within six years. There were roughly 33 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at University Of Alabama At Birmingham in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of Alabama At Birmingham generally make around $46,855. University Of Alabama At Birmingham graduates carry a median of $26,162 in student loans. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for University Of Alabama At Birmingham

10
Lipscomb University crest
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University placed #10 among the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Nashville. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. There were roughly 30 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Lipscomb University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Lipscomb University generally make around $34,077. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete this degree. Get the full mental health counseling/counselor details for Lipscomb University

11
Marshall University crest
Marshall University
Huntington, WV

Marshall University landed the #11 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. This large public university is located in the city of Huntington. About 51% of students finish within six years. About 13 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Marshall University in the most recent year. Students who receive their mental health counseling/counselor degree from Marshall University earn around $48,028 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,250. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Marshall University

12

Mercer University landed the #12 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Located in the city of Macon, Mercer University is a large private not-for-profit university. Mercer University graduates 70% of students within six years. Mercer University awarded about 64 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Mercer University generally make around $41,850. Students borrow a median of $32,463 to complete this degree. Get the full mental health counseling/counselor details for Mercer University

13

University Of Central Arkansas earned the #13 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Located in the city of Conway, University Of Central Arkansas is a large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. There were roughly 19 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at University Of Central Arkansas in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of Central Arkansas generally make around $38,566. Typical student debt for the program is $25,750. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for University Of Central Arkansas

14
Catawba College crest
Catawba College
Salisbury, NC

Catawba College landed the #14 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the suburb of Salisbury, Catawba College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 47% of students complete a degree within six years here. Catawba College awarded about 18 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Catawba College earn a median of $37,894 early in their careers. Catawba College graduates carry a median of $25,667 in student loans. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Catawba College

15
Lynn University crest
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL

Lynn University landed the #15 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Lynn University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boca Raton. About 52% of students finish within six years. Lynn University awarded about 38 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $50,569 in their early career. Lynn University graduates carry a median of $21,391 in student loans. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Lynn University

16

University Of Louisiana Lafayette landed the #16 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. This large public university is located in the city of Lafayette. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. University Of Louisiana Lafayette awarded about 22 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of Louisiana Lafayette generally make around $42,873. Typical student debt for the program is $24,373. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for University Of Louisiana Lafayette

17
Northern Kentucky University crest
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University landed the #17 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public institution. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. Northern Kentucky University awarded about 15 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $52,565 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,572 to complete this degree. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Northern Kentucky University

18
Rollins College crest
Rollins College
Winter Park, FL

Rollins College landed the #18 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Located in the suburb of Winter Park, Rollins College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 29 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Rollins College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $40,403 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,203 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Rollins College

19

Lincoln Memorial University came in at #19 for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the town of Harrogate, Lincoln Memorial University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 47% of students finish within six years. About 13 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Lincoln Memorial University in the most recent year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $64,307 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,693 to complete this degree. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for Lincoln Memorial University

20

Loyola University New Orleans ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of New Orleans. Roughly 59% of students complete a degree within six years here. Loyola University New Orleans awarded about 28 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $41,721 in their early career. Loyola University New Orleans graduates carry a median of $26,606 in student loans. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for Loyola University New Orleans

21
John Brown University crest
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR

John Brown University placed #21 among the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Siloam Springs. John Brown University graduates 72% of students within six years. John Brown University awarded about 71 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from John Brown University generally make around $46,451. Students borrow a median of $25,216 to complete this degree. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at John Brown University

22

Southern Wesleyan University landed the #22 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Located in the suburb of Central, Southern Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. About 24 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Southern Wesleyan University in the most recent year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $43,539 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $31,554 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Southern Wesleyan University

23

Eastern Mennonite University landed the #23 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, Eastern Mennonite University is a small private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. About 14 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Eastern Mennonite University in the most recent year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $44,202 in their early career. Eastern Mennonite University graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Eastern Mennonite University

24

Xavier University Of Louisiana ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. Xavier University Of Louisiana is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Orleans. About 48% of students finish within six years. About 14 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Xavier University Of Louisiana in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Xavier University Of Louisiana generally make around $46,854. Xavier University Of Louisiana graduates carry a median of $26,777 in student loans. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Xavier University Of Louisiana

25

Lenoir Rhyne University came in at #25 for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the city of Hickory, Lenoir Rhyne University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. Lenoir Rhyne University awarded about 57 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their mental health counseling/counselor degree from Lenoir Rhyne University earn around $42,066 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,900 to complete this degree. Get the full mental health counseling/counselor details for Lenoir Rhyne University

Rest of the Top 46 Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Schools

These schools also placed among the best for mental health counseling/counselor this year:

26
Milligan College crest
Milligan College
Milligan, TN
27
28
29
Gardner Webb University crest
Gardner Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC
30
Johnson University crest
Johnson University
Knoxville, TN
31
Montreat College crest
Montreat College
Montreat, NC
32
33
Bluefield College crest
Bluefield College
Bluefield, VA
34
35
36
Carson Newman College crest
Carson Newman College
Jefferson City, TN
37
38
Spalding University crest
Spalding University
Louisville, KY
39
Regent University crest
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
40
Thomas University crest
Thomas University
Thomasville, GA
41
42
Faulkner University crest
Faulkner University
Montgomery, AL
43
44
45
46

ADBLOCK #173
View All Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 68 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options