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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Schools in the Southwest Region

19 Colleges in the United States
2,038 Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Degrees Awarded
$49,045 Avg Early-Career Salary

Mental Health Counseling/Counselor degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 44 schools to find the best for mental health counseling/counselor students.

What’s on this page:

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

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

Top Schools in Mental Health Counseling/Counselor

1

Leading the list is Southern Methodist University, our #1 school for mental health counseling/counselor. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 73 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Southern Methodist University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $42,474 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,712. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Southern Methodist University

2

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in mental health counseling/counselor, ranking #2. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Lubbock. About 32 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in the most recent year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $76,328 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $24,889 to complete this degree. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

3

University Of Arizona is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in mental health counseling/counselor, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. About 24 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at University Of Arizona in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $43,177. University Of Arizona graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for University Of Arizona

4

Northern Arizona University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in mental health counseling/counselor, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. About 61% of students finish within six years. Northern Arizona University awarded about 37 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $47,056 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,645 to complete this degree. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for Northern Arizona University

5
Lamar University crest
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX

Lamar University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in mental health counseling/counselor, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Beaumont, Lamar University is a very large public university. Lamar University graduates 37% of students within six years. About 214 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Lamar University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Lamar University generally make around $52,271. Students borrow a median of $26,988 to complete this degree. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Lamar University

6

University Of St Thomas Texas placed #6 among the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Houston. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. About 29 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at University Of St Thomas Texas in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of St Thomas Texas generally make around $58,265. University Of St Thomas Texas graduates carry a median of $23,628 in student loans. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for University Of St Thomas Texas

7

The University Of Texas At San Antonio came in at #7 for mental health counseling/counselor this year. The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public school located in the city of San Antonio. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. There were roughly 111 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Texas At San Antonio in the most recent data year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of The University Of Texas At San Antonio earn a median of $44,785 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,312 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from The University Of Texas At San Antonio

8

Texas Womans University landed the #8 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the city of Denton, Texas Womans University is a large public institution. About 49% of students finish within six years. Texas Womans University awarded about 57 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Texas Womans University generally make around $62,324. Texas Womans University graduates carry a median of $24,211 in student loans. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Texas Womans University

9

University Of Houston Victoria ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. Set in the city of Victoria, University Of Houston Victoria is a mid-sized public institution. About 26% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 14 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at University Of Houston Victoria in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $47,345 in their early career. University Of Houston Victoria graduates carry a median of $24,081 in student loans. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from University Of Houston Victoria

10

University Of Phoenix Arizona ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. Set in the city of Phoenix, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit institution. About 16% of students finish within six years. University Of Phoenix Arizona awarded about 161 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of Phoenix Arizona generally make around $58,837. Students borrow a median of $35,323 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from University Of Phoenix Arizona

11

University Of Houston Clear Lake earned the #11 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Houston. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. University Of Houston Clear Lake awarded about 31 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of University Of Houston Clear Lake earn a median of $49,971 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,100 to complete this degree. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at University Of Houston Clear Lake

12

Mesa Community College placed #12 among the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Mesa. About 12 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Mesa Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $54,730 in their early career. Mesa Community College graduates carry a median of $13,750 in student loans. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Mesa Community College

13

The University Of Texas At El Paso ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public school located in the city of El Paso. About 50% of students finish within six years. The University Of Texas At El Paso awarded about 32 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of The University Of Texas At El Paso earn a median of $49,428 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,819. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at The University Of Texas At El Paso

14

Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio came in at #14 for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Antonio. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. About 34 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio in the most recent year. Students who receive their mental health counseling/counselor degree from Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio earn around $49,489 in the first couple years of their career. Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio graduates carry a median of $26,759 in student loans. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio

15

Chandler Gilbert Community College landed the #15 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public school located in the city of Chandler. There were roughly 15 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at Chandler Gilbert Community College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Chandler Gilbert Community College generally make around $46,943. Students borrow a median of $10,447 to complete this degree. Get the full mental health counseling/counselor details for Chandler Gilbert Community College

16

New Mexico State University Main Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of Las Cruces. New Mexico State University Main Campus graduates 55% of students within six years. There were roughly 10 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at New Mexico State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $36,563 in their early career. New Mexico State University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $24,421 in student loans. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at New Mexico State University Main Campus

17

Texas A And M University Central Texas ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. This mid-sized public university is located in the rural area of Killeen. About 21 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Texas A And M University Central Texas in the most recent year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Texas A And M University Central Texas earn a median of $49,328 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,160 to complete this degree. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for Texas A And M University Central Texas

18

Saint Edwards University landed the #18 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the city of Austin, Saint Edwards University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Saint Edwards University graduates 63% of students within six years. Saint Edwards University awarded about 104 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Saint Edwards University earn a median of $39,898 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,059. Get the full mental health counseling/counselor details for Saint Edwards University

19
Prescott College crest
Prescott College
Prescott, AZ

Prescott College landed the #19 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Prescott. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. Prescott College awarded about 68 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $42,966 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $27,230 to complete this degree. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Prescott College

20

University Of Mary Hardin Baylor landed the #20 spot for mental health counseling/counselor this year. University Of Mary Hardin Baylor is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Belton. About 49% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 11 mental health counseling/counselor students who graduated with this degree at University Of Mary Hardin Baylor in the most recent data year. Graduates of the mental health counseling/counselor program make about $47,322 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,782. See the full mental health counseling/counselor program report for University Of Mary Hardin Baylor

21

Letourneau University earned the #21 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Letourneau University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Longview. Roughly 59% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 24 mental health counseling/counselor degrees were awarded at Letourneau University in the most recent year. Mental Health Counseling/counselor graduates of Letourneau University earn a median of $53,569 early in their careers. Letourneau University graduates carry a median of $32,086 in student loans. Read more about the mental health counseling/counselor program at Letourneau University

22

Grand Canyon University earned the #22 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit institution. Grand Canyon University graduates 44% of students within six years. Grand Canyon University awarded about 725 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Grand Canyon University generally make around $47,062. Students borrow a median of $39,560 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Grand Canyon University

23

Texas A And M University Corpus Christi came in at #23 for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Located in the city of Corpus Christi, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a large public university. Roughly 40% of students complete a degree within six years here. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi awarded about 23 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Texas A And M University Corpus Christi generally make around $47,130. Students borrow a median of $25,508 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Texas A And M University Corpus Christi

24

Texas A And M University Kingsville earned the #24 position for mental health counseling/counselor this year. Located in the town of Kingsville, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a moderately-sized public university. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. Texas A And M University Kingsville awarded about 10 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, mental health counseling/counselor degree recipients from Texas A And M University Kingsville generally make around $44,510. Students borrow a median of $25,531 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Texas A And M University Kingsville

25

Houston Baptist University placed #25 among the best mental health counseling/counselor schools. Located in the city of Houston, Houston Baptist University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. About 49% of students finish within six years. Houston Baptist University awarded about 64 mental health counseling/counselor degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their mental health counseling/counselor degree from Houston Baptist University earn around $34,087 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,601. More information about a degree in mental health counseling/counselor from Houston Baptist University

Rest of the Top 30 Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Schools

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

26
27
28
St Marys University crest
St Marys University
San Antonio, TX
29
30

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 44 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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