2026 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/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 36 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing students.
What’s on this page:
2026 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
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earned the #1 spot for value among psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools in the Great Lakes Region. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $28,408 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $89,364. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants.
Purdue University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,455 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $91,063 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Southern Indiana earned it the #3 place for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Set in the suburb of Evansville, University Of Southern Indiana is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,066 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $25,089. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Southern Indiana earn a median of $91,255 early in their careers. Set against $25,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Michigan Flint one of the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. University Of Michigan Flint is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Flint. Students from in state pay about $14,236 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,790 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $39,231 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $108,929. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Flint admits about 70% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Indiana State University one of 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, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Students borrow a median of $30,155 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Indiana State University earn a median of $53,952 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $30,155 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Purdue University Global came in at #6 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Purdue University Global is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. In-state tuition and fees average $10,101, with out-of-state students paying around $14,412. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $38,512 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Purdue University Global generally make around $96,363. That is a strong return on a $38,512 median debt.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #7 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $19,000. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $66,254 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.
Mount Carmel College Of Nursing placed #8 among 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. In-state tuition and fees average $27,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $88,238. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount Carmel College Of Nursing admits about 84% of applicants.
Saginaw Valley State University ranked #9 on our 2026 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. Students from in state pay about $12,930 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,450. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Saginaw Valley State University earn a median of $91,542 early in their careers. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #10 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Set in the city of Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $91,263. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Wayne State University earned the #11 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,159 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $30,165 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Wayne State University generally make around $103,835. Set against $30,165 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.
University Of St Francis ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Set in the suburb of Joliet, University Of St Francis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. The acceptance rate is 65%.
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #13 on our 2026 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $86,743. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $92,233 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global came in at #15 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the rural area of Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a large private not-for-profit university. 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. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global generally make around $90,378. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Alverno College landed the #16 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Located in the city of Milwaukee, Alverno College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $34,086. Students borrow a median of $34,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Alverno College generally make around $91,109. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Alverno College admits about 86% of applicants.
University Of Toledo came in at #17 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $22,400 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Toledo generally make around $76,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Toledo admits about 92% of applicants.
Lewis University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $90,066. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Illinois State University landed the #19 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $23,075 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $90,432 early in their careers. Set against $23,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Ursuline College placed #20 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Set in the suburb of Pepper Pike, Ursuline College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,990. Students borrow a median of $35,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Ursuline College earn a median of $93,515 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ursuline College admits about 75% of applicants.
Kent State University At Kent landed the #21 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $28,625. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Kent State University At Kent earn a median of $83,999 early in their careers. Set against $28,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Walsh University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Walsh University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of North Canton. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Walsh University admits about 71% of applicants.
Michigan State University earned the #23 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $28,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $89,879. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Herzing University Madison landed the #24 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Located in the city of Madison, Herzing University Madison is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. Students borrow a median of $37,747 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Herzing University Madison earn a median of $90,021 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $37,747 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne earned the #25 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Fort Wayne. Students from in state pay about $36,460 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $32,570 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $57,192. That is a strong return on a $32,570 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 36 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
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 36 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 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.
