2026 Best Value Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Our analysis ranked Northern Illinois University the best value for a degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $25,209. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $74,259 early in their careers. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.

2

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

Wayne State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor schools. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Early-career vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates make about $67,191. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.

3

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

A rank of #3 makes Southern Illinois University Carbondale one of the best values for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public school located in the town of Carbondale. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $26,000. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $46,566 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.

4

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earned it the #4 place for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor. Located in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $26,750. Soon after graduation, vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee generally make around $55,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants.

5

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

Students looking for strong value in vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor will find it at University Of Wisconsin Madison, which ranked #5. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates is $23,982. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/counselor graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $56,485 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,982 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%.

6

University Of Wisconsin Stout
Menomonie, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #6 among the best values for vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Menomonie. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Soon after graduation, vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stout generally make around $46,014. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

7

Mount Mary College
Milwaukee, WI

Mount Mary College earned the #7 position for value in vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor this year. Mount Mary College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Milwaukee. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,420. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor program here. Early-career vocational rehabilitation counseling/counselor graduates make about $68,344. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%.