Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Iowa
Iowa offers eight not-for-profit colleges and universities where students can pursue graduate training in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC). Programs are offered in a mix of campus-based, online, and hybrid formats, giving students flexibility while still ensuring solid clinical preparation. Each degree meets the academic requirements for Iowa’s Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential. In this guide, you’ll find an overview of well-regarded and affordable MHC programs in the state, along with information on counselor job growth, salary trends, and the professional organizations that support Iowa’s mental health workforce.
Table of Contents
- Iowa MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Iowa MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Iowa Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares eight Iowa mental health counseling programs across key factors, including accreditation status, institution type, program format, US News & World Report rankings, in-state and out-of-state tuition, and total number of credit hours required. All institutions listed below are not-for-profit. If we’ve missed an Iowa school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Iowa counseling degrees page, master’s in mental health counseling degree guide, or individual school websites.
| School Name | Accreditation2,3 | MHC Degrees Offered | Program Format | US News National Rank4 | In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buena Vista University | CACREP | MSEd CMHC | Hybrid | — | $495 | $495 | 60 |
| Drake University | CACREP | MS Counseling | Traditional | #183 tie | $580 | $580 | 60 |
| Grand View University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Online | — | $585 | $585 | 60 |
| Loras College | — | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $765 | $765 | 60 |
| Northwestern College | — | MA CMHC | Online | — | $590 | $590 | 60 |
| University of Iowa | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #102 tie | $786 | $786 | 60 |
| University of Northern Iowa | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $558 | $1,195 | 60 |
| Upper Iowa University | — | MS Counseling (MSC) | Online | — | $545 | $545 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Iowa
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Iowa, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa (UI) offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), a CACREP-accredited program designed to prepare students for clinical counseling practice and licensure. This traditional, campus-based degree blends coursework in counseling theory, assessment, ethics, human development, and group work with structured practicum and internship experiences in approved clinical settings. Students develop counseling competencies through supervised work with diverse client populations while learning evidence-based interventions and culturally responsive practice. The program provides a strong foundation for graduates to pursue licensure as a clinical mental health counselor and to begin careers in community mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, and private practices.
Drake University
Drake University offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling, a CACREP-accredited program that prepares students for professional counseling practice. The curriculum emphasizes core counseling competencies, including human growth and development, counseling theories, ethical practice, and diagnostic assessment. In addition to rigorous classroom instruction, students complete a supervised practicum and internship and gain practical experience in clinical and community settings. The program fosters skills in individual and group counseling, multicultural awareness, and evidence-based intervention strategies. Graduates are positioned to pursue licensure and serve in a variety of settings, such as mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, and private practice.
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Iowa
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- Buena Vista University (Hybrid)
- Grand View University (Online)
- Northwestern College (Online)
- Upper Iowa University (Online)
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Iowa
The following six schools offer the most cost-effective mental health counseling degrees, based on their minimum tuition, not including additional fees. Required credit hours may differ depending on the concentration area, so be sure to check with schools of interest for more details on specific program options. For a detailed comparison, you can refer to the comparison table above to find the quality indicators that align with your needs. Tuition shown is the lowest per-credit rate published as of the most recent catalog; confirm totals with each school.
- Buena Vista University ($29,700)
- Upper Iowa University ($32,700)
- University of Northern Iowa ($33,480)
- Drake University ($34,800)
- Grand View University ($35,100)
- Northwestern College ($35,400)
Iowa Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Iowa’s projected job growth for mental health counselors far outpaces the national rate, with estimates of 31% growth compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 400 annual job openings in Iowa through 2032.5 The table below shows salaries by metro area for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, compared to the statewide average.
| City | Number Employed6 | 10th Percentile Salary6 | 25th Percentile Salary6 | 50th Percentile (Median) Salary6 | 75th Percentile Salary6 | 90th Percentile Salary6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 3,030 | $43,840 | $49,170 | $60,880 | $78,830 | $89,840 |
| Ames | 90 | $42,200 | $51,970 | $66,320 | $113,190 | $122,580 |
| Cedar Rapids | 410 | $43,840 | $47,410 | $65,050 | $82,250 | $97,190 |
| Davenport | 490 | $40,550 | $46,770 | $58,500 | $73,670 | $89,450 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 650 | $46,660 | $53,510 | $61,400 | $81,080 | $93,280 |
| Dubuque | 100 | $42,840 | $46,470 | $57,980 | $72,820 | $97,000 |
| Iowa City | 260 | $45,700 | $52,730 | $65,210 | $73,000 | $87,190 |
| Sioux City | 170 | $45,690 | $51,330 | $62,420 | $78,440 | $86,280 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | 160 | $45,820 | $56,420 | $66,540 | $80,130 | $97,550 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read interviews and career guidance from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about institutional and programmatic accreditation for counseling programs.
- Iowa Counseling Schools: A list of counseling programs offered by Iowa colleges and universities.
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): The state agency overseeing mental health services, behavioral health programs, and public health initiatives.
- Iowa Department of Public Health: Board of Behavioral Science: Licensing information for LMHCs, including requirements, applications, supervision rules, and renewal details.
- Iowa LMHC Licensing Process: A step-by-step guide to earning the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential in Iowa.
- Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA): A statewide professional organization providing advocacy, continuing education, and networking for counselors.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of responsibilities, required skills, and common work settings for mental health counselors.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Iowa: The Iowa chapter of NAMI, offering education, support groups, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Accredited Programs: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
3. Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council Accredited Programs: https://mpcacaccreditation.org/accredited-programs/
4. US News & World Report 2025 Best National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
5. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/longterm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm