Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers a variety of options for students interested in pursuing graduate education in mental health counseling, with 17 nonprofit colleges and universities currently offering mental health counseling (MHC) or clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) master’s programs.1 Programs are available in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats, allowing students to choose the learning environment that best fits their needs. This page highlights reputable and affordable programs that meet Wisconsin’s educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. It also includes state-specific information on job outlook, counselor earnings, and professional resources for those working in the mental health field.
Table of Contents
- Wisconsin MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Wisconsin MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Wisconsin Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 17 Wisconsin 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 a Wisconsin school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Wisconsin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alverno College | — | MS Community Psychology (MSCP): Licensed Professional Counselor (MCP) | Traditional | — | $900 | $900 | 60 |
| Carroll University | — | MS Behavioral Health Psychology: LPC | Traditional | — | $640 | $640 | 60 |
| Concordia University-Wisconsin | — | MS CMHC | Online | #329 tie | $735 | $735 | 60 |
| Lakeland University | — | MA Counseling (MAC) | Traditional; Online; Hybrid | — | $700 | $700 | 60 |
| Marquette University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional; Online | #88 tie | $1,045 | $1,045 | 60 |
| Mount Mary University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Hybrid | — | $820 | $820 | 60 |
| Ottawa University-Brookfield | — | MAC | Traditional; Online | — | $659 | $659 | 60 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | MPCAC | MS Counseling | Traditional | #36 tie | $814 | $1,647* | 60 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | MPCAC | MS Educational Psychology: CMHC | Traditional | #301 tie | $1,054 | $1,893* | 60 |
| University of Wisconsin Online | — | MSE Counseling, Clinical Mental Health | Online | — | $502 | $502 | 60 |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | CACREP | MSE CMHC | Traditional | #352 tie | $578 | $1,144* | 60 |
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside | — | MS CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $784 | $1,138* | 60 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $471 | $999* | 60 |
| University of Wisconsin-Superior | — | MSE CMHC | Online | — | $546 | $546 | 60 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $540 | $1,154* | 60 |
| Viterbo University | CACREP | MSMCH | Traditional | — | $670 | $670 | 60 |
| Wisconsin Lutheran College | — | MS Professional Counseling | Traditional | — | $600 | $600 | 60 |
*A discounted rate may be offered to Minnesota and midwestern students. Check the school’s Tuition page for more information.
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Wisconsin
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Wisconsin, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a 60-credit Master of Science (MS) in Counseling that holds MPCAC accreditation and fulfills Wisconsin’s educational requirements for professional counseling licensure. The program follows a traditional on-campus delivery model and is known for its strong faculty research agenda, multicultural foundations, and commitment to social justice. Students take courses in assessment, counseling theory, and career development while engaging in progressive clinical training through supervised practicum and internship placements. Graduates are prepared for professional roles in mental health agencies, higher education, community programs, and other counseling settings.
Marquette University
Marquette University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), totaling 60 credit hours. Students can choose a traditional on-campus format or a fully online pathway, both of which include a strong focus on clinical skills and professional ethics informed by Marquette’s Jesuit mission. The curriculum covers areas such as diagnosis, lifespan development, crisis intervention, and multicultural counseling. Training includes a practicum and two internships completed at approved clinical sites. The program emphasizes personal formation, reflective practice, and service, preparing graduates for LPC licensure and work in a variety of clinical and community environments.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) offers a 60-credit MS in Educational Psychology with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) concentration. This MPCAC-accredited program is delivered in person and is particularly recognized for its urban and community-based focus. Students explore counseling approaches, measurement and evaluation, trauma, cultural issues, and scientific foundations of behavior while developing core clinical skills. Clinical practicum and internship placements take place in Milwaukee-area mental health agencies, providing experience with diverse client populations. The program prepares graduates for LPC licensure in Wisconsin and emphasizes leadership, advocacy, and culturally responsive counseling.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) that requires 60 credits for graduation. The program is campus-based and blends academic coursework with extensive supervised experience in community mental health settings. Courses include counseling theories, trauma and crisis intervention, ethics, group dynamics, and applied research. Students move through a developmental training model that includes practicum and internship placements tailored to their career goals. The program’s strengths include small cohorts and faculty mentorship, supporting graduates as they pursue LPC licensure and careers in clinical practice, college counseling, and behavioral health agencies.
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Wisconsin
The following eight 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.
- University of Wisconsin-Stout ($28,260)
- University of Wisconsin Online ($30,120)
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ($32,400)
- University of Wisconsin-Superior ($32,760)
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh ($34,680)
- Wisconsin Lutheran College ($36,000)
- Carroll University ($38,400)
- Ottawa University-Brookfield ($39,540)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Wisconsin
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Concordia University-Wisconsin (Online)
- Lakeland University (Online; Hybrid)
- Marquette University (Online)
- Mount Mary University (Hybrid)
- Ottawa University-Brookfield (Online)
- University of Wisconsin Online (Online)
- University of Wisconsin-Parkside (Online)
- University of Wisconsin-Superior (Online)
Wisconsin Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Wisconsin mental health counselors are a bit lower than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 16% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 780 annual openings in Wisconsin 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 | 9,450 | $44,660 | $50,870 | $62,470 | $77,800 | $98,290 |
| Appleton | 470 | $43,300 | $49,970 | $61,710 | $77,630 | $96,390 |
| Eau Claire | 310 | $37,250 | $49,640 | $62,330 | $76,430 | $103,360 |
| Fond du Lac | 120 | $40,480 | $49,190 | $60,410 | $75,890 | $87,400 |
| Green Bay | 550 | $42,510 | $49,850 | $60,100 | $68,810 | $84,140 |
| Janesville-Beloit | 210 | $44,700 | $49,740 | $63,170 | $78,200 | $110,770 |
| Kenosha | 170 | $45,910 | $50,210 | $61,260 | $77,880 | $99,220 |
| La Crosse | 340 | $44,590 | $49,180 | $61,800 | $89,020 | $111,050 |
| Madison | 1,550 | $45,680 | $52,770 | $63,400 | $80,370 | $96,170 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha | 3,060 | $45,070 | $50,810 | $62,570 | $78,340 | $103,960 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah | 310 | $46,500 | $60,250 | $63,950 | $77,050 | $94,440 |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant | 160 | $44,990 | $57,520 | $70,080 | $88,920 | $104,550 |
| Sheboygan | 150 | $45,980 | $55,790 | $59,200 | $76,370 | $88,850 |
| Wausau | 250 | $47,190 | $53,810 | $61,370 | $76,170 | $93,890 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read our interviews page for career advice from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including job duties, skills, and work settings.
- Wisconsin Counseling Association (WCA): A statewide professional organization that provides advocacy, professional development, and networking for counselors across specialties.
- Wisconsin Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Wisconsin, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Professional Counselor: The official state licensing board overseeing LPC credentialing, supervision requirements, and regulations for counseling practice.
- Wisconsin Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS): Administers statewide mental health and substance use services, community programs, and behavioral health initiatives.
- Wisconsin LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step information on how to become an LPC in Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA): The Wisconsin affiliate of AMHCA, offering legislative advocacy, networking, and continuing education for mental health counselors.
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 2026 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