Best Colleges for Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology programs prepare students for careers helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, behavioral issues, and life transitions. With 56 schools nationwide offering this specialized major, graduates typically earn an average of $31,811 annually in entry-level positions, though salaries increase significantly with advanced degrees and licensure.

When evaluating programs, students should prioritize accreditation from the American Psychological Association, opportunities for hands-on clinical experience through internships or practicum placements, and faculty expertise in areas matching their career interests. Strong programs also provide research opportunities, preparation for graduate school admission, and connections to local mental health facilities. Consider the program's approach to evidence-based practice and whether it offers specialization tracks in areas like substance abuse counseling or child psychology.

Schools Ranked

$38,272

Avg. Program Earnings

65.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Median Earnings	Graduation Rate	School Type
1	Palo Alto University Palo Alto, California	$66,171		private-nonprofit
2	Bryant University Smithfield, Rhode Island	$47,260	80.6%	private-nonprofit
3	Boston College Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts	$42,433	91.0%	private-nonprofit
4	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, Florida	$41,937	67.4%	private-nonprofit
5	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Prescott, Arizona	$41,937	69.8%	private-nonprofit
6	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, Arizona	$41,565	67.8%	public
7	Emmanuel College Boston, Massachusetts	$40,945	65.8%	private-nonprofit
8	Albright College Reading, Pennsylvania	$38,289	42.2%	private-nonprofit
9	CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, New York	$38,289	72.1%	public
10	Florida Institute of Technology-Online Melbourne, Florida	$37,208		private-nonprofit
11	Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$37,208	68.2%	private-nonprofit
12	Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, Florida	$37,208	65.5%	private-nonprofit
13	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$36,776	46.9%	public
14	The College of Saint Rose Albany, New York	$36,141	51.0%	private-nonprofit
15	Franklin University Columbus, Ohio	$36,077	30.3%	private-nonprofit
16	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$35,060	54.0%	public
17	Mid-America Christian University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$34,847	33.3%	private-nonprofit
18	CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, New York	$34,420	55.5%	public
19	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$33,726	90.0%	private-nonprofit
20	University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, Washington	$33,726	68.2%	public
21	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$33,726	83.7%	public
22	Pace University New York, New York	$33,281	61.4%	private-nonprofit
23	Lesley University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$32,925	61.7%	private-nonprofit
24	University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois	$32,925	94.9%	private-nonprofit
25	University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida	$32,711	75.1%	public