The education needed to be a mental health specialist is normally a bachelor's degree. Mental health specialists usually study psychology, social work or criminal justice. 62% of mental health specialists hold a bachelor's degree and 21% hold a master's degree. We found these by analyzing 8,845 mental health specialist resumes to investigate the topic of mental health specialist education more precisely.

The most common colleges for students to pursue their goal of becoming a mental health specialist are Grambling State University and University of Phoenix. We also broke down what colleges provide the best overall education for a mental health specialist. Students have a great path to earning their mental health specialist qualifications at the following schools:

  1. California State University - Long Beach
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  3. San Jose State University

If you're interested in getting a college degree in an affordable college for mental health specialists - Hunter College of the City University of New York is an excellent option for you. If your SAT or ACT score aren't as high as you'd like, you can look at Nyack College, as the admission requirements aren't too selective. On the other end of that spectrum are the Boston College, Johns Hopkins University and Boston University.

For those who would rather stay in your pajamas during the day, we prepared some online courses that can help in mental health specialist education paths.

We prepared a list of a mental health specialist certifications that you should consider. The necessary certifications that mental health specialists must have to succeed are Mental Health and Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI).

Mental Health Specialist JOBS

What Education is Needed to Become a Mental Health Specialist?

What Degree Should I Get to Become a Mental Health Specialist?

The most common degree for mental health specialists is bachelor's degree 62% of mental health specialists earn that degree. A close second is master's degree with 21% and rounding it off is associate degree with 10%.

  • Bachelors, 62%
  • Masters, 21%
  • Associate, 10%
  • High School Diploma, 3%
  • Other Degrees, 4%

What Should I Major in to Become a Mental Health Specialist?

Most mental health specialists, 35% to be exact, major in psychology. Some other common majors for a mental health specialist include social work and criminal justice majors.

Most Common Colleges For Mental Health Specialists

Here are the most common colleges for a mental health specialist career in the US based on their resumes. Advocates often get their degree in Grambling State University, University of Phoenix, and Southern University and A & M College .

Mental Health Specialist Common CollegePercentages
Grambling State University17.38%
University of Phoenix12.56%
Southern University and A & M College8.46%
Southern University at New Orleans5.55%
University of Louisiana at Lafayette5.10%

10 Best Universities For Mental Health Specialists

In a lot of cases, a higher education can mean a higher salary or even a better job. That's why we found out the best colleges for mental health specialists. We based this list on these metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of students working, ratio of working vs. non-working students 10 years after admission, average cost of attendance and median debt for graduates.

1. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,798

Enrollment

31,503

Website

www.csulb.edu

Address

1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840-0115

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $40,000 per year

Net Price: $8,982 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 31.21%
SAT Average - 1146
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Liberal Arts
Social Work
Nursing

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-State Tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

Website

www.unc.edu

Address

103 South Bldg Campus Box 9100, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $49,900 per year

Net Price: $13,918 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 22.71%
SAT Average - 1398
ACT Average - 31
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Nursing
Education
Social Work

3. San Jose State University

San Jose, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,796

Enrollment

27,125

Website

www.sjsu.edu

Address

1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95192-0001

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,200 per year

Net Price: $15,270 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 54.66%
SAT Average - 1143
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Business
Education
Psychology
Criminal Justice
Social Work

4. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-State Tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

Website

www.upenn.edu

Address

1 College Hall, Room 100, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $91,200 per year

Net Price: $25,033 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.41%
SAT Average - 1492
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Education
Business
Nursing
Social Work
Counseling Psychology

5. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

Website

www.binghamton.edu

Address

P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,700 per year

Net Price: $18,958 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 39.81%
SAT Average - 1376
ACT Average - 30
Most Popular Majors
Psychology
Nursing
Business
Human Development
Education

6. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

Website

www.sdsu.edu

Address

5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182-8000

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $41,600 per year

Net Price: $15,287 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 34.58%
SAT Average - 1213
ACT Average - 25
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Liberal Arts
Criminal Justice
Social Work

7. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-State Tuition

$5,656

Enrollment

32,072

Website

www.fsu.edu

Address

222 South Copeland Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1470

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,700 per year

Net Price: $10,744 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 36.78%
SAT Average - 1289
ACT Average - 28
Most Popular Majors
Psychology
Criminal Justice
Human Development
Mental Health Counseling
Business

8. Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA • Private

In-State Tuition

$55,464

Enrollment

9,639

Website

www.bc.edu

Address

140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $64,900 per year

Net Price: $33,562 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 27.89%
SAT Average - 1429
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Education
Business
Social Work
Psychology
Counseling Psychology

9. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,182

Enrollment

16,205

Website

www.hunter.cuny.edu

Address

695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,300 per year

Net Price: $2,796 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 36.42%
SAT Average - 1240
Most Popular Majors
Education
Psychology
Social Work
Nursing
Sociology

10. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

In-State Tuition

$18,454

Enrollment

40,108

Website

www.psu.edu/

Address

201 Old Main Building, University Park, PA 16802-1589

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $43,600 per year

Net Price: $30,996 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 56.49%
SAT Average - 1269
ACT Average - 28
Most Popular Majors
Education
Psychology
Criminal Justice
Nursing
Business

20 Best Online Courses for Mental Health Specialists

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1. Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers

coursera

This course will help institutions and individuals better manage the mental health challenges of being a healthcare worker. Healthcare providers such as the University Health Network (UHN) address the mental health needs of their staff through several initiatives intended to help build resilience and to provide respite from the demands of their work. This was critical during the pandemic but, of course, healthcare workers encounter high levels of stress even without a pandemic. The primary...

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2. Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health

coursera

In today’s world, mental illness and distress are common and these account for a significant burden of disability within our community. At the same time, there is a growing interest in understanding and enhancing positive mental health and wellbeing; particularly from developments in the fields of positive psychology and mental health promotion. Positive Psychiatry is a new term (Jeste et al 2016) that describes a dual approach to mental health, where we build strengths, supports and healthy...

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3. The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness

coursera

Learn how social factors promote mental health, influence the onset and course of mental illness, and affect how mental illnesses are diagnosed and treated. This course explores how our understanding of mental health and illness has been influenced by social attitudes and social developments in North America and around the world. The course begins by situating our contemporary mental health practices in historical context, then looks at different aspects of mental health, mental illness and...

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4. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs

udemy
4.7
(1,379)

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...

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5. Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs)

udemy
4.7
(287)

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions - Understand Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health. How to help people...

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6. Mental Health and Wellness Professional (MHW) Diploma Course

udemy
4.6
(755)

Discover a flexible and comprehensive way of understanding mental health as a Certified Mental Health Professional (MHP)...

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7. Managing mental health issues in the workplace

udemy
4.5
(884)

Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...

See More on Udemy

8. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate

udemy
4.6
(986)

Be a leader in improving society's mental health and learn to provide mental health first aid...

See More on Udemy

9. Workplace Mental Health: A Manager's Ultimate Guide

udemy
4.5
(1,186)

How to manage mental health in the workplace to boost productivity and be the best boss!...

See More on Udemy

10. Mental Health and Neuroplasticity: Change your Brain

udemy
4.5
(1,650)

10 Alternatives to Medication to Improve Mental Health - Research backed treatments for Depression and Anxiety...

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11. Mental Health First Aid Skills -

udemy
4.4
(759)

This course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge for learners to help and support those experiencing MH issues...

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12. Cognitive Psychology for Positive Mental Health and Wellness

udemy
4.7
(551)

Optimise your mental health and reduce stress by mastering the key concepts of Cognitive Behavioural Psychology (CBP)...

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13. Existential Therapy, Psychotherapy & Counselling

udemy
4.6
(485)

Helping Individuals to Live Meaningful, Free & Authentic Lives...

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14. Mindfulness for Mental Health, Personal Growth & Inner Peace

udemy
4.2
(1,259)

The essential guide to cultivating positive mental health, practicing mindfulness, and advancing your personal growth...

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15. Mental Health Theory and Practice

edX (Global)

Mental health exists for all of us, and mental health conditions, challenges and/or disorders are very common in the United States. Mental health is not just mental illness, it is our wellness. Most of us in our lifetimes will experience something that causes a challenge for our mental health - a loss of someone, birth of a child, loss of a job, witnessing a traumatic event, etc. It is important to normalize discussions and options for care around mental health and well-being, and that...

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16. Mental Health History and Treatment

edX (Global)

As humans, we are continuously faced with challenges in our lives and in our society, depending on the severity of the challenge and the resources we have to cope with that challenge, it is essential to grow a trauma informed, and culturally grounded workforce of helpers that can provide support in navigating these challenges. This course will explore the history and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders in the United States. This course will also highlight the historical and...

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17. Strengthening Community Health Worker Programs

edX (Global)

Despite medical and technological advances, half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services, and over 8.9 million preventable deaths occur every year. There is an acute global shortage of health workers, a gap that will grow to 18 million by 2030. Studies show that training high-performing community health workers can help close these gaps and save more than 3 million lives annually. In the past few decades, many community health worker programs across the world have...

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18. Mental Health and Nutrition

edX (Global)

Whether you are a health professional working with people with mental health challenges; someone who struggles daily with low mood, anxiety or stress; someone who supports others who face mental health struggles, or you are simply interested in the fascinating interface between food and brain health, this course is for you! Professor Julia Rucklidge has developed this course based on her world-leading research into the links between nutrition and mental well-being. The course will cover...

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19. Able-Minded - Mental Health and People with Intellectual Disability

edX (Global)

This health course will focus on the mental health issues of people with intellectual disability. You will learn about the complexities of diagnosing mental health issues in people with intellectual disabilities and the types of disorders, assessments, screenings, and treatments used. There will also be a special focus on the legal and ethical complexities in health practice with patients who often require substituted consent. This course is open to anyone, but will be of particular relevance...

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20. Applying Health Coaching in Patient Care

edX (Global)

For health practitioners, having knowledge of treatment protocols is not enough. They must be able to inspire behavior change in their patients. In order for the treatment to be effective patients must be empowered to implement therapeutic approaches in their lives. In this course, you will learn about health coaching, which is an effective method for helping patients change their behaviors. Health coaching uses a blend of evidence-based strategies, interventions and communication to actively...

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Best Mental Health Specialist Certifications in 2023

1. Mental Health

Occupational therapy in mental health.

Occupational therapy in mental health.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? No
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Website
Mental Health

2. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)

The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.

The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)

3. Basic Life Support (BLS)

The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Classroom Course is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.

The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Classroom Course is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Basic Life Support
Certifying Organization
American Heart Association

4. Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS)

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying Organization
American Academy of Health...

5. Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW)

Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to the law and legal system, both criminal and civil. Forensic social workers help children and families involved in custody issues, including but not limited to separation, divorce, neglect, and the termination of parental rights. The social workers also deal with the implications of child and spouse abuse. Forensic social workers may work in a number of settings, including juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment programs.

Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to the law and legal system, both criminal and civil. Forensic social workers help children and families involved in custody issues, including but not limited to separation, divorce, neglect, and the termination of parental rights. The social workers also deal with the implications of child and spouse abuse. Forensic social workers may work in a number of settings, including juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment programs.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No

6. Medication Aide Certification (MACE)

The Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE) is a national medication aide certification examination administered to nurse aides who choose to receive additional training to become certified medication aides. NCSBN develops the MACE examination and administers the exam with the contractual assistance of Pearson VUE. Once certified, these medication aides serve an important role in hospitals and long-term care facilities by helping distribute medications and monitoring for adverse reactions.

The Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE) is a national medication aide certification examination administered to nurse aides who choose to receive additional training to become certified medication aides. NCSBN develops the MACE examination and administers the exam with the contractual assistance of Pearson VUE. Once certified, these medication aides serve an important role in hospitals and long-term care facilities by helping distribute medications and monitoring for adverse reactions.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Organization
National Council of State...

7. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Become a Pharmacy Technician
udemy
4.6
(2,138)

8. Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW)

The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential. Social workers who hold the ACSW are qualified providers of social services. Social workers who hold the ACSW have: A current NASW membership; A master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); Documented two years of postgraduate social work employment and professional supervision by an MSW credentialed supervisor; Provided professional evaluations that validate their knowledge, understanding, and application of social work principles and values from an MSW supervisor and two social work colleagues; Verified 20 hours of relevant continuing education; and Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process. NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.

The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential. Social workers who hold the ACSW are qualified providers of social services. Social workers who hold the ACSW have: A current NASW membership; A master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); Documented two years of postgraduate social work employment and professional supervision by an MSW credentialed supervisor; Provided professional evaluations that validate their knowledge, understanding, and application of social work principles and values from an MSW supervisor and two social work colleagues; Verified 20 hours of relevant continuing education; and Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process. NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)

9. Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS)

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Introduction to Criminal Justice
udemy
4.8
(182)

10. OSHA Safety Certificate

This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.

This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? No
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Website
OSHA Safety Certificate
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics
udemy
4.5
(662)

Entry Level Jobs For Becoming A Mental Health Specialist

Top 10 Affordable Universities For Mental Health Specialists

If those top 10 were a bit out of your price range, you might want to check these schools instead. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price and mean earnings after 6 years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for mental health specialists.

1. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,182

Cost of Attendance

13,998

Website

www.hunter.cuny.edu

Address

695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,300 per year

Net Price: $2,796 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 36.42%
SAT Average - 1240
Most Popular Majors
Education
Psychology
Social Work
Nursing
Sociology

2. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,798

Cost of Attendance

18,306

Website

www.csulb.edu

Address

1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840-0115

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $40,000 per year

Net Price: $8,982 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 31.21%
SAT Average - 1146
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Liberal Arts
Social Work
Nursing

3. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,309

Cost of Attendance

16,714

Website

www.csub.edu

Address

9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,100 per year

Net Price: $5,687 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 23.02%
Most Popular Majors
Liberal Arts
Business
Education
Psychology
Criminal Justice

4. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,262

Cost of Attendance

14,046

Website

www.baruch.cuny.edu

Address

One Bernard Baruch Way, New York, NY 10010

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,500 per year

Net Price: $2,981 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 39.29%
SAT Average - 1305
Most Popular Majors
Business
Social Sciences
Psychology
Liberal Arts
Counseling Psychology

5. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,886

Cost of Attendance

17,645

Website

www.fullerton.edu

Address

800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831-3599

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,500 per year

Net Price: $8,234 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 43.41%
SAT Average - 1124
ACT Average - 22
Most Popular Majors
Business
Education
Psychology
Sociology
Nursing

6. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-State Tuition

$5,656

Cost of Attendance

21,623

Website

www.fsu.edu

Address

222 South Copeland Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1470

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,700 per year

Net Price: $10,744 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 36.78%
SAT Average - 1289
ACT Average - 28
Most Popular Majors
Psychology
Criminal Justice
Human Development
Mental Health Counseling
Business

7. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-State Tuition

$5,620

Cost of Attendance

18,136

Website

www.byu.edu

Address

Main Campus, Provo, UT 84602

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $46,600 per year

Net Price: $13,181 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 64.47%
SAT Average - 1324
ACT Average - 29
Most Popular Majors
Business
Human Development
Psychology
Sociology
Nursing

8. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,556

Cost of Attendance

19,434

Website

www.fiu.edu

Address

11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $41,500 per year

Net Price: $8,311 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 58.56%
SAT Average - 1185
ACT Average - 25
Most Popular Majors
Psychology
Business
Liberal Arts
Criminal Justice
Nursing

9. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,942

Cost of Attendance

14,469

Website

https://www.csudh.edu

Address

1000 E Victoria St, Carson, CA 90747

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,300 per year

Net Price: $3,891 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 63.94%
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Liberal Arts
Sociology
Criminal Justice

10. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,749

Cost of Attendance

14,823

Website

www.calstatela.edu

Address

5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90032

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $37,200 per year

Net Price: $4,175 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 41.52%
SAT Average - 978
ACT Average - 18
Most Popular Majors
Business
Education
Sociology
Liberal Arts
Social Work

Top 10 Hardest Universities To Get Into For Mental Health Specialists

Some people like a challenge. Well, we challenge you to get into one of these schools. It's not going to be easy. We know this based on these institutions' admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted and mean earnings of students 6 years after admission.

1. Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA • Private

Admissions Rate

28%

SAT Average

1,429

Website

www.bc.edu

Address

140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $64,900 per year

Net Price: $33,562 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 27.89%
SAT Average - 1429
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Education
Business
Social Work
Psychology
Counseling Psychology

2. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions Rate

11%

SAT Average

1,513

Website

www.jhu.edu

Address

3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218-2688

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $68,000 per year

Net Price: $30,701 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 11.48%
SAT Average - 1513
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Education
Nursing
Health Care Administration
Mental Health Counseling
Business

3. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions Rate

22%

SAT Average

1,420

Website

www.bu.edu

Address

One Silber Way, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02215

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $52,800 per year

Net Price: $30,729 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 22.09%
SAT Average - 1420
ACT Average - 32
Most Popular Majors
Business
Education
Social Work
Psychology
Criminal Justice

4. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions Rate

20%

SAT Average

1,419

Website

www.nyu.edu

Address

70 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012-1091

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $55,900 per year

Net Price: $42,397 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 19.99%
SAT Average - 1419
ACT Average - 32
Most Popular Majors
Liberal Arts
Business
Education
Nursing
Social Work

5. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions Rate

8%

SAT Average

1,492

Website

www.upenn.edu

Address

1 College Hall, Room 100, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $91,200 per year

Net Price: $25,033 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.41%
SAT Average - 1492
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Education
Business
Nursing
Social Work
Counseling Psychology

6. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions Rate

6%

SAT Average

1,512

Website

www.columbia.edu

Address

535 West 116th Street, New York, NY 10027

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $77,900 per year

Net Price: $22,637 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 5.91%
SAT Average - 1512
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Social Work
Nursing
Rehabilitation Science
Social Sciences

7. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions Rate

19%

SAT Average

1,466

Website

www.northeastern.edu

Address

360 Huntington Ave, 110CH, Boston, MA 02115

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $57,800 per year

Net Price: $31,855 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 19.34%
SAT Average - 1466
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Rehabilitation Science
Criminal Justice
Counseling Psychology
Sociology

8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

Admissions Rate

23%

SAT Average

1,398

Website

www.unc.edu

Address

103 South Bldg Campus Box 9100, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $49,900 per year

Net Price: $13,918 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 22.71%
SAT Average - 1398
ACT Average - 31
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Nursing
Education
Social Work

9. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions Rate

8%

SAT Average

1,508

Website

www.northwestern.edu

Address

633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $71,900 per year

Net Price: $24,840 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.47%
SAT Average - 1508
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Liberal Arts
Psychology
Education
Rehabilitation Science

10. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions Rate

13%

SAT Average

1,445

Website

www.usc.edu/

Address

University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0012

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $61,400 per year

Net Price: $30,453 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 12.96%
SAT Average - 1445
ACT Average - 32
Most Popular Majors
Business
Social Work
Education
Rehabilitation Science
Psychology

Top 10 Easier To Apply Universities For Mental Health Specialists

Why make getting a job harder on yourself than it has to be? With these colleges, you're sure to be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores and average salary of students 6 years after graduation in order to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into.

1. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions Rate

98%

SAT Average

999

Website

www.nyack.edu/consumerinfo

Address

1 South Boulevard, Nyack, NY 10960-3698

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,500 per year

Net Price: $20,151 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 98.25%
SAT Average - 999
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Mental Health Counseling
Liberal Arts
Business
Education
Social Work

2. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions Rate

84%

SAT Average

1,031

Website

https://www.msmu.edu

Address

12001 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $57,700 per year

Net Price: $29,267 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 83.82%
SAT Average - 1031
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Counseling Psychology
Education
Liberal Arts
Business

3. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions Rate

86%

SAT Average

991

Website

www.kean.edu

Address

1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083-0411

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,000 per year

Net Price: $18,547 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 85.98%
SAT Average - 991
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Education
Psychology
Business
Criminal Justice
School Counseling

4. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

Admissions Rate

98%

SAT Average

1,003

Website

www.wbu.edu

Address

1900 W 7th St., Plainview, TX 79072

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $41,300 per year

Net Price: $21,855 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 98.04%
SAT Average - 1003
ACT Average - 19
Most Popular Majors
Liberal Arts
Business
Education
Criminal Justice
Human Services

5. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions Rate

81%

SAT Average

999

Website

www.felician.edu

Address

262 S Main St, Lodi, NJ 07644

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,800 per year

Net Price: $17,362 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 80.55%
SAT Average - 999
ACT Average - 19
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Business
Education
Health Care Administration
Criminal Justice

6. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions Rate

91%

SAT Average

1,006

Website

www.barry.edu

Address

11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $43,700 per year

Net Price: $17,937 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 91.25%
SAT Average - 1006
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Business
Nursing
Social Work
Education
Liberal Arts

7. Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX • Private

Admissions Rate

87%

SAT Average

1,059

Website

www.twu.edu

Address

304 Administration Dr, Denton, TX 76201

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $42,800 per year

Net Price: $9,727 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 86.80%
SAT Average - 1059
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
Business
Human Development
Psychology
Social Work

8. Ottawa University

Ottawa, KS • Private

Admissions Rate

78%

SAT Average

1,024

Website

www.ottawa.edu

Address

1001 South Cedar, Ottawa, KS 66067-3399

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $41,600 per year

Net Price: $25,322 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 78.15%
SAT Average - 1024
ACT Average - 19
Most Popular Majors
Business
Education
Psychology
Communication
Human Services

9. College of New Rochelle, The

New Rochelle, NY • Private

Admissions Rate

83%

SAT Average

982

Website

www.cnr.edu

Address

29 Castle Place, New Rochelle, NY 10805-2339

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $37,500 per year

Net Price: $26,900 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 82.54%
SAT Average - 982
ACT Average - 19

10. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions Rate

82%

SAT Average

983

Website

www.ndnu.edu

Address

1500 Ralston Ave, Belmont, CA 94002-1908

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $49,000 per year

Net Price: $25,610 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 81.52%
SAT Average - 983
ACT Average - 19
Most Popular Majors
Business
Education
Counseling Psychology
Psychology
Mental Health Counseling

Average Mental Health Specialist Salary by Education Level

Mental health specialists with a Masters degree earn more than those without, at $52,828 annually. With a Bachelors degree, mental health specialists earn a median annual income of $41,520.

Mental Health Specialist Education LevelMental Health Specialist Salary
Master's Degree$52,828
Bachelor's Degree$41,520

Mental Health Specialist Internship Jobs

Mental Health Specialist Jobs