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2025 Best General Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

151 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
14,211 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$34,325 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a degree in general psychology, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #4 most popular program in the country. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 151 schools in the Great Lakes Region to determine which ones were the best for general psychology students pursuing a degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 14,211 degrees in general psychology annually.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great General Psychology School

Best General Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region The psychology program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for General Psychology rankings. For our Best Overall General Psychology School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

General Psychology Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Psychology
Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology
Master's Degrees in Psychology
Doctor's Degrees in Psychology

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best General Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region list to help you make the college decision. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for General Psychology in the Great Lakes Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the psychology degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Great Lakes Region Schools in Psychology

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
173 Psychology Degrees Awarded
16.8% Growth in Graduates

Northwestern University is a wonderful choice for students pursuing a degree in general psychology. Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were about 173 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year. Those general psychology students who get their degree from Northwestern University make $9,763 more than the average psychology student.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Northwestern University

2
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In IN
97 Psychology Degrees Awarded

University of Notre Dame is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in general psychology. Notre Dame is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Notre Dame. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.

There were about 97 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general psychology from University of Notre Dame

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA in Psychology Program Name

Advance in your human services or psychology career, or prepare for graduate studies in a variety of fields at Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
503 Psychology Degrees Awarded
14.9% Growth in Graduates

Every student pursuing a degree in general psychology needs to look into Michigan State University. Michigan State is a fairly large public university located in the city of East Lansing. A Best Colleges rank of #54 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 503 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the psychology program report average early career earnings of $30,164.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Michigan State University

4
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
495 Psychology Degrees Awarded
8.1% Growth in Graduates

University of Wisconsin - Madison is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in general psychology. UW - Madison is a very large public university located in the city of Madison. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 495 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, psychology degree recipients generally earn an average of $31,985 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in general psychology from University of Wisconsin - Madison

5
Marquette crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
143 Psychology Degrees Awarded
16.8% Growth in Graduates

Marquette is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Milwaukee. A Best Colleges rank of #114 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Marquette is a great university overall.

There were about 143 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the psychology program earn about $35,076 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Marquette University

6
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
266 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$32,463 Median Starting Salary

Loyola Chicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #100 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Loyola Chicago is a great university overall.

There were about 266 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the psychology program report average early career wages of $32,463.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Loyola University Chicago

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
292 Psychology Degrees Awarded
8.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Oxford, Miami University - Oxford is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #134 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Miami University - Oxford is a great university overall.

There were about 292 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the psychology program report average early career earnings of $36,190.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Miami University - Oxford

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Psychology Program Name

Our Master of Science in Psychology program is designed to extend your knowledge and discipline in psychology, preparing you for a wide variety of professions and contexts.

More information about a degree in MS in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
420 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$30,565 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Chicago, UIC is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 420 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at UIC in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the psychology program earn around $30,565 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
159 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$32,277 Median Starting Salary

Illinois State is a fairly large public university located in the midsize suburb of Normal. This university ranks 8th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 159 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, psychology degree recipients typically earn about $32,277 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Illinois State University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
337 Psychology Degrees Awarded
15.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Cincinnati, UC is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #137 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UC is a great university overall.

There were about 337 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the psychology program report average early career earnings of $33,513.

More information about a degree in general psychology from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus

11
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
170 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$33,820 Median Starting Salary

DePaul is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #135 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means DePaul is a great university overall.

There were approximately 170 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at DePaul in the most recent data year. After graduating, psychology degree recipients generally make an average of $33,820 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in general psychology from DePaul University

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
221 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$39,369 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Dekalb, NIU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 20th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 221 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at NIU in the most recent year we have data available. Those general psychology students who get their degree from Northern Illinois University earn $5,044 more than the average psychology grad.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Northern Illinois University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
117 Psychology Degrees Awarded
38.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Cleveland, Case Western is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #116 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Case Western is a great university overall.

There were about 117 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Case Western in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the psychology program make about $28,972 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Case Western Reserve University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
355 Psychology Degrees Awarded
6.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 9th out of 56 schools for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 355 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Wayne State in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients usually make an average of $31,632 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Wayne State University

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
80 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$32,953 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Dayton, UDayton is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 80 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at UDayton in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the psychology program make about $32,953 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in general psychology from University of Dayton

16
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
144 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$31,305 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Muncie, Ball State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #181 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Ball State is a great university overall.

There were approximately 144 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Ball State in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the psychology program earn about $31,305 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Ball State University

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
143 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$35,255 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Bowling Green, BGSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 18th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 143 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at BGSU in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the psychology program state that they receive average early career earnings of $35,255.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Bowling Green State University - Main Campus

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
117 Psychology Degrees Awarded
4.3% Growth in Graduates

WMU is a large public university located in the city of Kalamazoo. This university ranks 4th out of 56 schools for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 117 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at WMU in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the psychology program make an average of $28,890 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Western Michigan University

19
Central Michigan crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
248 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$31,166 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 56 schools for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were approximately 248 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Central Michigan in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the psychology program make around $31,166 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Central Michigan University

20
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
334 Psychology Degrees Awarded
24.0% Growth in Graduates

GVSU is a very large public university located in the town of Allendale. This university ranks 5th out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 334 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at GVSU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the psychology program make around $30,100 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Grand Valley State University

21
Xavier crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
68 Psychology Degrees Awarded
2.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Cincinnati, Xavier is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 10th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 68 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Xavier in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the psychology program earn about $35,245 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Xavier University

22
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
343 Psychology Degrees Awarded
2.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Kent, Kent State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 9th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 343 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the psychology program earn about $28,474 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Kent State University at Kent

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
105 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$32,287 Median Starting Salary

Located in the distant town of Carbondale, SIUC is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 36th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were roughly 105 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at SIUC in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients typically earn an average of $32,287 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale

24
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
225 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$30,682 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Athens, OHIO Athens is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #184 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means OHIO Athens is a great university overall.

There were about 225 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent data year. After graduating, psychology degree recipients usually make about $30,682 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Ohio University - Athens Campus

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
237 Psychology Degrees Awarded
6.3% Growth in Graduates

IUPUI is a very large public university located in the large city of Indianapolis. This university ranks 7th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were approximately 237 general psychology students who graduated with this degree at IUPUI in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, psychology degree recipients generally earn around $34,432 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in general psychology from Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

Rest of the Top Best General Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

26
UIndy crest
University of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
27
28
29
30

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best General Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region award.

Rank College Location
31 Wheaton College Illinois Wheaton, IL
32 Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI
33 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
34 Oakland University Rochester Hills, MI
35 University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH
36 Cleveland State University Cleveland, OH
37 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville, IL
38 Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN
39 Augustana College Rock Island, IL
40 Kenyon College Gambier, OH
41 Carroll University Waukesha, WI
42 DePauw University Greencastle, IN
43 Bradley University Peoria, IL
44 Hope College Holland, MI
45 Elmhurst University Elmhurst, IL
46 Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN
47 National Louis University Chicago, IL
48 North Central College Naperville, IL
49 Aurora University Aurora, IL
50 John Carroll University University Heights, OH

Best General Psychology Colleges by State

Explore the best general psychology schools for a specific state in the Great Lakes Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Michigan 322 2,813
Ohio 314 3,937
Illinois 304 3,654
Indiana 294 1,862
Wisconsin 273 2,230

View All Rankings >

General Psychology is one of 24 different types of Psychology programs to choose from.

Psychology Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
General Psychology 14,211

View All Psychology Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology 4,934
Child Development & Psychology 3,457
Other Psychology 140

View All Psychology Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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