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2025 Best Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

151 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
22,742 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$40,723 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you plan on majoring in psychology, you won't be alone since the degree program is ranked #8 in the country in terms of popularity. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

College Factual looked at 151 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 22,742 degrees in psychology annually.

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

Choosing a Great Psychology School

Best Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region Your choice of psychology school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall 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.

Pick Your Psychology Degree Level

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

The psychology school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Psychology in the Great Lakes Region

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the psychology degree levels they offer. 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
9th Most Popular In IN
121 Psychology Degrees Awarded

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

There were approximately 121 psychology students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year.

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

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
565 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$43,275 Median Starting Salary

Northwestern University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in psychology. Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a very 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 565 psychology students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the psychology program at Northwestern University get $2,553 more than the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in psychology from Northwestern University

3
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
543 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$32,059 Median Starting Salary

Michigan State University is a good option for students interested in a degree in psychology. Michigan State is a fairly large public university located in the small 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 approximately 543 psychology students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the psychology program earn around $32,059 for their early career.

More information about a degree in psychology from Michigan State University

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
775 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$31,872 Median Starting Salary

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a great decision for students pursuing a degree in psychology. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were approximately 775 psychology students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, psychology degree recipients usually earn around $31,872 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in psychology from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

5
Marquette crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
151 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$35,076 Median Starting Salary

Marquette is a large private not-for-profit university located in the 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 151 psychology students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, psychology degree recipients typically make around $35,076 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in psychology from Marquette University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
604 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$33,872 Median Starting Salary

UW - Madison is a fairly 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 about 604 psychology students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the psychology program earn an average of $33,872 for their early career.

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

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
403 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$41,203 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 403 psychology students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the psychology program state that they receive average early career income of $41,203.

More information about a degree in psychology from Loyola University Chicago

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
326 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$36,190 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Oxford, Miami University - Oxford is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 326 psychology students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the psychology program make around $36,190 for their early career.

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

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
606 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$33,384 Median Starting Salary

UIUC is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Champaign. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 606 psychology students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, psychology degree recipients usually make an average of $33,384 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in psychology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
211 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$35,005 Median Starting Salary

UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #3 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were roughly 211 psychology students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the psychology program earn around $35,005 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in psychology from University of Chicago

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
488 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 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were roughly 488 psychology students who graduated with this degree at UIC in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients usually make around $30,565 at the beginning of their careers.

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

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
185 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$32,277 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 185 psychology students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the psychology program state that they receive average early career wages of $32,277.

More information about a degree in psychology from Illinois State University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
718 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$34,362 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #70 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 718 psychology students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent data year. After graduating, psychology degree recipients typically earn an average of $34,362 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in psychology from Ohio State University - Main Campus

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
583 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$47,766 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Cincinnati, UC is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 583 psychology students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent data year. Psychology degree recipients from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus receive an earnings boost of approximately $7,043 above the average earnings of psychology graduates.

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

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
229 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$39,369 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 229 psychology students who graduated with this degree at NIU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the psychology program earn around $39,369 for their early career.

More information about a degree in psychology from Northern Illinois University

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
119 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$28,972 Median Starting Salary

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 schools nationwide means Case Western is a great university overall.

There were about 119 psychology students who graduated with this degree at Case Western in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, psychology degree recipients usually earn around $28,972 in their early careers.

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

17
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
208 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$33,820 Median Starting Salary

DePaul is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. This university ranks 7th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were roughly 208 psychology students who graduated with this degree at DePaul 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 $33,820.

More information about a degree in psychology from DePaul University

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
441 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$35,220 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 441 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 about $35,220 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in psychology from Wayne State University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
380 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$33,722 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were roughly 380 psychology students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the psychology program make about $33,722 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in psychology from Indiana University - Bloomington

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
158 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 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 158 psychology students who graduated with this degree at BGSU in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the psychology program earn an average of $35,255 for their early career.

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

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
369 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$36,625 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Muncie, Ball State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 369 psychology students who graduated with this degree at Ball State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the psychology program state that they receive average early career income of $36,625.

More information about a degree in psychology from Ball State University

22
Central Michigan crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
313 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$31,166 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 313 psychology students who graduated with this degree at Central Michigan in the most recent data year. After graduation, psychology degree recipients typically make an average of $31,166 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in psychology from Central Michigan University

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
267 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$48,142 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 267 psychology students who graduated with this degree at WMU in the most recent data year. Psychology degree recipients from Western Michigan University get an earnings boost of around $7,419 over the typical income of psychology majors.

More information about a degree in psychology from Western Michigan University

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
371 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$30,100 Median Starting Salary

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 about 371 psychology students who graduated with this degree at GVSU in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, psychology degree recipients generally make an average of $30,100 in the first five years of their career.

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

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
111 Psychology Degrees Awarded
$41,489 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 111 psychology students who graduated with this degree at UDayton in the most recent data year. After graduation, psychology degree recipients generally earn about $41,489 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in psychology from University of Dayton

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

26
27
28
Xavier crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH
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 Psychology Schools in the Great Lakes Region award.

Rank College Location
31 Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
32 University of Wisconsin - La Crosse La Crosse, WI
33 National Louis University Chicago, IL
34 University of Toledo Toledo, OH
35 Wheaton College Illinois Wheaton, IL
36 Roosevelt University Chicago, IL
37 University of Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
38 University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Whitewater, WI
39 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
40 Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI
41 Oakland University Rochester Hills, MI
42 Cleveland State University Cleveland, OH
43 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville, IL
44 Augustana College Rock Island, IL
45 University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH
46 Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN
47 Kenyon College Gambier, OH
48 Carroll University Waukesha, WI
49 University of Detroit Mercy Detroit, MI
50 DePauw University Greencastle, IN

Best Psychology Colleges by State

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

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Indiana 38 3,395
Michigan 38 4,211
Ohio 38 4,799
Illinois 38 6,416
Wisconsin 37 2,693

View All Rankings >

Psychology Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
General Psychology 14,211
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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