2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Leading the list is Purdue University Main Campus, our #1 best value for value in the Great Lakes Region. Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $19,844. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $102,776. Set against $19,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #2. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $96,557 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

3

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Wisconsin Madison, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Value graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Value graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $89,592 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

4

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Value graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $125,002. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

5

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

A rank of #5 makes Michigan State University one of the best values for value. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,213. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $100,429. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.