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2026 Best Value architecture Schools in the Great Lakes Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in architecture, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value architecture Schools
Leading the list is University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, our #1 best value for architecture in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Architecture graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $38,998. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Illinois At Chicago earned it the #2 place for architecture. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,840 to complete the architecture program here. Architecture graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $37,143 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Ball State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value architecture schools. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Students borrow a median of $28,670 to complete the architecture program here. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from Ball State University generally make around $55,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Carbondale earned it the #4 place for architecture. Located in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Architecture graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career architecture graduates make about $51,093. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a great value for students pursuing a degree in architecture, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Architecture graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Architecture graduates of University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of $43,014 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
Kent State University At Kent placed #6 among the best values for architecture. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the architecture program here. Architecture graduates of Kent State University At Kent earn a median of $44,668 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #7 spot for architecture value this year. Located in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Students borrow a median of $25,449 to complete the architecture program here. Architecture graduates of Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of $45,196 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value architecture schools. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Cincinnati. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Architecture graduates carry a median of $22,600 in student loans. Early-career architecture graduates make about $44,598. Set against $22,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.
Judson University earned the #9 position for value in architecture this year. Set in the city of Elgin, Judson University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,297. Typical student debt for architecture graduates is $26,221. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from Judson University generally make around $48,301. That is a strong return on a $26,221 median debt. Judson University admits about 48% of applicants.
University Of Notre Dame earned the #10 position for value in architecture this year. Located in the suburb of Notre Dame, University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Architecture graduates carry a median of $28,419 in student loans. Early-career architecture graduates make about $64,420. Set against $28,419 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.
Narrow architecture Schools by State
[architecture](/majors/architecture-and-related-services/general-architecture/architecture/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
