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