2026 Best Value Genetics Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis tops our 2026 list of the best value genetics schools in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Genetics graduates carry a median of $23,146 in student loans. Genetics graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $56,930 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants.

2

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Purdue University Main Campus earned it the #2 place for genetics. Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Genetics graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, genetics degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $39,052. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a great value for students pursuing a degree in genetics, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for genetics graduates is $19,137. Genetics graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $85,029 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison is a great value for students pursuing a degree in genetics, landing the #4 spot this year. 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, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Genetics graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Genetics graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $38,388 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%.

5

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Students looking for strong value in genetics will find it at Ohio State University Main Campus, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for genetics graduates is $21,216. Soon after graduation, genetics degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $31,800. That is a strong return on a $21,216 median debt. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

6

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value genetics schools. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Typical student debt for genetics graduates is $15,854. Genetics graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $81,002 early in their careers. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants.

7

Manchester College
North Manchester, IN

Manchester College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value genetics schools. Set in the town of North Manchester, Manchester College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,135. Typical student debt for genetics graduates is $25,833. Early-career genetics graduates make about $55,367. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Manchester College admits about 71% of applicants.

8

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #8 among the best values for genetics. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Genetics graduates carry a median of $25,125 in student loans. Genetics graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $26,713 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.

9

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #9 spot for genetics value this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete the genetics program here. Genetics graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $58,659 early in their careers. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.