2026 Best Value Microbiology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

Our analysis ranked University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign the best value for a degree in microbiology in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete the microbiology program here. Early-career microbiology graduates make about $57,461. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned it the #2 place for microbiology. 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 microbiology graduates is $18,644. Soon after graduation, microbiology degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $32,022. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%.

3

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington is a great value for students pursuing a degree in microbiology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Microbiology graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. Microbiology graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $52,123 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

4

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
La Crosse, WI

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value microbiology schools. Located in the city of La Crosse, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for microbiology graduates is $25,464. Microbiology graduates of University Of Wisconsin La Crosse earn a median of $54,290 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,464 median debt. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse admits about 76% of applicants.

5

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Madison earned it the #5 place for microbiology. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for microbiology graduates is $23,480. Soon after graduation, microbiology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $49,186. That is a strong return on a $23,480 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

6

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for microbiology value this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the microbiology program here. Microbiology graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $37,592 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

7

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago landed the #7 spot for microbiology value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Typical student debt for microbiology graduates is $15,854. Soon after graduation, microbiology degree recipients from University Of Chicago generally make around $81,002. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants.

8

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #8 spot for microbiology value this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Microbiology graduates carry a median of $29,301 in student loans. Early-career microbiology graduates make about $38,726. Set against $29,301 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.

9

Miami University Oxford
Oxford, OH

Miami University Oxford earned the #9 position for value in microbiology this year. Located in the town of Oxford, Miami University Oxford is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the microbiology program here. Microbiology graduates of Miami University Oxford earn a median of $49,700 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.