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2026 Best Value Higher Education/Higher Education Administration Schools in Michigan

7 Colleges in the United States
$25,067 Avg Student Debt
$58,016 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Higher Education/Higher Education Administration Badge [Higher Education/Higher Education Administration](/majors/education/educational-administration/higher-education-higher-education-administration/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong higher education/higher education administration education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 14 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value higher education/higher education administration schools.

What’s on this page:

2026 Best Value Higher Education/Higher Education Administration Schools in Michigan

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in higher education/higher education administration, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Higher Education/Higher Education Administration Schools

1
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Leading the list is Oakland University, our #1 best value for higher education/higher education administration in Michigan. Oakland University is a large public school located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,167, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Higher Education/higher Education Administration graduates carry a median of $25,972 in student loans. Early-career higher education/higher education administration graduates make about $71,472. That is a strong return on a $25,972 median debt. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants.

2

Lansing Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in higher education/higher education administration, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Lansing, Lansing Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Higher Education/higher Education Administration graduates carry a median of $16,700 in student loans. Early-career higher education/higher education administration graduates make about $46,103. That is a strong return on a $16,700 median debt.

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of Michigan Ann Arbor one of the best values for higher education/higher education administration. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Higher Education/higher Education Administration graduates carry a median of $19,137 in student loans. Soon after graduation, higher education/higher education administration degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $53,861. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

4
Central Michigan University crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

A rank of #4 makes Central Michigan University one of the best values for higher education/higher education administration. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Typical student debt for higher education/higher education administration graduates is $27,857. Higher Education/higher Education Administration graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $76,885 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Michigan University earned it the #5 place for higher education/higher education administration. Set in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Higher Education/higher Education Administration graduates carry a median of $28,781 in student loans. Soon after graduation, higher education/higher education administration degree recipients from Eastern Michigan University generally make around $70,709. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants.

6

Grand Valley State University landed the #6 spot for higher education/higher education administration value this year. Located in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for higher education/higher education administration graduates is $26,378. Early-career higher education/higher education administration graduates make about $53,932. That is a strong return on a $26,378 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

7

Western Michigan University came in at #7 for value in higher education/higher education administration this year. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Higher Education/higher Education Administration graduates carry a median of $27,981 in student loans. Soon after graduation, higher education/higher education administration degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $75,270. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.

8
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University came in at #8 for value in higher education/higher education administration this year. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. 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 higher education/higher education administration graduates is $25,213. Early-career higher education/higher education administration graduates make about $73,134. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

9

Concordia University Ann Arbor came in at #9 for value in higher education/higher education administration this year. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, Concordia University Ann Arbor is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,410 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,584 to complete the higher education/higher education administration program here. Early-career higher education/higher education administration graduates make about $54,043. Set against $27,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%.

View All Higher Education/Higher Education Administration Rankings >

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 14 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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