2026 Best Value Educational Administration Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Governors State University
University Park, IL

Leading the list is Governors State University, our #1 best value for educational administration in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the suburb of University Park, Governors State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,004. Educational Administration graduates carry a median of $24,990 in student loans. Educational Administration graduates of Governors State University earn a median of $80,009 early in their careers. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%.

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

A rank of #2 makes University Of Illinois At Chicago one of the best values for educational administration. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Typical student debt for educational administration graduates is $20,115. Educational Administration graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $61,834 early in their careers. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.

3

Indiana University East
Richmond, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University East earned it the #3 place for educational administration. Set in the town of Richmond, Indiana University East is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Educational Administration graduates carry a median of $24,098 in student loans. Soon after graduation, educational administration degree recipients from Indiana University East generally make around $49,598. That is a strong return on a $24,098 median debt. Indiana University East admits about 67% of applicants.

4

Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Oakland Community College earned it the #4 place for educational administration. Located in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Educational Administration graduates carry a median of $15,865 in student loans. Soon after graduation, educational administration degree recipients from Oakland Community College generally make around $43,205. Set against $15,865 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Lansing Community College
Lansing, MI

Lansing Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value educational administration schools. Lansing Community College is a large public school located in the city of Lansing. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Typical student debt for educational administration graduates is $16,700. Soon after graduation, educational administration degree recipients from Lansing Community College generally make around $46,103. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

University Of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL

University Of Illinois At Springfield earned the #6 position for value in educational administration this year. Set in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,557 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. Typical student debt for educational administration graduates is $24,925. Educational Administration graduates of University Of Illinois At Springfield earn a median of $60,442 early in their careers. Set against $24,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants.

7

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University came in at #7 for value in educational administration this year. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for educational administration graduates is $27,639. Early-career educational administration graduates make about $113,839. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN

University Of Southern Indiana came in at #8 for value in educational administration this year. Set in the suburb of Evansville, University Of Southern Indiana is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,066, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. Educational Administration graduates carry a median of $21,999 in student loans. Educational Administration graduates of University Of Southern Indiana earn a median of $47,216 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,999 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

9

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value educational administration schools. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete the educational administration program here. Soon after graduation, educational administration degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis generally make around $56,930. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

10

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value educational administration schools. Northern Illinois University is a large public school located in the suburb of Dekalb. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete the educational administration program here. Educational Administration graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $63,264 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.

11

Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL

Northeastern Illinois University came in at #11 for value in educational administration this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,383, while out-of-state students pay about $22,726. Educational Administration graduates carry a median of $17,600 in student loans. Educational Administration graduates of Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of $82,842 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern Illinois University admits about 75% of applicants.

12

Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University came in at #12 for value in educational administration this year. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Typical student debt for educational administration graduates is $25,582. Soon after graduation, educational administration degree recipients from Indiana State University generally make around $85,366. Set against $25,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants.

13

Chicago State University
Chicago, IL

Chicago State University came in at #13 for value in educational administration this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Chicago State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,754, compared with $12,757 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $43,322 to complete the educational administration program here. Soon after graduation, educational administration degree recipients from Chicago State University generally make around $47,477. That is a strong return on a $43,322 median debt. Chicago State University admits about 43% of applicants.

14

Indiana University South Bend
South Bend, IN

Indiana University South Bend came in at #14 for value in educational administration this year. Indiana University South Bend is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of South Bend. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Typical student debt for educational administration graduates is $24,640. Educational Administration graduates of Indiana University South Bend earn a median of $47,733 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,640 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

15

Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value educational administration schools. Set in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Typical student debt for educational administration graduates is $23,562. Early-career educational administration graduates make about $96,834. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants.

16

University Of Wisconsin River Falls
River Falls, WI

University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #16 among the best values for educational administration. Located in the town of River Falls, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Typical student debt for educational administration graduates is $24,245. Early-career educational administration graduates make about $47,577. That is a strong return on a $24,245 median debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants.

17

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne placed #17 among the best values for educational administration. Located in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Educational Administration graduates carry a median of $24,119 in student loans. Educational Administration graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne earn a median of $59,508 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,119 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.

18

Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value educational administration schools. Located in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete the educational administration program here. Early-career educational administration graduates make about $49,025. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

19

Ohio State University Marion Campus
Marion, OH

Ohio State University Marion Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value educational administration schools. Set in the town of Marion, Ohio State University Marion Campus is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,488 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,266 for out-of-state students. Educational Administration graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Educational Administration graduates of Ohio State University Marion Campus earn a median of $36,487 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20

Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL

Eastern Illinois University came in at #20 for value in educational administration this year. Located in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Educational Administration graduates carry a median of $24,293 in student loans. Early-career educational administration graduates make about $67,396. That is a strong return on a $24,293 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%.

21

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned the #21 position for value in educational administration this year. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for educational administration graduates is $19,137. Soon after graduation, educational 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. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

22

Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University landed the #22 spot for educational administration value this year. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,972 to complete the educational administration program here. Early-career educational administration graduates make about $71,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

23

University Of Wisconsin Superior
Superior, WI

University Of Wisconsin Superior earned the #23 position for value in educational administration this year. University Of Wisconsin Superior is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Superior. Students from in state pay about $8,812 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,726. Educational Administration graduates carry a median of $27,845 in student loans. Educational Administration graduates of University Of Wisconsin Superior earn a median of $65,660 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,845 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Superior admits about 93% of applicants.

24

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value educational administration schools. Located in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for educational administration graduates is $23,917. Educational Administration graduates of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn a median of $46,568 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%.

25

Ohio State University Lima Campus
Lima, OH

Ohio State University Lima Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value educational administration schools. Located in the rural area of Lima, Ohio State University Lima Campus is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $9,488 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,266 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for educational administration graduates is $23,000. Early-career educational administration graduates make about $36,487. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.