2026 Best Value Engineering & Applied Physics Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

For return on investment in engineering & applied physics, no school beat University Of Michigan Ann Arbor this year. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical student debt for engineering & applied physics graduates is $19,137. Soon after graduation, engineering & applied physics degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $66,254. Set against $19,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering & applied physics schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates carry a median of $20,136 in student loans. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $64,304 early in their careers. Set against $20,136 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.

3

Lansing Community College
Lansing, MI

A rank of #3 makes Lansing Community College one of the best values for engineering & applied physics. Located in the city of Lansing, Lansing Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates carry a median of $16,700 in student loans. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates of Lansing Community College earn a median of $46,103 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Platteville, WI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Platteville earned it the #4 place for engineering & applied physics. Located in the town of Platteville, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,644, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates of University Of Wisconsin Platteville earn a median of $68,379 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

5

Augustana College Illinois
Rock Island, IL

Augustana College Illinois came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering & applied physics schools. Set in the city of Rock Island, Augustana College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,598. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the engineering & applied physics program here. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates of Augustana College Illinois earn a median of $54,165 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

6

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #6 for value in engineering & applied physics 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, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $58,088 early in their careers. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.