2026 Best Value General Manufacturing Engineering Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Dearborn
Dearborn, MI

Leading the list is University Of Michigan Dearborn, our #1 best value for general manufacturing engineering in the Great Lakes Region. University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Dearborn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,640, with out-of-state students paying around $32,896. Students borrow a median of $26,516 to complete the general manufacturing engineering program here. Early-career general manufacturing engineering graduates make about $62,536. Set against $26,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%.

2

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

A rank of #2 makes University Of Michigan Ann Arbor one of the best values for general manufacturing engineering. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. General Manufacturing Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,137 in student loans. General Manufacturing Engineering graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $66,254 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

3

Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general manufacturing engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete the general manufacturing engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general manufacturing engineering degree recipients from Ferris State University generally make around $68,715. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Wisconsin Stout
Menomonie, WI

A rank of #4 makes University Of Wisconsin Stout one of the best values for general manufacturing engineering. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Menomonie. In-state tuition and fees average $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general manufacturing engineering graduates is $29,814. General Manufacturing Engineering graduates of University Of Wisconsin Stout earn a median of $83,497 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

5

Bradley University
Peoria, IL

Students looking for strong value in general manufacturing engineering will find it at Bradley University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. General Manufacturing Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general manufacturing engineering degree recipients from Bradley University generally make around $67,488. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants.

6

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general manufacturing engineering schools. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete the general manufacturing engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general manufacturing engineering degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $78,551. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 8%.