2026 Best Value African Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

For return on investment in african studies, no school beat University Of Michigan Ann Arbor this year. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. African Studies graduates carry a median of $16,984 in student loans. African Studies graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $32,062 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,984 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%.

2

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value african studies schools. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $21,710 to complete the african studies program here. African Studies graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $52,123 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,710 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a great value for students pursuing a degree in african studies, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $22,050 to complete the african studies program here. African Studies graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $24,332 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,050 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

4

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

A rank of #4 makes University Of Wisconsin Madison one of the best values for african studies. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. African Studies graduates carry a median of $20,850 in student loans. African Studies graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $59,877 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value african studies schools. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Typical student debt for african studies graduates is $15,854. Early-career african studies graduates make about $38,008. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

6

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in african studies this year. Set in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete the african studies program here. Soon after graduation, african studies degree recipients from Ohio University Main Campus generally make around $49,736. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.