2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI

Oakland Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $12,843. Individualized Studies graduates of Oakland Community College earn a median of $37,347 early in their careers. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

North Central State College
Mansfield, OH

A rank of #2 makes North Central State College one of the best values for individualized studies. Located in the rural area of Mansfield, North Central State College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,786 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,374. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $12,236 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $47,458. Set against $12,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Indiana University Kokomo
Kokomo, IN

Indiana University Kokomo came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Located in the city of Kokomo, Indiana University Kokomo is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $24,236. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Indiana University Kokomo generally make around $35,482. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

4

Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN

Students looking for strong value in individualized studies will find it at Ivy Tech Community College, which ranked #4. Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Students borrow a median of $10,026 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Ivy Tech Community College generally make around $24,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Kellogg Community College
Battle Creek, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kellogg Community College earned it the #5 place for individualized studies. Located in the city of Battle Creek, Kellogg Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,118, with out-of-state students paying around $8,282. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $15,057 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Kellogg Community College generally make around $32,616. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Indiana University Southeast
New Albany, IN

Indiana University Southeast placed #6 among the best values for individualized studies. Located in the suburb of New Albany, Indiana University Southeast is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $28,948 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $37,440. That is a strong return on a $28,948 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.

7

Indiana University Northwest
Gary, IN

Indiana University Northwest came in at #7 for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the suburb of Gary, Indiana University Northwest is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of Indiana University Northwest earn a median of $37,035 early in their careers. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.

8

Indiana University South Bend
South Bend, IN

Indiana University South Bend ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Located in the city of South Bend, Indiana University South Bend is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $25,319. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Indiana University South Bend generally make around $33,716. Set against $25,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University South Bend admits about 84% of applicants.

9

University Of Wisconsin Parkside
Kenosha, WI

University Of Wisconsin Parkside earned the #9 position for value in individualized studies this year. University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Kenosha. In-state tuition and fees average $8,270, with out-of-state students paying around $17,429. Students borrow a median of $24,485 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $40,365. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Parkside admits about 75% of applicants.

10

Antioch College
Yellow Springs, OH

Antioch College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Antioch College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Yellow Springs. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,043. Antioch College admits about 89% of applicants.

11

Glen Oaks Community College
Centreville, MI

Glen Oaks Community College placed #11 among the best values for individualized studies. Located in the rural area of Centreville, Glen Oaks Community College is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,176, compared with $6,624 for out-of-state students. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $13,764 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Glen Oaks Community College earn a median of $46,226 early in their careers. Set against $13,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12

Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN

Vincennes University earned the #12 position for value in individualized studies this year. Vincennes University is a very large public school located in the town of Vincennes. In-state tuition and fees average $7,126, with out-of-state students paying around $16,858. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $12,079 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Vincennes University generally make around $35,239. That is a strong return on a $12,079 median debt.

13

University Of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL

University Of Illinois At Springfield landed the #13 spot for individualized studies value this year. Set in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $29,467. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Springfield generally make around $53,344. That is a strong return on a $29,467 median debt. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants.

14

Ohio University Southern Campus
Ironton, OH

Ohio University Southern Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Ohio University Southern Campus is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Ironton. In-state tuition and fees average $6,362, compared with $9,444 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,614 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Ohio University Southern Campus generally make around $35,825. That is a strong return on a $24,614 median debt.

15

Clark State Community College
Springfield, OH

Clark State Community College placed #15 among the best values for individualized studies. Located in the city of Springfield, Clark State Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,393, with out-of-state students paying around $8,049. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $14,260 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Clark State Community College earn a median of $39,734 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,260 median debt.

16

Washington State Community College
Marietta, OH

Washington State Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Set in the town of Marietta, Washington State Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,128, compared with $4,152 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $16,291. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $45,305. Set against $16,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

17

Ohio University Lancaster Campus
Lancaster, OH

Ohio University Lancaster Campus earned the #17 position for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the rural area of Lancaster, Ohio University Lancaster Campus is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,362, compared with $9,444 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $24,614. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Ohio University Lancaster Campus generally make around $35,825. Set against $24,614 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN

Purdue University Northwest came in at #18 for value in individualized studies this year. Located in the suburb of Hammond, Purdue University Northwest is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $29,517 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Purdue University Northwest earn a median of $33,295 early in their careers. Set against $29,517 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants.

19

Ohio University Zanesville Campus
Zanesville, OH

Ohio University Zanesville Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Located in the town of Zanesville, Ohio University Zanesville Campus is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,362, while out-of-state students pay about $9,444. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $24,614. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Ohio University Zanesville Campus generally make around $44,222. Set against $24,614 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

20

Indiana University East
Richmond, IN

Indiana University East placed #20 among the best values for individualized studies. Indiana University East is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Richmond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Students borrow a median of $29,072 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Indiana University East generally make around $39,936. Set against $29,072 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%.

21

Ohio University Chillicothe Campus
Chillicothe, OH

Ohio University Chillicothe Campus came in at #21 for value in individualized studies this year. Ohio University Chillicothe Campus is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Chillicothe. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,362, compared with $9,444 for out-of-state students. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $24,614 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Ohio University Chillicothe Campus generally make around $43,693. That is a strong return on a $24,614 median debt.

22

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis placed #22 among the best values for individualized studies. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $29,000. Individualized Studies graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $41,499 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

23

University Of Cincinnati Clermont College
Batavia, OH

University Of Cincinnati Clermont College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Located in the suburb of Batavia, University Of Cincinnati Clermont College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,639 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,871. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of University Of Cincinnati Clermont College earn a median of $39,106 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

24

University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Blue Ash, OH

University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College came in at #24 for value in individualized studies this year. University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a large public school located in the suburb of Blue Ash. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,904. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $42,936. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

25

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne placed #25 among the best values for individualized studies. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public school located in the city of Fort Wayne. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Students borrow a median of $24,106 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne earn a median of $39,564 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.