2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, WI

Leading the list is University Of Wisconsin Whitewater, our #1 best value for value in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the town of Whitewater, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,306. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Whitewater generally make around $45,767. Set against $25,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

2

University Of Michigan Flint
Flint, MI

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Michigan Flint, which ranked #2. University Of Michigan Flint is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Flint. In-state tuition and fees average $14,236, while out-of-state students pay about $27,790. Value graduates carry a median of $31,016 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Michigan Flint generally make around $51,692. That is a strong return on a $31,016 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $57,461 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

4

University Of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Value graduates carry a median of $25,347 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $49,045. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%.

5

Wright State University Main Campus
Dayton, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wright State University Main Campus earned it the #5 place for value. Located in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. Value graduates carry a median of $25,836 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Wright State University Main Campus generally make around $49,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.

6

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Students borrow a median of $26,657 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee generally make around $46,561. Set against $26,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants.

7

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University landed the #7 spot for value value this year. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $27,981 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $48,966. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

8

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent landed the #8 spot for value value this year. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Value graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Value graduates of Kent State University At Kent earn a median of $44,776 early in their careers. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

9

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus placed #9 among the best values for value. Located in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,546. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Ohio University Main Campus generally make around $49,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.

10

Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI

Davenport University came in at #10 for value in value this year. Located in the suburb of Grand Rapids, Davenport University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $24,466. Students borrow a median of $30,603 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Davenport University earn a median of $55,736 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $30,603 median debt. Davenport University admits about 98% of applicants.

11

Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
Angola, IN

Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus landed the #11 spot for value value this year. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Angola. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,176. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,787. Early-career value graduates make about $47,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted.

12

Franklin University
Columbus, OH

Franklin University placed #12 among the best values for value. Franklin University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Columbus. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,577. Students borrow a median of $35,890 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $57,471. Set against $35,890 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University placed #13 among the best values for value. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,310. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $55,226. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.