2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Leading the list is Youngstown State University, our #1 best value for value in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Value graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $49,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

2

University Of Michigan Flint
Flint, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Michigan Flint earned it the #2 place for value. Set in the city of Flint, University Of Michigan Flint is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,236, compared with $27,790 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $31,016. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Michigan Flint generally make around $51,692. Set against $31,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

3

Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Purdue University Global, which ranked #3. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Global is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,101, with out-of-state students paying around $14,412. Value graduates carry a median of $36,778 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $54,278. That is a strong return on a $36,778 median debt.

4

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. 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. Value graduates of University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of $46,561 early in their careers. Set against $26,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants.

5

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Chicago earned it the #5 place for value. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $81,002 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

6

Franklin University
Columbus, OH

Franklin University earned the #6 position for value in value this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Franklin University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,577. Typical student debt for value graduates is $35,890. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Franklin University generally make around $57,471. That is a strong return on a $35,890 median debt.

7

Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

Butler University landed the #7 spot for value value this year. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Butler University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,560. Value graduates carry a median of $25,351 in student loans. Value graduates of Butler University earn a median of $68,222 early in their careers. Set against $25,351 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Butler University admits about 85% of applicants.