2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Green Bay, WI

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Green Bay, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $24,477 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Green Bay generally make around $42,853. That is a strong return on a $24,477 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

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 value. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Students borrow a median of $19,137 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $66,254. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%.

3

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earned it the #3 place for value. Located in the city of Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Value graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $50,590. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Value graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $57,461. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.

5

Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Michigan Technological University earned it the #5 place for value. Set in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,800. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Michigan Technological University generally make around $64,652. Set against $25,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #6 for value in value this year. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Value graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Value 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. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

7

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
La Crosse, WI

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #7 for value in value this year. Set in the city of La Crosse, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Value graduates carry a median of $23,551 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $49,223. That is a strong return on a $23,551 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #8 spot for value value this year. Set in the city of Eau Claire, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Typical student debt for value graduates is $22,574. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire generally make around $49,911. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants.

9

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University earned the #9 position for value in value this year. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Typical student debt for value graduates is $26,378. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Grand Valley State University generally make around $50,179. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants.

10

Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Lewis University came in at #10 for value in value this year. Set in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,200. Value graduates carry a median of $24,838 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $55,718. Set against $24,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lewis University admits about 71% of applicants.

11

University Of Toledo
Toledo, OH

University Of Toledo came in at #11 for value in value this year. University Of Toledo is a large public school located in the city of Toledo. In-state tuition and fees average $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $24,923 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $52,675. That is a strong return on a $24,923 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

12

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent landed the #12 spot for value value this year. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $44,776. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

13

Bradley University
Peoria, IL

Bradley University came in at #13 for value in value this year. Set in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,160 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $26,380. Value graduates of Bradley University earn a median of $54,513 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

14

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University landed the #14 spot for value value this year. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Value graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Value graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $78,551 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%.

15

John Carroll University
University Heights, OH

John Carroll University came in at #15 for value in value this year. Located in the suburb of University Heights, John Carroll University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $50,500 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $26,131 in student loans. Value graduates of John Carroll University earn a median of $44,308 early in their careers. Set against $26,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

16

Denison University
Granville, OH

Denison University placed #16 among the best values for value. Located in the suburb of Granville, Denison University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $67,000 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,360 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Denison University earn a median of $39,797 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Denison University admits about 17% of applicants.

17

Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University came in at #17 for value in value this year. Located in the city of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,608. Students borrow a median of $25,106 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Case Western Reserve University generally make around $74,459. That is a strong return on a $25,106 median debt. Case Western Reserve University admits about 36% of applicants.