2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
La Crosse, WI

Our analysis ranked University Of Wisconsin La Crosse the best value for a degree in value in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of La Crosse, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,551. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin La Crosse generally make around $49,223. Set against $23,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse admits about 76% of applicants.

2

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,917. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville generally make around $54,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

3

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

A rank of #3 makes Ohio State University Main Campus one of the best values for value. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $22,053 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $58,088 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

4

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,981 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $48,966. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

5

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Value graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Value graduates of Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of $49,736 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

6

Miami University Oxford
Oxford, OH

Miami University Oxford ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the town of Oxford, Miami University Oxford is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,519 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Value graduates carry a median of $24,177 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Miami University Oxford generally make around $49,700. That is a strong return on a $24,177 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.