2026 Best Value Value Schools in Michigan

1

Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Our analysis ranked Oakland University the best value for a degree in value in Michigan. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,972. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Oakland University generally make around $55,254. Set against $25,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

2

University Of Michigan Flint
Flint, MI

University Of Michigan Flint is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Michigan Flint is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Flint. Students from in state pay about $14,236 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,790 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $31,016. Value graduates of University Of Michigan Flint earn a median of $62,493 early in their careers. Set against $31,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Flint admits about 70% of applicants.

3

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wayne State University earned it the #3 place for value. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. Typical student debt for value graduates is $30,750. Early-career value graduates make about $50,539. That is a strong return on a $30,750 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

4

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

A rank of #4 makes Central Michigan University one of the best values for value. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Typical student debt for value graduates is $27,500. Early-career value graduates make about $56,767. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants.

5

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Michigan University earned it the #5 place for value. Eastern Michigan University is a large public school located in the suburb of Ypsilanti. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Value graduates carry a median of $28,781 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $60,337. That is a strong return on a $28,781 median debt. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants.

6

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $25,697 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Grand Valley State University generally make around $46,843. That is a strong return on a $25,697 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.

7

Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI

Northern Michigan University placed #7 among the best values for value. Set in the town of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,322, with out-of-state students paying around $19,944. Students borrow a median of $22,608 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Northern Michigan University earn a median of $40,508 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,608 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.

8

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. 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 $58,501. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.