2026 Best Value General Public Policy Analysis Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

Our analysis ranked University Of Michigan Ann Arbor the best value for a degree in general public policy analysis in the Great Lakes Region. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. General Public Policy Analysis graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $62,481 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Illinois At Chicago earned it the #2 place for general public policy analysis. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general public policy analysis degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $35,205. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

3

Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Michigan Technological University earned it the #3 place for general public policy analysis. Set in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $25,800 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general public policy analysis 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.

4

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general public policy analysis, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Early-career general public policy analysis graduates make about $63,862. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%.

5

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general public policy analysis, landing the #5 spot this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general public policy analysis graduates is $14,500. Early-career general public policy analysis graduates make about $50,643. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

6

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago landed the #6 spot for general public policy analysis value this year. 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. Typical student debt for general public policy analysis graduates is $17,492. General Public Policy Analysis graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $69,889 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.

7

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #7 among the best values for general public policy analysis. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $26,337 in student loans. General Public Policy Analysis graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $47,909 early in their careers. Set against $26,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

8

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University landed the #8 spot for general public policy analysis value this year. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete the general public policy analysis program here. Soon after graduation, general public policy analysis degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $48,558. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%.

9

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general public policy analysis schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Typical student debt for general public policy analysis graduates is $25,310. Early-career general public policy analysis graduates make about $52,749. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.