2026 Best Value Public Policy Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned the #1 spot for value among public policy schools in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $21,000. Early-career public policy graduates make about $62,481. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

2

Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI

Students looking for strong value in public policy will find it at Michigan Technological University, which ranked #2. Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Houghton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Students borrow a median of $25,800 to complete the public policy program here. Public Policy graduates of Michigan Technological University earn a median of $64,652 early in their careers. Set against $25,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value public policy schools. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Early-career public policy graduates make about $35,205. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

4

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value public policy schools. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $21,813. Early-career public policy graduates make about $63,862. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.

5

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

A rank of #5 makes Ohio State University Main Campus one of the best values for public policy. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,500 to complete the public policy program here. Early-career public policy graduates make about $50,643. That is a strong return on a $14,500 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago placed #6 among the best values for public policy. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $17,492 in student loans. Early-career public policy graduates make about $69,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

7

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University earned the #7 position for value in public policy this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $26,337. Early-career public policy graduates make about $47,909. That is a strong return on a $26,337 median debt. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.

8

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University landed the #8 spot for public policy value this year. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $48,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.

9

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University landed the #9 spot for public policy value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete the public policy program here. Public Policy graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $52,749 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.