2026 Best Value Other Social Work Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Dominican University
River Forest, IL

Our analysis ranked Dominican University the best value for a degree in other social work in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the suburb of River Forest, Dominican University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,828 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for other social work graduates is $26,236. Early-career other social work graduates make about $45,546. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other social work, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other social work graduates is $29,610. Other Social Work graduates of University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of $46,561 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of St Francis
Joliet, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of St Francis earned it the #3 place for other social work. Located in the suburb of Joliet, University Of St Francis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $38,110. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the other social work program here. Other Social Work graduates of University Of St Francis earn a median of $70,918 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

4

Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN

Students looking for strong value in other social work will find it at Indiana Wesleyan University, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,352. Other Social Work graduates carry a median of $41,903 in student loans. Other Social Work graduates of Indiana Wesleyan University earn a median of $48,907 early in their careers. Set against $41,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana Wesleyan University admits about 89% of applicants.

5

Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI

A rank of #5 makes Marquette University one of the best values for other social work. Located in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Other Social Work graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Early-career other social work graduates make about $37,494. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

6

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago earned the #6 position for value in other social work this year. Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Typical student debt for other social work graduates is $21,133. Other Social Work graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $51,834 early in their careers. Set against $21,133 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.