2026 Best Value Conducting Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

For return on investment in conducting, no school beat University Of Michigan Ann Arbor this year. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Conducting graduates carry a median of $19,397 in student loans. Early-career conducting graduates make about $29,641. Set against $19,397 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI

A rank of #2 makes University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point one of the best values for conducting. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Stevens Point. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Typical student debt for conducting graduates is $24,850. Soon after graduation, conducting degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point generally make around $41,256. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.

3

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Students looking for strong value in conducting will find it at Central Michigan University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,975 to complete the conducting program here. Conducting graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $50,688 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,975 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

4

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value conducting schools. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the conducting program here. Soon after graduation, conducting degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $27,361. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

5

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kent State University At Kent earned it the #5 place for conducting. Set in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the conducting program here. Early-career conducting graduates make about $24,340. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

6

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus placed #6 among the best values for conducting. Set in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the conducting program here. Early-career conducting graduates make about $34,193. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.

7

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University earned the #7 position for value in conducting this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Conducting graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Conducting graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $40,570 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

8

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #8 spot for conducting value this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,946 to complete the conducting program here. Early-career conducting graduates make about $22,533. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

9

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University earned the #9 position for value in conducting 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. Typical student debt for conducting graduates is $18,166. Early-career conducting graduates make about $28,057. That is a strong return on a $18,166 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%.

10

Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

Butler University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value conducting schools. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Butler University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,560. Students borrow a median of $24,170 to complete the conducting program here. Conducting graduates of Butler University earn a median of $68,222 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Butler University admits about 85% of applicants.