2026 Best Value Jazz Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

Our analysis ranked University Of Illinois At Chicago the best value for a degree in jazz studies in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $61,829. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

2

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

A rank of #2 makes University Of Michigan Ann Arbor one of the best values for jazz studies. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $19,397 in student loans. Jazz Studies graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $29,641 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,397 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

3

Millikin University
Decatur, IL

Millikin University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Millikin University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Decatur. Students from in state pay about $26,792 in tuition and fees. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $26,996 in student loans. Jazz Studies graduates of Millikin University earn a median of $58,852 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Millikin University admits about 67% of applicants.

4

Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Students looking for strong value in jazz studies will find it at Youngstown State University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $26,373. Jazz Studies graduates of Youngstown State University earn a median of $34,657 early in their careers. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

Students looking for strong value in jazz studies will find it at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #5. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $24,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $25,536. That is a strong return on a $24,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

6

Ball State University
Muncie, IN

Ball State University placed #6 among the best values for jazz studies. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $24,518. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $47,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

7

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #7 for value in jazz studies this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the jazz studies program here. Jazz Studies graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $35,209 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%.

8

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University came in at #8 for value in jazz studies this year. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $27,361. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.

9

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #9 among the best values for jazz studies. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the jazz studies program here. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $40,570. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

10

Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL

Roosevelt University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Roosevelt University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,315. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $27,750. Jazz Studies graduates of Roosevelt University earn a median of $50,101 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

11

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus earned the #11 position for value in jazz studies this year. Located in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $27,000. Jazz Studies graduates of Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of $27,559 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants.

12

Capital University
Columbus, OH

Capital University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Located in the suburb of Columbus, Capital University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $43,234. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $46,516. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%.

13

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University earned the #13 position for value in jazz studies this year. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $18,166 in student loans. Jazz Studies graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $28,057 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.

14

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University earned the #14 position for value in jazz studies this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,334 to complete the jazz studies program here. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $22,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.

15

Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

Butler University earned the #15 position for value in jazz studies this year. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Butler University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $47,560. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $24,170. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $68,222. That is a strong return on a $24,170 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

16

Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH

Oberlin College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Oberlin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Oberlin. Students from in state pay about $67,366 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,200 to complete the jazz studies program here. Jazz Studies graduates of Oberlin College earn a median of $17,141 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 34%.