2026 Best Value Ecology 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 ecology schools in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Ecology graduates carry a median of $15,242 in student loans. Early-career ecology graduates make about $66,254. That is a strong return on a $15,242 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

2

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ecology, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ecology graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. Early-career ecology graduates make about $58,088. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

3

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Chicago earned it the #3 place for ecology. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Ecology graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Early-career ecology graduates make about $81,002. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants.

4

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

Students looking for strong value in ecology will find it at Kent State University At Kent, which ranked #4. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Students borrow a median of $25,174 to complete the ecology program here. Soon after graduation, ecology degree recipients from Kent State University At Kent generally make around $44,776. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

5

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ecology, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Ecology graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Ecology graduates of Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of $49,736 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.