2026 Best Value Business Management & Marketing Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL

Our analysis ranked Eastern Illinois University the best value for a degree in business management & marketing in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Students borrow a median of $24,293 to complete the business management & marketing program here. Business Management & Marketing graduates of Eastern Illinois University earn a median of $43,603 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Wisconsin Stout
Menomonie, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stout is a great value for students pursuing a degree in business management & marketing, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Menomonie, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the business management & marketing program here. Business Management & Marketing graduates of University Of Wisconsin Stout earn a median of $43,266 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants.

3

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

A rank of #3 makes Michigan State University one of the best values for business management & marketing. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Business Management & Marketing graduates carry a median of $25,213 in student loans. Soon after graduation, business management & marketing degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $54,166. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

4

Aquinas College Michigan
Grand Rapids, MI

Aquinas College Michigan is a great value for students pursuing a degree in business management & marketing, landing the #4 spot this year. Aquinas College Michigan is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Grand Rapids. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,218. Students borrow a median of $25,925 to complete the business management & marketing program here. Early-career business management & marketing graduates make about $59,820. Set against $25,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

5

Benedictine University
Lisle, IL

Benedictine University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value business management & marketing schools. Benedictine University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lisle. Students from in state pay about $32,648 in tuition and fees. Business Management & Marketing graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, business management & marketing degree recipients from Benedictine University generally make around $56,194. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.

6

University Of Dayton
Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value business management & marketing schools. University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dayton. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete the business management & marketing program here. Soon after graduation, business management & marketing degree recipients from University Of Dayton generally make around $56,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants.

7

Kettering University
Flint, MI

Kettering University came in at #7 for value in business management & marketing this year. Set in the city of Flint, Kettering University is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,425. Typical student debt for business management & marketing graduates is $28,913. Business Management & Marketing graduates of Kettering University earn a median of $111,776 early in their careers. Set against $28,913 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

8

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago came in at #8 for value in business management & marketing this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for business management & marketing graduates is $24,635. Business Management & Marketing graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $58,568 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,635 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.