2026 Best Value Elementary & Middle School Administration/Principalship Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Ohio State University Marion Campus
Marion, OH

Ohio State University Marion Campus tops our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools in the Great Lakes Region. Ohio State University Marion Campus is a small public school located in the town of Marion. Students from in state pay about $9,488 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,266. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Early-career elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates make about $36,487. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Ohio State University Lima Campus
Lima, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio State University Lima Campus earned it the #2 place for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Ohio State University Lima Campus is a small public school located in the rural area of Lima. In-state tuition and fees average $9,488, with out-of-state students paying around $36,266. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Ohio State University Lima Campus earn a median of $36,487 early in their careers. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Ohio State University Newark Campus
Newark, OH

Ohio State University Newark Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in elementary & middle school administration/principalship, landing the #3 spot this year. Ohio State University Newark Campus is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Newark. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,488, with out-of-state students paying around $36,266. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Early-career elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates make about $36,487. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt.

4

Ball State University
Muncie, IN

A rank of #4 makes Ball State University one of the best values for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Set in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $24,518. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from Ball State University generally make around $63,782. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants.

5

Ohio State University Mansfield Campus
Mansfield, OH

Ohio State University Mansfield Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools. Ohio State University Mansfield Campus is a small public school located in the rural area of Mansfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,488, with out-of-state students paying around $36,266. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $23,000. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Ohio State University Mansfield Campus earn a median of $36,487 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt.

6

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for elementary & middle school administration/principalship value this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $23,000. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $36,487 early in their careers. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

7

Concordia University Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

Concordia University Ann Arbor ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools. Concordia University Ann Arbor is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Ann Arbor. In-state tuition and fees average $35,410. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $27,584 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from Concordia University Ann Arbor generally make around $54,043. Set against $27,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.