2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in the Great Lakes Region. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public school located in the suburb of Edwardsville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn a median of $54,302 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical student debt for value graduates is $19,137. Value graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $66,254 early in their careers. Set against $19,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

3

Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI

Michigan Technological University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Students borrow a median of $25,800 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Michigan Technological University generally make around $64,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.

4

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Michigan University earned it the #4 place for value. Eastern Michigan University is a large public school located in the suburb of Ypsilanti. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Value graduates carry a median of $28,781 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Eastern Michigan University generally make around $47,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Wisconsin Stout
Menomonie, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stout is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Menomonie. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,821 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stout generally make around $54,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.