College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2027 Best Value Value Schools in the Great Lakes Region

6 Colleges in the United States
$24,605 Avg Student Debt
$63,858 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Value Badge [Value](/majors/engineering/electrical-and-computer-engineering/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.

For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find the best return on investment for value students.

What’s on this page:

2027 Best Value Value Schools in the Great Lakes Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Value Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Michigan Ann Arbor the best value for a degree in value in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical student debt for value graduates is $19,137. Early-career value graduates make about $66,254. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%.

2

A rank of #2 makes Michigan Technological University one of the best values for value. Located in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Value graduates carry a median of $25,800 in student loans. 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. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned it the #3 place for value. Set in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville generally make around $54,302. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants.

4

A rank of #4 makes Eastern Michigan University one of the best values for value. Set in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Students borrow a median of $28,781 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Eastern Michigan University earn a median of $47,887 early in their careers. Set against $28,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants.

5

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Wisconsin Stout, which ranked #5. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Menomonie. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,821 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of Wisconsin Stout earn a median of $54,235 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,821 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

6

Miami University Oxford came in at #6 for value in value this year. Set in the town of Oxford, Miami University Oxford is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,519, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Students borrow a median of $24,177 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Miami University Oxford generally make around $49,700. That is a strong return on a $24,177 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

Narrow Value Schools by State

View All Value Rankings >

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options