2026 Best Child development Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL

No school ranked higher than Olivet Nazarene University this year for child development. Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Bourbonnais. Olivet Nazarene University graduates 61% of students within six years. Olivet Nazarene University awarded about 12 child development degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their child development degree from Olivet Nazarene University earn around $48,505 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in child development from Olivet Nazarene University

2

College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

Students looking for a strong child development program will find one at College Of Dupage, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public university. There were roughly 18 child development students who graduated with this degree at College Of Dupage in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, child development degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $43,025. Typical student debt for the program is $12,492. Read more about the child development program at College Of Dupage

3

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Students looking for a strong child development program will find one at Central Michigan University, which ranked #3. Central Michigan University is a large public school located in the town of Mount Pleasant. Central Michigan University graduates 59% of students within six years. There were roughly 44 child development students who graduated with this degree at Central Michigan University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their child development degree from Central Michigan University earn around $35,318 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,209. See the full child development program report for Central Michigan University

4

Erikson Institute
Chicago, IL

Erikson Institute is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in child development, ranking #4. Located in the city of Chicago, Erikson Institute is a small private not-for-profit university. Erikson Institute awarded about 34 child development degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, child development degree recipients from Erikson Institute generally make around $52,727. Get the full child development details for Erikson Institute

5

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

A rank of #5 makes Western Michigan University one of the top schools for child development. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. There were roughly 29 child development students who graduated with this degree at Western Michigan University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their child development degree from Western Michigan University earn around $35,209 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $29,539. More information about a degree in child development from Western Michigan University

6

Schoolcraft College
Livonia, MI

Schoolcraft College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best child development schools. Located in the city of Livonia, Schoolcraft College is a large public university. Schoolcraft College awarded about 23 child development degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the child development program make about $46,283 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $15,677 to complete this degree. Read more about the child development program at Schoolcraft College

7

Northwestern Michigan College
Traverse City, MI

Northwestern Michigan College landed the #7 spot for child development this year. This mid-sized public university is located in the city of Traverse City. Northwestern Michigan College graduates 53% of students within six years. There were roughly 11 child development students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern Michigan College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the child development program make about $49,210 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,694. Get the full child development details for Northwestern Michigan College

8

University Of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #8 for child development this year. This large public university is located in the city of Akron. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. There were roughly 13 child development students who graduated with this degree at University Of Akron Main Campus in the most recent data year. Child Development graduates of University Of Akron Main Campus earn a median of $30,835 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the child development program at University Of Akron Main Campus

9

Baker College Of Flint
Owosso, MI

Baker College Of Flint landed the #9 spot for child development this year. Set in the town of Owosso, Baker College Of Flint is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 30% of students finish within six years. Baker College Of Flint awarded about 24 child development degrees in the most recent data year. Child Development graduates of Baker College Of Flint earn a median of $29,526 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $33,250 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in child development from Baker College Of Flint