2026 Best Value International/Global Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

Leading the list is University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, our #1 best value for international/global studies in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. International/global Studies graduates carry a median of $15,053 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international/global studies degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $44,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%.

2

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value international/global studies schools. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. International/global Studies graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. Early-career international/global studies graduates make about $52,123. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

Students looking for strong value in international/global studies will find it at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,628 to complete the international/global studies program here. Early-career international/global studies graduates make about $30,438. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

4

Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Purdue University Global earned it the #4 place for international/global studies. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Global is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,101 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,412. Typical student debt for international/global studies graduates is $36,778. Early-career international/global studies graduates make about $54,278. Set against $36,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison is a great value for students pursuing a degree in international/global studies, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical student debt for international/global studies graduates is $20,469. International/global Studies graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $40,594 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,469 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

6

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #6 for value in international/global studies this year. Set in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical student debt for international/global studies graduates is $26,738. International/global Studies graduates of University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of $31,433 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

7

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #7 among the best values for international/global studies. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical student debt for international/global studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career international/global studies graduates make about $38,410. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

8

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value international/global studies schools. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the international/global studies program here. International/global Studies graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $32,147 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

9

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #9 for value in international/global studies this year. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the town of Bowling Green. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the international/global studies program here. Early-career international/global studies graduates make about $29,013. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.

10

University Of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame earned the #10 position for value in international/global studies this year. University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Notre Dame. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,891 to complete the international/global studies program here. International/global Studies graduates of University Of Notre Dame earn a median of $69,362 early in their careers. Set against $19,891 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

11

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value international/global studies schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for international/global studies graduates is $23,989. Soon after graduation, international/global studies degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $41,636. Set against $23,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

12

University Of Dayton
Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton came in at #12 for value in international/global studies this year. Located in the city of Dayton, University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Typical student debt for international/global studies graduates is $24,199. Early-career international/global studies graduates make about $32,994. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants.

13

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago earned the #13 position for value in international/global studies 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 international/global studies graduates is $23,521. Early-career international/global studies graduates make about $58,568. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

14

Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University earned the #14 position for value in international/global studies this year. Case Western Reserve University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cleveland. In-state tuition and fees average $66,608. Students borrow a median of $25,106 to complete the international/global studies program here. Soon after graduation, international/global studies degree recipients from Case Western Reserve University generally make around $74,459. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.