2026 Best Value Fishing & Fisheries Sciences & Management Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Hocking College
Nelsonville, OH

Our analysis ranked Hocking College the best value for a degree in fishing & fisheries sciences & management in the Great Lakes Region. Hocking College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Nelsonville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,646, compared with $10,290 for out-of-state students. Fishing & Fisheries Sciences & Management graduates carry a median of $16,535 in student loans. Early-career fishing & fisheries sciences & management graduates make about $37,713. Set against $16,535 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fishing & fisheries sciences & management, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Stevens Point. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Typical student debt for fishing & fisheries sciences & management graduates is $21,399. Fishing & Fisheries Sciences & Management graduates of University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point earn a median of $42,297 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,399 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants.

3

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Students looking for strong value in fishing & fisheries sciences & management will find it at Purdue University Main Campus, which ranked #3. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the fishing & fisheries sciences & management program here. Soon after graduation, fishing & fisheries sciences & management degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $31,317. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.

4

Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste Marie, MI

A rank of #4 makes Lake Superior State University one of the best values for fishing & fisheries sciences & management. Located in the town of Sault Ste Marie, Lake Superior State University is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,890. Fishing & Fisheries Sciences & Management graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Early-career fishing & fisheries sciences & management graduates make about $34,729. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI

Northern Michigan University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value fishing & fisheries sciences & management schools. Set in the town of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,322, with out-of-state students paying around $19,944. Typical student debt for fishing & fisheries sciences & management graduates is $26,875. Fishing & Fisheries Sciences & Management graduates of Northern Michigan University earn a median of $31,386 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,875 median debt. Northern Michigan University admits about 84% of applicants.