2023 Best Value Colleges for Environmental Studies (Income $48-$75k) in the Great Lakes Region
23
Ranked Colleges
1,381
Degrees Awarded
It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking is part of that endeavor.
In 2020-2021, 9,899 people earned their degree in environmental studies, making the major the 87th most popular in the United States.
Across the Great Lakes region, there were 1,381 environmental studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.
This year’s “Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking looked at 23 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in environmental studies. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality environmental studies programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.
When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the environmental studies program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.
We’ve created a tool called College Combat that lets you create your own customized comparisons based on the factors that matter the most to you. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.
Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k
The colleges and universities below are the best for great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
Top 23 Best Value Colleges for Environmental Studies (Income $48-$75k) in the Great Lakes Region
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k. Ann Arbor, Michigan is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s ecosystem studies degrees to 142 students in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at U-M, the school also landed the #1 spot in our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is $10,481 for great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
With a freshman retention rate of 96%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Read full report on Environmental Studies at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Wisconsin - Madison. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k. University of Wisconsin - Madison is a large school located in Madison, Wisconsin that handed out 338 ’s ecosystem studies degrees in 2020-2021.
UW - Madison not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #2 on our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. It costs about $10,364 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend UW - Madison.
Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 95%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Environmental Studies at University of Wisconsin - Madison
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Indiana University - Bloomington. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in Bloomington, Indiana, this large public school handed out 52 degrees to qualified ’s ecosystem studies students in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at IU Bloomington, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $12,369 for great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Indiana University - Bloomington.
With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Environmental Studies at IU Bloomington
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k. UW - Green Bay is a medium-sized school located in Green Bay, Wisconsin that handed out 13 ’s ecosystem studies degrees in 2020-2021.
UW - Green Bay did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #6 on our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of Wisconsin - Green Bay is $13,258 for great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
Read full report on Environmental Studies at University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Illinois at Springfield. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. UIS is a small school located in Springfield, Illinois that handed out 14 ’s ecosystem studies degrees in 2020-2021.
UIS also made our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #19. The estimated yearly cost for UIS is $11,492 for great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Full UIS Environmental Studies Report
Central Michigan University ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 24 ’s ecosystem studies degrees to qualified students.
Central Michigan also made our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #11. It costs about $15,720 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Central Michigan University.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full Central Michigan University Environmental Studies Report
Grand Valley State University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in Allendale, Michigan, this large public school handed out 11 degrees to qualified ’s ecosystem studies students in 2020-2021.
GVSU also made our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #10. It costs about $15,277 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Grand Valley State University.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Full Grand Valley State University Environmental Studies Report
Northern Michigan University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #8. Northern Michigan University is a medium-sized public school situated in Marquette, Michigan. It awarded 27 ’s ecosystem studies degrees in 2020-2021.
Northern Michigan University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. It costs about $16,017 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Northern Michigan University.
Read more about Environmental Studies at Northern Michigan University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #9 spot on the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in Carbondale, Illinois, this fairly large public school handed out 16 diplomas to qualified ’s ecosystem studies students in 2020-2021.
SIUC also made our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #20. It costs about $14,499 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend SIUC.
Full Southern Illinois University Carbondale Environmental Studies Report
With a ranking of #10, Michigan State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. East Lansing, Michigan is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s ecosystem studies degrees to 66 students in 2020-2021.
Michigan State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Michigan State is $20,557 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Read more about Environmental Studies at Michigan State University
University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and it awarded 14 ’s ecosystem studies degrees in 2020-2021.
UW Oshkosh not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #22 on our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. It costs about $14,157 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend UW Oshkosh.
Full UW Oshkosh Environmental Studies Report
Cleveland State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #12. Cleveland State University is located in Cleveland, Ohio and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 15 ’s ecosystem studies degrees to qualified students.
Cleveland State University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #18 on our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Cleveland State University is $18,468 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
Full Cleveland State University Environmental Studies Report
Denison University landed the #13 spot on the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Granville, Ohio is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s ecosystem studies degrees to 23 students in 2020-2021.
Denison did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Denison University is $18,607 for great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.
Read more about Environmental Studies at Denison University
With a ranking of #14, Augustana College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Augustana College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Rock Island, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 20 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at Augustana, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $19,064 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Augustana.
Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Environmental Studies at Augustana College
With a ranking of #15, Kent State University at Kent did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in Kent, Ohio, this large public school awarded 33 degrees to qualified ’s ecosystem studies students in 2020-2021.
Kent State also took the #16 spot in our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $19,508 for great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Kent State University at Kent.
Full Kent State University at Kent Environmental Studies Report
University of Cincinnati - Main Campus landed the #16 spot on the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Cincinnati, Ohio is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s ecosystem studies degrees to 49 students in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k list, UC has also earned the #14 rank in our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $20,867 for great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend UC.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 88%.
Read full report on Environmental Studies at UC
Oberlin College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #17. Oberlin is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Oberlin, Ohio. It awarded 26 ’s ecosystem studies degrees in 2020-2021.
Oberlin also made our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #8. The yearly cost to attend Oberlin is $21,401 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full Oberlin College Environmental Studies Report
With a ranking of #18, Eastern Michigan University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. This fairly large school is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and it awarded 19 ’s ecosystem studies degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k list, Eastern Michigan has also earned the #24 rank in our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Eastern Michigan is $14,547 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
Read more about Environmental Studies at Eastern Michigan
Northern Illinois University ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in Dekalb, Illinois, this fairly large public school handed out 31 diplomas to qualified ’s ecosystem studies students in 2020-2021.
NIU also made our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #23. The estimated yearly cost for NIU is $13,778 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
Read more about Environmental Studies at Northern Illinois University
Lake Forest College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #20. Lake Forest is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Lake Forest, Illinois. It awarded 15 ’s ecosystem studies degrees in 2020-2021.
Lake Forest did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #13 on our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Lake Forest College is $19,318 for great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full Lake Forest College Environmental Studies Report
Ohio University - Athens Campus ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Ohio University - Athens Campus is a public institution located in Athens, Ohio. The school has a large population, and it awarded 56 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
OHIO Athens also took the #21 spot in our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for OHIO Athens is $23,509 for Great Lakes Region Ecosystem Studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
Read full report on Environmental Studies at Ohio University - Athens Campus
With a ranking of #22, DePaul University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s ecosystem studies degrees to 14 students in 2020-2021.
DePaul also made our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #15. It costs about $28,577 for great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend DePaul.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Full DePaul Environmental Studies Report
Loyola University Chicago landed the #23 spot on the 2023 Best Value Ecosystem Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 16 ’s ecosystem studies degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k list, Loyola Chicago has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best Environmental Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Loyola Chicago is $32,229 for great lakes region ecosystem studies students whose families make $48-$75k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Read more about Environmental Studies at Loyola Chicago
Focus on a Specific Degree Level
Switch to a More General Major
Switch to a Similar Major
Switch to a Different Ranking Method
Notes and References
References
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.
Read more about our data sources and methodologies
- *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
- Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.
Credits
- Credit for the banner image above goes to Lynn Betts.
college factual
(NRCS_Photo_Gallery).jpg){kind=link}