2027 Best Value Public Policy Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

Our analysis ranked University Of Michigan Ann Arbor the best value for a degree in public policy in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete the public policy program here. Early-career public policy graduates make about $62,481. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%.

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

Students looking for strong value in public policy will find it at University Of Illinois At Chicago, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Students borrow a median of $17,000 to complete the public policy program here. Early-career public policy graduates make about $35,205. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

3

Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI

Michigan Technological University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value public policy schools. Located in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,800 to complete the public policy program here. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Michigan Technological University generally make around $64,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.

4

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Students looking for strong value in public policy will find it at University Of Chicago, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Students borrow a median of $17,492 to complete the public policy program here. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from University Of Chicago generally make around $69,889. That is a strong return on a $17,492 median debt. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants.

5

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Students looking for strong value in public policy will find it at Ohio State University Main Campus, which ranked #5. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. Early-career public policy graduates make about $50,643. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value public policy schools. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete the public policy program here. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $63,862. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

7

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University earned the #7 position for value in public policy this year. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $26,337. Early-career public policy graduates make about $47,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.

8

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University came in at #8 for value in public policy this year. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Public Policy graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $48,558 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.

9

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University placed #9 among the best values for public policy. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $25,340 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $52,749. That is a strong return on a $25,340 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.