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Best Value Teaching Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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2023 Best Value Teaching Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

144 Schools Ranked
$15,374 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$27,218 Avg Student Debt*

There are so many teaching programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

The Best Value Teaching Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking is one of many tools that Teaching Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 144 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best value experiences for teaching students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

Top Value Teaching Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

265 Total Awards
$15,240 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Southern Illinois University Carbondale the best value school in the Great Lakes Region for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree. SIUC is a fairly large public school situated in Carbondale, Illinois. It awarded 265 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

SIUC undergraduate students pay an average of $15,240 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,761 in student loans.

SIUC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 43% took at least some of their classes online.

SIUC also made our Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list, coming in at #3.

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#2

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan
317 Total Awards
$13,094 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,288 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Central Michigan University. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Central Michigan is a public institution located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 317 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Central Michigan undergraduate students pay an average of $13,094 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,288 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Central Michigan does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 36% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Central Michigan University Report

#3

University of Wisconsin - Stout

Menomonie, Wisconsin
121 Total Awards
$17,820 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at University of Wisconsin - Stout helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value teaching schools in the Great Lakes Region . Menomonie, Wisconsin is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 121 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UW - Stout are $17,820 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $24,863 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at UW - Stout, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 86% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

UW - Stout also made our Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list, coming in at #4.

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#4

University of Wisconsin - River Falls

River Falls, Wisconsin
197 Total Awards
$15,661 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at University of Wisconsin - River Falls helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best value teaching schools in the Great Lakes Region . UW - River Falls is located in River Falls, Wisconsin and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 197 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

UW - River Falls undergraduate students pay an average of $15,661 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $24,659 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UW - River Falls. In fact, around 98% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

UW - River Falls excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - River Falls

113 Total Awards
$11,496 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,579 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a great place for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree who want the most bang for their educational buck. SIUE is a fairly large public school situated in Edwardsville, Illinois. It awarded 113 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

SIUE undergraduate students pay an average of $11,496 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,579 in loans while pursuing their degree.

SIUE does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#6

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

Oshkosh, Wisconsin
201 Total Awards
$15,306 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,363 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. This fairly large public school is located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and it awarded 201 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UW Oshkosh are $15,306 per year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $24,363 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UW Oshkosh. In fact, around 64% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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#7

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
185 Total Awards
$17,149 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree teaching programs. This fairly large public school is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and it awarded 185 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UW - Eau Claire undergraduate students pay an average of $17,149 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $22,216 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UW - Eau Claire. In 2019-2020 about 81% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, UW - Eau Claire also did well on our Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Full University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Report

#8

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
227 Total Awards
$14,738 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,759 Avg Student Debt

Northern Illinois University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. NIU is located in Dekalb, Illinois and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 227 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at NIU are $14,738 per year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,759 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at NIU. In 2019-2020 about 4% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Northern Illinois University Report

#9

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin
160 Total Awards
$18,014 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse is a fairly large public school located in La Crosse, Wisconsin that handed out 160 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UW - La Crosse undergraduate students pay an average of $18,014 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $22,366 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UW - La Crosse. In fact, around 98% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, UW - La Crosse also is in the top 15% of our Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking.

Full University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Report

#9

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, Michigan
76 Total Awards
$13,188 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,526 Avg Student Debt

Ferris State University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree teaching programs. Ferris State University is a fairly large public school located in Big Rapids, Michigan that handed out 76 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Ferris are $13,188 per year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $27,526 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Ferris does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 83% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Ferris State University Report

#9

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, Ohio
151 Total Awards
$9,732 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,959 Avg Student Debt

Youngstown State University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree teaching programs. This fairly large public school is located in Youngstown, Ohio, and it awarded 151 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Youngstown State University undergraduate students pay an average of $9,732 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $28,959 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Youngstown State University does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 58% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Youngstown State University Report

#12

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois
122 Total Awards
$14,551 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,733 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Illinois University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree teaching programs. EIU is located in Charleston, Illinois and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 122 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at EIU are $14,551 per year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $23,733 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at EIU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 60% took at least some of their classes online.

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#13

University of Wisconsin - Platteville

Platteville, Wisconsin
74 Total Awards
$16,483 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #13, University of Wisconsin - Platteville did quite well on this year’s best value schools for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree. UW - Platteville is located in Platteville, Wisconsin and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 74 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UW - Platteville are $16,483 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $22,551 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UW - Platteville does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 93% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Platteville

#14

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois
85 Total Awards
$13,297 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,617 Avg Student Debt

Western Illinois University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. WIU is located in Macomb, Illinois and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 85 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at WIU are $13,297 per year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $28,617 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

WIU does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 91% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#15

University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Whitewater, Wisconsin
302 Total Awards
$16,602 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,228 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Whitewater came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. UW - Whitewater is a public institution located in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 302 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UW - Whitewater are $16,602 a year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,228 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UW - Whitewater does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 92% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

#16

University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

Stevens Point, Wisconsin
214 Total Awards
$17,035 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,570 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point is a medium-sized public school located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin that handed out 214 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UW - Stevens Point are $17,035 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $24,570 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UW - Stevens Point. In 2019-2020 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#17

National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois
179 Total Awards
$14,169 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,416 Avg Student Debt

National Louis University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for teaching students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #17 on the list. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 179 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

NLU undergraduate students pay an average of $14,169 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $29,416 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at NLU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 50% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on National Louis University

172 Total Awards
$11,880 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,186 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, University of Akron Main Campus did quite well on this year’s best value schools for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree. University of Akron Main Campus is a public institution located in Akron, Ohio. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 172 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

University of Akron Main Campus undergraduate students pay an average of $11,880 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $27,186 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since University of Akron Main Campus does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 94% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Akron Main Campus

#19

Baker College

Owosso, Michigan
22 Total Awards
$12,420 Average Tuition & Fees
$36,699 Avg Student Debt

Baker College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Baker College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Owosso, Michigan. It awarded 22 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Baker College undergraduate students pay an average of $12,420 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $36,699 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Baker College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 68% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Baker College Report

#20

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan
163 Total Awards
$16,768 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,986 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Western Michigan University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the fairly large public school handed out 163 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at WMU are $16,768 per year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $27,986 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at WMU. During the 2019-2020 year, about 97% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#21

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, Michigan
242 Total Awards
$15,500 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,932 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Eastern Michigan University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree. Eastern Michigan is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 242 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Eastern Michigan undergraduate students pay an average of $15,500 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $29,932 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Eastern Michigan does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 98% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Eastern Michigan University Report

#22

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois
767 Total Awards
$24,172 Average Tuition & Fees

Illinois State University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Illinois State is located in Normal, Illinois and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 767 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Illinois State undergraduate students pay an average of $24,172 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,109 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Illinois State. In 2019-2020 about 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, Illinois State also did well on our Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. It’s in the top 10% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Full Illinois State University Report

#23

Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, Indiana
143 Total Awards
$21,265 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,602 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Purdue University Fort Wayne did quite well on this year’s best value schools for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree. This medium-sized public school is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and it awarded 143 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at PFW are $21,265 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $25,602 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at PFW. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 64% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Purdue University Fort Wayne

#23

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, Michigan
332 Total Awards
$19,628 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,625 Avg Student Debt

Grand Valley State University landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree teaching programs. GVSU is a large public school situated in Allendale, Michigan. It awarded 332 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

GVSU undergraduate students pay an average of $19,628 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $25,625 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at GVSU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 94% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#25

Chicago State University

Chicago, Illinois
16 Total Awards
$11,204 Average Tuition & Fees
$38,261 Avg Student Debt

Chicago State University landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree teaching programs. CSU is a public institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 16 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at CSU are $11,204 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $38,261 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

CSU does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 57% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Chicago State University Report

View Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best teaching schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, IN
27 Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL
28 Indiana University - Southeast New Albany, IN
29 Indiana University - South Bend South Bend, IN

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

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%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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