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Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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2023 Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region

344 Schools Ranked
$42,686 Average Earnings
$23,047 Avg Student Debt

With all the teaching programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best 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 Most Popular Teaching 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. This report analyzed 344 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which ones were the most popular programs for teaching students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

American College of Education

Indianapolis, Indiana
3,997 Total Awards

Our 2023 rankings named American College of Education the most popular school in the Great Lakes Region for teaching students working on their degree. American College of Education is located in Indianapolis, Indiana and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,997 degrees to qualified students.

Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

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#2

Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana
2,554 Total Awards
$42,329 Average Earnings
$23,205 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Ball State University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular teaching schools in the Great Lakes Region . Located in Muncie, Indiana, the large public school awarded 2,554 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,205 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $267 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Ball State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,329 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Read full report on Ball State University

#3

National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois
1,158 Total Awards
$48,291 Average Earnings
$28,209 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend National Louis University. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. NLU is located in Chicago, Illinois and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,158 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $28,209 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $479, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from NLU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,291 during the early years of their career. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on National Louis University

#4

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana
1,035 Total Awards
$35,780 Average Earnings
$15,847 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Ivy Tech Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, the large public school handed out 1,035 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,847 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Ivy Tech Community College graduates make an average of $35,780 annually. Around 94% of those degree recipients were women.

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#5

Concordia University, Chicago

River Forest, Illinois
987 Total Awards
$53,770 Average Earnings
$26,522 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Concordia University, Chicago helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular teaching schools in the Great Lakes Region . Concordia University, Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution located in River Forest, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 987 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,522 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Concordia University, Chicago graduates make an average of $53,770 annually. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

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#6

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois
956 Total Awards
$44,092 Average Earnings
$21,109 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Illinois State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. This large public school is located in Normal, Illinois, and it awarded 956 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,109 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $312.After graduating from Illinois State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,092 during the early years of their career. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Illinois State University Report

864 Total Awards
$40,036 Average Earnings
$24,940 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Bowling Green State University - Main Campus did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. Bowling Green, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 864 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,940 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $323, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, BGSU graduates make an average of $40,036 annually. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Bowling Green State University - Main Campus

802 Total Awards
$38,945 Average Earnings
$26,694 Avg Student Debt

Kent State University at Kent came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. This large public school is located in Kent, Ohio, and it awarded 802 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Kent State accumulate an average of $26,694 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $281.After graduating from Kent State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,945 during the early years of their career. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

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#9

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
767 Total Awards
$47,302 Average Earnings
$24,447 Avg Student Debt

Michigan State University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Michigan State is a large public school situated in East Lansing, Michigan. It awarded 767 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,447 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $428 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Michigan State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,302 during the early years of their career. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Michigan State University Report

708 Total Awards
$49,016 Average Earnings
$24,329 Avg Student Debt

University of Cincinnati - Main Campus ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. UC is a large public school situated in Cincinnati, Ohio. It awarded 708 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,329 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $285 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,016 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

Read full report on University of Cincinnati - Main Campus

674 Total Awards
$49,871 Average Earnings
$22,340 Avg Student Debt

Ohio State University - Main Campus landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Ohio State University - Main Campus is a large public school located in Columbus, Ohio that handed out 674 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,340 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $272 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Ohio State graduates make an average of $49,871 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 72% were women.

Full Ohio State University - Main Campus Report

#12

Purdue University - Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana
653 Total Awards
$53,430 Average Earnings
$19,291 Avg Student Debt

Purdue University - Main Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #12 on the list. Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, the large public school awarded 653 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,291 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $358, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Purdue, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,430 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

Read full report on Purdue University - Main Campus

644 Total Awards
$45,584 Average Earnings
$22,883 Avg Student Debt

Ohio University - Athens Campus ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. This large public school is located in Athens, Ohio, and it awarded 644 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from OHIO Athens accumulate an average of $22,883 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $344. Once they receive their degree, OHIO Athens graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,584 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Read full report on Ohio University - Athens Campus

#14

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
630 Total Awards
$48,041 Average Earnings
$25,759 Avg Student Debt

Northern Illinois University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Northern Illinois University is a fairly large public school located in Dekalb, Illinois that handed out 630 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,759 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $216 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, NIU graduates make an average of $48,041 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.

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#15

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Madison, Wisconsin
613 Total Awards
$50,802 Average Earnings
$20,865 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Madison did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #15 on the list. University of Wisconsin - Madison is a large public school located in Madison, Wisconsin that handed out 613 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,865 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $336, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UW - Madison graduates make an average of $50,802 annually. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Wisconsin - Madison Report

#16

Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana
608 Total Awards
$44,025 Average Earnings
$19,851 Avg Student Debt

Indiana University - Bloomington did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #16 on the list. IU Bloomington is located in Bloomington, Indiana and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 608 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from IU Bloomington accumulate an average of $19,851 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $395. Once they receive their degree, IU Bloomington graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,025 during the early year of their career. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

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#17

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, Michigan
597 Total Awards
$43,501 Average Earnings
$25,527 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Grand Valley State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. GVSU is a large public school situated in Allendale, Michigan. It awarded 597 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from GVSU accumulate an average of $25,527 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $243, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, GVSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,501 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

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567 Total Awards
$53,270 Average Earnings
$18,891 Avg Student Debt

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Champaign, Illinois, the large public school handed out 567 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UIUC accumulate an average of $18,891 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $415. Once they receive their degree, UIUC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,270 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

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#19

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, Michigan
561 Total Awards
$43,401 Average Earnings
$29,932 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Michigan University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. This fairly large public school is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and it awarded 561 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,932 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $160 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Eastern Michigan graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,401 during the early year of their career. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Eastern Michigan University Report

#20

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan
559 Total Awards
$45,509 Average Earnings
$29,288 Avg Student Debt

Central Michigan University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, the fairly large public school handed out 559 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Central Michigan accumulate an average of $29,288 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $251, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Central Michigan graduates make an average of $45,509 annually. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Central Michigan University

#21

Miami University - Oxford

Oxford, Ohio
554 Total Awards
$43,521 Average Earnings
$23,653 Avg Student Debt

Miami University - Oxford ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Miami University - Oxford is located in Oxford, Ohio and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 554 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $23,653 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $490 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Miami University - Oxford, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,521 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Read full report on Miami University - Oxford

#22

Viterbo University

La Crosse, Wisconsin
506 Total Awards
$57,464 Average Earnings
$28,919 Avg Student Debt

Viterbo University landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 506 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Viterbo accumulate an average of $28,919 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $326, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Viterbo, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $57,464 during the early years of their career. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Viterbo University Report

#23

University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Whitewater, Wisconsin
503 Total Awards
$40,115 Average Earnings
$24,872 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Whitewater did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #23 on the list. Whitewater, Wisconsin is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 503 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UW - Whitewater accumulate an average of $24,872 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $202, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UW - Whitewater graduates make an average of $40,115 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

#24

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan
488 Total Awards
$48,414 Average Earnings
$28,531 Avg Student Debt

Wayne State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #24 on the list. Located in Detroit, Michigan, the large public school awarded 488 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,531 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $173. Once they receive their degree, Wayne State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,414 during the early year of their career. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Wayne State University

#25

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan
456 Total Awards
$43,765 Average Earnings
$27,986 Avg Student Debt

Western Michigan University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the fairly large public school awarded 456 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,986 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $269, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, WMU graduates make an average of $43,765 annually. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Western Michigan University

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois
#27

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, Michigan
#28

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, Illinois
#29

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

Oshkosh, Wisconsin
#30

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#31

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
#32

Purdue University Global

Indianapolis, Indiana
#33

Eastern Gateway Community College

Steubenville, Ohio
#34

University of Dayton

Dayton, Ohio
#35

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois
#36

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, Illinois
#37

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, Ohio
#39

University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois
#41

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin
#42

University of Toledo

Toledo, Ohio
#43

Indiana State University

Terre Haute, Indiana
#44

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois
#45

University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

Stevens Point, Wisconsin
#46

University of Wisconsin - Superior

Superior, Wisconsin
#48

University of Wisconsin - Stout

Menomonie, Wisconsin
#50

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois

View Most Popular Teaching Schools Nationwide >

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 Ashland University Ashland, OH
52 Youngstown State University Youngstown, OH

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular teaching schools ranking:

Rank School Location
53 University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH
53 University of Wisconsin - River Falls River Falls, WI
55 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI
55 Butler University Indianapolis, IN
57 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
58 Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MI
59 Lewis University Romeoville, IL
60 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville, IL
61 Xavier University Cincinnati, OH
62 Concordia University, Wisconsin Mequon, WI
63 Alverno College Milwaukee, WI
64 Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, IN
65 Roosevelt University Chicago, IL
66 Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL
67 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WI
68 Baldwin Wallace University Berea, OH
69 Marian University Indianapolis, IN
69 Cardinal Stritch University Milwaukee, WI

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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