Home to 403 ranked institutions, the Midwest offers a diverse higher education landscape anchored by research powerhouses like University of Illinois Chicago and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. This region balances 30% public universities with 70% private colleges, producing graduates who earn a median of $54,778 ten years after enrollment.
Graduates from Midwest institutions earn between $20,948 and $137,047 ten years after enrollment—$1,039 lower than the national average. University of Illinois Chicago leads the rankings with $68,740 in median earnings, while University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates achieve $83,648, demonstrating how institutional selection directly impacts career trajectories and long-term financial outcomes.
While University of Illinois Chicago dominates the overall rankings, students seeking accessible admissions should consider this same institution's balanced profile. With a 78% acceptance rate and strong graduate outcomes producing $68,740 in median earnings, it offers a strategic combination of accessibility and excellence for Midwest-focused students.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chicago, IL | $68,740 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,257 | 78.5% | 60.3% | |
| #2 | Champaign, IL | $81,054 Median Earnings (10yr) | $3,883 | 43.7% | 84.9% | |
| #3 | Ann Arbor, MI | $83,648 Median Earnings (10yr) | $4,926 | 17.9% | 93.2% | |
| #4 | East Lansing, MI | $67,253 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,119 | 83.9% | 82.2% | |
| #5 | Madison, WI | $73,792 Median Earnings (10yr) | $4,458 | 43.4% | 89.3% | |
| #6 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | Chicago, IL | $91,885 Median Earnings (10yr) | -$1,428 | 4.8% | 94.9% |
| #7 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | Notre Dame, IN | $99,980 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,873 | 12.4% | 96.8% |
| #8 | Dekalb, IL | $57,808 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,047 | 70.5% | 49.6% | |
| #9 | West Lafayette, IN | $72,424 Median Earnings (10yr) | $4,927 | 50.3% | 83.1% | |
| #10 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | Evanston, IL | $89,363 Median Earnings (10yr) | $1,243 | 7.1% | 95.9% |
| #11 | Saint Louis, MO | $86,182 Median Earnings (10yr) | $4,391 | 12.0% | 94.5% | |
| #12 | University Park, IL | $58,169 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,982 | — | 19.6% | |
| #13 | Columbus, OH | $60,409 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,259 | 50.8% | 87.7% | |
| #14 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | Detroit, MI | $53,493 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,337 | 82.0% | 56.5% |
| #15 | Dearborn, MI | $59,649 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,160 | 58.6% | 56.5% | |
| #16 | Saint Louis, MO | $137,047 Median Earnings (10yr) | $27,383 | 75.1% | 75.5% | |
| #17 | Rolla, MO | $82,957 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,530 | 73.1% | 63.6% | |
| #18 | Indianapolis, IN | $55,198 Median Earnings (10yr) | $5,748 | 81.4% | 53.9% | |
| #19 | Minneapolis, MN | $69,020 Median Earnings (10yr) | $7,262 | 77.0% | 84.8% | |
| #20 | Bloomington, IN | $63,742 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,125 | 80.4% | 81.2% |
