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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #321 | Blackburn CollegePrivate | Carlinville, IL | $46,802 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,146 | 80.1% | 52.4% |
| #322 | Davenport UniversityPrivate | Grand Rapids, MI | $45,099 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,021 | 97.0% | 49.5% |
| #323 | Westminster CollegePrivate | Fulton, MO | $52,199 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,825 | 77.6% | 57.5% |
| #324 | Wittenberg UniversityPrivate | Springfield, OH | $54,947 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,347 | 91.0% | 53.8% |
| #325 | Midland UniversityPrivate | Fremont, NE | $52,163 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,899 | 66.9% | 43.2% |
| #326 | Trine UniversityPrivate | Angola, IN | $57,165 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,615 | 84.7% | 67.6% |
| #327 | Ellendale, ND | $35,604 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,626 | 36.2% | 38.8% | |
| #328 | The University Of FindlayPrivate | Findlay, OH | $56,996 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,184 | 86.3% | 62.6% |
| #329 | Cedarville UniversityPrivate | Cedarville, OH | $55,443 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,956 | 62.8% | 74.3% |
| #330 | Manhattan Christian CollegePrivate | Manhattan, KS | $48,860 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,548 | 100.0% | 54.8% |
| #331 | Otterbein UniversityPrivate | Westerville, OH | $53,313 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,326 | 83.3% | 69.0% |
| #332 | Monmouth CollegePrivate | Monmouth, IL | $51,110 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,780 | 86.6% | 60.1% |
| #333 | Bethel College-North NewtonPrivate | North Newton, KS | $49,898 Median Earnings (10yr) | $25,905 | 95.7% | 43.1% |
| #334 | Ohio Christian UniversityPrivate | Circleville, OH | $39,813 Median Earnings (10yr) | $23,321 | 39.9% | 35.7% |
| #335 | Dordt UniversityPrivate | Sioux Center, IA | $52,559 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,966 | 71.2% | 65.3% |
| #336 | Doane UniversityPrivate | Crete, NE | $53,316 Median Earnings (10yr) | $24,496 | 89.5% | 55.9% |
| #337 | Mission UniversityPrivate | Springfield, MO | $38,641 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,958 | — | 38.2% |
| #338 | Southwest Baptist UniversityPrivate | Bolivar, MO | $43,112 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,672 | 99.7% | 51.2% |
| #339 | North Central UniversityPrivate | Minneapolis, MN | $45,064 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,345 | 90.8% | 63.6% |
| #340 | Calvin UniversityPrivate | Grand Rapids, MI | $58,375 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,249 | 71.3% | 77.4% |
