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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #361 | Union Adventist UniversityPrivate | Lincoln, NE | $55,045 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,778 | 99.9% | 45.9% |
| #362 | Minneapolis, MN | $40,873 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,912 | 48.4% | 69.2% | |
| #363 | Earlham CollegePrivate | Richmond, IN | $50,797 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,306 | 74.2% | 67.9% |
| #364 | Taylor UniversityPrivate | Upland, IN | $52,198 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,612 | 76.1% | 76.6% |
| #365 | Alma CollegePrivate | Alma, MI | $54,742 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,726 | 65.7% | 63.7% |
| #366 | Mequon, WI | $56,075 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,323 | 67.5% | 64.3% | |
| #367 | Dakota State UniversityPublic | Madison, SD | $50,970 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,948 | 97.9% | 49.3% |
| #368 | Heidelberg UniversityPrivate | Tiffin, OH | $48,466 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,559 | 67.7% | 49.8% |
| #369 | Missouri Valley CollegePrivate | Marshall, MO | $43,221 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,550 | 52.7% | 24.5% |
| #370 | Ann Arbor, MI | $56,075 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,589 | 72.1% | 50.0% | |
| #371 | Northwestern CollegePrivate | Orange City, IA | $49,802 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,342 | 87.0% | 63.6% |
| #372 | Spearfish, SD | $46,674 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,475 | 94.4% | 38.6% | |
| #373 | Culver-Stockton CollegePrivate | Canton, MO | $46,092 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,859 | 98.0% | 50.2% |
| #374 | Mount Marty UniversityPrivate | Yankton, SD | $48,179 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,894 | 48.1% | 60.6% |
| #375 | Columbus, OH | $40,664 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,182 | 71.7% | 61.3% | |
| #376 | Oberlin CollegePrivate | Oberlin, OH | $58,343 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,257 | 33.0% | 79.5% |
| #377 | Vandercook College Of MusicPrivate | Chicago, IL | $47,863 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,642 | 97.3% | 46.7% |
| #378 | Saint Mary Of The Woods, IN | $43,845 Median Earnings (10yr) | $40,812 | 76.1% | 52.3% | |
| #379 | Saint Norbert CollegePrivate | De Pere, WI | $58,363 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,944 | 92.2% | 73.6% |
| #380 | Art Academy Of CincinnatiPrivate | Cincinnati, OH | $34,368 Median Earnings (10yr) | $41,956 | 33.1% | 44.4% |
