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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Normal, IL | $62,117 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,075 | 89.0% | 66.3% | |
| #22 | Chicago, IL | $52,234 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,691 | 70.4% | 16.8% | |
| #23 | Omaha, NE | $53,909 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,908 | 86.9% | 47.5% | |
| #24 | Columbia, MO | $63,403 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,599 | 77.0% | 76.2% | |
| #25 | Saint Xavier UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $58,656 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,181 | 85.8% | 59.0% |
| #26 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | Ames, IA | $63,386 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,734 | 89.1% | 75.5% |
| #27 | Oakland UniversityPublic | Rochester Hills, MI | $58,612 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,004 | 70.2% | 56.9% |
| #28 | University Of IowaPublic | Iowa City, IA | $64,762 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,811 | 84.7% | 73.1% |
| #29 | Marion, IN | $59,986 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,113 | — | 37.2% | |
| #30 | Chicago, IL | $82,592 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,222 | 55.4% | 72.4% | |
| #31 | Milwaukee, WI | $54,990 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,860 | 88.4% | 51.2% | |
| #32 | Houghton, MI | $78,198 Median Earnings (10yr) | $5,021 | 87.9% | 68.7% | |
| #33 | Milwaukee, WI | $89,070 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,869 | 60.4% | 71.5% | |
| #34 | University Of KansasPublic | Lawrence, KS | $61,945 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,908 | 88.2% | 68.8% |
| #35 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | Big Rapids, MI | $54,735 Median Earnings (10yr) | $5,957 | 80.6% | 47.9% |
| #36 | Cleveland, OH | $52,131 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,058 | 95.5% | 48.9% | |
| #37 | Cincinnati, OH | $68,303 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,916 | 50.2% | 60.0% | |
| #38 | Grinnell CollegePrivate | Grinnell, IA | $62,830 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,739 | 12.7% | 87.5% |
| #39 | Allendale, MI | $56,118 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,395 | 94.7% | 68.7% | |
| #40 | Edwardsville, IL | $56,346 Median Earnings (10yr) | $7,459 | 97.2% | 55.0% |
