Best Colleges in the Midwest (2025)

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.