Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility in the Midwest
Updated
Regional list from Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility
This page ranks 46 Liberal Arts colleges in the Midwest by median earnings of all students ten years after entry. Schools first had to sit at or above the 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar; those that qualified are ordered by the school's median earnings of all students ten years after entry, highest first, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page.
University of Notre Dame ranks 1st on this list, with median earnings of $99,980 for its students ten years after entry. Across the listed schools, the median figure is $55,452, and the range stretches from $99,980 to $45,388.
The list is overwhelmingly public: 91% of the 46 institutions are public, with 4 private nonprofits. Ferris State University posts the lowest average net price at $8,624, and Northwestern University ranks 89th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.
The ranked list
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 10 years after entry | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Pell share | Mobility percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Notre Dame · Notre Dame, IN | $99,980 | $26,780 | $7,244 | 13.7% | 87th |
| University of Notre Dame ranks 1st on this list and sits at the 87th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (32 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($60,369) | ||||||
| 2 | University of Chicago · Chicago, IL | $91,885 | $14,860 | -$1,264* | 15.3% | 86th |
| A private nonprofit institution in Chicago, University of Chicago posts an average net price of $14,860 and a Pell share of 15%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (20 graduates) | ||||||
| 3 | Northwestern University · Evanston, IL | $89,363 | $29,167 | $1,764 | 18.6% | 89th |
| Northwestern University records an average net price of $1,764 for families earning under $30,000 and the 89th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (6 graduates) | ||||||
| 4 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, MI | $83,648 | $13,138 | $1,043 | 18.1% | 97th |
| The 97th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions coincides with University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, a public university in Ann Arbor. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (53 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($67,859) | ||||||
| 5 | Purdue University-Main Campus · West Lafayette, IN | $72,424 | $14,600 | $5,098 | 13.0% | 95th |
| Purdue University-Main Campus posts an average net price of $5,098 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 5th on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (11 graduates) | ||||||
| 6 | DePaul University · Chicago, IL | $68,751 | $30,902 | $27,359 | 31.8% | 86th |
| At the 86th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, DePaul University enrolls a Pell share of 32%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (67 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($86,444) | ||||||
| 7 | Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI | $67,253 | $19,680 | $7,068 | 20.1% | 98th |
| Michigan State University posts an average net price of $7,068 for families earning under $30,000 and sits at the 98th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (28 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($51,436) | ||||||
| 8 | University of Iowa · Iowa City, IA | $64,762 | $22,531 | $15,316 | 18.4% | 91st |
| A public university in Iowa City, University of Iowa reports a Pell share of 18% and an average net price of $22,531. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (183 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($61,200) | ||||||
| 9 | Indiana University-Bloomington · Bloomington, IN | $63,742 | $16,264 | $6,324 | 16.8% | 94th |
| Indiana University-Bloomington ranks 9th on this list, posts an average net price of $16,264, and enrolls a Pell share of 17%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (189 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($52,020) | ||||||
| 10 | University of North Dakota · Grand Forks, ND | $63,552 | $18,551 | $13,126 | 17.2% | 76th |
| Ranking 10th on this list, University of North Dakota records an average net price of $13,126 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (101 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($71,538) | ||||||
| 11 | University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, MO | $63,403 | $20,268 | $13,841 | 20.1% | 92nd |
| University of Missouri-Columbia posts an average net price of $20,268, enrolls a Pell share of 20%, and ranks 11th on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (85 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($65,029) | ||||||
| 12 | Iowa State University · Ames, IA | $63,386 | $18,589 | $10,582 | 18.8% | 92nd |
| Iowa State University, a public university in Ames, sits at the 92nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (70 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($54,889) | ||||||
| 13 | Illinois State University · Normal, IL | $62,117 | $19,398 | $11,568 | 32.1% | 94th |
| Illinois State University sits at the 94th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $19,398. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (91 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($50,744) | ||||||
| 14 | University of Kansas · Lawrence, KS | $61,945 | $18,059 | $12,544 | 20.5% | 90th |
| With a Pell share of 20%, University of Kansas ranks 14th on this list and posts an average net price of $18,059. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (87 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($58,777) | ||||||
| 15 | Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus, OH | $60,409 | $17,339 | $4,885 | 20.2% | 96th |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus combines a 96th percentile mobility score with an average net price of $4,885 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($54,529) | ||||||
| 16 | University of Michigan-Dearborn · Dearborn, MI | $59,649 | $9,492 | $7,211 | 46.2% | 90th |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn, a public university in Dearborn, reports a Pell share of 46% and an average net price of $9,492. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (17 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($49,268) | ||||||
| 17 | University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City, MO | $59,637 | $13,310 | $10,576 | 26.4% | 76th |
| Ranking 17th on this page, University of Missouri-Kansas City shows an average net price of $13,310 and a 76th percentile mobility score. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (120 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($52,117) | ||||||
| 18 | Oakland University · Rochester Hills, MI | $58,612 | $9,120 | $4,422 | 32.0% | 88th |
| Oakland University reports an average net price of $4,422 for families earning under $30,000 and an 88th percentile mobility score. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (133 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($63,534) | ||||||
| 19 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire · Eau Claire, WI | $58,561 | $16,550 | $10,270 | 19.6% | 82nd |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire posts an average net price of $16,550 and a Pell share of 20%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($53,957) | ||||||
| 20 | Governors State University · University Park, IL | $58,169 | $12,329 | $9,563 | 53.6% | 78th |
| Governors State University ranks 20th on this list, with a Pell share of 54% and an average net price of $12,329. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (103 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($50,703) | ||||||
| 21 | Northern Illinois University · Dekalb, IL | $57,808 | $13,391 | $10,126 | 47.3% | 92nd |
| A public university in Dekalb, Northern Illinois University posts a 92nd percentile mobility score and an average net price of $13,391. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (75 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($57,697) | ||||||
| 22 | Grand Valley State University · Allendale, MI | $56,118 | $16,317 | $12,272 | 29.2% | 92nd |
| Grand Valley State University reports an average net price of $12,272 for families earning under $30,000 and a 92nd percentile mobility score. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (95 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($51,497) | ||||||
| 23 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh · Oshkosh, WI | $55,548 | $14,305 | $9,236 | 16.1% | 73rd |
| With a Pell share of 16%, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh ranks 23rd on this list and reports an average net price of $14,305. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (22 graduates) | ||||||
| 24 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater · Whitewater, WI | $55,356 | $14,158 | $8,440 | 25.2% | 88th |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater sits at the 88th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $14,158. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (27 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($60,241) | ||||||
| 25 | Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis, IN | $55,198 | $11,668 | $5,701 | 37.3% | 89th |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis ranks 25th on this list and sits at the 89th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (188 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($51,718) | ||||||
| 26 | University of Northern Iowa · Cedar Falls, IA | $55,177 | $15,901 | $10,863 | 27.4% | 84th |
| University of Northern Iowa enrolls a 27% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and reports an average net price of $15,901. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (57 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($51,712) | ||||||
| 27 | Ferris State University · Big Rapids, MI | $54,735 | $8,624 | $2,556 | 34.2% | 84th |
| Ferris State University records an average net price of $8,624 and sits at the 84th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (43 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($54,837) | ||||||
| 28 | Western Illinois University · Macomb, IL | $54,163 | $12,937 | $6,941 | 28.1% | 70th |
| Western Illinois University ranks 28th on this list and shows an average net price of $12,937. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (131 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($55,944) | ||||||
| 29 | University of Nebraska at Omaha · Omaha, NE | $53,909 | $13,441 | $10,534 | 34.6% | 85th |
| A public university in Omaha, University of Nebraska at Omaha enrolls a 35% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and reaches the 85th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (399 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($55,947) | ||||||
| 30 | Wayne State University · Detroit, MI | $53,493 | $12,766 | $11,090 | 45.7% | 95th |
| Wayne State University sits at the 95th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and records an average net price of $12,766. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($66,426) | ||||||
| 31 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale · Carbondale, IL | $53,390 | $13,297 | $9,415 | 38.8% | 88th |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale ranks 31st on this list and enrolls a 39% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (44 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($43,236) | ||||||
| 32 | University of Missouri-St Louis · Saint Louis, MO | $53,037 | $15,071 | $13,031 | 18.4% | 70th |
| University of Missouri-St Louis lists an average net price of $15,071 and sits at the 70th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (70 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($51,187) | ||||||
| 33 | Ohio University-Main Campus · Athens, OH | $52,581 | $21,637 | $15,673 | 21.2% | 74th |
| Ohio University-Main Campus enrolls a 21% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants alongside an average net price of $21,637. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (77 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($53,206) | ||||||
| 34 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay · Green Bay, WI | $52,528 | $13,369 | $9,144 | 21.8% | 72nd |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay shows an average net price of $9,144 for families earning under $30,000 and sits at the 72nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (128 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($58,093) | ||||||
| 35 | Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago, IL | $52,234 | $14,109 | $13,709 | 55.7% | 80th |
| Northeastern Illinois University reaches the 80th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and enrolls a 56% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (106 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($55,569) | ||||||
| 36 | Eastern Illinois University · Charleston, IL | $51,989 | $12,786 | $9,828 | 29.4% | 70th |
| Eastern Illinois University ranks 36th on this list and carries an average net price of $12,786. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (102 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($52,078) | ||||||
| 37 | Ball State University · Muncie, IN | $51,833 | $14,940 | $7,834 | 34.7% | 88th |
| Ball State University ranks 37th on this list and posts a 35% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (171 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($49,657) | ||||||
| 38 | Wichita State University · Wichita, KS | $51,532 | $13,194 | $9,734 | 30.6% | 73rd |
| Wichita State University posts a 31% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and an average net price of $13,194. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (72 graduates) | ||||||
| 39 | University of Toledo · Toledo, OH | $50,632 | $17,249 | $13,524 | 27.5% | 79th |
| University of Toledo sits at the 79th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and enrolls a 28% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (103 graduates) | ||||||
| 40 | University of Nebraska at Kearney · Kearney, NE | $50,105 | $16,242 | $13,066 | 36.9% | 70th |
| A public university in Kearney, University of Nebraska at Kearney reports an average net price of $13,066 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (62 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($47,600) | ||||||
| 41 | Missouri State University-Springfield · Springfield, MO | $49,827 | $17,613 | $13,718 | 22.0% | 76th |
| Missouri State University-Springfield ranks 41st on this list and records a 22% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (70 graduates) | ||||||
| 42 | University of Central Missouri · Warrensburg, MO | $49,560 | $14,462 | $10,965 | 26.8% | 60th |
| University of Central Missouri enrolls a 27% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and sits at the 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (69 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($51,897) | ||||||
| 43 | Indiana State University · Terre Haute, IN | $48,387 | $10,873 | $6,455 | 41.6% | 78th |
| Indiana State University combines an average net price of $10,873 with a 42% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (54 graduates) | ||||||
| 44 | Bowling Green State University-Main Campus · Bowling Green, OH | $47,896 | $24,022 | $18,396 | 23.1% | 72nd |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus ranks 44th on this list and reports an average net price of $24,022. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (56 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($42,463) | ||||||
| 45 | University of Akron Main Campus · Akron, OH | $46,600 | $13,946 | $10,413 | 29.1% | 60th |
| University of Akron Main Campus posts a 29% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and an average net price of $13,946. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($41,900) | ||||||
| 46 | Kent State University at Kent · Kent, OH | $45,388 | $20,787 | $15,280 | 28.5% | 87th |
| Kent State University at Kent ranks 46th on this list and sits at the 87th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (93 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($53,833) | ||||||
* Net price can be negative: when grants and scholarships exceed the listed cost of attendance, students can receive the difference as a refund for other expenses.
How this list is ordered
Schools first had to sit at or above the 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar; those that qualified are ordered by the school's median earnings of all students ten years after entry, highest first, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page. The figure captures the median earnings of all federally aided students at each institution, measured ten years after entry among those working and not enrolled. It does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The spread from University of Notre Dame to the bottom of the list is $54,592, with an $8,095 gap between University of Notre Dame and University of Chicago.