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2023 Best Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region

$42,686 Average Earnings
$23,047 Avg Student Debt

With all the business programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamp with offerings that you might find attractive.

The <nil> ranking is one of many tools that Business Degree Central has developed to help you make your educational decision.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana
$58,860 Average Earnings
$19,395 Avg Student Debt

Our rankings named University of Notre Dame the best school in the Great Lakes Region for business students working on their degree.

On average, students take out $19,395 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $578. Once they receive their degree, Notre Dame graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $58,860 during the early year of their career.

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#2

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
$62,519 Average Earnings
$15,217 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 234 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Chicago landed the # 2 spot on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,217 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $708 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UChicago, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $62,519 during the early years of their career.

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#3

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
$69,538 Average Earnings
$19,000 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 234 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Northwestern University landed the # 3 spot on the list.

On average, students take out $19,000 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $576 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Northwestern graduates make an average of $69,538 annually.

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#4

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan
$58,051 Average Earnings
$17,682 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best business schools in the Great Lakes Region .

On average, students take out $17,682 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $419, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from U-M, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $58,051 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Report

#5

Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana
$44,025 Average Earnings
$19,851 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 234 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Indiana University - Bloomington landed the # 5 spot on the list.

Degree recipients from IU Bloomington accumulate an average of $19,851 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $395 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, IU Bloomington graduates make an average of $44,025 annually.

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$53,270 Average Earnings
$18,891 Avg Student Debt

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ranked #6 on this year’s list.

On average, students take out $18,891 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $415, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UIUC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,270 during the early year of their career.

Full University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Report

#7

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Madison, Wisconsin
$50,802 Average Earnings
$20,865 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Madison landed the #7 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

Degree recipients from UW - Madison accumulate an average of $20,865 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $336 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UW - Madison, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,802 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Wisconsin - Madison Report

#8

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, Illinois
$43,102 Average Earnings
$23,212 Avg Student Debt

Illinois Wesleyan University ranked #8 on this year’s list.

On average, students take out $23,212 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $401, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,102 during the early years of their career.

Full Illinois Wesleyan University Report

#9

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin
$40,202 Average Earnings
$19,738 Avg Student Debt

Madison Area Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #9 on the list.

Degree recipients from Madison College accumulate an average of $19,738 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Madison College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,202 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Madison Area Technical College

#10

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
$63,379 Average Earnings
$32,296 Avg Student Debt

Milwaukee School of Engineering did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #10 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,296 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $293, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, MSOE graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $63,379 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Milwaukee School of Engineering

#11

Kettering University

Flint, Michigan
$83,324 Average Earnings

Kettering University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $313 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Kettering, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $83,324 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Kettering University

#12

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
$47,302 Average Earnings
$24,447 Avg Student Debt

Michigan State University ranked #12 on this year’s list.

Degree recipients from Michigan State accumulate an average of $24,447 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $428, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Michigan State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,302 during the early year of their career.

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#13

Marquette University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
$52,581 Average Earnings
$21,711 Avg Student Debt

Marquette University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

On average, students take out $21,711 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $485, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Marquette graduates make an average of $52,581 annually.

Full Marquette University Report

#14

Purdue University - Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana
$53,430 Average Earnings
$19,291 Avg Student Debt

Purdue University - Main Campus landed the #14 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

On average, students take out $19,291 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $358, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Purdue, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,430 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Purdue University - Main Campus

#15

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, Wisconsin
$36,943 Average Earnings
$14,511 Avg Student Debt

Fox Valley Technical College ranked #15 on this year’s list.

Degree recipients from FVTC accumulate an average of $14,511 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from FVTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,943 during the early years of their career.

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#16

Miami University - Hamilton

Hamilton, Ohio
$39,907 Average Earnings
$26,284 Avg Student Debt

Miami University - Hamilton ranked #16 on this year’s list.

Degree recipients from Miami University - Hamilton accumulate an average of $26,284 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $405 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Miami University - Hamilton graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,907 during the early year of their career.

Full Miami University - Hamilton Report

#17

Butler University

Indianapolis, Indiana
$67,108 Average Earnings
$25,025 Avg Student Debt

Butler University landed the #17 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

On average, students take out $25,025 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Butler, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $67,108 during the early years of their career.

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#18

Rasmussen University - Illinois

Rockford, Illinois
$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Rasmussen University - Illinois did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

On average, students take out $30,604 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $127 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Rasmussen University - Illinois graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,940 during the early year of their career.

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#19

Rasmussen University - Wisconsin

Green Bay, Wisconsin
$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Wisconsin ranked #19 on this year’s list.

On average, students take out $30,604 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $127. During the early years of their career, Rasmussen University - Wisconsin graduates make an average of $41,940 annually.

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#20

Miami University - Oxford

Oxford, Ohio
$43,521 Average Earnings
$23,653 Avg Student Debt

Miami University - Oxford did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #20 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,653 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $490, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Miami University - Oxford, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,521 during the early years of their career.

Full Miami University - Oxford Report

#21

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Fennimore, Wisconsin
$36,231 Average Earnings
$13,030 Avg Student Debt

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #21 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

Degree recipients from Southwest Tech accumulate an average of $13,030 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Southwest Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,231 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

$49,871 Average Earnings
$22,340 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Ohio State University - Main Campus did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

Degree recipients from Ohio State accumulate an average of $22,340 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $272.After graduating from Ohio State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,871 during the early years of their career.

Full Ohio State University - Main Campus Report

#23

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, Ohio
$32,938 Average Earnings
$15,593 Avg Student Debt

Sinclair Community College ranked #23 on this year’s list.

Degree recipients from Sinclair Community College accumulate an average of $15,593 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Sinclair Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,938 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Sinclair Community College

#24

University of Dayton

Dayton, Ohio
$51,595 Average Earnings
$21,966 Avg Student Debt

University of Dayton did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #24 on the list.

Degree recipients from UDayton accumulate an average of $21,966 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $549. Once they receive their degree, UDayton graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,595 during the early year of their career.

Full University of Dayton Report

#25

Augustana College

Rock Island, Illinois
$35,627 Average Earnings
$25,410 Avg Student Debt

Augustana College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #25 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,410 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $321. During the early years of their career, Augustana graduates make an average of $35,627 annually.

Read full report on Augustana College

Rest of the Top 15% Best Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region of the U.S.

Not only did these schools make the top 36 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Macomb Community College

Warren, Michigan
#27

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, Michigan
#28

Western Technical College

La Crosse, Wisconsin
#30

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Green Bay, Wisconsin
#31

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#32

Hope College

Holland, Michigan
#33

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin
#34

John Carroll University

University Heights, Ohio
#35

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
#36

University of Wisconsin - Stout

Menomonie, Wisconsin

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best business schools ranking:

Rank School Location
37 Northcentral Technical College Wausau, WI
38 Bradley University Peoria, IL
39 Taylor University Upland, IN
40 Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI
41 Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH
42 Illinois State University Normal, IL
43 Lakeshore Technical College Cleveland, WI
44 University of Wisconsin - Platteville Platteville, WI
45 Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL
46 University of Cincinnati - Clermont College Batavia, OH
47 University of Wisconsin - River Falls River Falls, WI

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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