Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region

150 Schools Ranked
$42,686 Average Earnings
$23,047 Avg Student Debt

There are so many business programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Business Degree Central has created its Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 150 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which online programs were the most popular for business students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Purdue University Global

Indianapolis, Indiana
3,744 Total Awards
$43,154 Average Earnings
$36,097 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Purdue University Global the most popular school in the Great Lakes Region for business students working on their degree. Purdue University Global is a large public school situated in Indianapolis, Indiana. It awarded 3,744 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $36,097 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $133 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Purdue University Global graduates make an average of $43,154 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read More…

#2

DeVry University - Illinois

Chicago, Illinois
3,382 Total Awards
$48,020 Average Earnings
$40,148 Avg Student Debt

The programs at DeVry University - Illinois helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular business schools in the Great Lakes Region . DeVry University - Illinois is a large private for-profit school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 3,382 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $40,148 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $163 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, DeVry University - Illinois graduates make an average of $48,020 annually. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Full DeVry University - Illinois Report

5,278 Total Awards
$32,938 Average Earnings
$15,593 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Sinclair Community College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Sinclair Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Dayton, Ohio. It awarded 5,278 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Sinclair Community College accumulate an average of $15,593 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Sinclair Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,938 during the early years of their career. Around 28% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#4

Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio
1,235 Total Awards
$47,081 Average Earnings
$36,125 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Franklin University is a great place for business students. Franklin University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Columbus, Ohio that handed out 1,235 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Franklin University accumulate an average of $36,125 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Franklin University graduates make an average of $47,081 annually. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#5

Northwood University

Midland, Michigan
953 Total Awards
$46,505 Average Earnings
$27,445 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Northwood University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Northwood is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Midland, Michigan. It awarded 953 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Northwood accumulate an average of $27,445 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 $284 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Northwood, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,505 during the early years of their career. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#6

Davenport University

Grand Rapids, Michigan
840 Total Awards
$49,918 Average Earnings
$33,211 Avg Student Debt

Davenport University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 840 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,211 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $189 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Davenport University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,918 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read full report on Davenport University

#7

Fox Valley Technical College

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

With a ranking of #7, Fox Valley Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Appleton, Wisconsin is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 535 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,511 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, FVTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,943 during the early year of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Fox Valley Technical College Report

#8

Baker College

Owosso, Michigan
496 Total Awards
$41,022 Average Earnings
$30,021 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Baker College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Baker College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Owosso, Michigan that handed out 496 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,021 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $86. During the early years of their career, Baker College graduates make an average of $41,022 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Full Baker College Report

759 Total Awards
$19,473 Avg Student Debt

Columbus State Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. This large public school is located in Columbus, Ohio, and it awarded 759 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Columbus State accumulate an average of $19,473 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Read More…

#10

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Green Bay, Wisconsin
463 Total Awards
$36,536 Average Earnings
$17,377 Avg Student Debt

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #10 on the list. Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the fairly large public school awarded 463 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,377 in student loans. During the early years of their career, NWTC graduates make an average of $36,536 annually. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

#11

Northcentral Technical College

Wausau, Wisconsin
383 Total Awards
$33,732 Average Earnings
$13,759 Avg Student Debt

Northcentral Technical College ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in Wausau, Wisconsin, the medium-sized public school handed out 383 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from North Central Technical College accumulate an average of $13,759 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, North Central Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,732 during the early year of their career. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

333 Total Awards
$40,327 Average Earnings
$36,744 Avg Student Debt

Indiana Institute of Technology - College of Professional Studies ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Indiana Tech - CPS is located in Fort-Wayne, Indiana and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 333 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Indiana Tech - CPS accumulate an average of $36,744 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Indiana Tech - CPS, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,327 during the early years of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Indiana Institute of Technology - College of Professional Studies Report

#13

Lakeland University

Plymouth, Wisconsin
451 Total Awards
$45,157 Average Earnings
$30,658 Avg Student Debt

Lakeland University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #13 on the list. Lakeland is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Plymouth, Wisconsin. It awarded 451 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,658 in student loans.After graduating from Lakeland, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,157 during the early years of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Lakeland University

#14

Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana
1,075 Total Awards
$42,329 Average Earnings
$23,205 Avg Student Debt

Ball State University ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Ball State is a public institution located in Muncie, Indiana. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,075 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Ball State accumulate an average of $23,205 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 $267. Once they receive their degree, Ball State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,329 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.

Read More…

#15

Indiana State University

Terre Haute, Indiana
407 Total Awards
$45,808 Average Earnings
$25,069 Avg Student Debt

Indiana State University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, the medium-sized public school awarded 407 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Indiana State accumulate an average of $25,069 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 $151 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Indiana State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,808 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 39% were women.

Read full report on Indiana State University

#16

Walsh College

Troy, Michigan
603 Total Awards
$60,436 Average Earnings
$22,166 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Walsh College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Walsh College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Troy, Michigan that handed out 603 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Walsh accumulate an average of $22,166 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Walsh graduates make an average of $60,436 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Read full report on Walsh College

475 Total Awards
$37,783 Average Earnings
$20,649 Avg Student Debt

Lorain County Community College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Lorain County Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Elyria, Ohio that handed out 475 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from LCCC accumulate an average of $20,649 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from LCCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,783 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read full report on Lorain County Community College

#18

Macomb Community College

Warren, Michigan
300 Total Awards
$36,546 Average Earnings
$11,351 Avg Student Debt

Macomb Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Macomb Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Warren, Michigan. It awarded 300 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Macomb Community College accumulate an average of $11,351 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Macomb Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,546 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Macomb Community College

#19

Eastern Gateway Community College

Steubenville, Ohio
1,708 Total Awards
$40,112 Average Earnings
$18,095 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Gateway Community College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Steubenville, Ohio is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,708 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,095 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Eastern Gateway Community College graduates make an average of $40,112 annually. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Eastern Gateway Community College Report

#20

Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, Michigan
427 Total Awards
$36,288 Average Earnings
$20,323 Avg Student Debt

Washtenaw Community College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the fairly large public school handed out 427 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,323 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Washtenaw Community College graduates make an average of $36,288 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Washtenaw Community College Report

#21

Concordia University, Wisconsin

Mequon, Wisconsin
492 Total Awards
$51,442 Average Earnings
$28,938 Avg Student Debt

Concordia University, Wisconsin ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Mequon, Wisconsin, and it awarded 492 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,938 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $401 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Concordia University, Wisconsin graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,442 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Full Concordia University, Wisconsin Report

#22

Gateway Technical College

Kenosha, Wisconsin
531 Total Awards
$34,772 Average Earnings
$17,283 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Gateway Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the medium-sized public school handed out 531 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,283 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Gateway Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,772 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Gateway Technical College Report

#23

Moraine Park Technical College

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
223 Total Awards
$37,031 Average Earnings
$14,592 Avg Student Debt

Moraine Park Technical College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Moraine Park Technical College is a small public school located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin that handed out 223 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,592 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Moraine Park Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,031 during the early years of their career. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Moraine Park Technical College

358 Total Awards
$38,886 Average Earnings
$17,069 Avg Student Debt

Cuyahoga Community College District ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. This fairly large public school is located in Cleveland, Ohio, and it awarded 358 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Cuyahoga Community College District accumulate an average of $17,069 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Cuyahoga Community College District, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,886 during the early years of their career. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#25

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois
524 Total Awards
$43,420 Average Earnings
$15,850 Avg Student Debt

William Rainey Harper College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. William Rainey Harper College is a fairly large public school located in Palatine, Illinois that handed out 524 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $15,850 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Harper College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,420 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

View Most Popular Online Business Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular online business schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 University of Michigan - Flint Flint, MI
27 Western Illinois University Macomb, IL
28 Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI
29 University of Northwestern Ohio Lima, OH
30 McKendree University Lebanon, IL
31 Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, IL
31 Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati, OH

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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.

Featured Schools

You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs.

Visit School

Find Business Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited business colleges across the U.S.