Best Value Midwestern Colleges
There are 252 colleges in the Midwest ranked by value using the same methodology as our national list. Rankings balance academic quality with the net price students typically pay.
University of Michigan Ann Arbor leads Midwest value rankings for 2027 with a 10 out of 10 academic rating and an average net price of $17,574. The top value public university is also University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Also high value: Washington University in St Louis, Northwestern University and University of Chicago.
Compare net price, aid, and academic ratings across the colleges below. See how value scores are calculated on our methodology page. Explore the regional list below or browse individual states.
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
- Public 4 Year
- Ann Arbor, MI
-
4.8 | 5 reviews
- Feb 1 application deadline
Michigan is a highly selective public university known for undergraduate business, engineering, and the social sciences. Ann Arbor is a classic college town built around the campus.
- SAT Range 1360-1530
- Avg GPA 3.88
- Acceptance Rate 16%
- Net Price $17,574
Washington University in St Louis
- Private 4 Year
- St. Louis, MO
-
5.0 | 2 reviews
- Jan 4 application deadline
WashU is a highly selective private university known for undergraduate biology, business, and engineering. The Danforth campus adjoins Forest Park in suburban St. Louis.
- SAT Range 1500-1570
- Predicted Avg GPA 3.92
- Acceptance Rate 12%
- Net Price $22,408
Northwestern University
- Private 4 Year
- Evanston, IL
-
5.0 | 1 reviews
- Jan 1 application deadline
Northwestern is a highly selective private university known for undergraduate journalism, communications, and theater. The Evanston campus runs along Lake Michigan just north of Chicago.
- SAT Range 1510-1570
- Predicted Avg GPA 3.92
- Acceptance Rate 8%
- Net Price $26,830
University of Chicago
- Private 4 Year
- Chicago, IL