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2025 Best Business Administration & Management Schools in the Great Lakes Region

244 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
49,608 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$56,357 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #2 in popularity, business administration & management is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

College Factual reviewed 244 schools in the Great Lakes Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of business administration & management. Combined, these schools handed out 49,608 degrees in business administration & management to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Business Administration & Management School

Best Business Administration & Management Schools in the Great Lakes Region The business administration program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Business Administration & Management rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for business administration & management schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Business Administration & Management Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Business Administration
Bachelor's Degrees in Business Administration
Master's Degrees in Business Administration
Doctor's Degrees in Business Administration

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Business Administration & Management Schools in the Great Lakes Region list to help you make the college decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Business Administration & Management in the Great Lakes Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the business administration degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Great Lakes Region Schools in Business Administration

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
347 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$224,402 Median Starting Salary

Northwestern University is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in business administration & management. Northwestern is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Evanston. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were roughly 347 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year. Business Administration & Management degree recipients from Northwestern University receive an earnings boost of approximately $168,045 above the typical earnings of business administration & management majors.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Northwestern University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,419 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$134,971 Median Starting Salary

Any student pursuing a degree in business administration & management needs to take a look at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. U-M is a fairly large public university located in the city of Ann Arbor. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were roughly 1419 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Business Administration & Management degree recipients from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor get an earnings boost of about $78,614 over the average income of business administration & management majors.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,429 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
15.2% Growth in Graduates

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in business administration & management. Located in the small city of Champaign, UIUC is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 1429 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available. Those business administration & management students who get their degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign receive $39,093 more than the standard business administration graduate.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

4
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
749 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$88,898 Median Starting Salary

It's difficult to beat Michigan State University if you wish to pursue a degree in business administration & management. Located in the small city of East Lansing, Michigan State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #54 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 749 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year. Business Administration & Management degree recipients from Michigan State University receive an earnings boost of about $32,541 above the typical earnings of business administration & management graduates.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Michigan State University

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
544 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$87,775 Median Starting Salary

Ohio State is a very large public university located in the large city of Columbus. A Best Colleges rank of #70 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 544 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the business administration & management degree program at Ohio State University - Main Campus make $31,417 above the typical college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Ohio State University - Main Campus

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
827 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
2.1% Growth in Graduates

Purdue is a very large public university located in the city of West Lafayette. A Best Colleges rank of #65 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Purdue is a great university overall.

There were about 827 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available. Business Administration & Management degree recipients from Purdue University - Main Campus earn a boost of approximately $14,518 over the average earnings of business administration & management graduates.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Purdue University - Main Campus

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
234 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
6.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were roughly 234 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. Those business administration & management students who get their degree from University of Wisconsin - Madison earn $11,342 more than the standard business administration grad.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from University of Wisconsin - Madison

8
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
615 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$90,857 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Chicago, DePaul is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 615 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at DePaul in the most recent year we have data available. Those business administration & management students who get their degree from DePaul University receive $34,500 more than the standard business administration grad.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from DePaul University

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
376 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
30.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #100 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Loyola Chicago is a great university overall.

There were approximately 376 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent data year. Business Administration & Management degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago get an earnings boost of approximately $30,225 above the typical income of business administration & management graduates.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Loyola University Chicago

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
352 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
48.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Notre Dame, Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.

There were about 352 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year. Those business administration & management students who get their degree from University of Notre Dame make $78,735 more than the average business administration grad.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from University of Notre Dame

11
Marquette crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
187 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$96,480 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #114 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Marquette is a great university overall.

There were approximately 187 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent data year. Those business administration & management students who get their degree from Marquette University make $40,122 more than the average business administration student.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Marquette University

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
590 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$79,086 Median Starting Salary

OHIO Athens is a very large public university located in the distant town of Athens. This university ranks 7th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 590 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the business administration & management degree program at Ohio University - Athens Campus get $22,728 above the typical graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Ohio University - Athens Campus

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
150 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$92,560 Median Starting Salary

Case Western is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Cleveland. A Best Colleges rank of #116 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Case Western is a great university overall.

There were approximately 150 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Case Western in the most recent data year. Those business administration & management students who get their degree from Case Western Reserve University make $36,203 more than the average business administration grad.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Case Western Reserve University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
482 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$71,481 Median Starting Salary

UC is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Cincinnati. This university ranks 6th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 482 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the business administration & management degree program at University of Cincinnati - Main Campus make $15,124 above the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
606 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$75,040 Median Starting Salary

Located in the rural area of Marion, IWU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 606 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at IWU in the most recent year we have data available. Those business administration & management students who get their degree from Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global make $18,683 more than the standard business administration graduate.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
121 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$84,009 Median Starting Salary

Miami University - Oxford is a large public university located in the town of Oxford. A Best Colleges rank of #134 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Miami University - Oxford is a great university overall.

There were roughly 121 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent year we have data available. Those business administration & management students who get their degree from Miami University - Oxford receive $27,652 more than the average business administration graduate.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Miami University - Oxford

17
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3,401 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$38,983 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 4th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were about 3401 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Ivy Tech Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the business administration program earn an average of $38,983 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Ivy Tech Community College

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
252 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
17.5% Growth in Graduates

UW - Whitewater is a fairly large public university located in the distant town of Whitewater. This university ranks 10th out of 46 colleges for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were approximately 252 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at UW - Whitewater in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, business administration degree recipients generally earn an average of $55,477 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

19
Xavier crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
175 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$92,034 Median Starting Salary

Xavier is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Cincinnati. This university ranks 10th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 175 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Xavier in the most recent data year. Those business administration & management students who get their degree from Xavier University make $35,676 more than the average business administration graduate.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Xavier University

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
331 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
5.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Kalamazoo, WMU is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 331 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at WMU in the most recent data year. Business Administration & Management degree recipients from Western Michigan University receive an earnings boost of approximately $6,135 above the average income of business administration & management majors.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Western Michigan University

21
Central Michigan crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
662 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$65,209 Median Starting Salary

Central Michigan is a fairly large public university located in the town of Mount Pleasant. This university ranks 6th out of 56 schools for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 662 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Central Michigan in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the business administration & management degree program at Central Michigan University get $8,852 more than the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Central Michigan University

22
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
197 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$39,292 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Kenosha, Gateway Technical College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 4th out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were roughly 197 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Gateway Technical College in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, business administration degree recipients usually make around $39,292 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Gateway Technical College

23
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
157 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$43,085 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Madison, Madison College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 5th out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were about 157 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Madison College in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, business administration degree recipients generally make an average of $43,085 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Madison Area Technical College

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
359 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
$48,415 Median Starting Salary

Kent State is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Kent. This university ranks 9th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 359 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the business administration program report average early career earnings of $48,415.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Kent State University at Kent

25
Oakland crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
200 Business Administration Degrees Awarded
12.0% Growth in Graduates

Oakland is a large public university located in the large suburb of Rochester Hills. This university ranks 10th out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 200 business administration & management students who graduated with this degree at Oakland in the most recent year we have data available. Business Administration & Management degree recipients from Oakland University receive an earnings boost of about $24,855 over the average income of business administration & management majors.

More information about a degree in business administration & management from Oakland University

Rest of the Top Best Business Administration & Management Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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Elmhurst crest
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL
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Purdue University Global crest
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN

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47
Ferris crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
48

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Business Administration & Management students in the Great Lakes Region that almost earned our Best Business Administration & Management Schools in the Great Lakes Region award.

Rank College Location
49 Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
50 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
51 Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI
52 Davenport University Grand Rapids, MI
53 Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI
54 Concordia University, Wisconsin Mequon, WI
55 Rasmussen University - Illinois Rockford, IL
56 Augustana College Rock Island, IL
57 University of Southern Indiana Evansville, IN
58 Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WI
59 Butler University Indianapolis, IN
60 Baldwin Wallace University Berea, OH
61 University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH
62 Cleary University Howell, MI
63 University of Wisconsin - La Crosse La Crosse, WI
64 Franklin University Columbus, OH
65 Concordia University, Chicago River Forest, IL
66 Ashland University Ashland, OH
67 Hope College Holland, MI
68 College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, IL
69 University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI
70 William Rainey Harper College Palatine, IL
71 Judson University Elgin, IL
72 John Carroll University University Heights, OH
73 University of Wisconsin - Green Bay Green Bay, WI
74 University of Michigan - Dearborn Dearborn, MI
75 University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI
76 Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL
77 Ball State University Muncie, IN
78 Lewis University Romeoville, IL
79 University of Wisconsin - River Falls River Falls, WI
80 Roosevelt University Chicago, IL
81 Indiana Institute of Technology Fort Wayne, IN

Best Business Administration & Management Colleges by State

Explore the best business administration & management schools for a specific state in the Great Lakes Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Michigan 322 9,225
Ohio 314 10,249
Illinois 304 12,631
Indiana 294 6,565
Wisconsin 273 5,326

View All Rankings >

Business Administration & Management is one of 21 different types of Business, Management & Marketing programs to choose from.

Business Administration Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
General Business Administration and Management 39,529
Interior Design Management 2,768
Supply Chain Management 1,909
Organizational Leadership 1,688
Operations Management 1,681
Office Administration 575
Project Management 436
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management 412
Retail Management 163
E-Commerce 146

View All Business Administration Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Accounting 14,167
Finance & Financial Management 9,998
Marketing 9,993
General Business/Commerce 9,703
Management Sciences & Quantitative Methods 8,318
Business Support & Assistant Services 6,236
Human Resource Management 5,033
Entrepreneurial Studies 2,003
Management Information Systems 1,758
Hospitality Management 1,754

View All Business Administration Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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