College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2025 Best Education Schools in the Great Lakes Region

151 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
46,115 Education Degrees Awarded
$53,180 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in education is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #4 out of 38 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

College Factual looked at 151 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best Education Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 46,115 degrees in education to qualified students.

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

Choosing a Great Education School

Best Education Schools in the Great Lakes Region Your choice of education school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for education 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.

Pick Your Education Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Education
Bachelor's Degrees in Education
Master's Degrees in Education
Doctor's Degrees in Education

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Education Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that 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 Education in the Great Lakes Region

The schools below may not offer all types of education degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. 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 Education

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2,553 Education Degrees Awarded
$54,433 Median Starting Salary

Every student pursuing a degree in education needs to check out Ball State University. Ball State is a very large public university located in the small city of Muncie. This university ranks 5th out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were about 2553 education students who graduated with this degree at Ball State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program report average early career wages of $54,433.

More information about a degree in education from Ball State University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
659 Education Degrees Awarded
$54,153 Median Starting Salary

Purdue University - Main Campus is a great option for students interested in a degree in education. Purdue is a very large public university located in the small city of West Lafayette. A Best Colleges rank of #65 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Purdue is a great university overall.

There were approximately 659 education students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent data year. After graduating, education degree recipients typically make an average of $54,153 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in education from Purdue University - Main Campus

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
992 Education Degrees Awarded
$46,504 Median Starting Salary

It is hard to beat Illinois State University if you wish to pursue a degree in education. Located in the medium-sized suburb of Normal, Illinois State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 992 education students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, education degree recipients usually earn around $46,504 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in education from Illinois State University

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
579 Education Degrees Awarded
$48,994 Median Starting Salary

Indiana University - Bloomington is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in education. IU Bloomington is a very large public university located in the small city of Bloomington. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were approximately 579 education students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, education degree recipients usually earn about $48,994 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in education from Indiana University - Bloomington

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,032 Education Degrees Awarded
$68,615 Median Starting Salary

Concordia University, Chicago is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of River Forest. A Best Colleges rank of #125 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Concordia University, Chicago is a great university overall.

There were roughly 1032 education students who graduated with this degree at Concordia University, Chicago in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from Concordia University, Chicago earn a boost of approximately $15,435 over the typical earnings of education majors.

More information about a degree in education from Concordia University, Chicago

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
663 Education Degrees Awarded
$55,118 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Champaign, UIUC is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were about 663 education students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the education program earn around $55,118 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
571 Education Degrees Awarded
$44,343 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 approximately 571 education students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, education degree recipients typically earn an average of $44,343 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in education from Miami University - Oxford

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
318 Education Degrees Awarded
$45,362 Median Starting Salary

UDayton is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Dayton. This university ranks 8th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 318 education students who graduated with this degree at UDayton in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the education program earn an average of $45,362 for their early career.

More information about a degree in education from University of Dayton

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
745 Education Degrees Awarded
$45,070 Median Starting Salary

Ohio State is a fairly 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 about 745 education students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, education degree recipients usually make about $45,070 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in education from Ohio State University - Main Campus

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
291 Education Degrees Awarded
$51,089 Median Starting Salary

U-M is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were roughly 291 education students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program report average early career wages of $51,089.

More information about a degree in education from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
758 Education Degrees Awarded
$44,452 Median Starting Salary

UC is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Cincinnati. A Best Colleges rank of #137 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UC is a great university overall.

There were about 758 education students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program state that they receive average early career wages of $44,452.

More information about a degree in education from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,084 Education Degrees Awarded
$60,988 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Chicago, NLU is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 12th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 1084 education students who graduated with this degree at NLU in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from National Louis University make $7,808 more than the typical education grad.

More information about a degree in education from National Louis University

13
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
29th Most Popular In WI
127 Education Degrees Awarded

Located in the small city of Kenosha, Gateway Technical College is a public college with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #160 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Gateway Technical College is a great college overall.

There were approximately 127 education students who graduated with this degree at Gateway Technical College in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in education from Gateway Technical College

14
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
569 Education Degrees Awarded
$58,069 Median Starting Salary

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 569 education students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent year we have data available. Those education students who get their degree from Michigan State University receive $4,889 more than the standard education grad.

More information about a degree in education from Michigan State University

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
505 Education Degrees Awarded
$48,852 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 505 education students who graduated with this degree at WMU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program state that they receive average early career income of $48,852.

More information about a degree in education from Western Michigan University

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
755 Education Degrees Awarded
$41,751 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 755 education students who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the education program make an average of $41,751 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in education from Kent State University at Kent

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
177 Education Degrees Awarded
$57,421 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a 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 177 education students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the education program at Loyola University Chicago make $4,241 more than the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in education from Loyola University Chicago

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
603 Education Degrees Awarded
$47,640 Median Starting Salary

Eastern Michigan is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Ypsilanti. This university ranks 15th out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 603 education students who graduated with this degree at Eastern Michigan in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program state that they receive average early career income of $47,640.

More information about a degree in education from Eastern Michigan University

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
714 Education Degrees Awarded
$49,013 Median Starting Salary

Located in the fringe town of Allendale, GVSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were approximately 714 education students who graduated with this degree at GVSU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program state that they receive average early career earnings of $49,013.

More information about a degree in education from Grand Valley State University

20
Central Michigan crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
715 Education Degrees Awarded
$52,384 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 715 education students who graduated with this degree at Central Michigan in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program report average early career wages of $52,384.

More information about a degree in education from Central Michigan University

21
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
473 Education Degrees Awarded
$53,889 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Chicago, DePaul is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #135 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means DePaul is a great university overall.

There were roughly 473 education students who graduated with this degree at DePaul in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, education degree recipients usually earn about $53,889 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in education from DePaul University

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
122 Education Degrees Awarded
$43,230 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Peoria, Bradley is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 19th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 122 education students who graduated with this degree at Bradley in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program report average early career income of $43,230.

More information about a degree in education from Bradley University

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
850 Education Degrees Awarded
$41,643 Median Starting Salary

BGSU is a large public university located in the town of Bowling Green. This university ranks 18th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 850 education students who graduated with this degree at BGSU in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, education degree recipients usually make an average of $41,643 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in education from Bowling Green State University - Main Campus

24
Butler crest
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
221 Education Degrees Awarded
$54,880 Median Starting Salary

Butler is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Indianapolis. This university ranks 10th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 221 education students who graduated with this degree at Butler in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, education degree recipients generally earn about $54,880 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in education from Butler University

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
627 Education Degrees Awarded
$39,522 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 627 education students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent data year. After graduating, education degree recipients usually make around $39,522 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in education from Ohio University - Athens Campus

Rest of the Top Best Education Schools in the Great Lakes Region

26
27
Alverno crest
Alverno College
Milwaukee, WI
28
29
Augustana crest
Augustana College
Rock Island, IL
30

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Education Schools in the Great Lakes Region award.

Rank College Location
31 Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, IL
32 University of St Francis Joliet, IL
33 University of Toledo Toledo, OH
34 Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MI
35 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WI
36 Ashland University Ashland, OH
37 Calvin University Grand Rapids, MI
38 University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL
39 Aurora University Aurora, IL
40 Hope College Holland, MI
41 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
42 Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN
43 Rasmussen University - Illinois Rockford, IL
44 Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global Marion, IN
45 Oakland University Rochester Hills, MI
46 Dominican University River Forest, IL
47 Indiana Wesleyan University Marion, IN
48 Roosevelt University Chicago, IL
49 Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN
50 Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame, IN

Best Education Colleges by State

Explore the best education colleges for a specific state in the Great Lakes Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Indiana 38 10,390
Michigan 38 5,598
Ohio 38 8,875
Illinois 38 10,126
Wisconsin 37 5,311

View All Rankings >

Education Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Teacher Education Grade Specific 14,766
Teacher Education Subject Specific 7,179
Educational Administration 6,754
Special Education 6,161
General Education 3,298
Curriculum & Instruction 2,813
Student Counseling 1,415
Instructional Media Design 1,216
Teaching Assistants 576
Teaching English or French 521

View All Education Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options