![The 15 best colleges and universities in the Midwest [2024]](assets/images/assets/kings-life/2024-09/SEO_15bestcolleges_universities_midwest.webp)
America’s Midwest is a region encompassing 12 states; Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Geographically located in the north-central and north-eastern parts of the country, it is the midway point when traveling westward from the east coast. Notable cities include Chicago, Detroit, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Milwaukee, and the region features famous landscapes and landmarks such as the Great Plains, the Great Lakes, and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.
In this article on the best colleges in the Midwest, we’ll look at 15 of the top institutes in the region.
Table of Contents
5. Washington University in St. Louis
6. University of Wisconsin – Madison
7. University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign
9. The University of Wisconsin – Stout
10. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
12. Indiana University – Bloomington
13. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
1. University of Chicago
Image source: University of Chicago
Established in 1856, the University of Chicago is a private research university based in the urban center of Chicago, the third most populous city in the United States. Outside of the Ivy League, Chicago is one of America’s top universities, and holds top-ten positions in various national and international rankings. It is currently ranked 12th in the US by US News and World’s national universities category, and has one of the highest retention rates of any US university.
Beyond the arts and sciences, Chicago has a glowing reputation for its professional schools, including the Pritzker School of Medicine, the Booth School of Business, and the Harris School of Public Policy Studies. University of Chicago alumni are responsible for the development of many academic disciplines, such as sociology, economics, law, and literary criticism.
Notable faculty members past and present include 29 Nobel laureates and former US president Barack Obama.
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Tuition and fees: $65,619
- Acceptance rate:5%
- Graduation rate: 89%
2. University of Notre Dame
Image source: University of Notre Dame
Founded in 1842, the University of Notre Dame is the leading Catholic research university in the US. It is located adjacent to the city of South Bend, Indiana, in a region with a population of more than 300,000, and is widely known for the beauty of its campus, including the Golden Dome of the Main Building, arguably the world’s most recognized university landmark.
University of Notre Dame's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #20
Notre Dame is divided into eight schools and colleges, the largest of which is the College of Arts and Letters. Notre Dame’s graduate and professional programs include the highly ranked Mendoza College of Business and Law School in addition to a well-regarded School of Architecture, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs. Notable alumni include former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Hall of Fame football player Joe Montana.
- Location: Notre Dame, Indiana
- Tuition and fees: $62,693.
- Acceptance rate: 13%
- Graduation rate: 94%
3. Northwestern University
Image source: Northwestern University
Northwestern is one of America'a largest private colleges and a leading research and teaching institute. It has two campuses located on Lake Michigan: the 240-acre main campus in Evanston, about 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, and a 25-acre campus in Chicago. A third campus is located in Doha, Qatar.
The university consists of 12 separate schools and colleges and is notable for its research strength in fields including neuroscience, nanotechnology, biotechnology and the development of new drugs.
Celebrated alumni include novelist Saul Bellow and economist George Stigler, who both went on to win Nobel Prizes, as well as Friends star David Schwimmer, Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn, and George R. R. Martin, whose novels inspired the Game of Thrones television series.
Northwestern's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #9.
- Location: Evanston, Ilinois
- Tuition and fees: $65,997
- Acceptance rate: 7%
- Graduation rate: 87%
4. University of Michigan
Image source: University of Michigan
One of the biggest research universities in the US, the University of Michigan spans 780 acres, which is made up of its Central and North campuses, two regional campuses, and a center in Detroit.
University of Michigan was founded in 1817, before Michigan had even become a state, and moved from Detroit to what is now its Central campus in the college town of Ann Arbor in 1837. College students represent almost 50% of the population here.
Michigan’s ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #21.
It boasts alumni including Gerald Ford, former US president; Larry Page, co-founder of Google; and the late actor James Earl Jones.
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Tuition and fees: $17,786 ( in state), $57,273 (out of state).
- Acceptance rate: 18%
- Graduation rate: 81%
5. Washington University in St. Louis
Image source: Washington University in St. Louis
Ranked within the top 100 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings, Washington University in St. Louis, also known as WashU or WUSTL, is a private research university. It’s situated in St Louis, Missouri, and was founded in 1853 in response to the lack of higher learning institutions in the growing Midwest, and named after George Washington.
The university runs three campuses and the Tyson Research Center, a 2,000-acre outdoor laboratory.
WashU is organised around seven schools: art and architecture, arts and sciences, business, continuing education, engineering, law, medicine, and social work and public health. It comprises over 175 buildings spread across five, centrally-located campuses. Wash U’s Barnes-Jewish Hospital is one of the top-ranked hospitals in the country.
Actor Peter Sarsgaard graduated from Wash U, as did former FBI Director William H. Webster.
Washington University in St. Louis’ ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #24.
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Tuition and fees: $62,982.
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- Graduation rate: 88%
6. University of Wisconsin – Madison
Image source: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Located in Madison, the capital of the State of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) is a public, land-grant institution that was founded in 1848. It is a public research university with a 378 hectare campus which contains a hospital, botanical gardens, an on-campus dairy farm and a music hall.
Madison is known as being a ‘green’ city, with plenty of opportunities for skiing, fishing, boating, and other outdoor sports, and it is often included in rankings of best college towns in the US.
UW-Madison enjoys a very good academic reputation and a very high level of research, and was ranked among the top 100 universities in the world for employability in the Graduate Employability Rankings 2017, partly due to its impressive alumni outcomes.
University of Wisconsin – Madison’s ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #35.
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
- Tuition and fees: $11,205 (in state), $40,603 (out-of-state).
- Acceptance rate: 49%
- Graduation rate: 72%
7. University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign
Image source:University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign
Alongside Northwestern and the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the best colleges in Illinois. It is located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign in east-central Illinois, only a few hours from Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign comprises 15 colleges and schools. Its School of Information Sciences, College of Engineering and Department of Psychology are among the best in the country. The school’s College of Business, College of Education and College of Law are also highly ranked.
Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert and the co-founder of YouTube, Steve Chen.
University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign’s ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #35.
- Location: Urbana and Champaign, Illinois
- Tuition and fees: $17,572 (in state), $36,068 (out-of-state).
- Acceptance rate: 45%
- Graduation rate: 72%
8. The Ohio State University
Image source: Ohio State University
Founded in 1870 as an agricultural and mechanical college, Ohio State University has a rich history of offering a diverse curriculum that includes English, ancient, and foreign languages. Today, the university continues this tradition by providing a comprehensive liberal arts education.
With over 50,000 students studying in 15 colleges on its 1,900-acre campus, it is one of America’s largest higher education institutions.
The university is renowned for its academic medical centre and cancer hospital and research centre. It also boasts more than 10 museums and galleries, a 60-acre arboretum and a four-acre park dedicated to cancer survivors.
With a proud tradition in sports, alumni of Ohio State University have achieved remarkable success, including winning over 100 Olympic medals.
It holds a ranking of #43 in National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges.
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
- Tuition and fees: $12,485 (in state), $36,722 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- Graduation rate: 69%
9. The University of Wisconsin – Stout
Image source: University of Wisconsin - Stout
University of Wisconsin—Stout is a public institution that was founded in 1891. It offers 20 graduate degrees and over 45 undergraduate degrees.
Known as "Wisconsin's Polytechnic University" it has strong emphasis on applied learning, innovation, and professional success. The University has a long-standing tradition of industry partnerships, connecting students with leading employers in various STEM fields for internships and job placements.
The campus is situated in the downtown area with amazing views of Lake Menomin.
University of Wisconsin—Stout's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities Midwest, #67
- Location: Menomonie, Wisconsin
- Tuition and fees: $10,142 (in state), $18,706 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Graduation rate: 26%
10. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Image source: University of Minnesota—Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota—Twin Cities is a fantastic public institution with a rich history dating back to 1851. Nestled in the vibrant cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, also known as the Twin Cities, this university boasts campuses in both locations. Minneapolis serves as the primary campus.
The Carlson School of Management, College of Education and Human Development, and the law school are just a few examples of the university's high-ranking academic departments.
In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities is ranked #53 among National Universities.
- Location: Minneapolis,Minnesota
- Tuition and fees: $16,488 (in state), $36,402 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Graduation rate: 73%
11. Purdue University
Image source: Purdue University
Purdue University's main campus in West Lafayette, Indiana, is the central hub of the Purdue University system, which includes four additional campuses across the state.
Purdue consists of 13 schools and colleges, catering to both undergraduate and graduate students. The diverse array of professional and graduate programs encompasses the renowned College of Engineering, the prestigious Krannert School of Management, the esteemed College of Education, and the distinguished College of Pharmacy. Notably, Purdue's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, part of the College of Engineering, is affectionately known as the "Cradle of Astronauts."
Among its esteemed alumni is the first man to set foot on the moon, Neil Armstrong.
Purdue University—Main Campus' ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #43
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
- Tuition and fees: $9,992 (in state), $28,794 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- Graduation rate: 63%
12. Indiana University – Bloomington
Image source: Indiana University Bloomington
With a student body of over 40,000, Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) is the largest university in the Indiana University system and is also widely considered to be the flagship institution.
IU Bloomington was established in 1820 and today there are more than 550 academic programs available to students, including over 200 undergraduate majors.
IU Bloomington has 16 degree-granting schools and colleges as well as the University Grad School, which has almost 200 academic programs at master’s and doctoral level.
The university is well known for its fraternities and sororities, with about a quarter of undergraduate students involved in Greek life.
Indiana University—Bloomington's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #73.
- Location: Bloomington, Indiana
- Tuition and fees: $11,790 (in state), $40,482 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 82%
- Graduation rate: 72%
13. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
Image source: University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is part of the University of Wisconsin System. It is one of the largest American public higher-education systems.
The University offers two-year associates, a broad range of four-year undergraduate degrees as well a range of graduate programs.
University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh is placed #332 in the US News and World Report’s 2024 Best College rankings (National Universities).
- Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
- Tuition and fees: $7,795 (in state), $15,368. (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 89%
- Graduation rate: 27%
14. University of Iowa
Image source: University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a national research university, founded in 1847, a few days after the state of Iowa was accepted into the Union. It is situated on a 1,900-acre campus on the Iowa River.
The university is home to the world-renowned Iowa Writer’s Workshop, which has produced 13 Pulitzer Prize winners. Recognizing its contribution to creative writing, UNESCO designated Iowa as a City of Literature in 2008.
The university comprises 12 colleges, the largest of which is the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. It is a member of the prestigious Big Ten Conference, the oldest collegiate athletic conference in the US.
Alumni of the university include author Tennessee Williams, and actors Gene Wilder and Ashton Kutcher.
University of Iowa's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #93
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
- Tuition and fees: $10,964 (in state), $32,927 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- Graduation rate: 55%
15. Miami University Oxford
Image source: Miami University Oxford
Miami University is a celebrated Public Ivy research university nestled in the charming city of Oxford, Ohio. From its humble beginnings in 1809 as a small midwestern college to its evolution into a modern international institution, Miami has exemplified excellence in higher education for two centuries. With its engaging liberal arts curriculum, it consistently earns top marks among the nation’s public universities for its exceptional teaching quality and enriching student experience.
The university offers a diverse selection of over 100 bachelor’s programs, alongside pre-professional pathways, as well as more than 50 master's, 14 doctoral, and 19 certificate programs across various academic fields. Recognized for its lively social scene by The Princeton Review, Miami’s Oxford campus sprawls across 2500 acres, featuring scenic walking paths spanning over 32 miles, and modern facilities amongst beautifully preserved historic buildings.
Miami University—Oxford's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #133
- Location: Oxford, Ohio
- Tuition and fees: $17,055 (in state), $38,127 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation rate: 73%
How Can Kings Help You Study in the Midwest
We hope that this article has provided an overview of some of the top universities in the midwest region of the US.
With Kings Guaranteed Outcome (GO) programs, you can graduate from a Top 50 or Top 100 US university.
First you’ll enroll at one of our partner institutes, which generally offer a small, friendly campus environment. It’s the perfect starting point for your degree, and we'll be there on campus to support you all the way.
Current locations include New York, Boston, California, Wisconsin and Oregon.
When you are ready, we’ll help you transfer to a Top 100 university. You’ll join as a second or third year student. You can transfer to any Top 100 university. Or, you can follow one of our dedicated transfer pathways, for example to top 50 ranked or UW-Madison or The University of Rochester.
Guaranteed Outcomes: The Kings Difference
1.Your degree will be from the Top 50 or Top 100 university, not where you started.
2.You’ll graduate from a top university, which would probably have been extremely difficult to enter directly from home.
3. You’ll still complete your degree in just four years even when you transfer — the same as any American student.
Any student who needs additional language preparation and support prior to starting their Guaranteed Outcome program can complete the GO: Prepared course.
If you would like to receive more detailed information about Kings and our university pathway programs, please get in touch with us at us.admissions@kingseducation.com.
