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Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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2023 Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which healthcare program is right 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. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

The Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking is one of many tools that Healthcare Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 242 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for healthcare students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
$69,538 Average Earnings
$19,000 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Northwestern University the best school in the Great Lakes Region for healthcare students working on their degree.

On average, students take out $19,000 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $576 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Northwestern, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $69,538 during the early years of their career.

Full Northwestern University Report

#2

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin
$43,651 Average Earnings
$22,366 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Degree recipients from UW - La Crosse accumulate an average of $22,366 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $158, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UW - La Crosse graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,651 during the early year of their career.

Full University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Report

#3

Marietta College

Marietta, Ohio
$88,926 Average Earnings

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Marietta College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

During the early years of their career, Marietta graduates make an average of $88,926 annually.

Full Marietta College Report

#4

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Madison, Wisconsin
$50,802 Average Earnings
$20,865 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Wisconsin - Madison. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

On average, students take out $20,865 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $336, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UW - Madison graduates make an average of $50,802 annually.

Full University of Wisconsin - Madison Report

#5

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin
$40,202 Average Earnings
$19,738 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Madison Area Technical College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Degree recipients from Madison College accumulate an average of $19,738 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Madison College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,202 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Madison Area Technical College

$62,001 Average Earnings
$22,022 Avg Student Debt

Case Western Reserve University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for healthcare students. It came in at #6 on the list.

On average, students take out $22,022 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $458, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Case Western, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $62,001 during the early years of their career.

Full Case Western Reserve University Report

#7

University of Wisconsin - River Falls

River Falls, Wisconsin
$42,815 Average Earnings
$24,659 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - River Falls did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for healthcare students. It came in at #7 on the list.

On average, students take out $24,659 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $115 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UW - River Falls, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,815 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - River Falls

#8

Saint Mary's College

Notre Dame, Indiana
$44,893 Average Earnings
$23,729 Avg Student Debt

Saint Mary’s College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Degree recipients from St. Mary’s College accumulate an average of $23,729 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from St. Mary’s College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,893 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Saint Mary’s College

#9

Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana
$44,025 Average Earnings
$19,851 Avg Student Debt

Indiana University - Bloomington ranked #9 on this year’s Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,851 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $395. During the early years of their career, IU Bloomington graduates make an average of $44,025 annually.

Full Indiana University - Bloomington Report

#10

University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois
$60,805 Average Earnings
$28,383 Avg Student Debt

University of St Francis came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking.

Degree recipients from University of Saint Francis accumulate an average of $28,383 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 $332. During the early years of their career, University of Saint Francis graduates make an average of $60,805 annually.

Read More…

#11

Marquette University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
$52,581 Average Earnings
$21,711 Avg Student Debt

Marquette University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for healthcare students. It came in at #11 on the list.

Degree recipients from Marquette accumulate an average of $21,711 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 $485. During the early years of their career, Marquette graduates make an average of $52,581 annually.

Full Marquette University Report

#12

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
$42,330 Average Earnings
$21,871 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire ranked #12 on this year’s Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

On average, students take out $21,871 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $121 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UW - Eau Claire, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,330 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Report

#13

Rasmussen University - Illinois

Rockford, Illinois
$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Illinois landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best healthcare programs.

On average, students take out $30,604 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $127. During the early years of their career, Rasmussen University - Illinois graduates make an average of $41,940 annually.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Illinois

$54,915 Average Earnings
$25,027 Avg Student Debt

Ohio Northern University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best healthcare programs.

Degree recipients from ONU accumulate an average of $25,027 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 $277.After graduating from ONU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,915 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Ohio Northern University

#15

Oakton Community College

Des Plaines, Illinois
$42,340 Average Earnings
$13,638 Avg Student Debt

Oakton Community College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best healthcare programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,638 in student loans.After graduating from Oakton Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,340 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#16

Concordia University, Chicago

River Forest, Illinois
$53,770 Average Earnings
$26,522 Avg Student Debt

Concordia University, Chicago came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,522 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Concordia University, Chicago graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,770 during the early year of their career.

Full Concordia University, Chicago Report

#17

Moraine Park Technical College

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

Moraine Park Technical College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,592 in student loans.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.

Read More…

#18

The University of Findlay

Findlay, Ohio
$49,793 Average Earnings
$24,363 Avg Student Debt

The University of Findlay came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,363 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $495 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Findlay graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,793 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#19

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, Indiana
$43,610 Average Earnings
$27,454 Avg Student Debt

Purdue University Northwest came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking.

On average, students take out $27,454 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $152, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Purdue Northwest graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,610 during the early year of their career.

Full Purdue University Northwest Report

#20

Carroll University

Waukesha, Wisconsin
$48,098 Average Earnings
$24,527 Avg Student Debt

Carroll University landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best healthcare programs.

Degree recipients from Carroll U accumulate an average of $24,527 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 $394 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Carroll U graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,098 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Carroll University

$53,270 Average Earnings
$18,891 Avg Student Debt

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking.

Degree recipients from UIUC accumulate an average of $18,891 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $415, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UIUC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,270 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

#22

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan
$58,051 Average Earnings
$17,682 Avg Student Debt

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best healthcare programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,682 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $419, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from U-M, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $58,051 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

$40,551 Average Earnings
$34,675 Avg Student Debt

Herzing University - Akron did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for healthcare students. It came in at #23 on the list.

On average, students take out $34,675 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $156.After graduating from Herzing Akron, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,551 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#24

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana
$35,780 Average Earnings
$15,847 Avg Student Debt

Ivy Tech Community College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best healthcare programs.

Degree recipients from Ivy Tech Community College accumulate an average of $15,847 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Ivy Tech Community College graduates make an average of $35,780 annually.

Read full report on Ivy Tech Community College

#25

Fox Valley Technical College

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

Fox Valley Technical College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,511 in student loans.After graduating from FVTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,943 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Fox Valley Technical College

Rest of the Top 15% Best Healthcare Schools in the Great Lakes Region of the U.S.

Not only did these schools make the top 37 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Green Bay, Wisconsin
#27

Mount Mary University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
#28

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

Oshkosh, Wisconsin
#29

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
#30

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
#30

University of Wisconsin - Stout

Menomonie, Wisconsin
#32

Purdue University - Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana
#33

Viterbo University

La Crosse, Wisconsin
#34

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#35

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois
#36

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, Michigan
#37

Blackhawk Technical College

Janesville, Wisconsin

View Best Healthcare Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best healthcare schools ranking:

Rank School Location
38 Herzing University - Madison Madison, WI
39 Otterbein University Westerville, OH
40 James A Rhodes State College Lima, OH
41 Baldwin Wallace University Berea, OH
42 College of Lake County Grayslake, IL
43 William Rainey Harper College Palatine, IL
44 Rasmussen University - Wisconsin Green Bay, WI
45 Concordia University, Wisconsin Mequon, WI
46 Edgewood College Madison, WI
47 University of Detroit Mercy Detroit, MI
48 University of Mount Union Alliance, OH
49 Bradley University Peoria, IL
49 Andrews University Berrien Springs, MI

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • 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.

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