Find Trade Colleges

Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region

2023 Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region

151 Schools Ranked
$20,330 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$23,365 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which trade school program is right for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent.

The Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 151 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best educational experiences for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Miami University - Hamilton

Hamilton, Ohio
411 Total Awards
$6,704 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,929 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Miami University - Hamilton to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the Great Lakes Region . Miami University - Hamilton is a public institution located in Hamilton, Ohio. The school has a small population, and it awarded 411 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $6,704 in tuition and fees if they attend Miami University - Hamilton full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,490. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,929 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Miami University - Hamilton, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 85% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Miami University - Hamilton

#2

Ottawa University - Milwaukee

Brookfield, Wisconsin
40 Total Awards
$12,676 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,339 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 151 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Ottawa University - Milwaukee landed the # 2 spot on the list. Ottawa University - Milwaukee is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Brookfield, Wisconsin that handed out 40 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Ottawa University - Milwaukee is $12,676. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,339 in student loans.

Ottawa University - Milwaukee does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 98% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Ottawa University - Milwaukee Report

#3

University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois
437 Total Awards
$23,804 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 151 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of St Francis landed the # 3 spot on the list. University of Saint Francis is located in Joliet, Illinois and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 437 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,804 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at University of Saint Francis. In 2020-2021 about 79% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of St Francis

76 Total Awards
$19,074 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in Angola, Indiana, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 76 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,074 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, Trine is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Full Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses Report

#5

University of Wisconsin - River Falls

River Falls, Wisconsin
1,300 Total Awards
$8,135 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,247 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Wisconsin - River Falls. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in River Falls, Wisconsin, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,300 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UW - River Falls is $8,135. Out-of-state students pay an average of $16,128. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,247 in student loans.

UW - River Falls does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 77% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full University of Wisconsin - River Falls Report

#6

Purdue University - Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana
8,676 Total Awards
$9,992 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,439 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Purdue University - Main Campus did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, the large public school awarded 8,676 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Indiana who attend Purdue full time pay an average of $9,992 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $28,794. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,439 in student loans.

Purdue does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#7

University of Wisconsin - Stout

Menomonie, Wisconsin
1,317 Total Awards
$9,663 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,948 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Stout did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #7 on the list. Menomonie, Wisconsin is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,317 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Wisconsin pay an average of $9,663 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UW - Stout. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,930. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,948 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UW - Stout. In fact, around 61% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

112 Total Awards
$24,141 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Flex ranked #8 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. UWM Flexible Option is a very small public school situated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It awarded 112 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,141 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, UWM Flexible Option is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Flex

#9

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, Illinois
627 Total Awards
$50,279 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,274 Avg Student Debt

Illinois Institute of Technology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 627 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $50,279 to cover tuition and fees at Illinois Tech. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Illinois Tech accumulate an average of $24,274 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Illinois Tech does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 40% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Illinois Institute of Technology

#10

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
2,315 Total Awards
$8,914 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,634 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire is a fairly large public school located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin that handed out 2,315 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Wisconsin who attend UW - Eau Claire full time pay an average of $8,914 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,627. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,634 in student loans.

UW - Eau Claire does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 49% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Report

#11

Miami University - Middletown

Middletown, Ohio
149 Total Awards
$6,670 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,961 Avg Student Debt

Miami University - Middletown landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Miami University - Middletown is located in Middletown, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 149 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $6,670 in tuition and fees if they attend Miami University - Middletown full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,390. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,961 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Miami University - Middletown, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 88% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Miami University - Middletown

450 Total Awards
$36,530 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,252 Avg Student Debt

Ohio Northern University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. ONU is located in Ada, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 450 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees at ONU is $36,530. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,252 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since ONU does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 10% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#13

Concordia University, Chicago

River Forest, Illinois
329 Total Awards
$34,964 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,139 Avg Student Debt

Concordia University, Chicago came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in River Forest, Illinois, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 329 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Concordia University, Chicago, expect to pay an average of $34,964 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,139 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Concordia University, Chicago. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 69% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Concordia University, Chicago

#14

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin
2,139 Total Awards
$9,232 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,591 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. UW - La Crosse is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,139 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Students from Wisconsin who attend UW - La Crosse full time pay an average of $9,232 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $18,051. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,591 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UW - La Crosse. During the 2020-2021 year, about 44% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Report

#15

University of Wisconsin - Platteville

Platteville, Wisconsin
1,415 Total Awards
$7,862 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,287 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Platteville came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. UW - Platteville is a medium-sized public school situated in Platteville, Wisconsin. It awarded 1,415 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $7,862 in tuition and fees if they attend UW - Platteville full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $16,800. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UW - Platteville accumulate an average of $21,287 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UW - Platteville. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 30% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Platteville

#16

University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Whitewater, Wisconsin
2,187 Total Awards
$7,864 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,074 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Whitewater did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #16 on the list. UW - Whitewater is a public institution located in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,187 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Wisconsin who attend UW - Whitewater full time pay an average of $7,864 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,039. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UW - Whitewater accumulate an average of $22,074 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

UW - Whitewater does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 67% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

14 Total Awards
$5,274 Average Tuition & Fees

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the medium-sized public school awarded 14 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Ohio who attend Cincinnati State full time pay an average of $5,274 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,558.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Cincinnati State does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 57% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

#18

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
9,247 Total Awards
$16,617 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,426 Avg Student Debt

Michigan State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #18 on the list. Michigan State is a large public school situated in East Lansing, Michigan. It awarded 9,247 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Michigan pay an average of $16,617 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Michigan State. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $42,607. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,426 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Michigan State. In 2020-2021 about 87% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Michigan State University

#19

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Madison, Wisconsin
9,741 Total Awards
$10,796 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,315 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Madison ranked #19 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. UW - Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 9,741 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Wisconsin pay an average of $10,796 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UW - Madison. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $39,427. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,315 in student loans.

UW - Madison does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2020-2021 year, about 31% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Wisconsin - Madison Report

#20

Marietta College

Marietta, Ohio
269 Total Awards
$38,022 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,312 Avg Student Debt

Marietta College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Marietta College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Marietta, Ohio that handed out 269 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Marietta does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $38,022. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Marietta accumulate an average of $21,312 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Read full report on Marietta College

#21

Viterbo University

La Crosse, Wisconsin
404 Total Awards
$31,150 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,799 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Viterbo University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 404 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Viterbo does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $31,150. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,799 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Viterbo. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 50% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Viterbo University Report

#22

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, Michigan
1,198 Total Awards
$18,910 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,990 Avg Student Debt

Michigan Technological University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #22 on the list. Michigan Tech is a medium-sized public school situated in Houghton, Michigan. It awarded 1,198 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $18,910 in tuition and fees if they attend Michigan Tech full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $41,247. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,990 in student loans.

Michigan Tech does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 9% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Michigan Technological University

#23

Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
185 Total Awards
$35,444 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,922 Avg Student Debt

Cardinal Stritch University landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Cardinal Stritch is a private not-for-profit institution located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The school has a small population, and it awarded 185 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $35,444 to cover tuition and fees at Cardinal Stritch. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,922 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Cardinal Stritch, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 28% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Cardinal Stritch University

#24

Marquette University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2,470 Total Awards
$46,670 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,073 Avg Student Debt

Marquette University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Milwaukee, Wisconsin is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 2,470 students in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $46,670 to cover tuition and fees at Marquette. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,073 in student loans.

Marquette does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 21% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Marquette University Report

#25

Trine University

Angola, Indiana
522 Total Awards
$34,890 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,940 Avg Student Debt

Trine University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Angola, Indiana, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 522 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

Trine does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $34,890. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,940 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Trine. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 28% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

View Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

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.

Featured Schools

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.