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2026 Best Trade Schools in Great Lakes
Looking for the best Trade degree programs in Great Lakes? Our ranking highlights 870 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Trade College reviewed 719 schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Trade Degree Schools in Great Lakes
Explore the leading schools below:
No school ranked higher than Miami University Hamilton this year in Great Lakes. Based in Hamilton, OH, Miami University Hamilton is a public institution. Miami University Hamilton graduates 24% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $7,012 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,811 for out-of-state students. Miami University Hamilton Trade students take on a median of $23,763 in debt. Read the full report on Miami University Hamilton
A rank of #2 makes University Of St Francis one of the top choices in Great Lakes. Based in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. University Of St Francis Trade students take on a median of $25,695 in debt. More on University Of St Francis
Out of the 719 schools in Great Lakes in this year's ranking, Northwestern University landed the #3 spot. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. The median Trade program debt is $16,616. Get the full Northwestern University report
Out of the 719 schools in Great Lakes in this year's ranking, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus landed the #4 spot. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Angola, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $7,176. The median Trade program debt is $24,787. See the full Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus profile
You'll be in good company at Purdue University Main Campus, which ranked #5 this year. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical Trade student debt is $19,844. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Stout did well this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. About 55% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Graduates carry a median of $25,821 in student loans. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,750. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex Trade students take on a median of $23,820 in debt. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex report
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Typical Trade student debt is $22,574. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
Ohio Northern University came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Based in Ada, OH, Ohio Northern University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 72% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $39,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,661 in student loans. More on Ohio Northern University
Concordia University Chicago landed the #10 spot in Great Lakes this year. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. About 36% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Typical Trade student debt is $26,956. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. About 71% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,070 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. The median Trade program debt is $23,551. See the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse profile
Miami University Middletown ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Miami University Middletown is a public school based in Middletown, OH. Miami University Middletown graduates 30% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,012, while out-of-state students pay about $18,811. Students borrow a median of $23,575 to complete their Trade program here. Get the full Miami University Middletown report
Michigan State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 81%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $25,213. See the full Michigan State University profile
Marietta College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Located in Marietta, OH, Marietta College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 61% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,652. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Trade program here. Read the full report on Marietta College
Madison Area Technical College placed #15 among Trade schools in Great Lakes. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Typical Trade student debt is $16,812. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Viterbo University landed the #16 spot in Great Lakes this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Crosse, WI. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $34,250. Students borrow a median of $29,107 to complete their Trade program here. More on Viterbo University
Michigan Technological University did well this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Michigan Technological University Trade students take on a median of $25,800 in debt. More on Michigan Technological University
Devry University Illinois ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Located in Lisle, IL, Devry University Illinois is a private for-profit institution. Roughly 18% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $17,008 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $43,684. Get the full Devry University Illinois report
Marquette University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. Marquette University graduates 83% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $24,122. Read the full report on Marquette University
Akron Institute Of Herzing University came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Set in Akron, OH, Akron Institute Of Herzing University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. Graduates carry a median of $32,277 in student loans. More on Akron Institute Of Herzing University
Moraine Park Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Set in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, while out-of-state students pay about $7,084. Moraine Park Technical College Trade students take on a median of $11,471 in debt. Read the full report on Moraine Park Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College did well this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Typical Trade student debt is $13,319. Get the full Fox Valley Technical College report
Rasmussen College Illinois came in at #23 in this year's ranking. Set in Rockford, IL, Rasmussen College Illinois is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,581 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $28,798. See the full Rasmussen College Illinois profile
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #24 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. The median Trade program debt is $14,234. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. The median Trade program debt is $11,889. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best Trade Degree Schools in Great Lakes
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Herzing University Madison placed #26 among Trade schools in Great Lakes. Located in Madison, WI, Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 22% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $13,450. Graduates carry a median of $30,328 in student loans. See the full Herzing University Madison profile
The University Of Findlay placed #27 among Trade schools in Great Lakes. Located in Findlay, OH, The University Of Findlay is a private not-for-profit institution. The University Of Findlay graduates 58% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,164. Graduates carry a median of $25,759 in student loans. Get the full The University Of Findlay report
Oakton Community College landed the #28 spot in Great Lakes this year. Set in Des Plaines, IL, Oakton Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,985, compared with $12,462 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,750 in student loans. Read more about Oakton Community College
Wayne State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Typical Trade student debt is $26,689. More on Wayne State University
Illinois State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Illinois State University graduates 64% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $21,896 in student loans. More on Illinois State University
Ferris State University landed the #31 spot in Great Lakes this year. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Typical Trade student debt is $23,562. Read more about Ferris State University
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,517, while out-of-state students pay about $10,044. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College Trade students take on a median of $17,730 in debt. More on Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Carroll University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Carroll University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waukesha, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. Students from in state pay about $38,890 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,904 to complete their Trade program here. Get the full Carroll University report
Blackhawk Technical College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Located in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,747, with out-of-state students paying around $6,803. The median Trade program debt is $13,715. Read the full report on Blackhawk Technical College
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #35 in this year's ranking. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $20,778. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
National Louis University landed the #36 spot in Great Lakes this year. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 30% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. Students borrow a median of $29,242 to complete their Trade program here. Get the full National Louis University report
College Of Lake County ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Based in Grayslake, IL, College Of Lake County is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,788, compared with $14,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $9,785. More on College Of Lake County
Purdue University Northwest came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Based in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 43%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,083 to complete their Trade program here. More on Purdue University Northwest
Northern Illinois University did well this year, earning the #39 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. About 49% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University Trade students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. More on Northern Illinois University
Rasmussen College Wisconsin ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. This private for-profit school is set in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,345. Rasmussen College Wisconsin Trade students take on a median of $28,798 in debt. Read more about Rasmussen College Wisconsin
Harper College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Set in Palatine, IL, Harper College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,894 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $10,963. See the full Harper College profile
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #42 spot in Great Lakes this year. Located in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Trade students take on a median of $12,112 in debt. More on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
University Of Indianapolis did well this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Indianapolis, IN, University Of Indianapolis is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Indianapolis graduates 56% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,200. Typical Trade student debt is $26,699. Read more about University Of Indianapolis
Siena Heights University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Adrian, MI, Siena Heights University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 39% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $30,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,790 to complete their Trade program here. Read the full report on Siena Heights University
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay landed the #45 spot in Great Lakes this year. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay graduates 53% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,477 in student loans. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay report
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College landed the #46 spot in Great Lakes this year. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public school based in Rice Lake, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,926, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. Graduates carry a median of $11,384 in student loans. See the full Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College profile
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Trade schools. Set in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,960, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Students borrow a median of $14,997 to complete their Trade program here. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Indiana University Southeast did well this year, earning the #48 position. Located in New Albany, IN, Indiana University Southeast is a public institution. Indiana University Southeast posts a six-year graduation rate of 39%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,981 in student loans. Read more about Indiana University Southeast
Marian University Wisconsin came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Fond Du Lac, WI. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,204. Students borrow a median of $27,242 to complete their Trade program here. Read the full report on Marian University Wisconsin
Northcentral Technical College did well this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,889, while out-of-state students pay about $7,132. Typical Trade student debt is $11,709. Get the full Northcentral Technical College report
More Trade Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Region · 719 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 870 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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