The Midwest is home to a wide array of excellent colleges and universities, offering a diverse range of academic programs and student experiences. Whether you’re looking for a large research university, a small liberal arts college, or something in between, the Midwest has a college that’s right for you.
Top Universities in the Midwest
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 rankings, the top universities in the Midwest include:
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Chicago | Chicago, IL |
| 2 | University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI |
| 3 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI |
| 5 | Purdue University – West Lafayette | West Lafayette, IN |
| 6 | Ohio State University – Columbus | Columbus, OH |
| 7 | University of Minnesota – Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN |
| 8 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago, IL |
| 9 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI |
| 10 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA |
These universities offer a wide range of academic programs, from traditional liberal arts majors to cutting-edge research fields. They also have strong research programs and faculty, which can provide students with hands-on experience and opportunities to work with leading experts in their fields.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the Midwest
The Midwest is also home to a number of excellent liberal arts colleges, which offer a more intimate and personalized educational experience than larger universities. Some of the best liberal arts colleges in the Midwest include:
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carleton College | Northfield, MN |
| 2 | Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA |
| 3 | Oberlin College | Oberlin, OH |
| 4 | Kalamazoo College | Kalamazoo, MI |
| 5 | Denison University | Granville, OH |
| 6 | St. Olaf College | Northfield, MN |
| 7 | Lawrence University | Appleton, WI |
| 8 | Earlham College | Richmond, IN |
| 9 | Kenyon College | Gambier, OH |
| 10 | Augustana College | Rock Island, IL |
These colleges offer a wide range of majors in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. They also have strong faculty and small class sizes, which allow students to receive individualized attention from their professors.
Other Notable Colleges in the Midwest
In addition to the top universities and liberal arts colleges, the Midwest is home to a number of other notable colleges and universities, including:
- Public universities: These universities offer a wide range of academic programs and are generally more affordable than private universities. Some of the best public universities in the Midwest include the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Indiana University at Bloomington, and the University of Iowa.
- Private universities: These universities offer a more intimate and personalized educational experience than public universities. Some of the best private universities in the Midwest include DePaul University, Marquette University, and Washington University in St. Louis.
- Community colleges: These colleges offer two-year associate degrees and certificates. They are a great option for students who want to get a head start on their college education or who are looking for a more affordable way to earn a degree. Some of the best community colleges in the Midwest include Joliet Junior College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, and Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
How to Choose the Right College for You
When choosing a college, there are a number of factors to consider, including:
- Academic programs: Make sure the college offers the major you want to study.
- Location: Consider the location of the college and whether it’s a good fit for you.
- Size: Consider the size of the college and whether it’s a good fit for you.
- Cost: Consider the cost of the college and whether it’s affordable for you.
- Culture: Consider the culture of the college and whether it’s a good fit for you.
It’s also important to visit the colleges you’re considering and talk to current students and faculty. This will help you get a better sense of the college and whether it’s the right fit for you.
Conclusion
The Midwest is home to a wide range of excellent colleges and universities, offering a diverse range of academic programs and student experiences. Whether you’re looking for a large research university, a small liberal arts college, or something in between, the Midwest has a college that’s right for you.