14 Best Colleges in the Midwest

Introduction

Hi, I’m Emily Johnson and I’m excited to share with you the 14 best colleges in the Midwest. As someone who attended college in the Midwest, I can attest to the quality of education and experiences that these schools offer. Whether you’re a high school student looking for the perfect college or a parent helping your child with the college search, this article will provide you with valuable information to help you make an informed decision.

Before we dive into the list, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about these colleges:

The Midwest is home to some of the best colleges in the country
Many of these colleges have a strong focus on liberal arts education
The Midwest is known for its friendly people and welcoming communities

1. Carleton College

Located in Northfield, Minnesota, Carleton College is a small, private liberal arts college with a strong reputation for academic excellence. I attended Carleton College and can attest to the incredible professors, challenging coursework, and vibrant campus community. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, which allows for personalized attention and mentorship.

Key Info:

Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report for National Liberal Arts Colleges
Acceptance rate of 19%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $60,900

Personal Experience:

I remember taking a class called The Politics of Food at Carleton, which completely changed the way I thought about food systems and agriculture. The professor was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, and it inspired me to pursue a career in sustainable agriculture after graduation.

2. University of Chicago

Located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, the University of Chicago is a private research university with a reputation for academic rigor and intellectual curiosity. The school has produced 100 Nobel laureates and is known for its strong programs in economics, political science, and sociology.

Key Info:

Ranked #6 by U.S. News & World Report for National Universities
Acceptance rate of 6%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $70,800

Personal Experience:

While I didn’t attend the University of Chicago, I have friends who did and they rave about the intellectual atmosphere on campus. The school is known for its rigorous coursework, but also for its vibrant student life and social scene.

3. Grinnell College

Located in Grinnell, Iowa, Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college known for its commitment to social justice and its strong programs in the humanities and social sciences. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #13 by U.S. News & World Report for National Liberal Arts Colleges
Acceptance rate of 24%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $50,400

Personal Experience:

I visited Grinnell College during my college search and was impressed by the commitment to social justice and community engagement on campus. The school has a strong focus on service-learning and encourages students to get involved in the local community.

4. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the University of Michigan is a public research university with a strong reputation for academic excellence and research. The school has a large and diverse student body, and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #24 by U.S. News & World Report for National Universities
Acceptance rate of 23%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $62,200

Personal Experience:

While I didn’t attend the University of Michigan, I have friends who did and they rave about the school spirit and sense of community on campus. The school is known for its strong athletic programs and its commitment to sustainability.

5. Macalester College

Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester College is a private liberal arts college known for its commitment to internationalism and multiculturalism. The school has a diverse student body and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #24 by U.S. News & World Report for National Liberal Arts Colleges
Acceptance rate of 37%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $48,400

Personal Experience:

I attended a summer program at Macalester College before my senior year of high school and was impressed by the sense of community and engagement on campus. The school has a strong focus on social justice and community service, and encourages students to get involved in the local community.

6. Northwestern University

Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is a private research university known for its strong programs in journalism, communications, and business. The school has a diverse student body and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #9 by U.S. News & World Report for National Universities
Acceptance rate of 9%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $70,500

Personal Experience:

While I didn’t attend Northwestern University, I have friends who did and they rave about the school’s location in the Chicago metropolitan area. The school is known for its strong alumni network and its commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation.

7. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Located in Madison, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public research university known for its strong programs in the sciences and engineering. The school has a large and diverse student body and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #46 by U.S. News & World Report for National Universities
Acceptance rate of 53%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $53,900

Personal Experience:

I visited the University of Wisconsin-Madison during my college search and was impressed by the campus’s beautiful lakeside location and vibrant student life. The school is known for its strong athletic programs and its commitment to sustainability.

8. Oberlin College

Located in Oberlin, Ohio, Oberlin College is a private liberal arts college known for its commitment to social justice and its strong programs in the arts and humanities. The school has a diverse student body and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #25 by U.S. News & World Report for National Liberal Arts Colleges
Acceptance rate of 31%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $45,800

Personal Experience:

I attended a summer program at Oberlin College before my senior year of high school and was impressed by the school’s commitment to social justice and community engagement. The school has a strong focus on service-learning and encourages students to get involved in the local community.

9. University of Iowa

Located in Iowa City, Iowa, the University of Iowa is a public research university known for its strong programs in the arts and humanities. The school has a large and diverse student body and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #89 by U.S. News & World Report for National Universities
Acceptance rate of 83%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $47,900

Personal Experience:

I visited the University of Iowa during my college search and was impressed by the campus’s beautiful location on the Iowa River. The school is known for its strong programs in creative writing and its commitment to sustainability.

10. Kenyon College

Located in Gambier, Ohio, Kenyon College is a private liberal arts college known for its strong programs in the humanities and social sciences. The school has a small and close-knit student body and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #28 by U.S. News & World Report for National Liberal Arts Colleges
Acceptance rate of 34%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $45,700

Personal Experience:

I visited Kenyon College during my college search and was impressed by the school’s picturesque campus and strong sense of community. The school is known for its strong programs in creative writing and its commitment to sustainability.

11. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a public research university known for its strong programs in the sciences and engineering. The school has a large and diverse student body and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #70 by U.S. News & World Report for National Universities
Acceptance rate of 50%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $54,900

Personal Experience:

I visited the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities during my college search and was impressed by the school’s strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The school is known for its strong programs in the sciences and its vibrant student life.

12. DePauw University

Located in Greencastle, Indiana, DePauw University is a private liberal arts college known for its strong programs in the sciences and social sciences. The school has a diverse student body and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #47 by U.S. News & World Report for National Liberal Arts Colleges
Acceptance rate of 56%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $47,200

Personal Experience:

I visited DePauw University during my college search and was impressed by the school’s strong sense of community and commitment to sustainability. The school is known for its strong programs in the sciences and its emphasis on hands-on learning.

13. University of Notre Dame

Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, the University of Notre Dame is a private Catholic research university known for its strong programs in business and engineering. The school has a diverse student body and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #19 by U.S. News & World Report for National Universities
Acceptance rate of 16%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $74,200

Personal Experience:

While I didn’t attend the University of Notre Dame, I have friends who did and they rave about the school’s strong sense of community and commitment to service. The school is known for its strong athletic programs and its beautiful campus.

14. Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State University is a public research university known for its strong programs in the sciences and engineering. The school has a large and diverse student body and offers a wide range of majors and academic programs.

Key Info:

Ranked #54 by U.S. News & World Report for National Universities
Acceptance rate of 52%
Graduates have a median starting salary of $53,000

Personal Experience:

I visited Ohio State University during my college search and was impressed by the school’s strong sense of community and vibrant student life. The school is known for its strong programs in the sciences and its commitment to sustainability.

FAQs

What is a liberal arts college?

A liberal arts college is a type of college that emphasizes a well-rounded education in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. These colleges often have small class sizes and a strong focus on critical thinking and writing skills.

What is the difference between a public and private college?

A public college is funded by the state government and typically has lower tuition rates for in-state students. Private colleges are funded by private donors and typically have higher tuition rates. Private colleges often have smaller class sizes and more resources for students.

What is the Midwest?

The Midwest is a region of the United States that includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.