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Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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2023 Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region

125 Schools Ranked
$10,188 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$15,692 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which program to enroll in when you have so many options available. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamp with offerings that you might find attractive.

The Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 125 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which undergraduate certificate programs offered the best educational experiences for students. The factors used to develop this ranking include those related to how in-demand the school us, the overall quality of the school, and post-graduation wages, and more.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
$60,768 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Northwestern University to be the best school for students who want to pursue a undergraduate certificate in the Great Lakes Region .

The average tuition and fees at Northwestern is $60,768. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

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#2

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin
$4,600 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,600 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 #2 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Madison College is $4,600. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,769. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $16,600 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Madison College. In fact, around 77% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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$4,571 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,378 Avg Student Debt

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

Students from Wisconsin who attend Southwest Tech full time pay an average of $4,571 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,683. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,378 in student loans.

Southwest 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. In fact, around 33% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Report

#4

DeVry University - Illinois

Chicago, Illinois
$15,032 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,785 Avg Student Debt

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at DeVry University - Illinois helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the Great Lakes Region .

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $15,032 to cover tuition and fees at DeVry University - Illinois. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $22,785 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that DeVry University - Illinois does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#5

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
$4,568 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,690 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Chippewa Valley Technical College is a great place for students working on their undergraduate certificate.

In-state students pay an average of $4,568 in tuition and fees if they attend CVTC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,683. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from CVTC accumulate an average of $13,690 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CVTC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Chippewa Valley Technical College Report

$10,044 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,901 Avg Student Debt

Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #6 on the list.

Students from Indiana who attend IUPUI full time pay an average of $10,044 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $32,101. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $24,901 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at IUPUI. In 2019-2020 about 96% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis Report

#7

Vincennes University

Vincennes, Indiana
$6,449 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,198 Avg Student Debt

Vincennes University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #7 on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $6,449 in tuition and fees if they attend Vincennes University full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,253. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $17,198 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Vincennes University does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 16% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Vincennes University

$9,239 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #8, Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their undergraduate certificate.

If you want to attend IWU, expect to pay an average of $9,239 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at IWU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 94% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global Report

$16,142 Average Tuition & Fees

Miami University - Oxford landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate programs.

Students from Ohio who attend Miami University - Oxford full time pay an average of $16,142 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $36,288.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Miami University - Oxford. In 2019-2020 about 12% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Miami University - Oxford

#10

Rasmussen University - Illinois

Rockford, Illinois
$13,883 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,381 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Illinois ranked #10 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

If you want to attend Rasmussen University - Illinois, expect to pay an average of $13,883 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $20,381 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Rasmussen University - Illinois. In fact, around 99% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Illinois

#11

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, Wisconsin
$4,746 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,693 Avg Student Debt

Fox Valley Technical College ranked #11 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Students from Wisconsin who attend FVTC full time pay an average of $4,746 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,861. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from FVTC accumulate an average of $12,693 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

FVTC 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 2019-2020 academic year, around 42% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Fox Valley Technical College Report

#12

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana
$4,637 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,607 Avg Student Debt

Ivy Tech Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #12 on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Ivy Tech Community College is $4,637. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,927. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $15,607 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Ivy Tech Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 81% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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$14,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,223 Avg Student Debt

Herzing University - Akron ranked #13 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $14,200 to cover tuition and fees at Herzing Akron. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $25,223 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Herzing Akron. During the 2019-2020 year, about 79% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#14

Rock Valley College

Rockford, Illinois
$8,924 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,594 Avg Student Debt

Rock Valley College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Rock Valley College is $8,924. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,564. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,594 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Rock Valley College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 86% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Rock Valley College Report

#15

Herzing University - Madison

Madison, Wisconsin
$14,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,006 Avg Student Debt

Herzing University - Madison ranked #15 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

The average tuition and fees at Herzing University - Madison is $14,200. 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 undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,006 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Herzing University - Madison does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 97% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Herzing University - Madison

#16

Moraine Park Technical College

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
$4,568 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,506 Avg Student Debt

Moraine Park Technical College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Full-time students from Wisconsin pay an average of $4,568 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Moraine Park Technical College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,683. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Moraine Park Technical College accumulate an average of $11,506 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Moraine Park Technical College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 12% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Moraine Park Technical College Report

#17

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Green Bay, Wisconsin
$4,734 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,858 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their undergraduate certificate.

Students from Wisconsin who attend NWTC full time pay an average of $4,734 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,849. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $13,858 in loans while pursuing their degree.

NWTC 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 fact, around 51% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

#18

Western Technical College

La Crosse, Wisconsin
$4,572 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,287 Avg Student Debt

Western Technical College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate programs.

Students from Wisconsin who attend Western Technical College full time pay an average of $4,572 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,687. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Western Technical College accumulate an average of $13,287 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Western Technical College 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 2019-2020 academic year, around 88% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Western Technical College Report

#19

Kellogg Community College

Battle Creek, Michigan
$6,878 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,955 Avg Student Debt

Kellogg Community College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Students from Michigan who attend Kellogg Community College full time pay an average of $6,878 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,450. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $29,955 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Kellogg Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 74% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Kellogg Community College Report

$5,040 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,887 Avg Student Debt

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Cincinnati State is $5,040. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,090. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Cincinnati State accumulate an average of $18,887 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Cincinnati State. In 2019-2020 about 88% 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

#21

Northcentral Technical College

Wausau, Wisconsin
$3,723 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,125 Avg Student Debt

Northcentral Technical College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate programs.

In-state students pay an average of $3,723 in tuition and fees if they attend North Central Technical College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,415. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $13,125 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since North Central Technical College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 54% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Northcentral Technical College

#22

Rasmussen University - Wisconsin

Green Bay, Wisconsin
$12,860 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,381 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Wisconsin ranked #22 on this year’s Best Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

If you want to attend Rasmussen University - Wisconsin, expect to pay an average of $12,860 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,381 in student loans.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Rasmussen University - Wisconsin. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Wisconsin

#23

McHenry County College

Crystal Lake, Illinois
$11,608 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,159 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, McHenry County College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their undergraduate certificate.

Students from Illinois who attend MCC full time pay an average of $11,608 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,449. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,159 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since MCC does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 50% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full McHenry County College Report

#24

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, Ohio
$4,329 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,679 Avg Student Debt

Sinclair Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #24 on the list.

Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $4,329 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Sinclair Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,076. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,679 in student loans.

Sinclair Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 80% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

$4,397 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,461 Avg Student Debt

James A Rhodes State College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate programs.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Rhodes State College is $4,397. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,721. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Rhodes State College accumulate an average of $20,461 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Rhodes State College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 42% took at least some of their classes online.

Full James A Rhodes State College Report

View Best Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 William Rainey Harper College Palatine, IL

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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