The Midwest is full of colleges with accessible admissions, strong outcomes, and real campus communities, often without the coastal hype (read: admit-rate insanity!).
Here are some to consider adding to your college list:
Drake University (Des Moines, IA)
Known for:
- Business, law pipeline, pre-health (pharmacy), communications
- Personalized advising and experiential learning
- Strong internship access in the Capitol city
Why it’s a gem: Excellent for students who want mentorship + career prep.
Butler University (Indianapolis, IN)
Known for:
- Business, education, health sciences
- Small classes + big-city access
- Excellent student support and advising
Why it’s a gem: Big U spirit in a small school package, all in a vibrant, internship-rich city.
University of Dayton (Dayton, OH)
Known for:
- Engineering, business, entrepreneurship
- One of the strongest alumni networks in the Midwest
- Tight-knit, school-spirit-heavy campus
Why it’s a gem: Supportive campus with hands-on engagement and research, leading to strong student outcomes.
Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Known for:
- Nursing, pre-health, business, social sciences
- Lakefront campus + Chicago internships
- Jesuit emphasis on ethics and service
Why it’s a gem: Urban access with a real campus feel, in a rare mid-size package with accessible admissions.
Marquette University (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Known for:
- Business, engineering, health sciences, communications
- Career readiness + internships
- Big East athletics & school pride
Why it’s a gem: Strong academics and job placement with an energetic, social campus culture.
DePaul University (Chicago, IL)
Known for:
- Business, film, theater, computer science
- Experiential learning + paid internships
- Extremely career-focused
Why it’s a gem: Ideal for students who want immediate real-world experience in a major city.
University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)
Known for:
- Writing, journalism, health sciences, business
- Strong academic reputation with approachable admissions
- One of the best college towns in the U.S.
Why it’s a gem: Big Ten academics without Big Ten admissions pressure in a vibrant college town setting.
Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)
Known for:
- Business, supply chain, education, communications
- Massive alumni network
- Classic college-town experience
Why it’s a gem: Huge opportunities, especially for business students, with room to stand out.
University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)
Known for:
- Architecture, journalism, engineering, business, health professions
- School spirit + Big 12 athletics
- Affordable out-of-state options
Why it’s a gem: A fun, spirited campus with strong academics and RI research opportunities.
Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Known for:
- Business, psychology, pre-health
- Jesuit values + leadership development
- Big East athletics (especially in basketball)
Why it’s a gem: Balances academic rigor with a very social, residential campus.
Iowa State University (Ames, IA)
Known for:
- Engineering (especially mechanical, civil, aerospace), agriculture, sustainability, environmental science, architecture, design, and data science
- Emphasis on hands-on learning, research, and internships starting early
- True college-town environment where campus life is central
Why it’s a gem: One of the strongest engineering outcomes in the Midwest with accessible admissions.
University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH)
Known for:
- Engineering, business, design, and health sciences
- One of the nation’s strongest co-op (paid internship) programs
- Hands-on, career-focused academic programs
Why it’s a gem: Co-op means students graduate with significant real-world experience and professional connections.