Overhead of people thinking with graphics for ideas, featured schools logo

Great Undergraduate Research Colleges and Universities in the Midwest

Research institutions invest a lot into—you guessed it—research! Learn about some of the best top-tier research universities in the Midwestern US right here.

Starting your college search can be overwhelming with all the choices you have. Will you pick a college or university? Two-year or four-year? Public or private? Comprehensive or liberal arts based? Research intensive or specialized? The options seem to be endless! That’s why we’re highlighting different types of schools across the country and all the benefits they offer.

Here, you’ll find great options for research colleges and universities in the Midwestern US. Research institutions invest a lot in research and development, which creates amazing opportunities for students to get involved in projects and work with faculty in their fields of interest. Research colleges can be public or private, and they are often designated by the Carnegie Classification system as Tier 1, R1, or Top Tier Universities for the level of research conducted on campus. Want to learn more about this type of school? Here are just a few great options for research-inclined students. See what they have to offer and click the green "Connect me" buttons to show your interest!

Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University is a private research institution on a 267-acre campus located in Cleveland's University Circle—four miles from downtown Cleveland, Ohio. More than 80% of CWRU students take part in research or creative endeavors in any major beginning as early as their first semester, with many becoming published authors whose research results are reported in some of the country’s most prized academic journals. Additionally, almost 100% of undergrads take part in experiential learning opportunities, co-ops, and internships.

Connect me with Case Western!

Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University is a public research institution with an 85-acre campus located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. The University offers nearly 200 academic programs to 17,000+ students through the Colleges of Business, Engineering, Education & Human Services, Law, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Sciences & Health Professions, and Urban Affairs. Students have access to freshman scholarships, new state-of-the-art student residence halls, 200+ student clubs, NCAA Division I athletics, and one of Ohio’s lowest tuition rates.

Connect me with Cleveland State!

Miami University—Oxford

Miami University—Oxford logoMiami University—Oxford is a public comprehensive research university in Oxford, Ohio. More than 16,500 undergraduates and 2,300+ graduate students study at the University’s Oxford campus in over 120 bachelor’s areas of study as well as 70 master’s and doctoral degree programs. Miami also offers vibrant residential, community-based, and international programs involving students in activities that build leadership and develop citizenship and character.

Connect me with Miami U!

Michigan State University

Michigan State University logoMichigan State University is a comprehensive public land-grant university in East Lansing, Michigan—80 miles from Detroit. For more than 160 years, MSU has been a place to explore with more than 200 areas of study in 17 degree-granting colleges and a wealth of hands-on undergraduate research opportunities. Nearly 50,000 students get involved on campus in 900+ clubs and organizations as well as off campus through 275 study abroad programs in more than 60 countries.

Connect me with MSU!

Oakland University

Oakland uOakland University is a public comprehensive research university on a 1,444-acre campus in Rochester, Michigan—25 miles north of downtown Detroit. More than 16,000 students are enrolled in 275+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs through the College of Arts & Sciences and the Schools of Business, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Computer Science, Health Sciences, Medicine, and Nursing. The University also offers tutoring and study groups, a full-service writing center, study abroad opportunities, research projects as early as the first year, and a library that’s open 24/7.

Connect me with OU!

The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University is a large public land-grant research university with a 1,665-acre main campus in Columbus, Ohio. The University enrolls more than 53,000 undergraduate students in 200+ majors and over 500 specializations. Ohio State also offers résumé-building internships and co-ops, hands-on research experiences, character-building overseas study, summer programs, First Year Experience programming, and an alumni network with influence around the world.

Connect me with Ohio State!

Ohio University

Ohio UniversityOhio University is a public comprehensive research institution on a 1,500-acre main campus in Athens, Ohio—75 miles southeast of Columbus. OHIO offers more than 250 majors, minors, and certificates as well as 30 PhD programs and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio to over 28,000 students across five regional campuses and online. Students can also take advantage of more than 550 campus organizations (with the ability to create your own), seven on-campus galleries, 16 NCAA Division I athletic teams (with free admission to home games), 21 miles of bike paths on campus, Learning Communities for first-year students, and more. 

Connect me with OHIO!

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma StateOklahoma State University is a public comprehensive land-grant research university on an 840-acre main campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma—70 miles west of Tulsa. OSU is home to more than 35,000 students across its five-campus system with more than 250 academic programs, including 110 minors and 87 undergraduate majors that offer over 200 options and concentrations. Students also benefit from 30 on-campus housing options, study abroad programs in over 50 countries, the unique Freshman Research Program, more than 500 clubs and organizations, Greek life, diverse student associations, and dozens of intramural sports teams. 

Connect me with OSU!

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is a private Jesuit Catholic research university on a 282-acre campus in St. Louis, Missouri. Almost 13,000 students are enrolled in nearly 90 undergraduate programs and more than 100 graduate and professional programs, with many departments offering accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degree tracks that allow students to complete a graduate degree with only one additional year of coursework. As a comprehensive, doctoral degree–granting institution with high research activity, SLU values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

Connect me with SLU!

University of Akron

University of Akron logoThe University of Akron is a public research institution within walking distance of downtown Akron, Ohio. Home to more than 13,400 total students, UA enrolls 11,300+ undergraduates in 200 degree programs spanning Engineering, Business, Computer Technology, Health Care, Education, and the Arts & Sciences. Students also enjoy state-of-the-art labs and facilities, a 53-foot climbing rock wall at the Rec Center, and over 340 student clubs and organizations focused on academics, arts and culture, athletics, band and choir, community service, eSports, Greek life, health, and more. 

Connect me with UA!

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a public research institution on a 250-acre campus just two miles from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Named a top 40 public research university and designated a “research heavyweight” by The Chronicle of Higher Education, UC offers more than 130 baccalaureate programs as well as associate, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees to more than 46,000 students. You’ll also find 500+ student organizations, co-ops and internships, study abroad and service learning programs, and extensive research opportunities.

Connect me with UC!

University of Missouri—Columbia

University of Missouri—Columbia logoThe University of Missouri is a comprehensive, land-grant public research university in Columbia, Missouri—about 30 miles from Jefferson City. As the state’s flagship university, Mizzou offers 300 degree programs to 30,000+ students, creating a diverse and inclusive community for pursuing passions and preparing for successful careers. The University also offers abundant resources like over 700 student organizations and a variety of events throughout the year and the MU Career Center, which provides students with career counseling, job search assistance, and access to over 2,000 employers.

Connect me with Mizzou!

University of Montana—Missoula

University of Montana logoThe University of Montana is a public comprehensive D1 research university offering two four-year campuses in Missoula as well as two two-year locations for the College of Missoula. With more than 175 programs to choose from, the University’s 11,000+ students find everything they need academically here, including state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research opportunities that underscore a commitment to innovation. UM also offers a vibrant student life with 180+ student organizations on campus; 14 intercollegiate athletic teams; and unprecedented opportunities off campus with the surrounding wilderness and downtown Missoula. 

Connect me with UM–Missoula!

University of Oklahoma

U of OklahomaThe University of Oklahoma is a public comprehensive research institution with 3,326 acres spread across campuses in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. With over 20,000 undergraduates, OU offers 170+ majors through several colleges and schools as well as experiential learning opportunities and first-class facilities for all majors. Students can also take advantage of study abroad through programs in 200+ cities and 80+ countries, more than 680 student organizations, and athletics that include the winningest program in the modern era of college football. 

Connect me with OU!

Wayne State University

Wayne StateWayne State University is a public comprehensive research university with a 194-acre main campus in Detroit, Michigan. Nearly 27,000 students pursue more than 340 academic programs, including 125+ bachelor's degrees as well as master's, doctoral, certificate, specialist, and professional programs. As one of the 50 largest public universities in the nation, Wayne State also offers 500+ student organizations and 6,400+ on-campus events annually.

Connect me with Wayne State!

Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University logoWestern Michigan University is a public research institution with a 1,200-acre campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan—145 miles from both Chicago and Detroit. More than 16,000 students are involved in a wide variety of majors through 12 colleges and schools, as well as many student organizations, clubs, recreational activities, and study abroad programs. The University offers an innovative educational approach and leading-edge research opportunities that prepare students for successful careers and a better future.

Connect me with Western Michigan!

Looking for other types of colleges in different parts of the country? Check out all our featured undergraduate school profiles on CollegeXpress and get connected in just one click!

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

About CollegeXpress

CollegeXpress

Welcome to CollegeXpress, your one-stop college shop! We’re a free college planning website used by millions of college-bound students, parents, and counselors—anyone who needs help navigating the college search and application process, financial aid opportunities, and more. You’ll find comprehensive College Search and Scholarship Search tools, tons of articles and expert advice, unique college Lists & Rankings, and lots of other resources to help make your life easier. Teen Vogue even named us one of the 7 Best College Search Websites! But current college students and recent grads also love CollegeXpress for our Graduate Program Search and endless information on student life, internships, and beyond. We really have something for everyone, no matter where you are in your college journey. Create a free account to start connecting with colleges, winning scholarships, and more!

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress

College Quick Connect

Swipe right to request information.
Swipe left if you're not interested.

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA


Jessica Rinker

Jessica Rinker

Student, Fairhaven High School; CollegeXpress Student Writer

My high school counselor introduced me to CollegeXpress freshman year. It has made such a difference in high school, and I plan to continue relying on it in college. CollegeXpress is my go-to because it addresses each aspect of being a student. There are the articles you’d expect regarding college applications and financial aid, but you will also find advice on things like de-stressing and maintaining relationships while balancing a heavy course load. CollegeXpress will also keep you updated on current scholarships through e-mails each Saturday. (They don’t harass you with any product promotion like so many other sites do.) CollegeXpress is a lot like an older sibling who has already conquered the challenges you are facing. Now, they are reaching out a helpful hand. I say take it.

Josiah Kegg

Josiah Kegg

High School Class of 2021

I want to sincerely thank you all for this amazing website that's legitimately helped me find so many different scholarship opportunities. I've been stressing out for the longest time about paying for college since I would rather stay out of debt and have been working days trying to find any scholarship opportunity. When I found CollegeXpress, I discovered many easy scholarships that have given me hope for the future. Thank you and God bless!

Sonny Harris

Sonny Harris

College Student

For the entire year before college, I spent a lot of time deeply considering what major I wanted to go into and how to fund my higher education. After a lot of research, I came across CollegeXpress, which helped me ultimately find a ton of scholarships for which I could apply—and some of which I received! If it weren’t for CollegeXpress, I may not have found those scholarships as they didn't appear on any other scholarship search forum. Additionally, I learned more about the options I had been considering for my major through CollegeXpress’s resources. In the end, I chose to major in Computer Science, as it seemed best suited to me and the careers in the field seemed enjoyable, and I've never been more excited to move into my future! Ultimately, I want to thank CollegeXpress for offering their services. I received enough financial aid in scholarships to fund my entire freshman year of college and even got some money refunded which I used to purchase a new laptop, and I bought all of the books I needed for the semester!

Elizabeth Stafford

Elizabeth Stafford

High School Class of 2021

As a UK student moving to California due to my dad's job in the military, when I first signed up for CollegeXpress a few months ago, the college process ahead seemed daunting and incredibly stressful. That all changed after I started to explore what this website had to offer. Not only was I helped by the vast array of resources available to me, but through being a CollegeXpress member, there have been so many more benefits. There have been emails with college tips—all of which I found incredibly helpful—as well as invitations to events and notifications of scholarships that'll make college possible for me. Overall, I'm very grateful to CollegeXpress for all of these things and more. Not only have they helped me grow my understanding of the college process, but they've also helped me to grow as a person, giving me new skills that I can take with me through life.

Priscilla Yeboah

Priscilla Yeboah

High School Student

I was afraid and timid throughout my search for colleges, but I finally found the college that was fit for me and luckily I got accepted. One of the most influential things that helped me was the articles and advice on CollegeXpress. They've helped me a lot and benefited me as a senior to make the right choices in life. Thank you!