Best Colleges in Michigan
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From Detroit to the Upper Peninsula, Michigan is a great place for college. Whether you want to become a healthcare worker, study the arts and sciences, or become a teacher, Michigan’s many colleges can help you reach your goals.
But what are the best colleges in Michigan? And why do so many students choose the Great Lakes State for college? We’ve got the rankings and resources to help you learn more about colleges and universities in Michigan.
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10 Best Colleges in Michigan
Ready to learn more about the top-ranking colleges and universities in Michigan? Check out these schools to discover the Michigan college that’s the best match for you.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$16,520
$53,669
26%
91%
$24,344
$49,120
96%
47,907
Public
Yes
$16,520
$53,669
Ann Arbor, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$16,520
$53,669
26%
91%
$24,344
$49,120
96%
47,907
Public
Yes
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$15,555
$40,384
76%
92%
$18,858
$37,056
91%
49,695
Public
Yes
$15,555
$40,384
East Lansing, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$15,555
$40,384
76%
92%
$18,858
$37,056
91%
49,695
Public
Yes
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$17,339
$38,082
70%
49%
$21,744
$21,744
86%
6,873
Public
Yes
$17,339
$38,082
Houghton, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$17,339
$38,082
70%
49%
$21,744
$21,744
86%
6,873
Public
Yes
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$13,024
$29,894
69%
92%
$16,285
$35,274
82%
26,241
Public
Yes
$13,024
$29,894
Detroit, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$13,024
$29,894
69%
92%
$16,285
$35,274
82%
26,241
Public
Yes
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$29,562
$29,562
79%
84%
$20,047
$20,047
86%
4,987
Private
Yes
$29,562
$29,562
Detroit, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$29,562
$29,562
79%
84%
$20,047
$20,047
86%
4,987
Private
Yes
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$13,576
$19,168
88%
92%
$17,448
$17,448
83%
23,350
Public
Yes
$13,576
$19,168
Allendale, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$13,576
$19,168
88%
92%
$17,448
$17,448
83%
23,350
Public
Yes
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$14,520
$24,735
81%
96%
$18,546
$24,648
79%
18,552
Public
Yes
$14,520
$24,735
Rochester Hills, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$14,520
$24,735
81%
96%
$18,546
$24,648
79%
18,552
Public
Yes
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$12,296
$22,881
69%
42%
$14,223
$18,909
80%
17,311
Public
Yes
$12,296
$22,881
Mount Pleasant, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$12,296
$22,881
69%
42%
$14,223
$18,909
80%
17,311
Public
Yes
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$29,808
$29,808
49%
28%
$27,936
$27,936
85%
3,162
Private
Yes
$29,808
$29,808
Berrien Springs, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$29,808
$29,808
49%
28%
$27,936
$27,936
85%
3,162
Private
Yes
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI4 yearCampus
$37,600
$37,600
73%
31%
$29,180
$29,180
87%
3,307
Private
Yes
$37,600
$37,600
Grand Rapids, MI4 yearCampus
$37,600
$37,600
73%
31%
$29,180
$29,180
87%
3,307
Private
Yes
List of All Colleges in Michigan
We’ve created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Michigan. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Note that schools that do not admit full-time first-time degree-seeking students or had an undergraduate student enrollment of fewer than 500 were not considered for this list.
School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
---|---|---|---|---|
Adrian College | 1,871 | $24,870 | 69% | 3,329 |
Albion College | 1,523 | $19,351 | 67% | 6,827 |
Alma College | 1,353 | $23,995 | 65% | 3,372 |
Andrews University | 2,927 | $24,194 | 91% | 1,226 |
Aquinas College | 1,362 | $18,605 | 91% | 2,116 |
Baker College | 4,969 | $13,719 | 37% | 2,082 |
Calvin University | 3,257 | $25,775 | 74% | 4,079 |
Central Michigan University | 15,424 | $15,605 | 79% | 19,888 |
Cleary University | 751 | $27,209 | 68% | 810 |
College for Creative Studies | 1,620 | $34,906 | 49% | 1,622 |
Concordia University Ann Arbor | 1,135 | $26,353 | 70% | 1,962 |
Cornerstone University | 1,930 | $20,935 | 82% | 1,926 |
Davenport University | 5,384 | $18,350 | 99% | 3,379 |
Eastern Michigan University | 15,340 | $15,826 | 83% | 19,919 |
Ferris State University | 10,361 | $13,978 | 88% | 12,228 |
Grace Christian University | 1,104 | $12,988 | 100% | 293 |
Grand Valley State University | 22,406 | $17,105 | 90% | 17,123 |
Hillsdale College | 1,602 | $24,196 | 21% | 3,017 |
Hope College | 3,132 | $25,800 | 80% | 5,152 |
Kalamazoo College | 1,241 | $26,981 | 79% | 3,702 |
Kettering University | 1,858 | $34,486 | 81% | 1,823 |
Lake Superior State University | 1,812 | $14,336 | 77% | 2,408 |
Lawrence Technological University | 2,955 | $32,641 | 82% | 2,537 |
Madonna University | 2,444 | $18,344 | 65% | 1,988 |
Michigan State University | 49,659 | $22,803 | 88% | 53,341 |
Michigan Technological University | 7,008 | $18,235 | 94% | 7,893 |
Northern Michigan University | 7,214 | $17,346 | 71% | 6,217 |
Northwood University | 2,422 | $24,616 | 80% | 1,368 |
Oakland University | 17,170 | $15,161 | 90% | 11,110 |
Olivet College | 885 | $21,394 | 85% | 1,439 |
Rochester University | 1,114 | $18,665 | 71% | 929 |
Saginaw Valley State University | 7,523 | $12,432 | 76% | 9,330 |
Siena Heights University | 1,966 | $20,074 | 65% | 1,545 |
Spring Arbor University | 2,685 | $22,375 | 47% | 2,312 |
University of Detroit Mercy | 5,227 | $18,197 | 91% | 5,163 |
University of Michigan | 50,278 | $19,318 | 18% | 84,289 |
University of Michigan Dearborn | 8,331 | $12,444 | 54% | 12,026 |
University of Michigan Flint | 6,418 | $10,840 | 66% | 6,140 |
Wayne State University | 24,919 | $15,347 | 75% | 14,002 |
Western Michigan University | 18,266 | $20,030 | 85% | 20,501 |
What Is the Cost of College in Michigan?
Attending college in Michigan doesn’t have to break the bank. Michigan’s top-ranked public universities are an affordable choice for state residents.
And if you’re looking for an even more affordable option, consider attending a Michigan community college before transferring to a four-year institution. With that route, you can save around $10,000 per year in tuition and fees.
Looking for an affordable but flexible option? Consider online colleges in Michigan. And if you’re attending a private college, make sure to ask about institutional financial aid.
Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
---|---|
Public 4-Year (in-state) | $14,116 |
Public 4-Year (out-of-state) | $40,004 |
Private 4-Year | $32,292 |
Public 2-Year (in-state) | $3,871 |
Public 2-Year (out-of-state) | $7,803 |
Why Study in Michigan? 5 Benefits
More than 345,000 college students enroll in Michigan’s colleges and universities. Why do they study in Michigan? Here are a few of the many reasons.
1. Location
The Great Lakes State is the perfect spot if you’re into the outdoors. With scenic coastlines, the snowy Upper Peninsula, and miles of woods, Michigan’s nature has a lot to offer. Plus, the state has many picturesque college towns. You’re also not far from the sites and major cities of nearby states.
2. Large Selection of Colleges and Universities
There’s a lot of great colleges and universities in Michigan. Our list includes 40 four-year institutions. That means you’ve got a lot to choose from. Plus, the state has two outstanding public colleges in U-M and MSU. Choose your side in the rivalry between the Wolverines and Spartans by enrolling at one of these top-ranked schools.
3. Lower Cost of Living
Did you know that Michigan is the fourth most affordable state in the country? It’s also the cheapest state in the Midwest. That means your dollar goes further in Michigan. And with affordable tuition rates for in-state students, the state’s public universities can also help you save money.
4. High Student Population
Michigan is home to 345,000 college students. That means you’ll run into a lot of fellow students across the state. And if you’re at U-M, you’ll get to take advantage of one of the best college towns in America. In Ann Arbor, 1 in 2 residents is a college student.
5. Top-Ranked Athletic Programs
Michigan colleges are home to some of the best sports programs in the country. Whether you’re a fan of football, basketball, or another sport, you can find a college in Michigan that stands out. And most colleges also offer intramural athletic programs if you’re not quite varsity level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Michigan
How many colleges are in Michigan?
Michigan is home to 40 four-year nonprofit colleges and universities. These include institutions with international reputations, like the University of Michigan.
In addition to the state’s many public and private four-year institutions, Michigan also has 31 public community colleges. You can save around $10,000 per year in tuition and fees by attending a community college before transferring to a four-year public college.
Is the University of Michigan a good school?
Yes, the University of Michigan is considered one of the top-ranked public universities in the country. U-M is the flagship public institution in the state. It enrolls over 50,000 students and receives more than 84,000 applications from hopeful students every year.
The public institution also reports the most selective admissions of any school in the state, accepting just 18% of applicants in fall 2022, according to NCES.
Is Michigan State a good school?
Yes, Michigan State is a strong public university. It enrolls nearly 50,000 students and receives more than 53,000 applications annually.
Michigan State is less selective in its admissions process than the University of Michigan. While U-M admitted just 18% of applicants in fall 2022, Michigan State admitted 88%. That means applicants have a good chance of getting into the school.
Explore More College Resources
Best Community Colleges in Michigan
Check out our list of the top accredited community colleges in Michigan, and find an in-demand career that matches your interests.
by Hannah Muniz
Updated October 17, 2024
Best Online Colleges in Michigan
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by Jennifer Lee
Updated October 3, 2024
MBA Programs in Michigan Overview
Business schools in Michigan can give you some major professional power in the Great Lakes State and beyond.
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