Colleges in Detroit: Full List of Schools

Updated on October 23, 2023

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Enrolling in one of the colleges in Detroit connects you to a rich community with ties to various industries. Learn more about attending a Detroit college.

Although Detroit is called the “Motor City,” the metro area is also a vibrant center for higher education. Each of the universities and colleges in Detroit offers its own culture, history, and traditions, providing students with some of the best educational options in Michigan.

Detroit provides an enriching backdrop if you’re looking for a well-rounded experience while earning your degree. You can explore the city’s art galleries, theaters, and other entertainment options. Also, these schools’ connections with the greater community can help you seek internships and employment opportunities after graduation.

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3 Popular Colleges in Detroit

The Detroit metro area is home to several high-quality colleges and universities. Among the colleges in Detroit we profile, the following three stand out due to their academic rigor, cost, reputation, and the number of applicants they attract each year.

1. University of Michigan

Avg. Annual Net Price: $19,318
Acceptance Rate: 18%
Total Student Enrollment: 51,225

With over 51,000 attendees, the University of Michigan has the largest student body of any four-year institution in Detroit. This school’s 18% acceptance rate contributes to its reputation for high academic rigor. Also, 96% of full-time students return the following academic year.

The University of Michigan offers 130 bachelor’s degrees and reports a 93% graduation rate. While there are few online degrees available, 91% of students enroll in some online courses.

2. University of Michigan-Dearborn

Avg. Annual Net Price: $12,444
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Total Student Enrollment: 8,223

The University of Michigan-Dearborn enrolls less than 7,000 undergraduates, which might appeal to students wanting a more close-knit college community. More than 80% of full-time students return to continue their studies the following year.

This school offers 30 online programs, and 96% of students do at least some of their learning online. Attendees can take on-campus, online, or hybrid courses.

The University enrolls a culturally and economically diverse student body. The majority of students receive some form of financial aid.

3. Wayne State University

Avg. Annual Net Price: $15,347
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Total Student Enrollment: 23,630

Wayne State University offers a relatively accessible path to higher education with its 75% acceptance rate. Plus, 82% of full-time attendees return the next academic year. Working professionals with job experience, training, or credentials may earn college credits for qualified life experience.

Over half of the study body identifies as female, and 47% of students receive some form of income-based financial assistance. While only 2% of bachelor’s degrees are entirely online, the majority of enrollees take online courses.

List of All Colleges in Detroit

We’ve created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Detroit and the surrounding area. 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). All data is from 2022. Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this list.

All Colleges in Detroit
School	Total Student Enrollment	Avg. Annual Net Price	Acceptance Rate	Number of Applicants
College for Creative Studies	1,517	$34,906	49%	1,622
Concordia University Ann Arbor	1,203	$26,353	70%	1,962
Eastern Michigan University	14,018	$15,826	83%	19,919
Lawrence Technological University	2,966	$32,641	82%	2,537
Madonna University	2,109	$18,344	65%	1,988
University of Detroit Mercy	5,360	$18,197	91%	5,163
University of Michigan	51,225	$19,318	18%	84,289
University of Michigan-Dearborn	8,223	$12,444	54%	12,026
Wayne State University	23,630	$15,347	75%	14,002

Source: NCES

5 Benefits of Studying in Detroit

In Detroit, students have access to several top-notch colleges and universities that prepare them for occupations requiring high-level skills and knowledge.
About 30% of Michigan’s population lives in Detroit, a vibrant and culturally diverse city with an active downtown scene and a growing Midtown area.
Technology and manufacturing are on the rise in Detroit. A graduate from a Detroit college or university is well-poised to pursue employment opportunities in the area.
Over 2.5 million tourists visit Detroit every year. Midtown, where Wayne State University is located, is a popular entertainment destination with museums, restaurants, galleries, and theaters.
Compared to other major metro areas, Detroit is an affordable place to live. The relatively low cost of living can make it easier to handle the expense of a four-year degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Detroit

Is it expensive to go to college in Detroit?

College costs vary across Detroit schools depending on whether they’re private or public institutions. For example, the average annual net price of attending the College for Creative Studies is almost $35,000. In contrast, students at the University of Michigan-Dearborn can expect to pay under $13,000 each year.

How many colleges are in Detroit?

Detroit is home to 34 colleges and universities, including nine four-year institutions with at least 500 undergraduates enrolled. Two Detroit universities — University of Michigan and Wayne State University — are part of an alliance with Michigan State University, forming the University Research Corridor (URC), the top research institution in Michigan.

What is the hardest college to get into in Detroit?

With an acceptance rate of just 18%, the University of Michigan is the most difficult school to get into in Detroit. Most applicants to this school have ACT scores of 31-35 and SAT scores of 1340-1520, which add to its competitive admissions process.