Private Universities in Michigan: A Complete List
Michigan is home to over 40 private universities. But which is the largest? Which is the hardest to get into? And do any private universities in Michigan offer online degrees?
It’s easy to see why so many college students choose Michigan. From snowy winters to warm summers on Michigan beaches, the Great Lakes State has something for everyone. Plus, Michigan has dozens of picturesque college towns.
If you’re considering private colleges in Michigan, continue reading to find the best fit for you.
3 Popular Private Universities in Michigan
Here, we highlight three popular private universities in Michigan. We selected these schools based on factors like number of applicants, academic rigor, and general reputation.
1. Albion College
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $54,930
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Total Student Enrollment: 1,523
For a rural, small college experience, consider Albion College. The liberal arts school enrolls around 1,500 students in a town of 8,600 people.
Known for its academics, Albion also encourages outdoor life. The sprawling campus features a nature center, an equestrian center, and 140 acres of trails, forest, and farmland.
Here, you can choose from among 78 majors and 58 minors. And plan to hang out on campus — 90% of students live on campus, giving it a strong residential feel.
2. Hillsdale College
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $30,902
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Total Student Enrollment: 1,602
Southern Michigan’s Hillsdale College dates back to 1844. The Christian liberal arts college is the most selective private college in the state. Hillsdale welcomes students to its 400-acre campus.
Outside the classroom, undergrads can participate in Greek life, community service, and intramural sports.
Hillsdale does not accept state or federal funding, so you can’t use FAFSA grants or loans to cover costs. But the private college does offer institutional aid packages.
3. University of Detroit Mercy
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $31,058
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Total Student Enrollment: 5,227
Founded in 1877, University of Detroit Mercy is one of the largest private universities in Michigan, with over 5,000 students. It’s also a Catholic institution.
From its campus in Detroit, the school offers more than 100 bachelor’s programs. You can also earn a joint bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years or gain hands-on experience with one of the country’s oldest cooperative education programs.
When it comes to financial aid, Detroit Mercy awards more than $50 million each year.
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List of All Private Universities in Michigan
We’ve created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit private 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). All enrollment data is from 2021, whereas net price, acceptance rate, and number of applicants data is from 2022-2023. Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates were excluded from 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 |
| 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 |
| Grace Christian University | 1,104 | $12,988 | 100% | 293 |
| 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 |
| Lawrence Technological University | 2,955 | $32,641 | 82% | 2,537 |
| Madonna University | 2,444 | $18,344 | 65% | 1,988 |
| Northwood University | 2,422 | $24,616 | 80% | 1,368 |
| Olivet College | 885 | $21,394 | 85% | 1,439 |
| Rochester University | 1,114 | $18,665 | 71% | 929 |
| 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 |
What Is the Cost of College in Michigan?
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (In-State) | $13,716 |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $39,427 |
| Private 4-Year | $31,055 |
| Public 2-Year (In-State) | $3,756 |
| Public 2-Year (Out-of-State) | $7,707 |
Cost of Living in Michigan
Michigan has a below-average cost of living, which can balance out the cost of tuition and fees. The Great Lakes State is the fourth most affordable state in the country, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
On top of its low cost of living, Michigan has several private universities with affordable prices. Albion College, the University of Detroit Mercy, Baker College, and Davenport University all have an average net price of under $20,000 per year.
Most private universities in Michigan offer financial aid to make the cost of college more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Universities in Michigan
How many private universities are there in Michigan?
Michigan has 25 four-year nonprofit private universities.
The state’s largest private universities are Davenport University, the University of Detroit Mercy, and Baker College, all of which enroll around 5,000 students. The state’s most affordable private universities are Baker College and Grace Christian University, both with an average annual net price of around $13,000.
What is the hardest private college to get into in Michigan?
Out of Michigan’s private colleges, the most selective is Hillsdale College. Only 21% of applicants in fall 2022 received an admission letter, according to NCES. Baker College ranks as the second-hardest to get into, with a 37% acceptance rate.
As for the college that receives the most applications, that’s Albion College. The liberal arts college received nearly 7,000 applications in fall 2022.
What private universities in Michigan are online?
Several private universities in Michigan offer online classes. You can earn an online graduate degree in business or healthcare from the University of Detroit Mercy. Choose from nearly a dozen undergraduate majors offered online at Siena Heights University. Or take classes online through Andrews University.
When researching Michigan colleges, make sure to check whether they offer online classes or programs if you prefer a flexible format.
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