Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (2024)

Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (1)

By

Updated on September 7, 2023

Edited by

Learn more about our editorial process

Considering colleges and universities in Michigan? Learn more about the best colleges in Michigan and why it’s a great state for college.

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.

Featured Online Programs

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

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.

Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (2) Methodology

How did we pick the best colleges in Michigan? We looked at several factors, including academic excellence, cost, financial aid opportunities, and institutional reputation.

Our ranking also considers the overall student experience, including campus life, retention rates, and student support services. Finally, we included a variety of institution types and sizes so you can find a top-ranked school that fits your needs.

#1 Best Colleges in Michigan

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

  • Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (3)Ann Arbor, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

  • In-State$16,520
  • Out-of-state$53,669

Average Graduate Tuition

  • In-State$24,344
  • Out-of-state$49,120
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate26%
  • Students Enrolled47,907
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment91%
  • AccreditationYes

#2 Best Colleges in Michigan

Michigan State University

  • Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (4)East Lansing, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

  • In-State$15,555
  • Out-of-state$40,384

Average Graduate Tuition

  • In-State$18,858
  • Out-of-state$37,056
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled49,695
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes

#3 Best Colleges in Michigan

Michigan Technological University

  • Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (5)Houghton, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

  • In-State$17,339
  • Out-of-state$38,082

Average Graduate Tuition

  • In-State$21,744
  • Out-of-state$21,744
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled6,873
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment49%
  • AccreditationYes

#4 Best Colleges in Michigan

Wayne State University

  • Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (6)Detroit, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

  • In-State$13,024
  • Out-of-state$29,894

Average Graduate Tuition

  • In-State$16,285
  • Out-of-state$35,274
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled26,241
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes

#5 Best Colleges in Michigan

University of Detroit Mercy

  • Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (7)Detroit, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

  • In-State$29,562
  • Out-of-state$29,562

Average Graduate Tuition

  • In-State$20,047
  • Out-of-state$20,047
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled4,987
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment84%
  • AccreditationYes

#6 Best Colleges in Michigan

Grand Valley State University

  • Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (8)Allendale, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

  • In-State$13,576
  • Out-of-state$19,168

Average Graduate Tuition

  • In-State$17,448
  • Out-of-state$17,448
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate88%
  • Students Enrolled23,350
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes

#7 Best Colleges in Michigan

Oakland University

  • Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (9)Rochester Hills, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

  • In-State$14,520
  • Out-of-state$24,735

Average Graduate Tuition

  • In-State$18,546
  • Out-of-state$24,648
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled18,552
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment96%
  • AccreditationYes

#8 Best Colleges in Michigan

Central Michigan University

  • Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (10)Mount Pleasant, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

  • In-State$12,296
  • Out-of-state$22,881

Average Graduate Tuition

  • In-State$14,223
  • Out-of-state$18,909
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled17,311
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment42%
  • AccreditationYes

#9 Best Colleges in Michigan

Andrews University

  • Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (11)Berrien Springs, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

  • In-State$29,808
  • Out-of-state$29,808

Average Graduate Tuition

  • In-State$27,936
  • Out-of-state$27,936
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate49%
  • Students Enrolled3,162
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment28%
  • AccreditationYes

#10 Best Colleges in Michigan

Calvin University

  • Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (12)Grand Rapids, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus

Average Undergrad Tuition

  • In-State$37,600
  • Out-of-state$37,600

Average Graduate Tuition

  • In-State$29,180
  • Out-of-state$29,180
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate73%
  • Students Enrolled3,307
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes

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.

All 40 Colleges in Michigan
SchoolTotal Student EnrollmentAvg. Annual Net PriceAcceptance RateNumber of Applicants
Adrian College1,871$24,87069%3,329
Albion College1,523$19,35167%6,827
Alma College1,353$23,99565%3,372
Andrews University2,927$24,19491%1,226
Aquinas College1,362$18,60591%2,116
Baker College4,969$13,71937%2,082
Calvin University3,257$25,77574%4,079
Central Michigan University15,424$15,60579%19,888
Cleary University751$27,20968%810
College for Creative Studies1,620$34,90649%1,622
Concordia University Ann Arbor1,135$26,35370%1,962
Cornerstone University1,930$20,93582%1,926
Davenport University5,384$18,35099%3,379
Eastern Michigan University15,340$15,82683%19,919
Ferris State University10,361$13,97888%12,228
Grace Christian University1,104$12,988100%293
Grand Valley State University22,406$17,10590%17,123
Hillsdale College1,602$24,19621%3,017
Hope College3,132$25,80080%5,152
Kalamazoo College1,241$26,98179%3,702
Kettering University1,858$34,48681%1,823
Lake Superior State University1,812$14,33677%2,408
Lawrence Technological University2,955$32,64182%2,537
Madonna University2,444$18,34465%1,988
Michigan State University49,659$22,80388%53,341
Michigan Technological University7,008$18,23594%7,893
Northern Michigan University7,214$17,34671%6,217
Northwood University2,422$24,61680%1,368
Oakland University17,170$15,16190%11,110
Olivet College885$21,39485%1,439
Rochester University1,114$18,66571%929
Saginaw Valley State University7,523$12,43276%9,330
Siena Heights University1,966$20,07465%1,545
Spring Arbor University2,685$22,37547%2,312
University of Detroit Mercy5,227$18,19791%5,163
University of Michigan50,278$19,31818%84,289
University of Michigan Dearborn8,331$12,44454%12,026
University of Michigan Flint6,418$10,84066%6,140
Wayne State University24,919$15,34775%14,002
Western Michigan University18,266$20,03085%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.

Cost of College in Michigan 2022
Institution TypeAverage 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

View All

Best Community Colleges in Michiganby Hannah MunizUpdated October 9, 2024Best Online Colleges in Michiganby Jennifer LeeUpdated October 3, 2024MBA Programs in Michigan Overviewby Meg EmbryUpdated September 7, 2023

Compare Your School Options

View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.

Best Colleges in Michigan (All 40 Schools) | BestColleges (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Golda Nolan II

Last Updated:

Views: 5981

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Golda Nolan II

Birthday: 1998-05-14

Address: Suite 369 9754 Roberts Pines, West Benitaburgh, NM 69180-7958

Phone: +522993866487

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Shopping, Quilting, Cooking, Homebrewing, Leather crafting, Pet

Introduction: My name is Golda Nolan II, I am a thoughtful, clever, cute, jolly, brave, powerful, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.