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Updated on September 7, 2023
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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.
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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.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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.
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