MBA Programs in Michigan Overview

Updated on September 7, 2023

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Business schools in Michigan can give you some major professional power in the Great Lakes State and beyond.

If you love beautiful fresh-water beaches, Midwest hospitality, and a business-friendly climate (and can handle a lot of snow), Michigan is a great place to get your MBA.

According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state ranks in the top 10 for America’s Best Employers for new grads. Top industries in Michigan include:

Automotive manufacturing
Professional and corporate services
Engineering, development, and design
Technology

Executive, management, business, and financial professionals comprise nearly 15% of Michigan employees — a good indicator that MBA graduates will have robust opportunities when they enter the workforce, especially if they have the added benefit of a local alumni network.

On top of that, Michigan is committed to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has increased procurement and contracts, decreased tax burdens, and created a supplemental budget to invest in small businesses. As a result, Michigan is enjoying the fastest small business job growth it’s seen in 23 years.

So if you’re interested in starting your own business — or climbing the ladder in a major corporation, check out these MBA programs in Michigan.

Michigan at a Glance
Population	10,050,811
Climate	Average Annual Temperature: 44.4 F \| Annual Precipitation: 32.8 inches
Number of Higher Learning Institutions	88
Per Capita Income	$34,768
Fortune 500 Companies	17

Sources: U.S. Census, Current Results, NCES, Statista

Popular Online MBA Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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3 Michigan Schools for MBA Degrees

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a top-ranked public university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is committed to being “a place with deep traditions focused on creating brighter futures.” The university is particularly recognized for strong programs in business, engineering, computer science, and the social sciences.

Ross School of Business

An MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business is a major asset. Michigan Ross is one of the best business schools in the U.S., known for rigorous academics, top-notch faculty, and experiential leadership training.

Ross also has several research centers and institutions contributing to cutting-edge research, like the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurship.

Michigan Ross is a good school for career-switchers because it offers a suite of advanced business programs that can accommodate the needs of busy students, including:

Full-Time MBA (two years)
Evening MBA (two years)
Weekend MBA (two years)
Online MBA (3-4 years)
Executive MBA (21 months)
Global MBA (15 months)

Ross grads do well on the job market, too, with 99% of full-time MBA students receiving a job offer within three months of graduation.

In-state tuition and fees (MBA): $70,392 per year

Out-of-state tuition and fees (MBA): $75,392/ per year

Ross’ MBA Specializations

Applying to U-M: A Checklist

Pay $200 application fee
Submit your online application
Submit all unofficial transcripts
Include test scores (GMAT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT or DAT) or some alternative accepted demonstration of academic readiness
Submit an updated, one-page resume
Complete two writing samples responding to assigned prompts
Select a recommender
Prepare for an interview

Michigan State University

Michigan State University is a public research institution in East Lansing, Michigan. Devoted to “advancing the common good with uncommon will,” MSU is recognized for its comprehensive range of academic programs, strong research contributions, and engaging campus life.

Broad College of Business

MSU’s Broad College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) — a prestigious accreditation held by fewer than 5% of business schools.

Broad boasts award-winning faculty, cutting-edge research, and strong MBA student outcomes: In 2022, 85% of MBA students had jobs within six months of graduation.

Broad offers a full-time MBA, a full-time STEM-MBA, and an Executive MBA. The executive MBA offers both in-person and hybrid format options.

In-state tuition and fees (MBA): $34,584 per year

Out-of-state tuition and fees (MBA): $54,780 per year

Broad’s MBA Specializations

Applying to MSU

Pay $85 application fee
Submit your online application
Submit all unofficial transcripts
Include test scores (GMAT, GRE, EA, MCAT, LSAT) or choose to waive the test score option
Provide contact information for two recommenders.
Complete a video essay
Include a resume or CV
Schedule a virtual evaluative interview if/when you are selected

University of Detroit Mercy

The University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) is a private Catholic university in Detroit, Michigan, established in 1990. The school’s mission is rooted in the traditions of the Jesuit and Mercy religious orders, offering a comprehensive education with a focus on service, social justice, and ethical leadership.

College of Business Administration

The College of Business Administration at UDM is a nationally ranked, AACSB-accredited institution. It provides the kind of MBA training that creates compassionate, successful business leaders who are committed to making a positive impact on society.

Detroit Mercy has strong relationships with the local business community and a global alumni network of over 88,000 people strong. MBA graduates have gotten jobs at major corporations like Ford, P&G, and Boeing.

The College of Business Administration offers an MBA program tailored to you through online, in-person, weekend, evening, and summer session class options. Choose between a traditional MBA, online MBA, MBA/MHSA, or a joint MBA/JD program.

Graduate Tuition and Fees: $884 per credit hour

UD Mercy’s MBA Specializations

Applying to UDM

Submit an online application form (application fee is waived)
Include official transcripts for all previous academic work
Submit GMAT or GRE scores (unless exempt)
Submit a resume or CV
Include a letter of recommendation
Applicants may also include any additional information they want the admissions team to consider

Paying for Your MBA Degree

Financing your education can feel overwhelming — even when you are confident that your MBA will have a decent return on investment. Graduate students in Michigan have a number of options when it comes to paying for their degrees:

MBA Scholarships and Grants: Start with the free money. Many schools offer merit- and need-based scholarships. You can also apply for scholarships outside of your program — look for MBA-specific scholarships that you might qualify for.
Fellowships: Some fellowships may cover the entire cost of your tuition and even provide a living stipend. Check out the Goldman Sachs and Forté MBA Fellowships, for example.
Teacher’s Assistantships: Some MBA programs offer TAships, which will give you professional experience and mitigate the cost of your education (either through tuition remission or a stipend).
Student Loans: Many students use a combination of federal and private loans to cover their tuition and living expenses as MBA students. Remember — you’ll have to pay these back (with interest), so do your research first.
Employee Sponsorships: Increasingly, employers have tuition reimbursement programs as part of their employee development perks. See if your employer offers something similar.

Learn more about financial aid options

Explore scholarships and grants

Cost of Living in Michigan

Michigan offers an affordable cost of living and a high quality of life. According to the World Population Review, Michigan’s cost of living index is 92.7 — far below the national average index of 100. That puts Michigan in the top 15 states with the lowest cost of living.

Grocery, housing, health, transportation, and utility costs all come in below the national average — which can make a big difference for students trying to scrape by while they get an MBA.

Popular Careers for MBA Graduates in Michigan

The state is a big draw for global investment: In 2021, Michigan took the no. 1 spot for fastest foreign direct investment (FDI) jobs growth, according to Global Business Alliance. The majority of those FDI jobs are in the manufacturing sector.

The state also headquarters many major U.S. corporations, including Ford Motor Company, Whirlpool, Dow, and Kellogg.

MBA Salaries by Career
Career	Michigan Employment	Michigan Average Annual Salary	National Average Annual Salary
Accountants and Auditors	37,970	$79,830	$86,740
Administrative Services Managers	6,490	$109,700	$115,640
Advertising and Promotions Managers	230	$110,640	$147,050
Budget Analysts	620	$80,860	$87,680
Chief Executives	2,940	$312,710	$246,440
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists	2,360	$73,150	$75,920
Financial Analysts	6,860	$91,460	$108,790
Financial Managers	20,040	$139,930	$166,050
Fundraising Managers	690	$108,720	$124,450
General and Operations Managers	87,240	$115,640	$122,860
Management Analysts	105,830	$102,780	$104,660
Marketing Managers	5,540	$129,730	$158,280
Project Management Specialists	22,720	$94,570	$101,610
Public Relations Managers	1,300	$123,210	$150,030
Purchasing Managers	2,770	$135,060	$140,650
Sales Managers	13,400	$150,860	$150,530
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents	7,780	$84,790	$100,740
Training and Development Managers	610	$101,400	$132,100

Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics

Curious about top MBA careers? Explore more here

Questions About Business Schools in Michigan

How do I qualify for in-state tuition in Michigan?

Residency requirements vary by institution. Typically, you must provide proof of consecutive residency for a duration of at least a year. Some schools may require you to prove financial independence from legal guardians who don’t live in Michigan. Others may require that you demonstrate intent to stay in the state upon graduation.

Is it expensive to get an MBA in Michigan?

In-state tuition and fees for our top-ranked programs range from $34,584-$75,392 a year.

Is Ross School of Business hard to get into?

The admissions process for the Ross School of Business is pretty selective. In 2022, the bachelor of business administration program accepted 860 students out of approximately 8,680 applicants.