MBA Programs in Michigan Overview
Editor & Writer
Editor
Editor & Writer
Editor
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
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.
| 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 |
Popular Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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
Business and Sustainability | Data and Business Analytics | Design Thinking and Innovation | Fast Track in Finance | Healthcare Management | Real Estate Development | Management Science | Global Operations
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
Finance | Human Resources and Strategic Management | Marketing | Supply Chain Management | Business Analytics | STEM
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
Management | Marketing | Finance | Accounting | Economics | International Business | Decision Analysis | Computer Information Systems
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
What HBCUs are in Michigan?
The Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design is the only HBCU in Michigan.
