Best Colleges in Michigan

Considering colleges and universities in Michigan? Learn more about the best colleges in Michigan and why it's a great state for college.
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Updated on September 7, 2023
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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.

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. 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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

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.

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#1 Best Colleges in Michigan Best Value

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

  • Ann Arbor, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

UMich ranks at the top of our list of the best colleges in Michigan. The state's flagship public university, UMich offers high-quality degrees at an affordable price. And two-thirds of first-year students receive financial aid to cover costs. 

With over 280 degree programs across 14 schools and colleges, you'll have plenty of options when it comes time to choose your major. Thanks to its large student body of 50,000 students from around the world, the Ann Arbor campus offers an active social scene. The state's oldest and largest university is a great pick for colleges in Michigan.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,520
Out-of-state
$53,669
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,344
Out-of-state
$49,120
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
26%
Students Enrolled
47,907
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Colleges in Michigan Best Value

Michigan State University

  • East Lansing, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

More than 50,000 students attend Michigan State. The public university has a massive 5,200-acre campus just three miles from the state capital. You'll be able to choose from over 400 academic programs — or study abroad at one of its over 300 location options. 

Michigan State is also known for its Big Ten sports, historic architecture, and picturesque botanical gardens. Founded in 1855 as a land-grant university, Michigan State now aims to empower its community with educational opportunities.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,555
Out-of-state
$40,384
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,858
Out-of-state
$37,056
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
49,695
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Colleges in Michigan Best Value

Michigan Technological University

  • Houghton, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Want to turn plastic waste into protein powder? Or test a nanosatellite? Michigan Tech students participate in cutting-edge research focused on sustainability and innovation.

A public institution in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Michigan Tech sits within miles of Lake Superior. You'll get 200+ inches of snow in the winter. If you're not into outdoor sports, visit the historic town of Houghton for music festivals and coffee shops. At Michigan Tech, you can get a high-tech education with a college-town feel.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,339
Out-of-state
$38,082
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,744
Out-of-state
$21,744
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
6,873
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Colleges in Michigan

Wayne State University

  • Detroit, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The largest university in Detroit, Wayne State dates back to 1868, when it began as a medical college. Today, nearly 40% of Michigan's practicing physicians graduated from Wayne State's School of Medicine.

In addition to its health programs, the public university offers many other majors from its 200-acre urban campus. You'll choose from over 350 programs, many of which incorporate experiential learning. When you're not on campus, you can discover everything Detroit has to offer.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,024
Out-of-state
$29,894
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,285
Out-of-state
$35,274
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
26,241
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Colleges in Michigan

University of Detroit Mercy

  • Detroit, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Michigan's largest Catholic university dates back to 1877. Today, over 5,000 students attend the private institution. At Detroit Mercy, you'll learn through experiential opportunities like co-ops. You can also choose one of 30 accelerated programs that offer a bachelor's and master's degree on a fast track.

Detroit Mercy reports that over 98% of students receive some form of financial aid. The private university awarded more than $50 million in students scholarships and grants last year.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,562
Out-of-state
$29,562
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,047
Out-of-state
$20,047
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
4,987
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
84% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Colleges in Michigan

Grand Valley State University

  • Allendale, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its 1,300-acre campus in Allendale, GVSU overlooks the scenic Grand River. Ravines cut through the tree-filled campus, which welcomes more than 18,000 undergrads. The student body represents 83 countries around the world. 

GVSU offers 100 undergraduate majors and 45 graduate degrees. The public university reports that 96% of students receive some form of financial aid, making the cost of college more affordable.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,576
Out-of-state
$19,168
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,448
Out-of-state
$17,448
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
23,350
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Colleges in Michigan

Oakland University

  • Rochester Hills, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A mid-sized public university in the greater Detroit area, OU enrolls around 13,000 undergrads. It's also got a Division I athletics program, experiential learning opportunities, and flexible class schedules. Plus, you'll have more than 125 majors to choose from. 

Over a third of OU first-year students are first-generation college students. And OU makes it easy to understand the cost of college by not charging any fees on top of tuition.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,520
Out-of-state
$24,735
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,546
Out-of-state
$24,648
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
18,552
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Colleges in Michigan

Central Michigan University

  • Mount Pleasant, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

CMU is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant. More than 24,000 students enroll in more than 200 programs at the university. You can major in business, education, healthcare, social science, STEM, or another field. 

You can join 300 student organizations, play intramural sports, or volunteer at CMU. Or, if you want the flexibility of distance learning, you can enroll through CMU Online, which offers dozens of online degrees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,296
Out-of-state
$22,881
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,223
Out-of-state
$18,909
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
17,311
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Colleges in Michigan

Andrews University

  • Berrien Springs, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Want a rural college experience? Then head to the village of Berrien Springs, Michigan. That's where Andrews University grants degrees as a private Adventist college. You'll join nearly 4,000 students on a campus that's 12 miles from Lake Michigan and 25 miles from South Bend, Indiana.

The university boasts a sprawling 2,400-acre campus that's designated as an arboretum. You can choose from over 90 undergraduate programs or more than 65 graduate programs at Andrews.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,808
Out-of-state
$29,808
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$27,936
Out-of-state
$27,936
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
3,162
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
28% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Colleges in Michigan

Calvin University

  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 4 years
  • Campus

From its campus in Grand Rapids, Calvin University enrolls nearly 4,000 students. This private Christian college offers more than 100 majors and programs on its 400-acre campus. 

Calvin's goal is to help each student grow, collaborate, and build. And the university also offers a strong financial aid package for students with a high GPA. If you have a 3.8 GPA or higher, the school promises at least $21,000 per year in aid for up to four years.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,600
Out-of-state
$37,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$29,180
Out-of-state
$29,180
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
3,307
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
31% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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
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
Source: NCES

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 2021
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
Source: NCES

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.