Public Universities in Michigan: A Complete List
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Ready to start your college journey? You can choose from 15 public universities in Michigan that have higher-than-average graduation rates. Public colleges in Michigan boast an average graduation rate of 73.7%, according to the Michigan Association of State Universities, which is above the 2022 national graduation rate of 63%.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the most popular public colleges in Michigan. We also provide a full list of public universities in Michigan along with information on net cost, enrollment, and in-demand jobs in the Great Lake State.
3 Popular Public Universities in Michigan
Below are three popular public colleges in Michigan to consider adding to your list. We selected these schools based on factors like number of applicants, academic prestige, and general reputation.
1. University of Michigan
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $19,318
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
- Total Student Enrollment: 50,278
U-M — which dates back to 1817 — features 19 schools and colleges that offer more than 275 degrees. Over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students study on campus in Ann Arbor or remotely, choosing from 16 online degrees.
Popular among the public universities in Michigan, U-M leads in research, arts, and athletics, with 29 NCAA Division 1 teams, including the No. 3-ranked Michigan Wolverines. The university also provides generous financial aid, awarding students more than $754.6 million in scholarships in the 2020-2021 school year.
2. Michigan State University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $22,803
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Total Student Enrollment: 49,659
With an expansive 5,200-acre campus in Lansing, MSU was established in 1855 to originally teach agriculture. Today, this large public university boasts 70 colleges with more than 400 programs, including over 300 study abroad options.
MSU's most popular programs include education, communication, environmental science, agriculture sciences, and business administration bachelor's.
Most undergraduates come from Michigan and find jobs in the state after graduation. MSU has some 281,000 alumni living in the Great Lake State.
3. Michigan Technological University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $18,235
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Total Student Enrollment: 7,008
Michigan Tech, a classified R2 research institute for its high level of research, features 16 major research institutes and centers that, combined, take up 289,776 square feet. Tracing its history back to 1885, the university attracts researchers who study advanced power systems, applied mathematics and statistics, space sciences, and aerospace engineering.
Research students here have improved prosthetic ankles and launched nanosatellites. You can study online or at the waterfront campus in Alberta, Michigan, and choose from among 140 degree programs. The campus also offers more than 230 student organizations.
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List of All Public Colleges in Michigan
We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit public 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. Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Michigan University | 14,557 | $15,605 | 79% | 19,888 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 14,018 | $15,826 | 83% | 19,919 |
| Ferris State University | 10,072 | $13,978 | 88% | 12,228 |
| Grand Valley State University | 21,648 | $17,105 | 90% | 17,123 |
| Lake Superior State University | 1,655 | $14,336 | 77% | 2,408 |
| Michigan State University | 50,023 | $22,803 | 88% | 53,341 |
| Michigan Technological University | 7,063 | $18,235 | 94% | 7,893 |
| Northern Michigan University | 6,970 | $17,346 | 71% | 6,217 |
| Oakland University | 16,108 | $15,161 | 90% | 11,110 |
| Saginaw Valley State University | 7,147 | $12,432 | 76% | 9,330 |
| University of Michigan | 51,225 | $19,318 | 18% | 84,289 |
| University of Michigan Dearborn | 8,223 | $12,444 | 54% | 12,026 |
| University of Michigan Flint | 5,985 | $10,840 | 66% | 6,140 |
| Wayne State University | 23,630 | $15,347 | 75% | 14,002 |
| Western Michigan University | 17,000 | $20,030 | 85% | 20,501 |
How Much Do Public Colleges in Michigan Cost?
Public colleges in Michigan cost less than private institutions. That said, tuition rates can vary significantly among two-year and four-year schools, as well as based on your enrollment status.
Four-year public colleges in Michigan cost an average of $13,716 per year, while two-year schools cost $3,756, according to NCES.
You can make college more affordable by applying for federal financial aid. Based on your FAFSA, you can receive loans and grants; however, you'll need to repay what you borrow, plus interest. Scholarships for Michigan students can offer additional financial help that you do not need to repay.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (In-State) | $13,716 |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $39,427 |
| Public 2-Year (In-State) | $3,756 |
| Public 2-Year (Out-of-State) | $7,707 |
Most In-Demand Jobs in Michigan
Roughly 4.247 million people work in Michigan, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Office and administrative support occupations, production, transportation, sales, food preparation, and healthcare occupations are the most common career fields in Michigan.
For bachelor's degree-holders, the fastest-growing jobs in Michigan include software developers and market research analysts and marketing specialists, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget.
Employment for software developers is projected to grow by 31% from 2016-2026. Market research analysts and marketing specialties jobs are projected to grow by 24%. And for master's degree-holders, physician assistant jobs are expected to grow by 37.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Universities in Michigan
What is the No. 1 public college in Michigan?
The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor routinely ranks among the top public colleges in the Great Lake State because of its affordability, academic excellence, intimate campus vibe, and athletics programs.
Is it expensive to go to college in Michigan?
Michigan four-year public universities cost on average of $13,716 in tuition and fees in 2020-2021, according to NCES. That's higher than the national average of $9,375.
What is the hardest public university to get into in Michigan?
The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor receives over 80,000 applications each year and only accepts about 18%, according to NCES. You'll need a competitive application with high academic standing to be considered for this school.
