Why This Matters

  • 44 COLLEGES IN MICHIGAN

    According to College Navigator, Michigan is home to 22 public universities, 32 private non-profit colleges, and two private for-profit institutions.

  • $13,960 AVERAGE IN-STATE TUITION & FEES

    According to College Board, the average undergraduate student in Michigan paid $13,960 in tuition and school fees at public colleges during the 2020-21 school year.

  • $14,940 IN FINANCIAL AID FOR THE AVERAGE U.S. STUDENT

    Full-time undergraduate students received an average of $14,940 in financial aid during the 2019-20 school year.

Our Research

This list includes what we’ve found to be the best colleges in Michigan. We’ve tried to provide you with a broad range of choices, and as such, we’ve selected schools for this list that include large research universities, midsize universities, and smaller arts and technology colleges. We’ve also looked for schools that offer both in-person and distance learning options.

These schools are all accredited, meaning they adhere to the regulations and standards set forth by state and federal agencies that regulate higher learning. In most cases, the schools on this list have received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which ensures that schools are operating within federal requirements.

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 79 hours to write this article
  • 159 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 280 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Colleges in Michigan

Best Colleges In Michigan
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What You Should Know About Graduating From College in Michigan

The job market in your chosen industry should be an important factor when considering where you’d like to go to school. As of October 2020, the top industries in Michigan were transportation and warehousing, goods-producing services, and trade, transportation, and utilities.

For many, the potential for career growth is vital when entering the job market. In Michigan, many of the fastest-growing careers are in the technology industry; however, opportunities abound across several sectors. As of 2016, Michigan’s fastest-growing careers for those with bachelor’s degrees were information security analysts, software application developers, actuaries, operations research analysts, and market research analysts.

There are plenty of industries in Michigan that feature vast opportunities for those with a bachelor’s degree, which is clear to see when reviewing the state’s top employers. This list includes companies such as General Motors Co., Dow Chemical Co., MSU Tech, Henry Ford Hospital, and Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.

What’s Next?

When researching where to go to school in Michigan, you may be considering financial aid. There are plenty of resources available for those who need it, and to help, we’ve put together a list of several federal and state resources that can connect you with grants, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities if you’re attending school in the state.

  • Michigan Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. This office administers MI Student Aid, which provides student loans, as well as scholarships and grants for college and university students throughout Michigan.
  • Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This federal program connects students with scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities across the U.S. Prospective students can find out if they’re eligible by visiting the FAFSA4caster, and an online application form is available on the organization’s website.
  • CareerOneStop. This website is sponsored by the BLS and provides post-secondary students with a comprehensive list of financial aid programs that can be filtered by state and degree level. This list includes useful details such as qualifications, deadlines, and contact information.