Best Michigan Colleges for 2017

How serious is Michigan about higher education? The first postsecondary institution in the state, the University of Michigan Ann Arbor was founded in 1817. That’s a full two decades before Michigan became a state. From a large community college system to numerous public and private universities to small tribal colleges, Michigan offers a wealth of educational opportunities. This guide focuses on numerous aspects of those schools, including detailed rankings, how the state helps prepare students for college, what it will cost, and how much alumni earn. Read on to learn more about the broad spectrum of opportunities available at colleges in Michigan, including college planning programs unique to Michigan.

Best Michigan Colleges: 2017 Rankings

When so many options are available for a college education, it helps to see all the pertinent information in one place. Our rankings of Michigan colleges are calculated based on financial aid availability, tuition cost, graduation rate, student-to-teacher ratio, and similar criteria. This results in a comprehensive list of quality schools that can help students in their search for higher education.

Methodology +

• 2-Year Colleges
• 4-Year Colleges

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Lansing Community College	99.79	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,600	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 10%	8%	N/A	1	223	Yes	Yes
2	Washtenaw Community College	99.00	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,200	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 14%	16%	N/A	6	103	Yes	Yes
3	Delta College	98.59	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,100	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 9%	16%	N/A	1	127	Yes	Yes
4	Henry Ford Community College	98.45	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,200	24:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 1%	6%	N/A	10	105	Yes	No
5	Kellogg Community College	98.38	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,800	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 12%	15%	N/A	0	95	Yes	Yes
6	Alpena Community College	98.18	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,700	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 24%	27%	N/A	0	75	Yes	Yes
7	Schoolcraft College	97.83	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $31,000	25:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 13%	17%	N/A	4	82	Yes	Yes
8	Macomb Community College	97.62	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $30,000	28:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 9%	12%	N/A	0	150	Yes	No
9	Oakland Community College	97.56	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,600	25:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 11%	11%	N/A	0	202	Yes	No
10	Glen Oaks Community College	97.55	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $24,900	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 28%	18%	N/A	1	33	No	No
11	Gogebic Community College	97.28	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,700	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 24%	30%	N/A	0	65	Yes	Yes
12	Southwestern Michigan College	96.95	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $25,000	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 30%	17%	N/A	0	66	No	Yes
13	West Shore Community College	96.82	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $24,300	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 24%	12%	N/A	0	45	Yes	No
14	Mott Community College	96.78	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $24,900	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 9%	9%	N/A	0	115	Yes	Yes
15	Bay College	96.71	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,800	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 20%	21%	N/A	3	35	Yes	Yes
16	Kalamazoo Valley Community College	96.68	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,700	22:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 13%	11%	N/A	0	93	Yes	Yes
17	North Central Michigan College	96.26	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $25,100	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 17%	12%	N/A	0	61	Yes	No
18	Grand Rapids Community College	96.06	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,200	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 7%	13%	N/A	1	122	Yes	Yes
19	St Clair County Community College	95.78	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,300	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 12%	16%	N/A	1	52	Yes	Yes
20	Monroe County Community College	95.40	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,400	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 5%	12%	N/A	0	69	Yes	No
21	Muskegon Community College	95.09	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $25,800	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 19%	18%	N/A	0	116	Yes	Yes
22	Montcalm Community College	94.90	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,300	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 13%	10%	N/A	0	58	Yes	No
23	Mid Michigan Community College	94.65	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,400	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 16%	10%	N/A	2	57	Yes	Yes
24	Michigan Career and Technical Institute	92.05	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $14,600	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A	79%	N/A	0	14	Yes	No
25	Kirtland Community College	88.57	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $25,400	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 18%	16%	N/A	5	69	Yes	Yes
26	Bay Mills Community College	87.86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $20,900	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 53%	16%	N/A	1	29	No	No
27	Wayne County Community College District	86.00	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $24,000	24:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 1%	13%	N/A	0	88	Yes	Yes

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	99.77	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $57,900	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 47%	91%	32%	7	252	Yes	No
2	Michigan Technological University	99.01	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $60,100	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 94%	66%	76%	6	89	Yes	No
3	Albion College	98.52	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $45,100	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	72%	61%	0	64	Yes	No
4	Calvin College	97.17	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $40,900	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	77%	73%	0	87	Yes	No
5	Alma College	97.14	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,700	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	67%	72%	0	42	Yes	No
6	Michigan State University	96.87	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $49,800	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 44%	79%	66%	17	254	Yes	No
7	Andrews University	96.85	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,000	9:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	59%	37%	7	126	Yes	Yes
8	Lawrence Technological University	96.37	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $53,700	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 82%	52%	57%	10	60	Yes	No
9	Hope College	96.25	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $43,300	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 93%	77%	77%	0	63	Yes	No
10	Concordia University-Ann Arbor	95.96	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $39,000	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	57%	76%	4	45	Yes	No
11	Kalamazoo College	95.91	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $49,400	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	81%	70%	0	27	Yes	No
12	Siena Heights University	95.70	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $38,100	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	43%	74%	42	108	Yes	Yes
13	University of Detroit Mercy	95.66	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,200	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	57%	69%	13	100	Yes	Yes
14	Kettering University	95.65	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $74,900	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	55%	72%	7	20	Yes	No
15	Spring Arbor University	95.20	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $40,400	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	52%	67%	12	76	No	Yes
16	University of Michigan-Dearborn	95.18	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $47,400	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 71%	52%	63%	11	101	Yes	No
17	Western Michigan University	95.18	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,700	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 49%	56%	84%	3	233	Yes	No
18	Aquinas College	94.77	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $38,100	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	53%	65%	0	93	Yes	Yes
19	College for Creative Studies	94.49	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $40,600	9:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	57%	46%	0	11	Yes	No
20	Cleary University	94.47	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $50,500	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 77%	47%	79%	13	13	Yes	Yes
21	Northwood University-Michigan	94.34	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,600	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 95%	54%	69%	9	18	Yes	Yes
22	Ferris State University	94.19	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $40,300	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 63%	53%	78%	13	113	Yes	Yes
23	Wayne State University	93.99	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,500	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 80%	28%	77%	5	194	Yes	No
24	Madonna University	93.96	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,500	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 82%	36%	59%	3	121	Yes	Yes
25	Central Michigan University	93.91	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $40,000	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 69%	57%	69%	16	199	Yes	Yes
26	Eastern Michigan University	93.81	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,300	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 90%	37%	69%	14	234	Yes	Yes
27	Grand Valley State University	93.64	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $39,100	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 70%	66%	80%	1	105	Yes	No
28	Oakland University	93.47	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,600	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 76%	43%	67%	4	155	Yes	No
29	Adrian College	93.41	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,500	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	59%	62%	0	70	No	No
30	University of Michigan-Flint	92.19	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $40,100	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 50%	36%	79%	12	93	No	No
31	Northern Michigan University	92.05	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $34,800	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 81%	44%	72%	6	114	Yes	Yes
32	Kuyper College	91.91	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,000	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 92%	55%	71%	0	25	Yes	No
33	Marygrove College	91.62	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,800	9:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 92%	16%	48%	6	59	Yes	Yes
34	Lake Superior State University	91.47	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $35,700	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 78%	39%	91%	1	59	Yes	No
35	Saginaw Valley State University	90.92	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,800	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 69%	38%	80%	0	73	Yes	No
36	Rochester College	90.89	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $34,500	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 94%	32%	41%	0	25	No	Yes
37	Davenport University	90.61	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,900	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 89%	40%	93%	25	30	Yes	Yes
38	Cornerstone University	90.44	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $35,600	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 96%	45%	69%	9	58	Yes	Yes
39	Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration	90.37	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $54,500	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A	N/A	N/A	7	12	Yes	No
40	Finlandia University	90.06	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,600	9:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 93%	35%	45%	0	14	No	Yes
41	Great Lakes Christian College	89.97	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,100	7:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 64%	28%	N/A	0	12	Yes	Yes
42	Olivet College	89.80	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $34,100	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	43%	61%	1	51	No	Yes
43	Baker College Center for Graduate Studies	88.06	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 72%	25%	N/A	24	25	Yes	Yes
44	Baker College of Flint	87.11	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	24:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 84%	10%	N/A	10	23	Yes	Yes
45	Baker College of Port Huron	86.89	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 74%	32%	N/A	7	13	Yes	Yes
46	Baker College of Clinton Township	86.70	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	25:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 85%	14%	N/A	10	23	Yes	Yes
47	Baker College of Muskegon	86.56	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	33:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 80%	18%	N/A	10	23	Yes	Yes
48	Baker College of Auburn Hills	86.00	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	22:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 72%	8%	N/A	10	22	Yes	Yes

Search & Compare Colleges in Michigan

Research into the best colleges in Michigan requires looking at the details. That’s what students will get when they use this handy search tool, which allows for sorting based on tuition rates, types of institutions, acceptance rates, student populations and the like. Students can then compare the results side-by-side to help them choose which schools will go onto the short list of possibilities.

Cost Analysis of Colleges in Michigan

Several factors play into the cost of college in Michigan. Tuition and fees are heavily dependent upon whether a student is in-state or out-of-state. In addition, there are several criteria used to judge how much financial aid a student might receive to cover those costs. Here’s a rundown of how the state of Michigan stacks up against the nation in these very important areas.

Most Affordable Michigan Colleges

When it comes to affordable colleges in Michigan, a few schools stand out. The following rankings of the most affordable colleges in the state are based on net price-the cost of attendance minus the financial aid received-and also include information on how those colleges compare to the national average.

• 1
  
  Lake Michigan College$6,704
• 2
  
  Jackson College$6,812
• 3
  
  Yeshiva Gedolah of Greater Detroit$7,149

• 4
  
  Northwestern Michigan College$8,333
• 5
  
  Baker College of Port Huron$9,678
• 6
  
  University of Michigan-Dearborn$9,800

Average
Annual Net
Price

Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.

Michigan College Net Price vs. National Average

$15,980

Average Annual Net Price

$18,073

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Michigan Colleges with Top Alumni Earnings

College is an investment in the future. So what does that future look like for alumni? These colleges turned out the highest-paid alumni, based on their salaries ten years after graduation. We’ve also compared those alumni earnings with the national average, to give aspiring students a better idea where their income might fall after graduation.

• 1
  
  Kettering University$74,900
• 2
  
  Michigan Technological University$60,100
• 3
  
  University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$57,900

• 4
  
  Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration$54,500
• 5
  
  Lawrence Technological University$53,700
• 6
  
  Cleary University$50,500

Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College

Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.

Michigan Alumni Salaries vs. National Average

$37,625

Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College

$42,759

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Colleges in Michigan With Least Alumni Debt

College affordability and how much alumni make years after graduation, are both aspects that matter. Another consideration is the amount of debt students might carry when their studies are over. These colleges have the lowest student debt among their alumni. Students can also see how that debt looks next to the national average of all colleges and universities.

• 1
  
  Compass College of Cinematic Arts$10,928
• 2
  
  Lake Michigan College$15,587
• 3
  
  Northwestern Michigan College$15,888

• 4
  
  Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration$16,485
• 5
  
  Siena Heights University$18,750
• 6
  
  Wayne State University$21,500

Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation

Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.

Michigan College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

$24,853

Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Michigan Cost of Living: College Expenses Beyond Tuition

In most categories, the cost of living in Michigan falls just at or below the national average. An exception to this is housing, which is decidedly cheaper than the national average. That’s excellent news for college students who will be paying rent or a mortgage on top of tuition. According to a quarterly review of all states by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Michigan ranks 13th for the lowest cost of living in the nation. To learn more about where Michigan falls in the cost of living debate, check out the following table that drills deeper into the five largest metro areas of Michigan,

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

Michigan College Accreditation

Though there are several factors that play into which college a student might choose, there is one that students should see as non-negotiable, and that is accreditation. Accreditation means that a school has been reviewed by an independent accrediting body and found to meet the standards of a quality education.

Accreditation is vitally important for several reasons. Accreditation equals a standard of quality that is considered necessary for most professions; attending a school that does not meet this standard can mean sub-par learning, which can come back to haunt a student when they get out into the workforce. In fact, many employers will not accept a degree from a college that has not gained accreditation. In terms of financial aid, only accredited schools get the best benefits from the federal government; that means students who choose to attend a college that is not accredited can expect to pay much more.

Many colleges in Michigan seek accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, which is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools In addition to regional accreditation of a school as a whole, there is also programmatic accreditation through other entities. Here are a few examples:

• The Michigan State University College of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar
• Lawrence Technological University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation

Popular College Cities in Michigan

Ann Arbor

Lovely Ann Arbor is home to five universities and one bustling community college. In 2016, NerdWallet named Ann Arbor one of the best cities for women in the workforce, and Forbes named it one of the top 20 happiest cities to work in. Many other claims to fame abound, leading to high hopes for potential students who want to attend the fine institutions of higher learning in the area.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
University of Michigan	Public	$16,287	$57,900
Founded in 1817 and moved to Ann Arbor in 1837, the University now includes 19 Colleges, including schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and law. Over 43,000 students currently attend the university, served by over 7,000 faculty members. The most popular degrees include business, psychology, economics, political science, biopsychology, cognition and neuroscience.
Washtenaw Community College	Public	$6,183	$27,200
Serving southeast Michigan, WCC emphasizes convenience for all students with night, weekend and online classes. Over 18,000 students register for classes each year, thousands more enroll in economic and development classes, and the average class size is only 23 students. The open-door admissions policy has been in place for over 40 years.
Concordia University Ann Arbor	Private not-for-profit	$18,611	$39,000
This private, liberal arts university was founded by Lutherans in 1963 as a junior college; today the undergraduate program offers over 50 majors and 50 minors, with degrees in education, business, the arts, the sciences, communication and church work. Accelerated and graduate degrees are also available. The school is growing fast, with total enrollment up by 35 percent between 2013 and 2016.

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids defines itself as a "college town" for good reason: at least 15 institutions of higher learning serve tens of thousands of students in the metro area. In addition, those who graduate from those schools and choose to stay in the area will be happy to learn that Grand Rapids is one of the U.S. cities leading the current economic recovery. From large universities to tiny religious colleges, Grand Rapids offers a wealth of education to choose from on the way to an exciting career.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Calvin College	Private not-for-profit	$23,876	$40,900
This Christian liberal arts college sits on 400 bucolic acres and serves about 4,000 students. Those students can choose from over 100 majors, minors and programs; education, engineering and business are among the top choices. Founded in 1876, Calvin College boasts 99% of all graduates employed or in graduate school, over 50 percent of the student body involved in intramurals, and a student/faculty ratio of 13:1.
Davenport University	Private not-for-profit	$17,421	$29,900
Founded in 1866, this private non-profit university serves nearly 9,000 students in more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. Campuses are spread across the state, and there is a strong online presence as well. The school offers Colleges of Business, Technology, Health Professions, Urban Education and Arts and Sciences, reaching out to students who have a wide range of interests and professional goals.
Grand Rapids Community College	Public	$4,709	$28,200
Serving almost 30,000 students, the state-of-the-art learning spaces at GRCC are tailored to those seeking liberal arts education, occupational courses, adult education or skilled training. One in three high school students in Kent County choose to begin their education at GRCC, and each year over 5,000 transfer to four-year colleges. An intimate class size of 22.9 students ensures each person receives appropriate attention from the highly-trained faculty.

Source: College Scorecard

Michigan College Resources

Students who are interested in attending Michigan colleges can find a great deal of information through resources specifically tailored for Michigan students. Here are some of the best.