Best Colleges in Michigan 2023

BEST IN MICHIGAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in Michigan. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in Michigan

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  1. University of Michigan
  2. Michigan State University
  3. Wayne State University
  4. Western Michigan University
  5. Eastern Michigan University
  6. Oakland University
  7. University of Detroit Mercy
  8. Hope College
  9. Michigan Technological University
  10. Kalamazoo College
  1. Davenport University 98%
  2. University of Detroit Mercy 93%
  3. Oakland University 92%
  4. Grand Valley State University 92%
  5. Hope College 92%
  6. Olivet College 89%
  7. Michigan Technological University 86%
  8. Kettering University 86%
  9. Ferris State University 85%
  10. Eastern Michigan University 85%
  1. Northern Michigan University 20 to 1
  2. Oakland University 19 to 1
  3. Central Michigan University 18 to 1
  4. Western Michigan University 18 to 1
  5. Lake Superior State University 17 to 1
  6. Saginaw Valley State University 17 to 1
  7. Grand Valley State University 16 to 1
  8. Michigan State University 16 to 1
  9. University of Michigan–Dearborn 16 to 1
  10. Wayne State University 15 to 1
  1. Kalamazoo College $54,522
  2. Albion College $53,090
  3. Kettering University $44,380
  4. Alma College $43,872
  5. Adrian College $39,107
  6. Calvin University $38,240
  7. Lawrence Technological University $37,680
  8. Hope College $36,650
  9. Concordia University Ann Arbor $31,830
  10. Andrews University $31,782
  1. Andrews University $28,656
  2. University of Michigan $24,902
  3. Michigan Technological University $22,725
  4. University of Detroit Mercy $21,276
  5. Michigan State University $19,714
  6. Oakland University $19,323
  7. Adrian College $18,600
  8. Alma College $18,000
  9. Grand Valley State University $17,904
  10. Lawrence Technological University $17,836
  1. Concordia University Ann Arbor
  2. Davenport University
  3. Spring Arbor University
  4. Madonna University
  5. Lake Superior State University
  6. Saginaw Valley State University
  7. Lawrence Technological University
  8. University of Michigan–Flint
  9. Adrian College
  10. Alma College
  1. University of Michigan 20%
  2. Madonna University 52%
  3. Spring Arbor University 60%
  4. Concordia University Ann Arbor 63%
  5. Wayne State University 63%
  6. Alma College 69%
  7. Albion College 69%
  8. University of Michigan–Dearborn 69%
  9. Northern Michigan University 71%
  10. Lake Superior State University 73%
  1. Andrews University 10 to 1
  2. Concordia University Ann Arbor 10 to 1
  3. University of Detroit Mercy 11 to 1
  4. University of Michigan 11 to 1
  5. Hope College 11 to 1
  6. Lawrence Technological University 11 to 1
  7. Calvin University 12 to 1
  8. Albion College 12 to 1
  9. Spring Arbor University 12 to 1
  10. Alma College 13 to 1
  1. Saginaw Valley State University $11,130
  2. University of Michigan–Flint $11,868
  3. Northern Michigan University $12,386
  4. Ferris State University $12,740
  5. Central Michigan University $13,200
  6. Lake Superior State University $13,200
  7. Western Michigan University $13,334
  8. University of Michigan–Dearborn $13,416
  9. Wayne State University $13,532
  10. Grand Valley State University $13,900
  1. Spring Arbor University $8,093
  2. Ferris State University $8,232
  3. Northern Michigan University $9,792
  4. Calvin University $11,880
  5. University of Michigan–Flint $12,227
  6. Concordia University Ann Arbor $12,885
  7. University of Michigan–Dearborn $14,110
  8. Kettering University $15,128
  9. Central Michigan University $15,194
  10. Saginaw Valley State University $15,748

Colleges and Universities in Michigan

With over 80 public and private colleges to choose from, students hoping to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree can find a program that suits their educational needs and budget. Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are the two largest schools, both serving around 42,000 students and costing $16,000 in tuition. Most of the schools in The Wolverine State, however, serve smaller student populations, with tuition fees ranging from $3,000 to $49,000.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Additionally, students pursuing their degree at a school with religious affiliations have more than 20 options to choose from, including Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Grand Rapid’s Calvin College, and Hope College in Holland. Students attending one of Michigan’s private schools, like Davenport University, can earn their degrees in fields like nursing, education, criminal justice, and history. Michigan, like many other states, also provides a special loan forgiveness program to those in medical, dental, and mental health professions who work in underserved communities. Recipients can receive up to $200,000 of tax-free funds over an eight-year period.

The great state of Michigan famously serves as the major hub of the United States auto industry - and also boasts the longest freshwater coastline in the nation. Students who love the outdoors but are also drawn to the metropolitan energy of big cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids will feel very much at home in Michigan.

To find your degree program, explore some of the top schools in Michigan.


What are Michigan’s Colleges & Universities?

Michigan’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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We’ve identified 42 colleges and universities in Michigan that meet our criteria. This list of the top 30 colleges in Michigan below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Michigan.

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Best Colleges in Michigan 2022

  1. #1

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    What is University of Michigan known for?

    University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Wayne State University

    Detroit , MI
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/23

    What is Wayne State University known for?

    Wayne State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wayne State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Mortuary Science
    • Required Credits: 56
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Western Michigan University

    Kalamazoo , MI
    #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #4 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2023 #4 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2023 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/23

    What is Western Michigan University known for?

    Western Michigan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Western Michigan University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Family Studies, Child And Family Development
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Services & Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Clinical Practice in Health
    • Audiology Preparation
    • Blindness and Low Vision Studies Preparation
    • Occupational Therapy Preparation
    • Physician Assistant Preparation
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in University Studies
    • Required Credits: 56 or more
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Eastern Michigan University

    Ypsilanti , MI
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2023 #6 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2023 #7 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2023 #7 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/22

    What is Eastern Michigan University known for?

    Eastern Michigan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Eastern Michigan University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Information. Assurance And Cyber Defense
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Northern Michigan University

    Marquette , MI
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2023 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2023 #8 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2023 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    6K

    What is Northern Michigan University known for?

    Northern Michigan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northern Michigan University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Applied Science In Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Construction Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Loss Prevention Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Ski Area Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Applied Workplace Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Clinical Lab Sciences/Laboratory Medicine
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  17. #15

    Grand Valley State University

    Allendale , MI
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2023 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2023 #10 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2023 #11 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    21K

    What is Grand Valley State University known for?

    Grand Valley State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Grand Valley State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Respiratory Care
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Health Professional
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Andrews University

    Berrien Springs , MI
    #16 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #4 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2023 #6 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2023 #6 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/24

    What is Andrews University known for?

    Andrews University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Andrews University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religion
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Ferris State University

    Big Rapids , MI
    #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2023 #5 Best Online Associate in Marketing #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/22

    What is Ferris State University known for?

    Ferris State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Ferris State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Digital Media Software Engineering
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Project Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Security And Intelligence
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Integrative Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technical Education Pre-Mo-Ted
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Allied Health Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Respiratory Therapy
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hvac/R Engineering Technology And Energy Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  23. #20

    Madonna University

    Livonia , MI
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2023 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2023 #9 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2023 #9 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/20

    What is Madonna University known for?

    Madonna University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Madonna University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Hospitality And Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Family And Consumer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 38
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Gerontology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    University of Michigan–Dearborn

    Dearborn , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/25

    What is University of Michigan–Dearborn known for?

    University of Michigan–Dearborn’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Lake Superior State University

    Sault Ste Marie , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/22

    What is Lake Superior State University known for?

    Lake Superior State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  31. #26

    Davenport University

    Grand Rapids , MI
    #2 Best Online Associate in Human Resources #3 Best Online Associate in Finance #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    4K

    What is Davenport University known for?

    Davenport University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Davenport University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Project Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 132
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cyber Defense
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Fraud Investigation
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Leadership And Organizational Performance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Case Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Case Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 132
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120-122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  33. #28

    Concordia University Ann Arbor

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2023 #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #9 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability #14 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    1K

    What is Concordia University Ann Arbor known for?

    Concordia University Ann Arbor’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  34. #29

    Spring Arbor University

    Spring Arbor , MI
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2023 #7 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan #13 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    What is Spring Arbor University known for?

    Spring Arbor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Spring Arbor University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  35. #30

    University of Michigan–Flint

    Flint , MI
    #5 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2023 #10 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #16 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/20

    What is University of Michigan–Flint known for?

    University of Michigan–Flint’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Michigan–Flint’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Science
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
    • Finance
    • General Business
    • International Business
    • Marketing
    • Organizational Behavior & Human Resouces Management (OBHRM)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Respiratory Therapy
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Michigan’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Michigan
  2. Kalamazoo College
  3. Kettering University
  4. University of Detroit Mercy
  5. Michigan State University
  6. Lawrence Technological University
  7. Michigan Technological University
  8. Andrews University
  9. University of Michigan–Dearborn
  10. Hope College
  11. Albion College
  12. Calvin University
  13. Western Michigan University
  14. Aquinas College
  15. Central Michigan University
  16. Madonna University
  17. Alma College
  18. Adrian College
  19. Grand Valley State University
  20. Cornerstone University

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