Best Colleges in Michigan 2025

Badge for BEST IN MICHIGAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

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

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan’s top colleges have extensive alumni networks and partnerships with global companies, providing students with access to mentorship, internships, and job opportunities in industries such as automotive, technology, and healthcare.
  • Many of Michigan’s best colleges emphasize a liberal arts education, allowing students to explore a wide range of subjects and engage in interdisciplinary learning that prepares them for dynamic careers in various fields.
  • The best institutions in Michigan offer top-tier research facilities and programs in fields such as engineering, healthcare, and environmental science, giving students the chance to work alongside leading experts and participate in cutting-edge research projects.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best colleges in Michigan saw considerable changes in ranking positions. Andrews University gained the most ranking positions as the university expanded their STEM and Innovation Center, featuring new labs and collaborative spaces for students in engineering, computer science, and environmental studies. The university has also enhanced its online and hybrid learning programs, providing more flexibility for students who need remote learning options.

Additionally, Andrews has invested in its sustainability initiatives, including green energy projects and eco-friendly campus upgrades, reflecting a growing focus on environmental stewardship. These improvements emphasize innovation, flexibility, and sustainability, appealing to a wide range of students.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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.

Best Colleges in Michigan

  1. #1

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $18,309
    Expenses: $17,554
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Wayne State University

    Cost of Degree: $15,464
    Expenses: $17,488
    Starting Salary: $52,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Michigan University

    Cost of Degree: $15,298
    Expenses: $15,472
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Michigan University

    Cost of Degree: $16,260
    Expenses: $16,344
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  5. #6

    Oakland University

    Rochester Hills , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for degree at Oakland University

    Cost of Degree: $16,429
    Expenses: $14,609
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Oakland University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Health And Safety
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #8

    Andrews University

    Berrien Springs , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Andrews University

    Cost of Degree: $33,710
    Expenses: $12,250
    Starting Salary: $47,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  7. #11

    Kalamazoo College

    Kalamazoo , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Kalamazoo College

    Cost of Degree: $58,614
    Expenses: $15,444
    Starting Salary: $54,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #14

    Albion College

    Albion , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Albion College

    Cost of Degree: $55,746
    Expenses: $14,370
    Starting Salary: $55,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Grand Valley State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,978
    Expenses: $14,399
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  10. #16

    Ferris State University

    Big Rapids , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Ferris State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,246
    Expenses: $14,086
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Kettering University

    Cost of Degree: $45,380
    Expenses: $14,870
    Starting Salary: $78,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kettering University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northern Michigan University

    Cost of Degree: $13,622
    Expenses: $15,620
    Starting Salary: $39,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  13. #19

    Adrian College

    Adrian , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Adrian College

    Cost of Degree: $40,556
    Expenses: $16,448
    Starting Salary: $42,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Adrian College known for?

    Adrian College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan–Dearborn

    Cost of Degree: $14,944
    Starting Salary: $56,200
    What is University of Michigan–Dearborn known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan–Flint

    Cost of Degree: $13,566
    Expenses: $15,872
    Starting Salary: $44,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  16. #22

    Alma College

    Alma , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Alma College

    Cost of Degree: $47,430
    Expenses: $16,510
    Starting Salary: $46,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #23

    Saginaw Valley State University

    University Center , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Saginaw Valley State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,240
    Expenses: $14,040
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saginaw Valley State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  18. Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lawrence Technological University

    Cost of Degree: $41,872
    Expenses: $18,582
    Starting Salary: $60,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lawrence Technological University known for?

    Lawrence Technological University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  19. #25

    Lake Superior State University

    Sault Ste Marie , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1112/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Lake Superior State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,266
    Expenses: $14,717
    Starting Salary: $42,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lake Superior State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. #26

    Olivet College

    Olivet , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Olivet College

    Cost of Degree: $33,076
    Expenses: $15,852
    Starting Salary: $42,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  21. #27

    Madonna University

    Livonia , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Madonna University

    Cost of Degree: $27,360
    Expenses: $16,590
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  22. #28

    Spring Arbor University

    Spring Arbor , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1052/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Spring Arbor University

    Cost of Degree: $32,580
    Expenses: $13,540
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  23. #29

    Davenport University

    Grand Rapids , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Davenport University

    Cost of Degree: $23,324
    Expenses: $15,918
    Starting Salary: $35,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  24. Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Ann Arbor

    Cost of Degree: $34,200
    Expenses: $18,410
    Starting Salary: $40,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
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Michigan’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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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