Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2023

BEST IN MICHIGAN LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Michigan offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan

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  1. Hope College
  2. Kalamazoo College
  3. Calvin University
  4. Albion College
  5. Grand Valley State University
  6. Kettering University
  7. Northern Michigan University
  8. Olivet College
  9. University of Michigan–Dearborn
  10. Alma College
  1. Davenport University 98%
  2. Rochester College 98%
  3. Grand Valley State University 92%
  4. Hope College 92%
  5. Cornerstone University 91%
  6. Olivet College 89%
  7. Aquinas College 89%
  8. Kettering University 86%
  9. Lawrence Technological University 81%
  10. Kalamazoo College 80%
  1. Schoolcraft College 21 to 1
  2. Henry Ford College 21 to 1
  3. Northern Michigan University 20 to 1
  4. Lake Superior State University 17 to 1
  5. Saginaw Valley State University 17 to 1
  6. Grand Valley State University 16 to 1
  7. University of Michigan–Dearborn 16 to 1
  8. Cornerstone University 15 to 1
  9. Olivet College 15 to 1
  10. Jackson College 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. Aquinas College $36,134
  10. Concordia University Ann Arbor $31,830
  1. Adrian College $18,600
  2. Alma College $18,000
  3. Grand Valley State University $17,904
  4. Lawrence Technological University $17,836
  5. Madonna University $16,380
  6. Davenport University $16,308
  7. Saginaw Valley State University $15,748
  8. Kettering University $15,128
  9. Cornerstone University $14,160
  10. University of Michigan–Dearborn $14,110
  1. Lake Michigan College
  2. Rochester College
  3. Aquinas College
  4. Henry Ford College
  5. Jackson College
  6. Alpena Community College
  7. Concordia University Ann Arbor
  8. Kuyper College
  9. Davenport University
  10. Northwestern Michigan College
  1. Madonna University 52%
  2. Spring Arbor University 60%
  3. Concordia University Ann Arbor 63%
  4. Siena Heights University 68%
  5. Kuyper College 69%
  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. Kuyper College 9 to 1
  2. Finlandia University 10 to 1
  3. Concordia University Ann Arbor 10 to 1
  4. Hope College 11 to 1
  5. Aquinas College 11 to 1
  6. Lawrence Technological University 11 to 1
  7. Rochester College 12 to 1
  8. Calvin University 12 to 1
  9. Albion College 12 to 1
  10. Spring Arbor University 12 to 1
  1. Henry Ford College $4,428
  2. Schoolcraft College $4,732
  3. Jackson College $5,700
  4. Lake Michigan College $6,900
  5. Alpena Community College $7,260
  6. Northwestern Michigan College $7,488
  7. Saginaw Valley State University $11,130
  8. Northern Michigan University $12,386
  9. Lake Superior State University $13,200
  10. University of Michigan–Dearborn $13,416
  1. Kuyper College $5,400
  2. Spring Arbor University $8,093
  3. Northern Michigan University $9,792
  4. Rochester College $10,512
  5. Aquinas College $11,358
  6. Calvin University $11,880
  7. Siena Heights University $12,456
  8. Concordia University Ann Arbor $12,885
  9. University of Michigan–Dearborn $14,110
  10. Cornerstone University $14,160

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

Michigan's Best Liberal Arts Colleges Badge
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A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 30 liberal arts colleges in Michigan. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Michigan, schools must fully accredited institutions.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2022

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    6K

    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
  2. 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
  3. #9

    Madonna University

    Livonia , MI
    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
  4. 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

  5. #13

    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

  6. #15

    Davenport University

    Grand Rapids , MI
    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
  7. 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
  8. #18

    Spring Arbor University

    Spring Arbor , MI
    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
  9. #19

    Cornerstone University

    Grand Rapids , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/22

    What is Cornerstone University known for?

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

    Cornerstone University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 46
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Ministry Leadership
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 46
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #21

    Northwestern Michigan College

    Traverse City , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Northwestern Michigan College known for?

    Northwestern Michigan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  11. #22

    Finlandia University

    Hancock , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Finlandia University known for?

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

  12. Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Siena Heights University known for?

    Siena Heights University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Siena Heights University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accouting
    • Healthcare Management
    • Information Technology Management
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #24

    Kuyper College

    Grand Rapids , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Kuyper College known for?

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

  14. #26

    Henry Ford College

    Dearborn , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    10%

    Student body

    8K

    What is Henry Ford College known for?

    Henry Ford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  15. #27

    Aquinas College

    Grand Rapids , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/23

    What is Aquinas College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #28

    Lake Michigan College

    Benton Harbor , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Lake Michigan College known for?

    Lake Michigan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  17. #29

    Rochester College

    Rochester Hills , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    950/20

    What is Rochester College known for?

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

    Rochester College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Early Childhood Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Strategic Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Alpena Community College known for?

    Alpena Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Michigan’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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. Kalamazoo College
  2. Kettering University
  3. Lawrence Technological University
  4. University of Michigan–Dearborn
  5. Hope College
  6. Albion College
  7. Calvin University
  8. Aquinas College
  9. Madonna University
  10. Alma College

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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