Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024

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Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Michigan provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

10 Best Public Colleges in Michigan

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  1. University of Michigan
  2. Michigan State University
  3. Wayne State University
  4. Western Michigan University
  5. Oakland University
  6. Eastern Michigan University
  7. Michigan Technological University
  8. Northern Michigan University
  9. Central Michigan University
  10. Grand Valley State University
  1. University of Michigan
  2. Michigan State University
  3. Wayne State University
  4. Western Michigan University
  5. Eastern Michigan University
  6. Oakland University
  7. Michigan Technological University
  8. Central Michigan University
  9. Grand Valley State University
  10. Ferris State University
  1. Oakland University 92%
  2. Grand Valley State University 92%
  3. Michigan Technological University 86%
  4. Ferris State University 85%
  5. Eastern Michigan University 85%
  6. Michigan State University 83%
  7. Western Michigan University 83%
  8. Saginaw Valley State University 78%
  9. Central Michigan University 77%
  10. University of Michigan–Flint 74%
  1. Schoolcraft College 21 to 1
  2. Henry Ford College 21 to 1
  3. Northern Michigan University 20 to 1
  4. Oakland University 19 to 1
  5. Central Michigan University 18 to 1
  6. Western Michigan University 18 to 1
  7. Lake Superior State University 17 to 1
  8. Saginaw Valley State University 17 to 1
  9. Grand Valley State University 16 to 1
  10. Michigan State University 16 to 1
  1. Michigan Technological University $17,903
  2. University of Michigan $16,865
  3. Michigan State University $15,966
  4. Eastern Michigan University $15,700
  5. Oakland University $15,135
  6. Grand Valley State University $13,900
  7. Wayne State University $13,532
  8. University of Michigan–Dearborn $13,416
  9. Western Michigan University $13,334
  10. Central Michigan University $13,200
  1. University of Michigan $24,902
  2. Michigan Technological University $22,725
  3. Michigan State University $19,714
  4. Oakland University $19,323
  5. Grand Valley State University $17,904
  6. Wayne State University $16,920
  7. Western Michigan University $16,884
  8. Eastern Michigan University $16,562
  9. Saginaw Valley State University $15,748
  10. Central Michigan University $15,194
  1. Alpena Community College
  2. Lake Michigan College
  3. Henry Ford College
  4. Jackson College
  5. Northwestern Michigan College
  6. Schoolcraft College
  7. University of Michigan–Flint
  8. Saginaw Valley State University
  9. Lake Superior State University
  10. University of Michigan–Dearborn
  1. Lake Michigan College
  2. Henry Ford College
  3. Jackson College
  4. Northwestern Michigan College
  5. Alpena Community College
  6. Schoolcraft College
  7. Lake Superior State University
  8. Saginaw Valley State University
  9. University of Michigan–Flint
  10. University of Michigan–Dearborn
  1. University of Michigan 20%
  2. Wayne State University 63%
  3. University of Michigan–Dearborn 69%
  4. Northern Michigan University 71%
  5. Lake Superior State University 73%
  6. University of Michigan–Flint 74%
  7. Central Michigan University 77%
  8. Saginaw Valley State University 78%
  9. Western Michigan University 83%
  10. Michigan State University 83%
  1. University of Michigan 11 to 1
  2. Alpena Community College 13 to 1
  3. Michigan Technological University 13 to 1
  4. Northwestern Michigan College 14 to 1
  5. Lake Michigan College 14 to 1
  6. University of Michigan–Flint 14 to 1
  7. Wayne State University 15 to 1
  8. Eastern Michigan University 15 to 1
  9. Ferris State University 15 to 1
  10. Jackson College 15 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. University of Michigan–Flint $11,868
  9. Northern Michigan University $12,386
  10. Ferris State University $12,740
  1. Ferris State University $8,232
  2. Northern Michigan University $9,792
  3. University of Michigan–Flint $12,227
  4. University of Michigan–Dearborn $14,110
  5. Central Michigan University $15,194
  6. Saginaw Valley State University $15,748
  7. Eastern Michigan University $16,562
  8. Western Michigan University $16,884
  9. Wayne State University $16,920
  10. Grand Valley State University $17,904

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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Michigan's Best Public Colleges Badge
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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 21 public universities in Michigan. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Michigan, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2023

  1. #1

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    50K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $17,786
    Expenses: $16,820
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Wayne State University

    Cost of Degree: $15,882
    Expenses: $16,873
    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

    $13K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Michigan University

    Cost of Degree: $14,623
    Expenses: $14,803
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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. #5

    Oakland University

    Rochester Hills , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Oakland University

    Cost of Degree: $15,723
    Expenses: $14,636
    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
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Michigan University

    Cost of Degree: $16,410
    Expenses: $14,566
    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
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northern Michigan University

    Cost of Degree: $12,948
    Expenses: $14,784
    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
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    26K

    Career Outlook for degree at Grand Valley State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,302
    Expenses: $13,245
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  8. #11

    Ferris State University

    Big Rapids , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Ferris State University

    Cost of Degree: $13,608
    Expenses: $13,600
    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
  9. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan–Dearborn

    Cost of Degree: $14,320
    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

  10. #13

    Lake Superior State University

    Sault Ste Marie , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Lake Superior State University

    Cost of Degree: $13,728
    Expenses: $13,966
    Starting Salary: $42,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

  11. #14

    Saginaw Valley State University

    University Center , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Saginaw Valley State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,565
    Expenses: $13,720
    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

  12. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/20

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan–Flint

    Cost of Degree: $12,858
    Expenses: $13,764
    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
  13. #17

    Northwestern Michigan College

    Traverse City , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern Michigan College

    Cost of Degree: $9,532
    Expenses: $9,995
    Starting Salary: $34,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwestern Michigan College known for?

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

  14. #18

    Jackson College

    Jackson , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    15%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Jackson College

    Cost of Degree: $7,425
    Expenses: $12,002
    Starting Salary: $34,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Jackson College known for?

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

  15. #19

    Henry Ford College

    Dearborn , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    10%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at Henry Ford College

    Cost of Degree: $5,308
    Starting Salary: $35,700
    What is Henry Ford College known for?

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

  16. #20

    Lake Michigan College

    Benton Harbor , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lake Michigan College

    Cost of Degree: $7,148
    Expenses: $17,808
    Starting Salary: $27,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lake Michigan College known for?

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

  17. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Alpena Community College

    Cost of Degree: $7,995
    Expenses: $10,150
    Starting Salary: $35,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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 Public College 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. University of Michigan
  2. Michigan State University
  3. Michigan Technological University
  4. University of Michigan–Dearborn
  5. Western Michigan University
  6. Central Michigan University
  7. Grand Valley State University

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

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