Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024

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Interested in attending a STEM school in Michigan? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

10 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024

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  1. University of Michigan
  2. Michigan State University
  3. Wayne State University
  4. Western Michigan University
  5. Oakland University
  6. University of Detroit Mercy
  7. Eastern Michigan University
  8. Michigan Technological University
  9. Central Michigan University
  10. Andrews University
  1. University of Michigan
  2. Michigan State University
  3. Wayne State University
  4. Western Michigan University
  5. Eastern Michigan University
  6. Andrews University
  7. Oakland University
  8. Michigan Technological University
  9. University of Detroit Mercy
  10. Central Michigan University
  1. University of Detroit Mercy 93%
  2. Oakland 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. Andrews University 82%
  9. Central Michigan University 77%
  10. University of Michigan–Flint 74%
  1. Oakland University 19 to 1
  2. Central Michigan University 18 to 1
  3. Western Michigan University 18 to 1
  4. Michigan State University 16 to 1
  5. Wayne State University 15 to 1
  6. Eastern Michigan University 15 to 1
  7. Ferris State University 15 to 1
  8. University of Michigan–Flint 14 to 1
  9. Michigan Technological University 13 to 1
  10. University of Detroit Mercy 11 to 1
  1. Andrews University $31,782
  2. University of Detroit Mercy $30,154
  3. Michigan Technological University $17,903
  4. University of Michigan $16,865
  5. Michigan State University $15,966
  6. Eastern Michigan University $15,700
  7. Oakland University $15,135
  8. Wayne State University $13,532
  9. Western Michigan University $13,334
  10. Central Michigan University $13,200
  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. Wayne State University $16,920
  8. Western Michigan University $16,884
  9. Eastern Michigan University $16,562
  10. Central Michigan University $15,194
  1. University of Michigan–Flint
  2. Ferris State University
  3. Andrews University
  4. Central Michigan University
  5. Michigan Technological University
  6. Eastern Michigan University
  7. University of Detroit Mercy
  8. Oakland University
  9. Western Michigan University
  10. Wayne State University
  1. University of Michigan–Flint
  2. Ferris State University
  3. Central Michigan University
  4. University of Detroit Mercy
  5. Michigan Technological University
  6. Oakland University
  7. Andrews University
  8. Eastern Michigan University
  9. Western Michigan University
  10. Wayne State University
  1. University of Michigan 20%
  2. Wayne State University 63%
  3. University of Michigan–Flint 74%
  4. Central Michigan University 77%
  5. Andrews University 82%
  6. Western Michigan University 83%
  7. Michigan State University 83%
  8. Eastern Michigan University 85%
  9. Ferris State University 85%
  10. Michigan Technological University 86%
  1. Andrews University 10 to 1
  2. University of Detroit Mercy 11 to 1
  3. University of Michigan 11 to 1
  4. Michigan Technological University 13 to 1
  5. University of Michigan–Flint 14 to 1
  6. Wayne State University 15 to 1
  7. Eastern Michigan University 15 to 1
  8. Ferris State University 15 to 1
  9. Michigan State University 16 to 1
  10. Central Michigan University 18 to 1
  1. University of Michigan–Flint $11,868
  2. Ferris State University $12,740
  3. Central Michigan University $13,200
  4. Western Michigan University $13,334
  5. Wayne State University $13,532
  6. Oakland University $15,135
  7. Eastern Michigan University $15,700
  8. Michigan State University $15,966
  9. University of Michigan $16,865
  10. Michigan Technological University $17,903
  1. Ferris State University $8,232
  2. University of Michigan–Flint $12,227
  3. Central Michigan University $15,194
  4. Eastern Michigan University $16,562
  5. Western Michigan University $16,884
  6. Wayne State University $16,920
  7. Oakland University $19,323
  8. Michigan State University $19,714
  9. University of Detroit Mercy $21,276
  10. Michigan Technological University $22,725

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 Research Universities Badge
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A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 12 research universities in Michigan. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

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Best Research Universities 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

    $18K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Michigan Technological University

    Cost of Degree: $18,910
    Expenses: $15,664
    Starting Salary: $66,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #10

    Andrews University

    Berrien Springs , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Andrews University

    Cost of Degree: $32,734
    Expenses: $11,674
    Starting Salary: $47,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  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

    $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
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Find the Best Research Universities in Michigan for 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. University of Detroit Mercy
  3. Michigan State University
  4. Michigan Technological University
  5. Andrews University
  6. Western Michigan University
  7. Oakland University
  8. Central Michigan University
  9. Eastern Michigan University
  10. Ferris State University

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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