Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2026
Small colleges in Michigan are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2026
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.
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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?
- 12 Research Universities
- 30 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 16 Graduate Schools
- 21 Public Colleges & Universities
- 21 Private Colleges & Universities
- 16 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 26 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 21 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 23 Community Colleges
- 20 Online Colleges
Michigan’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Michigan is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 26 small colleges in Michigan. The list below of the best small colleges in Michigan. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2023
- #12 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #1 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2026 #8 Best Colleges in Michigan 2026
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
71%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/23
Career Outlook for degree at Andrews University
Cost of Degree: $33,710Expenses: $12,250Starting Salary: $59,582Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Format: Fully online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BA in Religion
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
- #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2026 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
74%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/25
Career Outlook for degree at University of Detroit Mercy
Cost of Degree: $32,300Expenses: $15,190Starting Salary: $74,106Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Detroit Mercy known for?
University of Detroit Mercy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2026
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
78%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1220/28
Career Outlook for degree at Hope College
Cost of Degree: $37,670Expenses: $15,370Starting Salary: $65,961Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hope College known for?
Hope College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #12 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2026
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
77%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1206/27
Career Outlook for degree at Calvin University
Cost of Degree: $38,670Expenses: $16,250Starting Salary: $60,411Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Calvin University known for?
Calvin University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Physics
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Literature
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
74%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1275/24
Career Outlook for degree at Kalamazoo College
Cost of Degree: $58,614Expenses: $15,444Starting Salary: $66,766Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kalamazoo College known for?
Kalamazoo College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Political Science
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2026 #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
57%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Albion College
Cost of Degree: $55,746Expenses: $14,370Starting Salary: $64,083Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Albion College known for?
Albion College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Psychology
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Biology
- Political Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2026 #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2026
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
74%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1245/28
Career Outlook for degree at Kettering University
Cost of Degree: $45,380Expenses: $14,870Starting Salary: $96,136Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kettering University known for?
Kettering University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2026 #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1006/24
Career Outlook for degree at Adrian College
Cost of Degree: $40,556Expenses: $16,448Starting Salary: $56,860Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Adrian College known for?
Adrian College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2026 #9 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2026
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
68%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Alma College
Cost of Degree: $47,430Expenses: $16,510Starting Salary: $59,874Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Alma College known for?
Alma College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2026 #17 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2026 #23 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2026
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
56%
Graduation
60%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Lawrence Technological University
Cost of Degree: $41,872Expenses: $18,582Starting Salary: $78,800Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lawrence Technological University known for?
Lawrence Technological University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business
- Mathematics
- Nursing
- Physics
- Communications
- Education
- Chemistry
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
50%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Lake Superior State University
Cost of Degree: $14,266Expenses: $14,717Starting Salary: $55,573Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lake Superior State University known for?
Lake Superior State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Political Science
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
- #19 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #7 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2026
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
37%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Olivet College
Cost of Degree: $33,076Expenses: $15,852Starting Salary: $54,181Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Olivet College known for?
Olivet College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #22 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2026 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2026 #11 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2026
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
54%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Madonna University
Cost of Degree: $27,360Expenses: $16,590Starting Salary: $60,349Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Format: Fully online
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Family And Consumer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 38
- Format: Fully online
BS in Gerontology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Long Term Care
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #9 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2026 #7 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #12 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2026 #20 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
62%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Spring Arbor University
Cost of Degree: $32,580Expenses: $13,540Starting Salary: $56,715Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
What is Finlandia University known for?
Finlandia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2026 #8 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies #10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2026 #13 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2026
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Cornerstone University
Cost of Degree: $29,100Expenses: $15,370Starting Salary: $52,119Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cornerstone University known for?
Cornerstone University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Business
- History
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Cornerstone University’s Online Degrees
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 46
- Completion Time: 20-22 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Ministry Leadership
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: 20-22 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration and Leadership
- Required Credits: 46
- Completion Time: 20-22 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Organizational Management
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion Time: 20-22 months
- Format: Fully online
- #2 Best Online Associate in Human Resources #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #3 Best Online Associate in Finance #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2026
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
53%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Davenport University
Cost of Degree: $23,324Expenses: $15,918Starting Salary: $52,260Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in International Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Project Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Sport Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 132
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Cyber Defense
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Fraud Investigation
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Leadership And Organizational Performance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Case Management
Degree Concentrations
- Completion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Information Management
Degree Concentrations
- Completion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Medical Case Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Services Administration
- Required Credits: 132
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120-122
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Industrial Production Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2026 #14 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2026
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
21%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern Michigan College
Cost of Degree: $10,076Expenses: $12,655Starting Salary: $44,186Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northwestern Michigan College known for?
Northwestern Michigan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
59%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
939/19
Career Outlook for degree at Siena Heights University
Cost of Degree: $29,778Expenses: $16,476Starting Salary: $61,544Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Siena Heights University known for?
Siena Heights University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Business
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Siena Heights University’s Online Degrees
BA in Applied Science
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accouting
- Healthcare Management
- Information Technology Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Public Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Communication
- Required Credits: 42
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
43%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Alpena Community College
Cost of Degree: $8,115Expenses: $10,069Starting Salary: $42,395Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Alpena Community College known for?
Alpena Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #9 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability #12 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2026 #16 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2026
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
48%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Ann Arbor
Cost of Degree: $34,200Expenses: $18,410Starting Salary: $61,992Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Concordia University Ann Arbor known for?
Concordia University Ann Arbor’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- History
- Medical
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
56%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/23
Career Outlook for degree at Aquinas College
Cost of Degree: $38,520Expenses: $15,190Starting Salary: $53,667Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Aquinas College known for?
Aquinas College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Communications
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Literature
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
67%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Kuyper College
Cost of Degree: $26,390Expenses: $13,090Starting Salary: $43,326Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kuyper College known for?
Kuyper College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #2 Best Online Associate in Software Development #16 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2026 #15 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2026
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
26%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Lake Michigan College
Cost of Degree: $7,500Expenses: $12,462Starting Salary: $39,602Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lake Michigan College known for?
Lake Michigan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #9 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship #12 Best Online Associate in Business Management #12 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management #21 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2026
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
32%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Jackson College
Cost of Degree: $7,755Expenses: $15,082Starting Salary: $41,146Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Jackson College known for?
Jackson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
42%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Rochester College
Cost of Degree: $27,938Expenses: $15,976Starting Salary: $50,729Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Format: Fully online
BS in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Computer Information Systems
- Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Strategic Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Mass Communication–Marketing Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Michigan’s Best Small College 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.
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Maryland and South Dakota.