Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2026

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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.

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?

Michigan’s Best Overall

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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.

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Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2023

  1. #1

    Andrews University

    Berrien Springs , MI

    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
  2. Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1084/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Detroit Mercy

    Cost of Degree: $32,300
    Expenses: $15,190
    Starting Salary: $53,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Hope College

    Holland , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Hope College

    Cost of Degree: $37,670
    Expenses: $15,370
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    Calvin University

    Grand Rapids , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Calvin University

    Cost of Degree: $38,670
    Expenses: $16,250
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #5

    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
  6. #6

    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
  7. 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

  8. #8

    Adrian College

    Adrian , MI

    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

  9. #9

    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
  10. 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

  11. #11

    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

  12. #12

    Olivet College

    Olivet , MI

    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
  13. #13

    Madonna University

    Livonia , MI

    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
  14. #14

    Spring Arbor University

    Spring Arbor , MI

    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
  15. #15

    Finlandia University

    Hancock , MI

    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:

  16. #16

    Cornerstone University

    Grand Rapids , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cornerstone University

    Cost of Degree: $29,100
    Expenses: $15,370
    Starting Salary: $40,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cornerstone University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
  17. #17

    Davenport University

    Grand Rapids , MI

    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
  18. #18

    Northwestern Michigan College

    Traverse City , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern Michigan College

    Cost of Degree: $10,076
    Expenses: $12,655
    Starting Salary: $34,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:

  19. Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1031/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Siena Heights University

    Cost of Degree: $29,778
    Expenses: $16,476
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  20. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Alpena Community College

    Cost of Degree: $8,115
    Expenses: $10,069
    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:

  21. 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
  22. #22

    Aquinas College

    Grand Rapids , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Aquinas College

    Cost of Degree: $38,520
    Expenses: $15,190
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Aquinas College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  23. #23

    Kuyper College

    Grand Rapids , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kuyper College

    Cost of Degree: $26,390
    Expenses: $13,090
    Starting Salary: $35,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kuyper College known for?

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

  24. #24

    Lake Michigan College

    Benton Harbor , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lake Michigan College

    Cost of Degree: $7,500
    Expenses: $12,462
    Starting Salary: $27,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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:

  25. #25

    Jackson College

    Jackson , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Jackson College

    Cost of Degree: $7,755
    Expenses: $15,082
    Starting Salary: $34,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Jackson College known for?

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

  26. #26

    Rochester College

    Rochester Hills , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rochester College

    Cost of Degree: $27,938
    Expenses: $15,976
    Starting Salary: $39,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
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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.

  1. Kalamazoo College
  2. Kettering University
  3. University of Detroit Mercy
  4. Lawrence Technological University
  5. Andrews University
  6. Hope College
  7. Albion College
  8. Calvin University
  9. Aquinas College
  10. Madonna University
  11. Alma College
  12. Adrian College
  13. Cornerstone University
  14. Spring Arbor University

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.

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