Online learning is one of the best ways to pursue an advanced online degree without sacrificing much of your current life. Online degree programs allow you to continue coursework at your own pace—anytime and anywhere as long as you have a strong and stable internet connection. Thanks to the emergence of so many excellent online colleges, you can continue your job while working towards professional advancement.
One of the best places to pursue online master’s degrees is Michigan, a pioneer state of online learning. In 2006, the state mandated a required online learning experience as a graduation requirement for all high school students. Furthermore, Michigan’s 2011 Governor, Rick Snyder, advocated the ”Any Time, Any Place, Any Way, Any Pace″ paradigm that proposed state funding to encourage early college enrollment, dual enrollment, blended learning, and online education.
The state is committed to online learning even after high school. In Michigan, more than half of the state’s higher learning programs provide some type of online programs, including online colleges that offer fully online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, certificates, and online courses.
With over 158 public and private colleges to choose from, students hoping to earn their certificate, associate, bachelor’s degree, 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.
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.
Find college admissions consultants in Michigan.
The cost of online colleges vary by several factors, including degree program, institution type, and student residency. But according to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of online colleges is $51,091. Furthermore, the 2020-21 NCES data suggest that the average cost for graduate programs are
Online programs for master’s degrees will usually cost about the same as a traditional master’s degree. Some schools will charge 5-10% more for online programs. This added cost pays for the technology and specialized training needed for online instruction. But getting an online degree can also help you save money.
The above costs don’t include housing, transportation, or certain campus fees. You can save a lot of money as an online grad student by avoiding these added expenses.
Many master’s degree online programs are also accelerated. Most master’s degree programs are designed to be completed in two years. But you may be able to earn your online master’s degree in as little as 12-18 months. Earning an accelerated online master’s degree can help to save you money on tuition.
Online courses require self-discipline. You’ll learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers. However, online programs will require you to manage this experience independently.
You’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. You need to find a balance between independence and engagement.
As long you graduate from one of the well-regarded, regionally-accredited online colleges in Michigan, employers won’t look sideways at your degree. Unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
The advantages of online courses are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work.
In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities, which are educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials.
And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your online courses, online education will require some adjustment.
While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through online colleges, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The following graph depicts the average salaries of top occupations in different industries in Michigan.
Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
20%
Graduation
94%
Student body
44K
Median SAT/ACT
1430/32
The University of Michigan is one of the largest academic institutions in the United States, with two regional campuses in Flint and Dearborn and a flagship campus in Ann Arbor. It is among the Midwest’s oldest universities and has a long academic innovation and excellence tradition.
The University of Michigan has a separate webpage for online programs. UM Online offers several online programs, from arts and science to business and technology. Online learners can expect high-quality education and full support and guidance from the university. As one of the best online colleges in Michigan, students at UM Online can expect rigorous academics.
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
82%
Student body
43K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/26
Michigan State University, established in 1855, was the first university in the US to provide courses in scientific agriculture. Over 50,000 students have access to the university’s comprehensive academic and research programs today.
Students interested in fully online programs can visit MSU Online, which offers various learning opportunities in different majors. The Desire2Learn platform provides access to fully online and hybrid programs for online learners.
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
56%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/23
Wayne State University is at the vanguard of STEM education, earning the highest classification for research from the Carnegie Foundation. The college was the first in the country to introduce a master’s degree and certificate program in alternative energy technologies.
In addition to being home to offering some of the best engineering programs in the world, Wayne State is also applauded for providing top-notch online programs. Furthermore, the school’s academic centers provide online students with robust services, including supplemental instruction, study skills coaching, online tutoring, and academic advising.
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
56%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/23
Prospective graduate students seeking affordable online programs can place Western Michigan University at the top of their list of the best online colleges in Michigan. WMU is a major public institution focused on students and research. It is a research university with high research activity (R2), according to Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
The university provides over 70 master’s degree programs, and some are fully online programs.
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
77%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/26
Students seeking to pursue advanced learning within a Christian learning environment can consider pursuing a degree at Calvin University. Students at Calvin can choose from a wide variety of majors and professional degrees while studying the liberal arts.
Calvin’s online school offers various online programs with personalized approaches to learning to increase a student’s chances of success. Online students learn from the same instructors and receive guidance from the same academic advisors as students on campus.
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
56%
Student body
16K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/23
Oakland University is a public research university that provides affordable tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. Private and federal financial aid is available to all students, including scholarships for finance, accounting, and nursing majors. Oakland is also among the best choices for students planning to pursue a doctoral degree later.
In addition to rigorous on-campus programs, Oakland also offers convenient and flexible online programs at various levels. Oakland’s online learning community provides a global outlook within a welcoming, close-knit community. Online students have similar experiential learning opportunities as their on-campus peers.
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
48%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/22
Among the best online colleges in Michigan, Eastern Michigan University was founded as a state normal school and has developed into an extensive public university offering quality academic programming. EMU enrolls tens of thousands of students a year, many of whom choose to pursue online education using the Canvas platform.
EMU Online offers affordable and highly customizable online programs designed for working students. Online coursework for each online program allows students to learn from highly qualified EMU educators and actively engage with their peers. No matter where they live, online students pay in-state tuition and fees.
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
67%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/24
Students seeking private online education in Michigan can apply at the University of Detroit Mercy. UD Mercy is a Catholic institution in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions that provides students with a small-town atmosphere with the opportunities of a larger university. Online students will receive one-on-one coaching in customizing their degrees and study schedules.
UD Mercy Online provides online students with various remote learning opportunities. Online students will participate actively in small online classes with their academic and student peers. Graduate students will build on their bachelor’s degree knowledge and skills with the help of full-time and adjunct academics and course directors.
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
49%
Student body
6K
Northern Michigan University is one of the state’s largest online colleges in the Upper Peninsula. Although the institution was initially established in 1899 to train teachers, it now provides 180 comprehensive academic degrees. Some degree programs at NMU can be completed fully online.
The NMU Global Campus has the second-lowest tuition in Michigan while providing in-state tuition to all online students. In addition to its affordability, NMU Global offers outstanding students several financial aid opportunities.
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
69%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1255/27
Michigan Tech is renowned for producing graduates with strong technical skills and is incredibly well-regarded for its engineering disciplines. It has been recognized as one of the best public engineering and online colleges in the country. The institution is Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education-categorized as a research university with high research activity (R2).
To ensure a high-quality online learning experience, Michigan Tech gives online students access to the required technology, online libraries, academic materials, and support services.
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
62%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/23
Central Michigan University is among the largest public institutions in the United States, educating over 15,000 students annually. The university offers several academic programs from over 200 majors, some of which are available through Blackboard Learn, an online learning platform. Financial aid is provided to online learners, including honors like the Global Campus Endowed Scholarship and the Academic Achievement Award from the Michigan Community College.
Thanks to CMU Online, working adult online students will have the opportunity to complete an advanced degree with the flexibility and academic rigor at one of the best online colleges in Michigan. Graduates will gain the confidence necessary to compete for leadership roles in various industries.
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
67%
Student body
21K
Grand Valley State University provides students with top-notch education quality that helps them achieve success. The university enriches society via top-notch instruction, engaged research, and community service. Effective teaching, liberal education, scholarship, university and community engagement, and service are all valued at GVSU.
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
72%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1205/24
Andrews University, the flagship institution in the Seventh-day Adventist educational system, is the second-largest Christian network in the world and one of the best online colleges in Michigan. Andrews offers over 150 degrees and programs at affordable prices on top of various financial aid opportunities. The School of Distance Education at Andrews University provides access to online programs at all education levels (K–20), whether students are in Michigan, or anywhere in the world.
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
70%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/27
Kettering University is part of a US-wide network of teaching institutions that provide online degree programs in various subject areas. Due to its extensive and varied curriculum, it accepts regular adults and overseas students looking for the best online colleges.
Kettering has enrolled a sizable traditional student body from around the nation and abroad in addition to an online student body and out-of-town visitors who need flexible access to certain online courses. Most of the academic programs on these lists offer little to no on-campus visits.
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
53%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1023/22
Adrian College is a world-renowned United Methodist tradition institution designed for students seeking to study in a tight-knit learning environment. With Adrian’s cutting-edge facilities, intimate class sizes, committed instructors, and hands-on activities inside and outside the classroom, students get a personalized college experience. Graduates from Adrian will be ready for whatever comes next in their lives!
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
64%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1015/20
Madonna University is a private Catholic institution. The Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice Congregation– 3rd Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi runs the university. The university is making great efforts to cultivate tomorrow’s trailblazing leaders by integrating cutting-edge online courses and diverse student communities.
For working adults, there has never been a more practical time to enroll in Madonna University’s online master’s degree programs.
Student body
<1K
While being affiliated with Western Michigan University, Cooley Law School operates as an independent institution. The law school provides a range of programs, including Master of Laws degrees and Juris Doctor degree programs. Full-time, part-time, evening, and online programs are among the various scheduling choices that Cooley Law School is renowned for providing.
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/22
Northwood University has taught students to become future leaders in a free-enterprise society for over 60 years. Students at Northwood learn from outstanding professors who use their industry experience to lead class discussions and real-world case studies. They will be exposed to a setting that prioritizes qualitative human growth.
Northwood is among the top institutions for students wanting to gain a competitive edge in business and finance.
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
56%
Student body
2K
Lawrence Technological University is among Michigan’s best online colleges catering to a diverse student body. LTU is mostly famous in literature, information technology, business, and computer science fields.
Online students at LTU can access various study techniques, including face-to-face video chat, asynchronous learning forums, and a wide range of collaborative activities. Online students also have access to on-campus services, such as clinical counseling.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
42%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/22
Although Saginaw Valley State University is one of the youngest pubic universities in Michigan. The school was established in 1963 as a private liberal arts education, and like other online colleges in Michigan, it offers numerous majors and degree programs across various disciplines. It has become one of Michigan’s most valuable colleges and universities. SVSU has a notable 97% job placement rate.
Student body
<1K
Calvin Theological Seminary is one of the best institutions for students seeking a tight-knit community with roots in the practices and doctrines of the Reformed Church. With the student body not reaching 1,000, Calvin Seminary students can expect individualized attention from academic advisors.
Calvin Seminary provides various financial aid opportunities, including academic and need-based scholarships. Graduates pursuing ministry careers may also qualify for the loan forgiveness program.
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
48%
Student body
4K
Davenport University was established in 1866 as a modest business school for Civil War veterans and now offers complete degrees in more than 50 subject areas. The university has several sites spread out over Michigan, and its Global Campus provides online programs.
Blackboard Learn powers Davenport’s online programs. Financial help is offered, including merit-based scholarships for business, nursing, or accounting students.
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Siena Heights University is a private college with over 40 online degree options, including online associate degrees. Siena Heights is a Catholic institution with Catholic principles and teachings in its curriculum. It does, however, welcome students from all backgrounds and religions.
The institution offers classes on weekends and evenings, academic counseling, career assistance, credit for life experiences, and military training.
Thanks to its Global Campus, online students can experience the academic quality offered by Siena Heights University.
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
64%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/23
Spring Arbor University is another one of the online colleges that offers affordable tuition and fees. Since its inception in 1986, the institution has worked to give students an international, interdisciplinary perspective on learning. In the past, faculty-led semester courses have been offered in 35 different sites worldwide, including interesting places like American Samoa, Scotland, Israel, and Uganda.
Today, Spring Arbor offers several online degree programs. Students who want to pursue graduate studies in liberal arts should consider Spring Arbor.
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
59%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/22
Cornerstone University is a Christ-centered institution that challenges students to go beyond their comfort zones. The university aims to help students identify their special talents and skills to make a difference in the world for Christ.
Students can be confident that they will find their home at CU and be supported in their journey with over 70 majors, an average class size of 21, and a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
As with other online colleges in this list, Cornerstone helps working adult students pursue their career goals and interests, CU offers over 20 accredited online programs in various fields.