Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff

Published: Jun 3, 2022
Updated: Feb 1, 2024

Key Takeaways

An online MBA program in Michigan can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
The state of Michigan has a number of key industries, perfectly positioning online MBA graduates for career advancement.
A number of the online MBA degree programs in Michigan can be completed on a part-time basis, making the programs a viable option for busy working professionals.

University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
Western Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University
Andrews University
Oakland University
Michigan Technological University
University of Detroit Mercy
Central Michigan University

Davenport University 99%
Michigan Technological University 94%
University of Detroit Mercy 91%
Andrews University 91%
Oakland University 90%
Grand Valley State University 90%
Michigan State University 88%
Western Michigan University 85%
Eastern Michigan University 83%
Lawrence Technological University 82%

Northern Michigan University 18 to 1
Central Michigan University 17 to 1
Michigan State University 17 to 1
Oakland University 17 to 1
Western Michigan University 16 to 1
Davenport University 16 to 1
Saginaw Valley State University 16 to 1
University of Michigan–Dearborn 16 to 1
Grand Valley State University 15 to 1
Wayne State University 14 to 1

Kettering University $44,380
Lawrence Technological University $39,570
Andrews University $32,734
Spring Arbor University $31,660
Northwood University $31,600
University of Detroit Mercy $31,058
Davenport University $22,244
Michigan Technological University $18,592
University of Michigan $17,454
Michigan State University $16,437

Northwood University $37,080
Andrews University $26,580
University of Michigan $25,894
Michigan Technological University $23,607
University of Detroit Mercy $21,626
Michigan State University $20,202
Oakland University $20,016
Lawrence Technological University $18,774
Grand Valley State University $18,456
Wayne State University $17,682

Spring Arbor University
Davenport University
Grand Valley State University
Lawrence Technological University
Saginaw Valley State University
Northern Michigan University
Northwood University
Kettering University
University of Michigan–Flint
University of Michigan–Dearborn

Davenport University
Spring Arbor University
Northwood University
Lawrence Technological University
Saginaw Valley State University
University of Michigan–Flint
University of Michigan–Dearborn
Northern Michigan University
Kettering University
Grand Valley State University

University of Michigan 18%
Spring Arbor University 47%
University of Michigan–Dearborn 54%
University of Michigan–Flint 66%
Northern Michigan University 71%
Wayne State University 75%
Saginaw Valley State University 76%
Central Michigan University 79%
Northwood University 80%
Kettering University 81%

Northwood University 8 to 1
Andrews University 10 to 1
Spring Arbor University 10 to 1
University of Detroit Mercy 11 to 1
Lawrence Technological University 11 to 1
University of Michigan 12 to 1
Kettering University 12 to 1
University of Michigan–Flint 13 to 1
Michigan Technological University 13 to 1
Wayne State University 14 to 1

Saginaw Valley State University $11,565
Northern Michigan University $12,096
University of Michigan–Flint $12,234
Central Michigan University $13,650
University of Michigan–Dearborn $13,920
Wayne State University $14,140
Grand Valley State University $14,302
Western Michigan University $14,523
Oakland University $15,723
Eastern Michigan University $16,410

Spring Arbor University $8,198
Northern Michigan University $10,176
University of Michigan–Flint $12,740
Kettering University $14,582
University of Michigan–Dearborn $14,890
Central Michigan University $15,942
Saginaw Valley State University $16,362
Eastern Michigan University $16,857
Davenport University $17,262
Western Michigan University $17,539

Table of Contents

The best online MBA Michigan colleges and universities are rooted in the synergistic convergence of business, technology, and innovation. Students and graduates of the best online MBA programs in the Great Lake State also benefit from its pro-business environment—in fact, it was ranked #10 in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business 2023!

The State of Michigan provides lots of perks for businesses, such as a fair corporate tax system, which helps to promote growth and expansion. Michigan University’s Research Corridor also attracts business professionals who want to contribute to its vibrant research culture.

The state is also home to those with technology talent, thanks in part to the STEM-focused online MBA programs offered by schools such as Michigan Tech and Kettering University.

Michigan’s key industries include automobile production, food production, aerospace and military equipment production, and information technology. MBA graduates from one of the best online MBA programs in Michigan can likely find employment in one of these industries.

Find college admissions consultants in Michigan.

Featured Programs

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

How do we determine the best online MBA programs in Michigan?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan

The 20 online MBA programs featured here are offered by colleges or universities with regional accreditation granted by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Furthermore, the majority of these business schools that offer online MBA programs in Michigan are also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. AACSB is considered the gold standard among business schools worldwide.

A number of the online programs have also been approved by either the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Location: Michigan (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $20,747
Avg. Expenses*: $14,847
Avg. Starting Salary*: $89,807
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
Job Growth: 4.86%
Number of Jobs: 11,888,900
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Chief Executives	-8.21%	No data
Computer and Information Systems Managers	15.41%	$133,740
Sales Managers	4.06%	$130,460
Purchasing Managers	4.39%	$130,070
Compensation and Benefits Managers	1.71%	$126,300
Human Resources Managers	5.22%	$113,930
Managers, All Other	3.35%	$111,800
Business Teachers, Postsecondary	7.01%	$106,770
Industrial Production Managers	1.62%	$104,510
Administrative Services Managers	5.62%	$104,350

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%	Median	Top 10%
$54,998	$90,047	$150,289

Promising Job Markets

State	Cost of Living	Avg. Salary
#3 Michigan	15% higher than average	$90,047
#2 New York	5% higher than average	$116,372
#3 Virginia	5% higher than average	$104,589
#4 Michigan	15% higher than average	$90,047
#5 Georgia	13% higher than average	$90,306
#6 Illinois	7% higher than average	$96,596
#7 Delaware	2% higher than average	$106,159
#8 Ohio	14% higher than average	$88,985
#9 New Jersey	13% higher than average	$116,786
#10 Alabama	13% higher than average	$89,100
#11 Missouri	16% higher than average	$86,291
#12 Texas	10% higher than average	$91,909
#13 Colorado	3% higher than average	$105,194
#14 Tennessee	14% higher than average	$86,864
#15 Minnesota	4% higher than average	$95,799
#16 Wisconsin	7% higher than average	$92,681
#17 Washington	7% higher than average	$105,360
#18 North Carolina	11% higher than average	$87,235
#19 Kansas	9% higher than average	$88,261
#20 Kentucky	14% higher than average	$82,807
#21 Indiana	11% higher than average	$85,766
#22 Pennsylvania	5% higher than average	$90,464
#23 South Carolina	8% higher than average	$87,188
#24 Louisiana	9% higher than average	$85,590
#25 Utah	4% higher than average	$90,368
#26 Oklahoma	13% higher than average	$81,069
#27 West Virginia	11% higher than average	$82,432
#28 Florida	6% higher than average	$87,100
#29 Nebraska	6% higher than average	$86,635
#30 Arizona	5% higher than average	$87,855
#31 New Mexico	7% higher than average	$84,955
#32 Arkansas	16% higher than average	$76,800
#33 Iowa	9% higher than average	$82,805
#34 South Dakota	7% higher than average	$84,133
#35 Rhode Island	20% higher than average	$108,149
#36 Connecticut	18% higher than average	$105,095
#37 Mississippi	18% higher than average	$72,688
#38 New Hampshire	13% higher than average	$98,866
#39 Maryland	18% higher than average	$102,544
#40 Massachusetts	24% higher than average	$106,805
#41 Wyoming	2% higher than average	$84,203
#42 California	26% higher than average	$107,572
#43 Montana	3% higher than average	$82,439
#44 North Dakota	average	$84,322
#45 Oregon	11% higher than average	$92,032
#46 Idaho	7% higher than average	$76,051
#47 District of Columbia	49% higher than average	$120,672
#48 Maine	9% higher than average	$85,124
#49 Alaska	23% higher than average	$95,250
#50 Vermont	13% higher than average	$87,431
#51 Nevada	5% higher than average	$79,841
#52 Hawaii	40% higher than average	$90,634

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers	$133,740
Sales Managers	$130,460
Purchasing Managers	$130,070
Compensation and Benefits Managers	$126,300
Human Resources Managers	$113,930
Managers, All Other	$111,800
Business Teachers, Postsecondary	$106,770
Industrial Production Managers	$104,510
Administrative Services Managers	$104,350
Construction Managers	$100,950

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

young business professional standing in an office

Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Michigan

What are the admissions requirements for MBA online programs in Michigan?

While every online MBA program has its specific admissions requirements, process, and criteria, there are many aspects that Michigan online MBA programs have in common. Be sure to check the school’s official websites of whatever online MBA programs you’re interested in and follow their instructions.

An undergraduate program from a regionally accredited US institution or its equivalent for international students, usually with a minimum GPA requirement.
Professional work experience is required for most online MBA programs, usually between two and five years, which demonstrates progressive career advancement. A few MBA programs accept recent college graduates.
GMAT or GRE scores, but many business schools provide waivers for qualified applicants (e.g., with high undergraduate GPA or extensive professional work experience) or make score submission optional.
Professional resume or curriculum vitae
Personal statement
Letters of recommendation
Official transcripts

Check if the online MBA programs you’re planning on sending applications to have an interview component. Application fees are typical, but fee waivers or discounts may be available.

How long does it take to get an online MBA degree?

There are a few factors that affect the time-to-degree for online students in MBA programs.

Full-time students can complete the degree in 1-2 years, while part-time students take longer (i.e., 3-5 years)
Accelerated and executive MBA programs feature a more condensed program of study, meaning a time-to-degree between 12 and 18 months.

The MBA degree requirements will also affect time-to-degree, and these include internship requirements, capstone project completion, and international immersions.

What can you expect from online MBA programs?

Like on-campus traditional MBA programs, the best online MBA degree programs provide advanced knowledge and skills in business administration and management. Academic excellence combined with active class participation, peer and professor collaborations, and networking opportunities characterize both on-campus and online MBA programs.

There are, however, significant differences between these MBA programs, including:

Flexibility: Online students can participate in class discussions, access their learning materials, and work on their requirements on their personal computers from anywhere with an Internet connection
Course delivery: Online courses are delivered via synchronous and asynchronous video lectures, discussion boards, online readings and assignments, and proctored online exams
Self-paced learning: Online students can complete academic requirements at their own pace but usually follow set deadlines for assignments, discussion board inputs, and exams
Virtual interactions: While in-person activities may be required, most of the learning activities are online

How much does an online MBA degree cost in Michigan?

It primarily depends on the type of institution—public universities usually charge more affordable tuition and fees than private colleges and universities—and residency status. Residents typically pay lower tuition and fees than non-residents and private institutions usually have the same in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees.

For example, the University of Michigan online MBA program charges $909 per credit for 1-8 credits ($506 per credit for nine and above credits). For non-residents, it’s $1,640 per credit (1-8 credits) and $960 per credit (nine and up credits). At Northwood University, the cost per credit is $1,055 for all online MBA students.

What are the financial aid options available in online MBA programs in Michigan?

Online MBA students are usually eligible for financial aid opportunities available for their on-campus MBA counterparts. However, there are a few exceptions, such as in-person graduate assistantships and in-state scholarships and grants. Otherwise, federal student aid, institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition sponsorships, and private loans are available for online students.

Check out the Michigan-specific programs, too, such as the Michigan Tuition Grant and the Michigan Competitive Scholarship, as well as military and veteran benefits.

How much do professionals with online MBA degrees make in Michigan?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for professionals in the MBA jobs category in Michigan is $113,244 annually. This isn’t unusual because MBA graduates usually land six-figure jobs and leadership positions soon after earning their graduate business degree. Take, for example, UMich-Ann Arbor’s MBA graduates taking home $147,000 in mean base salary (2022) in their healthcare roles.

An online MBA degree can be a great way to advance your career. There are a number of online colleges in Michigan that can be a great option, no matter your what state you live in. Students may wish to explore an online MBA program in a neighboring state like Indiana, Pennsylvania, Illinois, or Ohio. Some online MBA programs may charge in-state tuition regardless of a student’s state of residence.

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means 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. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, 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.

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 courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, 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 the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes 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-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.

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan

Key Takeaways

Michigan's Best Online MBA Programs

Featured Programs

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Michigan

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Michigan State University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Wayne State University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Western Michigan University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Eastern Michigan University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Andrews University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Oakland University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Michigan Technological University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Detroit Mercy

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Central Michigan University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Michigan–Dearborn

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Michigan–Flint

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Kettering University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Northwood University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Northern Michigan University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Saginaw Valley State University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Lawrence Technological University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Grand Valley State University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Davenport University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Spring Arbor University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Career Salaries

Average Career Salaries

Promising Job Markets

Top Industries

Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Michigan

What are the admissions requirements for MBA online programs in Michigan?

How long does it take to get an online MBA degree?

What can you expect from online MBA programs?

How much does an online MBA degree cost in Michigan?

What are the financial aid options available in online MBA programs in Michigan?

How much do professionals with online MBA degrees make in Michigan?

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from an online college course?+

Is online college easier?+

Why does accreditation matter in online college?+

Will I be able to transfer my online college degree?+

Will employers respect my online degree?+

What are the disadvantages of online classes?+

What are the advantages of online classes?+

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Image Attributions