Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024

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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.

10 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024

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  1. Calvin University
  2. Hope College
  3. University of Detroit Mercy
  4. Kalamazoo College
  5. Albion College
  6. Andrews University
  7. Kettering University
  8. Adrian College
  9. Madonna University
  10. Olivet College
  1. Andrews University
  2. Calvin University
  3. Hope College
  4. Kalamazoo College
  5. University of Detroit Mercy
  6. Albion College
  7. Kettering University
  8. Olivet College
  9. Alma College
  10. Adrian College
  1. Davenport University 99%
  2. University of Detroit Mercy 91%
  3. Aquinas College 91%
  4. Andrews University 91%
  5. Olivet College 85%
  6. Lawrence Technological University 82%
  7. Cornerstone University 82%
  8. Kettering University 81%
  9. Hope College 80%
  10. Kalamazoo College 79%
  1. Adrian College 16 to 1
  2. Davenport University 16 to 1
  3. Cornerstone University 15 to 1
  4. Alma College 14 to 1
  5. Alpena Community College 14 to 1
  6. Olivet College 14 to 1
  7. Rochester College 14 to 1
  8. Lake Superior State University 13 to 1
  9. Lake Michigan College 13 to 1
  10. Jackson College 13 to 1
  1. Kalamazoo College $56,562
  2. Albion College $54,930
  3. Alma College $45,616
  4. Kettering University $44,380
  5. Adrian College $39,596
  6. Lawrence Technological University $39,570
  7. Calvin University $38,620
  8. Hope College $38,370
  9. Aquinas College $37,280
  10. Concordia University Ann Arbor $32,982
  1. Albion College $30,000
  2. Andrews University $26,580
  3. University of Detroit Mercy $21,626
  4. Lawrence Technological University $18,774
  5. Alma College $18,720
  6. Adrian College $18,600
  7. Davenport University $17,262
  8. Madonna University $16,830
  9. Kettering University $14,582
  10. Concordia University Ann Arbor $14,166
  1. Alpena Community College
  2. Rochester College
  3. Lake Michigan College
  4. Aquinas College
  5. Jackson College
  6. Kuyper College
  7. Siena Heights University
  8. Finlandia University
  9. Northwestern Michigan College
  10. Cornerstone University
  1. Lake Michigan College
  2. Rochester College
  3. Jackson College
  4. Northwestern Michigan College
  5. Alpena Community College
  6. Concordia University Ann Arbor
  7. Aquinas College
  8. Siena Heights University
  9. Davenport University
  10. Spring Arbor University
  1. Spring Arbor University 47%
  2. Alma College 65%
  3. Siena Heights University 65%
  4. Madonna University 65%
  5. Finlandia University 67%
  6. Albion College 67%
  7. Adrian College 69%
  8. Concordia University Ann Arbor 70%
  9. Rochester College 71%
  10. Calvin University 74%
  1. Kuyper College 7 to 1
  2. Andrews University 10 to 1
  3. Spring Arbor University 10 to 1
  4. Kalamazoo College 10 to 1
  5. University of Detroit Mercy 11 to 1
  6. Albion College 11 to 1
  7. Northwestern Michigan College 11 to 1
  8. Hope College 11 to 1
  9. Aquinas College 11 to 1
  10. Concordia University Ann Arbor 11 to 1
  1. Jackson College $5,970
  2. Lake Michigan College $7,148
  3. Alpena Community College $7,365
  4. Northwestern Michigan College $8,364
  5. Lake Superior State University $13,728
  6. Davenport University $22,244
  7. Kuyper College $25,370
  8. Finlandia University $25,946
  9. Madonna University $26,100
  10. Rochester College $26,736
  1. Kuyper College $5,400
  2. Spring Arbor University $8,198
  3. Rochester College $11,034
  4. Aquinas College $11,718
  5. Calvin University $11,880
  6. Siena Heights University $12,600
  7. Cornerstone University $14,160
  8. Concordia University Ann Arbor $14,166
  9. Kettering University $14,582
  10. Madonna University $16,830

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

Michigan's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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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. #4

    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: $56,412
    Expenses: $14,611
    Starting Salary: $54,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #5

    Albion College

    Albion , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Albion College

    Cost of Degree: $54,930
    Expenses: $13,970
    Starting Salary: $55,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #6

    Andrews University

    Berrien Springs , MI
    Other Rankings

    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: $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
  4. Other Rankings

    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: $43,935
    Expenses: $14,230
    Starting Salary: $78,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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

  5. #8

    Adrian College

    Adrian , MI
    Other Rankings

    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: $39,596
    Expenses: $15,902
    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

  6. #9

    Madonna University

    Livonia , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Madonna University

    Cost of Degree: $26,100
    Expenses: $15,690
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  7. #10

    Olivet College

    Olivet , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Olivet College

    Cost of Degree: $32,006
    Expenses: $15,208
    Starting Salary: $42,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lawrence Technological University

    Cost of Degree: $39,570
    Expenses: $17,839
    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

  9. #12

    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: $13,728
    Expenses: $13,966
    Starting Salary: $42,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

  10. #13

    Davenport University

    Grand Rapids , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Davenport University

    Cost of Degree: $22,242
    Expenses: $15,100
    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
  11. #14

    Alma College

    Alma , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Alma College

    Cost of Degree: $45,616
    Expenses: $15,934
    Starting Salary: $46,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Ann Arbor

    Cost of Degree: $32,982
    Expenses: $17,860
    Starting Salary: $40,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
  13. #16

    Spring Arbor University

    Spring Arbor , MI
    Other Rankings

    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: $31,660
    Expenses: $13,232
    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
  14. #17

    Cornerstone University

    Grand Rapids , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cornerstone University

    Cost of Degree: $27,880
    Expenses: $14,780
    Starting Salary: $40,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  15. #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: $9,532
    Expenses: $9,995
    Starting Salary: $34,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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:

  16. #19

    Finlandia University

    Hancock , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Finlandia University

    Cost of Degree: $26,036
    Expenses: $14,508
    Starting Salary: $38,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Finlandia University known for?

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

  17. 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: $29,044
    Expenses: $15,190
    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
  18. #21

    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: $25,370
    Expenses: $12,066
    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:

  19. #22

    Jackson College

    Jackson , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Jackson College

    Cost of Degree: $7,425
    Expenses: $12,002
    Starting Salary: $34,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Jackson College known for?

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

  20. #23

    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: $37,280
    Expenses: $13,606
    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

  21. #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: $7,148
    Expenses: $17,808
    Starting Salary: $27,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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:

  22. #25

    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: $26,736
    Expenses: $12,362
    Starting Salary: $39,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  23. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Alpena Community College

    Cost of Degree: $7,995
    Expenses: $10,150
    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:

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Michigan’s Best Small College in 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. 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.

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