Best Colleges in Michigan for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Michigan College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Michigan is one of the greatest states in the nation. It's home to the automobile industry that brought us into a truly modern era and it's been the home of innovation and advancement ever since. To fuel that progress, Michigan colleges and universities have risen up to provide the skills and knowledge needed for it to continue. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, for instance, is one of the nation's very best institutes of higher learning. Scholars from the University of Michigan have gone on to propel businesses in Michigan, Chicago, New York, and wherever innovation and high profits reign. The other schools in the University of Michigan system, as well as the many other Michigan public and private colleges, contribute their fair share to building a state and nation dedicated to progress.

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Michigan?

In Michigan, bachelor's degrees are available in a wide spectrum of fields. You can study engineering and go on to design cars for the automobile industry, or you could help run a corporation as a manager or financial genius. Health Sciences are also very popular, as are majors that feed the business world.

Keep in mind that just because business and medical-related majors dominate the scene that doesn't mean you can't study what you wish. Don't forget that nationwide, Health Administration is a popular major, where you can employ business acumen to the healthcare sector. You could also study Political Science and work in the Michigan statehouse, or even in Washington DC as a lobbyist, policy analyst, or even intelligence. Nevertheless, here are the top majors in Michigan:

The top degrees in Michigan include:

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation


NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*

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Best Associate Degrees in Michigan


Are you interested in a career that requires vocational training? Or maybe you are looking for an affordable way to complete all your general education requirements before pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Either way, you might want to consider applying for a two-year degree program, and where better to start than with the best programs available in Michigan? You can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in your preferred field in just two years, or transfer the credits earned to another institution in the future.

Alpena Community College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,487
Graduation Rate
38%
Net Price
$3,883
Grads Salary
$31,600
Delta College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
6,954
Graduation Rate
16%
Net Price
$4,561
Grads Salary
$36,000
Washtenaw Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
11,978
Graduation Rate
27%
Net Price
$2,981
Grads Salary
$35,700
Bay de Noc Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,820
Graduation Rate
34%
Net Price
$7,766
Grads Salary
$33,100
West Shore Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
1,080
Graduation Rate
26%
Net Price
$4,129
Grads Salary
$30,900
Monroe County Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
2,598
Graduation Rate
22%
Net Price
$4,913
Grads Salary
$36,000
Glen Oaks Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,175
Graduation Rate
31%
Net Price
$6,927
Grads Salary
$28,500
Montcalm Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
1,529
Graduation Rate
34%
Net Price
$8,353
Grads Salary
$31,800
Gogebic Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
945
Graduation Rate
30%
Net Price
$7,741
Grads Salary
$28,500
St. Clair County Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
3,315
Graduation Rate
23%
Net Price
$5,487
Grads Salary
$36,200
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Best Bachelor's Degrees in Michigan


Gain the knowledge and skills you need to enter the field of your dreams after graduation by choosing one of these top-rated undergraduate colleges in Michigan. These four-year bachelor’s degree programs are some of the finest higher education options available. Whether you intend to join the workforce immediately or plan to earn a more advanced degree, enrolling in one of the best colleges in the state will prepare you for future academic and career advancement.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
48,090
Graduation Rate
93%
Net Price
$17,832
Grads Salary
$81,600
University of Detroit Mercy
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
5,080
Graduation Rate
73%
Net Price
$18,376
Grads Salary
$84,500
Michigan Technological University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
7,027
Graduation Rate
72%
Net Price
$17,356
Grads Salary
$80,000
Michigan State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
49,695
Graduation Rate
81%
Net Price
$16,655
Grads Salary
$71,900
University of Michigan-Dearborn
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
8,783
Graduation Rate
55%
Net Price
$12,639
Grads Salary
$73,400
Hillsdale College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,526
Graduation Rate
88%
Net Price
$22,048
Grads Salary
$61,800
Kettering University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,221
Graduation Rate
67%
Net Price
$34,713
Grads Salary
$87,200
Wayne State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
26,824
Graduation Rate
52%
Net Price
$14,993
Grads Salary
$73,000
Oakland University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
19,013
Graduation Rate
56%
Net Price
$14,674
Grads Salary
$70,000
Albion College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,475
Graduation Rate
68%
Net Price
$19,557
Grads Salary
$68,500
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Best Master's Degrees in Michigan


You can enhance your employment prospects by considering earning a master’s degree in Michigan. Graduate and doctoral degree programs offer a wide variety of benefits to graduates, who often make more money, qualify for career advancement opportunities, and enjoy enhanced job security after they graduate. Regardless of your field of interest, choosing to pursue an advanced degree from a top college in the state will set you up for great future success. Learn about the best MBA programs in Michigan.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
48,090
Graduation Rate
93%
Net Price
$17,832
Grads Salary
$81,600
University of Detroit Mercy
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
5,080
Graduation Rate
73%
Net Price
$18,376
Grads Salary
$84,500
Michigan Technological University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
7,027
Graduation Rate
72%
Net Price
$17,356
Grads Salary
$80,000
Michigan State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
49,695
Graduation Rate
81%
Net Price
$16,655
Grads Salary
$71,900
University of Michigan-Dearborn
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
8,783
Graduation Rate
55%
Net Price
$12,639
Grads Salary
$73,400
Wayne State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
26,824
Graduation Rate
52%
Net Price
$14,993
Grads Salary
$73,000
Oakland University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
19,013
Graduation Rate
56%
Net Price
$14,674
Grads Salary
$70,000
Central Michigan University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
19,362
Graduation Rate
64%
Net Price
$15,758
Grads Salary
$66,000
Hillsdale College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,526
Graduation Rate
88%
Net Price
$22,048
Grads Salary
$61,800
Ferris State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
12,472
Graduation Rate
50%
Net Price
$12,638
Grads Salary
$66,000
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Cost of Michigan College Education & Salaries


Educational costs are on the rise. However, so are salaries. If you want to attain a top salary form a top firm, you will need the very best education you can afford. Thankfully, in Michigan you can study at some of the nation's very best universities and go on to land the best jobs available. The great thing is that most these universities are public.

This means that if you are a Michigander and have great high school grades, you can attend the University of Michigan for the in-state rate. It's immensely beneficial to attain and maintain your in-state status for the sake of a lower tuition. That's because if you attend University of Michigan-Ann Arbor as an out-of-state student, for instance, you will pay approximately three times the rate of an in-state student. While that price is still a value when compared to some equivalent private universities, if you can cut costs, you should.

Another way to cut costs is by applying for grants and scholarships. When you submit a FAFSA form for your financial aid, you will automatically be considered for a long list of scholarships. Most students will stop there and wait to see what, if any, scholarships select them. However, you should also seek out outside sources of free money. If you have a profession in mind, there may be an association that funds its student-members, and there might even be money from churches or social organizations in your hometown. Look around and be creative. Every year scholarship money is left sitting on the table, unclaimed.

Finally, if you foresee graduating with significant student loan debt, look into federal loan forgiveness programs. Currently, students with debt who apply their degrees to work in non-profit organizations or governmental agencies can avoid payments altogether. You may need to maintain steady employment in one of these sectors for up to ten years, but the experience will pay off. In fact, many government jobs are quite well-paid. Plus, they often compensate employees with generous benefits packages, thus making up for any shortfalls on payday. While your private-sector friends might boast higher salaries, they also are paying interest on large loans.

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College Cost Analysis - Michigan vs National


Average Michigan Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $12,888

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $35,844

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Michigan tracks well with the national averages when it comes to receiving financial aid for college. In terms of the percent receiving grants and the overall cash received, the state is just slightly under the average numbers.

Financial Aid Michigan Nationally
Received Federal Grants 37% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $10,592 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Michigan


One of the best ways to help pay for your Michigan bachelor's degree is through scholarships and other free money. In order to receive most scholarships, you need to demonstrate financial need for the award, but also outstanding scholarship. Many will also be contingent on your membership in a professional association, or at least having a specific major that is of interest.

KFLP-logo

KFLP

KPMG Future Leaders Program

https://womensleadership.kpmg.us/charitable.html
Amount: $10,000 (per year for 4 years)
Deadline: January 31
This program runs in conjunction with the Office of Dr. Condoleeza Rice. Twenty top women in their final year of high school will be selected for scholarships, a leadership retreat at Stanford University, mentorship, and an introduction to the game of golf. The program aims to bolster the confidence to lead and succeed.

CEW-logo

CEW

Center for the Education of Women

http://www.cew.umich.edu/news-story/2019-20-u-m-cew-fellowship-application-deadline-is-february-1-2019/
Amount: $2,000-$5,000
Deadline: February 1
Each year, CEW awards 55 scholarships that vary in award from $2,000-$5,000, though larger awards are possible. The full award could cover close to half of a year at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. The scholarships are available for women attending UofM at Ann Arbor, Dearborn, or Flint.

SEFS-logo

SEFS

SME Education Foundation’s Scholarship

https://www.smeef.org/sme-education-foundation-scholarships/scholarship-opportunities/
Amount: Various
Deadline: February 1
SME awards top students scholarships for pursuing a course of study that focuses on manufacturing. Since Michigan was once a global leader in manufacturing, recipients are hoped to bring back that glory.

JHWS

Jack H. Wagner Scholarship

https://www.mi-wea.org/docs/MWEA_Wagner_Scholarship_Info.pdf
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: February 1
The Michigan Water Environment Association administers this $2,000 scholarship that goes to a student pursuing a career in Operations for Wastewater Treatment. To apply, make sure you have a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.5, be enrolled in a Michigan college or university, and demonstrate that you major will lead to a career in Operations for Wastewater Treatment.

DLBMS

Dale and Lynn Bentley Memorial Scholarship

https://www.mi-wea.org/docs/Dale_and_Lynn_Bentley_Memorial_Scholarship.pdf
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: February 1
This is another scholarship under the stewardship of the Michigan Water Environmental Association. To qualify, you must be studying a field concerned with the environment. Your application should include an essay that details how your major will position you to pursue a career that benefits the environment. Transcripts, resume, and a cover letter should be in your application packet.

MEA-logo

MEA

Michigan Education Association

https://www.mea.org/mea-scholarship/
Amount: Various
Deadline: Varies
If one of your parents is a member of the MEA, you could be eligible for this scholarship program. Your high school must also be MEA-affiliated, in that it has a MEA bargaining unit. To qualify, you should be headed to a public Michigan college or university. The MEA also awards scholars who are headed to a select group of Michigan private colleges: Baker College-Flint/Owosso; University of Detroit–Mercy; Adrian College; Finlandia University; and Albion College. However, if you find another MEA-affiliated private college, the association may consider it.

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