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

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.

Search Programs Offering Michigan Majors

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

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

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

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

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.