Best Online Colleges in Michigan
for 2023

Online Higher Education in Michigan

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For the 2020-2021 academic year, there were a total of 501,836 students enrolled at Michigan colleges and universities. This includes 426,507 undergraduate and 75,329 graduate school students. Most attended school full-time, with only 185,076 enrolled part-time.

Notably, just under half of Michigan students were enrolled in online degree options exclusively, with 218,455 opting to take classes 100% virtually. An additional 161,731 were also taking some online classes. Only 121,650 students were not enrolled in any distance learning opportunities. This means that over 75% of undergraduate and graduate students in the state took at least one online class during the 2020-2021 academic year.

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In 2022, the average cost of undergraduate tuition and fees was $7,112 per academic year for Michigan residents. Rates were higher for students from other states, however, who paid an average of $12,438 for the same period. This trend also applies to graduate students, with in-state students paying an average of $17,123 and out-of-state students paying an average of $24,821. Those attending private graduate schools can expect to pay an average of $18,598, regardless of residency status.

Other costs include living expenses, books, and supplies. In 2022, the average living costs of Michigan colleges and universities is $12,899 for students staying on campus and $12,922 for students staying off campus. The average cost of books and supplies is $3,545 for both groups, as drastic increase from the year before when it was only $1,222.

Enrolling in online college and university programs in Michigan is one potential way to save on higher education expenses. This is because some schools charge less for remote learning. Distance learners also do not have to pay the parking and activity fees often required of traditional students. Additionally, most institutions offer the same financial aid opportunities for online students. This means those interested in attending classes remotely should plan to complete and submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms to their school’s finance department.

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Michigan is home to many online community colleges offering associate degrees to residents and non-residents of the state. Prospective students can choose from a wide variety of subject areas and are likely to benefit from more affordable tuition rates. Many online associate degree programs also offer flexible class schedules, making them preferable for current professionals and those unable to attend school traditionally.

Graduates from online community college programs will be qualified for many entry-level employment opportunities within their designated fields. A popular alternative to joining the workforce, however, is enrolling in bachelor’s degree programs to further higher education. Most traditional colleges and universities will accept up to 60 or 90 transfer credits from other institutions, assuming the schools are properly accredited. As a result, online associate degrees often equate to two full years of four-year bachelor’s degrees.