Best Online Colleges in Michigan
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The State of Michigan Colleges and Universities
With affordable tuition and diverse academic programs, online colleges in Michigan offer degree programs that can enhance your career prospects.
Home to nearly 30 public and private colleges and universities, Michigan offers extensive online options for undergraduate and graduate students. Michigan’s public universities offer affordable four-year degrees that prepare learners for in-demand positions in the state. The Great Lake State also offers state aid and tuition incentives for both part- and full-time enrollees attending the state’s public universities.
According to GetMIDegree.org, 36 of the 50 top careers in Michigan require a bachelor’s degree. Earning an online bachelor’s degree in Michigan allows professionals to enter new fields or advance their ccareers. Online colleges in Michigan also prepare students to pursue the state’s thriving manufacturing, technology, and design industries.
Featured Online Schools
The list below covers the best online colleges in Michigan. These rankings help students conduct research and choose the school or program that best meets their personal and professional needs.
The Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,758
- Out-of-state$16,380
- In-State$9,072
- Out-of-state$12,528
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled7,732
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Ferris State University
- Big Rapids, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,376
- Out-of-state$12,376
- In-State$7,608
- Out-of-state$7,608
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled12,472
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Madonna University
- Livonia, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$23,100
- Out-of-state$23,100
- In-State$15,930
- Out-of-state$15,930
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled2,992
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Davenport University
- Grand Rapids, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$18,408
- Out-of-state$18,408
- In-State$14,958
- Out-of-state$14,958
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled6,429
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Andrews University
- Berrien Springs, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,992
- Out-of-state$28,992
- In-State$27,216
- Out-of-state$27,216
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled3,390
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Central Michigan University
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,383
- Out-of-state$22,881
- In-State$16,700
- Out-of-state$16,700
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled19,362
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Baker College
- Owosso, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,720
- Out-of-state$9,720
- In-State$12,510
- Out-of-state$12,510
- Retention Rate49%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled7,606
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas State University
- Jonesboro, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,540
- Out-of-state$13,500
- In-State$4,986
- Out-of-state$9,972
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled13,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas State University Newport
- Newport, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,448
- Out-of-state$3,840
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,269
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas Tech University
- Russellville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,568
- Out-of-state$11,136
- In-State$5,256
- Out-of-state$10,512
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled11,829
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Colleges
Michigan
2023
Online Colleges in Michigan Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Employment in Michigan
Michigan’s top industries focus on manufacturing and technology, and the state’s top-paying non-medical positions match this trend. Managers working in engineering, information technology, and business settings were among the highest earners in Michigan, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS also reports continued projected growth in employment in these sectors from 2022-2032. The unemployment rate in Michigan was 3.9% in October 2023, down from as high as 14.9% in June 2020. The Great Lakes State also offers entrepreneurial opportunities, incentives and loans, and partnerships for individuals and businesses expanding in or relocating to the state.
Michigan offers both employment opportunities and a below-average cost of living. Housing costs in Michigan are nearly 35% lower than the national average, while healthcare and grocery expenses are also more affordable.
The following data covers the fastest-growing, highest-paying roles that do not require a first-professional degree — like a doctor of medicine or juris doctor — and employ more than 5,000 people in the state of Michigan. Salary information is specific to Michigan, while projected job growth data relates to the nation as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Managers | $130,600 | 4% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $159,920 | 4% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $164,070 | 15% |
| Financial Managers | $139,790 | 16% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $99,940 | 4% |
| General and Operations Managers | $98,980 | 6% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $104,830 | 28% |
Online Associate and Graduate Degrees
Online associate degrees in Michigan align with the industrial and economic needs of the state. For example, students can earn an associate of science in industrial training as they work toward becoming a journeyman with the United Association of Ironworkers. Additional online associate degrees in disciplines like occupational technology can prepare students to pursue four-year degrees or enter the workforce.
Online students earning associate degrees in Michigan can access the Michigan Colleges Online (MCO) cooperative platform. Through the MCO, Michigan’s community colleges work together to offer online classes and expand access to education for learners across the state.
Online graduate programs in Michigan offer degrees in many disciplines, including several subsets of engineering. For example, the University of Michigan offers online master’s degrees in automotive, energy systems, and global automotive and manufacturing engineering. Students can also earn online master’s degrees in manufacturing or systems engineering and design.
Online programs typically resemble those offered in a classroom, although details differ by school. Online degrees may feature a mix of asynchronous and synchronous classes, with online curricula commonly providing more convenience and flexibility. As COVID-19 has shifted more classes and programs online, students may have additional opportunities to earn their degrees remotely.
