Many people in Michigan enroll in online college to help them advance in or change their careers. You may be worried about entering a nontraditional college setting for many reasons. What if you aren’t able to discipline yourself with all of the coursework? What if you develop a disconnected relationship with your professor because you never see him or her? Well, you don’t have to worry about these problems at these online colleges in Michigan.
Michigan’s dedication to higher education goes back to before it became a state in 1837. The University of Michigan opened its doors in 1817 back when the 26th state was a territory. When it comes to college graduation and retention rates, there are not many states that compare to Michigan.
Ten universities in Michigan rank among the best in the state because of online degree offerings. Choosing an in-state online college is smart for four reasons: One, in-state tuition is less expensive. Two, online students can visit campus whenever they want. Three, employers are more likely to hire students if they graduate from an in-state college. Four, and most important, students can be part of a school in a state they know and love.
Here are the 24 best online colleges in Michigan:
1. Northern Michigan University
- Tuition & Fees: $9,324
- Accreditation: The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
Located In Marquette, Northern Michigan University offers a fully-online format as well as a hybrid format. People know the university for its criminal justice and loss prevention management bachelor’s programs, but there are many other degrees offered. The loss prevention program is unique because loss prevention specialists and managers enroll in this program to learn more about the best practices in the field. The HelpDesk helps students with software support and online training resources. Guest students often take courses at Northern Michigan to earn credits to transfer to another institution.
2. Wayne State University
- Tuition & Fees: $11,449
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Post-Master’s Certificate
Wayne State University has nearly 27,000 students, and each of them can take fully-online programs. Despite the size of the student population, distance learners shouldn’t worry about falling through the cracks. Many online resources, like a student orientation and student advising services, help these online students succeed. The university has a top-notch online bachelor’s degree in social work. This program focuses on research methods, social work practices, and the opportunity to gain experience in the field. Besides the social work program, Wayne State is known for its master’s program in criminal justice and sports administration.
3. Davenport University
- Tuition & Fees: $15,072
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate
With an initial student population of 16 students, Davenport University has grown in many areas, especially online learning. Now, there are 12,000 students and 50 degree programs in four academic colleges. Several of these programs can be taken online. These include associate’s degrees in health information technology and finance, bachelor’s degrees in marketing and sport management, and master’s degrees in information assurance and business administration. Besides these, students can pursue a certificate in forensic accounting and medical case management or a BA/MBA degree in professional accountancy and strategic management.
4. Andrews University
- Tuition & Fees: $26,256
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
This 1,600-acre campus can fit on your computer screen with many different degree types offered online. Many view Andrews University as one of the best Adventist colleges in the nation. While Andrews does not offer full undergraduate degree programs, there are many courses to choose from that will help you boost your credits. Students can choose from courses in business, communication, mathematics, and social science. They can also choose from three formats: self-paced open learning online courses, self-paced full-term online courses, and interactive online courses.
5. Lawrence Technological University
- Tuition & Fees: $30,200
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate
Established in 1932, Lawrence Technological University has over 4,000 students and offers more than 110 degrees in four academic colleges. Students can rely on resources such as online tutoring, an online job board, and an online library. These tools help students feel more connected while taking their courses. The programs offered at this university include business administration, information technology, architecture, industrial engineering, project management, and workplace technology.
6. Eastern Michigan University
- Tuition & Fees: $9,663
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
Professors at Eastern Michigan University teach on-campus and online classes through Canvas, which helps students engage with their professors and peers as well as complete class assignments. This college also offers an affordable tuition compared to other schools in Michigan. Whether you live in Michigan or not, you will pay in-state tuition. Students have access to academic advisors and student service centers to help them throughout their college career.
7. The University of Michigan – Flint
- Tuition & Fees: $9,694
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Post-Master’s Certificate
Nontraditional students at the The University of Michigan-Flint can enjoy a flexible schedule through an e-learning format. Courses begin on the same day as on-campus courses, and students off-campus and on-campus have access to the same resources such as advisors, financial aid, library services, and the Student Veterans Center. The degrees offered at this university include applied science, business administration, nursing, education technology, computer science and information systems, and anesthesia practice.
8. Lake Superior State University
- Tuition & Fees: $10,253
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate
Lake Superior State University offers a variety of online programs, including fire protection, which 33 students graduated from in 2015. Of the 2,407 students currently enrolled at Lake Superior 466 participate in distance learning. Seven students take classes exclusively online. One of these students live in Michigan, and the rest live outside of Michigan.
9. Oakland University
- Tuition & Fees: $10,613
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
Flexible schedules, real-world internships, and research opportunities make Oakland University one of the best online colleges in Michigan. The RN to BSN and the environmental health and safety degree can be completed fully online. Aspiring nurses who have their associate’s love the online degree program at Oakland University because they can work and finish their degree at their own pace. They can choose a course track of either 14 weeks or seven weeks. This means they can complete this degree in two to four years.
10. Ferris State University
- Tuition & Fees: $10,677
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
Students can choose from a fully-online or hybrid format at Ferris State University making it one of the most flexible online colleges in Michigan. The fully-online format courses include allied health science, dental hygiene, integrative studies, and respiratory therapy. Most online programs require an associate’s degree for enrollment. Typically, students can finish their degree in two years. Throughout that journey, they can rely on the career services department, which helps them focus on life after college.
11. Central Michigan University
- Tuition & Fees: $11,550
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
Since 1892, Central Michigan University has been providing students with an excellent education. Part of what makes that education so great now is the online opportunities. Out of 27,000 students, more than 7,000 take classes online. This university has accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree programs through which students can take 12 online credits in master’s degrees courses while completing their bachelor’s. Students can take their courses in eight-, 12-, and 16-week track formats, making this yet another very flexible school in Michigan.
12. Michigan State University
- Tuition & Fees: $13,200
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Master’s Certificate
Michigan State University offers more than 100 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs. Students can complete some of these completely online or through a hybrid format. Some of the fully-online courses include nursing and early care and education. This means all texts, readings, proctored exams, and other activities are provided completely online. We know it sounds too good to be true, but it is.
13. Baker College of Flint
- Tuition & Fees: $8,280
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate
Baker College of Flint is one of the biggest independent non-profit colleges in Michigan. 97% of students who graduate from this college find success in employment. This is just one of the things that make this one of the best colleges in Michigan. Another thing is its online programs of course. The courses have strict deadlines, but there are many resources students always have to help them in their coursework. Students can take subjects like computer science, business administration, management, and psychology.
14. Baker College of Auburn Hills
- Tuition & Fees: $8,280
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate
Baker College of Auburn Hills is dedicated to providing students with quality online learning. Of the 2,703 students who attend this college, 568 currently participate in some online learning. 170 of these students take classes exclusively online. 167 of them live in Michigan, and three live outside of Michigan.
15. Western Michigan University
- Tuition & Fees: $10,685
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
Western Michigan University is known for having one of the largest aviation programs in the USA. The school was established in 1903 and has grown with over 20,000 students and over 230 programs. Online students can enroll in programs like family studies, interdisciplinary health services, art education, vision rehabilitation therapy, educational technology, and gerontology. Students have access to an online library and an online job board. They can also receive writing assistance via Skype.
16. Cleary University
- Tuition & Fees: $19,200
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate
Cleary University offers online degrees in accounting, business administration and management, business/corporate communications, entrepreneurial studies, finance and financial management, health and medical administrative services, human resource management, and marketing. 384 students participate in some online learning with 266 of these students taking classes exclusively online. 254 of these students live in Michigan, and 12 of them live outside of Michigan.
17. Spring Arbor University
- Tuition & Fees: $24,350
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate
Spring Arbor University has been dedicated to providing a liberal arts higher education since 1873. The online programs at this college are amazing and teach students ethical leadership and faith development. This Christian university offers many master’s degrees in an online-only format. The programs include healthcare administration, human resource development, and consulting strategic leadership. Students can also receive their bachelor’s entirely online in nursing and organizational management. These online programs benefit students with a unique curriculum requiring students to complete one seven-week course at a time, instead of taking several courses and burning out.
18. Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration
- Tuition & Fees: N/A
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Doctoral Degree
Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration is focused on helping students toward a successful career in business. Students learn from business professionals who base their courses on real-life business scenarios. They can take courses at this private, non-profit institution in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township, Port Huron, or online.
19. Michigan Jewish Institute
- Tuition & Fees: $10,700
- Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate
Michigan Jewish Institute is the second youngest college in the state, but it has excellent online programs. One unique program students can take is a bachelor’s in Judaic studies. This degree has three concentrations including Judaic studies, Jewish education, and Jewish leadership. MJI is the only Jewish college in Michigan.
20. Rochester College
- Tuition & Fees: $20,486
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Distance learners can take several accelerated courses at Rochester College such as management, psychology, and early childhood studies. The college also offers a unique mass communication degree online. This degree has tracks in broadcasting, public relations, and graphic design. Students complete their course through Moodle, an open-source course management system.
21. Siena Heights University
- Tuition & Fees: $22,740
- Accreditation: The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Siena Heights University has provided online courses for more than a decade and online bachelor’s programs since 2004. More than 300 students take online courses from this university. The students enjoy the option to take courses in eight- and 10-week formats. They can also choose from degree-completion programs like business administration, applied science, multidisciplinary studies, nursing, and professional communication.
22. Northwood University – Michigan
- Tuition & Fees: $23,132
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree,
Northwood University-Michigan has grown from 100 students to over 3,000 students in 48 years. This university caters especially to students wishing to obtain their business degree online. In fact, Northwood is one of the top-rated online schools in Michigan. Students can choose from specialties like accounting, finance, health care management, and marketing.
23. Cornerstone University
- Tuition & Fees: $25,112
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Learning comes in many different forms at Cornerstone University, a non-denominational Christian university. Students learn in academic courses, chapel services, study abroad opportunities and athletic program experiences. There are 100 different programs, many of which are provided online. Courses are offered for programs like business, education, psychology, human services, and ministry. Students can access their course using an Apple iPad and Amazon Kindle, which is unique amongst online colleges in Michigan.
24. Grace Bible College
- Tuition & Fees: $12,239
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Degree Levels:
- Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree
Grace Bible College bases its courses on principles of the Bible, ministry experience, and character transformation. There are several accelerated degrees this college offers including leadership and ministry, business management, and human services. The experienced faculty teaches courses with 10-16 students, which helps build the relationship between teachers and students. Grace Bible College also provides evening classes on campus.
Ranking Process:
These schools were ranked primarily based on the number of degree levels they offered. We figured it would be more useful for students with different goals to see what is on the table at these online colleges in Michigan. The rankings also took into account tuition and fees. Of course, students want to know which school is going to cost them least. They don’t want to be paying off student loans until they are 40! Accreditation was also taken into consideration, but most of these schools were accredited by the same organization.
We know that finding the best school for your unique situation and interests can be a difficult task. That’s why we’ve evaluated thousands of school based on the factors most important to you. For more information about our evaluation and ranking system, as well as other lists that were ranked by the factors most important to you, see our methodology page.
If you are associated with one of these schools and would like to update the information, please contact us. Also, if your school is not listed on here, please make us aware of this for future lists!
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