Some degrees on offer focus on fueling thriving local industries, such as advanced manufacturing, information technology, engineering, and medical technology. Here, we spotlight and provide details on the best online colleges in Michigan.
Top 10 online schools in Michigan: Quick facts
The best online colleges in Michigan
To provide readers with the most accurate lists of schools and programs, ZDNet’s ranking methodology includes data from publicly available sources and industry expert insight. We reviewed each school’s programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels to determine the most reputable and valuable options. Detroit, MI Troy, MI Mount Pleasant, MI Flint, MI Marquette, MI Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard. Note that for public colleges, the average annual net price given is for in-state students.
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit, Michigan About the school: Featuring 13 schools and colleges, WSU offers more than 370 programs, including 16 online programs. Online learners can pursue social work and mortuary science degrees at the undergraduate level, and archival administration, community health, and sports administration at the graduate level.
Acceptance rate: 69%Graduation rate: 46%Avg. annual net price: $13,962Student body population: 26,241Student-to-teacher ratio: 15:1Number of bachelor degree programs: SevenNumber of master’s degree programs: NineAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 500-600Minimum GPA: 2.5 Course delivery method: Synchronous and asynchronous
Accreditation: Wayne State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 2. Walsh CollegeTroy, Michigan About the school: One of the largest business schools in the region, Walsh launched its online programs in 1998. Walsh features 14 online degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. All bachelor’s degrees are degree-completion programs.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 66%Avg. annual net price: $20,310Student body population: 1,744Student-to-teacher ratio: 11:1Number of bachelor degree programs: FourNumber of master’s degree programs: NineAvg. SAT range for admitted students: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Walsh College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 3. Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant, Michigan About the school: CMU offers more than 200 programs, including 24 online undergraduate and graduate programs. Online students take classes in eight-, 12-, and 16-week sessions.
Acceptance rate: 69%Graduation rate: 61%Avg. annual net price: $16,007Student body population: 17,311Student-to-teacher ratio: 18:1Number of bachelor degree programs: 18Number of master’s degree programs: SixAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 500-610Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Central Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 4. University of Michigan-FlintFlint, Michigan About the school: UM-Flint offers more than 30 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Both in-state and out-of-state online students pay the same tuition rate.
Acceptance rate: 77%Graduation rate: 50%Avg. annual net price: $12,689Student body population: 6,829Student-to-teacher ratio: 14:1Number of bachelor degree programs: 20Number of master’s degree programs: 10Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 480-610Minimum GPA: 2.7Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: The University of Michigan-Flint is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 5. Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette, Michigan About the school: NMU has more than 170 programs available in total, including more than 20 online degree options. The school features a popular online RN-to-BSN program and an online MPA program.
Acceptance rate: 67%Graduation rate: 53%Avg. annual net price: $15,214Student body population: 7,368Student-to-teacher ratio: 20:1Number of bachelor degree programs: 10Number of master’s degree programs: 13Avg. SAT range for admitted students: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.5Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Northern Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 6. Andrews UniversityBerrien Springs, Michigan About the school: Andrews runs more than 150 programs, including more than 25 online degrees. The Seventh Day Adventist-affiliated school offers popular programs in engineering, computer science, and public health.
Acceptance rate: 49%Graduation rate: 55%Avg. annual net price: $23,408Student body population: 3,162Student-to-teacher ratio: 10:1 Number of bachelor degree programs: SixNumber of master’s degree programs: 21Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 510-700Minimum GPA: 2.75Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 7. Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor, Michigan About the school: A Free Methodist-affiliated school with over 70 majors and minors, SAU also offers 10 online programs. For nursing students, the school runs BSN, MSN, and DNP programs.
Acceptance rate: 63%Graduation rate: 64%Avg. annual net price: $20,543Student body population: 3,118Student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1Number of bachelor degree programs: ThreeNumber of master’s degree programs: SixAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 490-600Minimum GPA: Not publicly available Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Spring Arbor University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 8. Cleary UniversityHowell, Michigan About the school: CU has more than 20 degree programs, each with online study options. The business school features BBA, healthcare management, and hospitality management programs.
Acceptance rate: 65%Graduation rate: 48%Avg. annual net price: $18,457Student body population: 658Student-to-teacher ratio: 17:1Number of bachelor degree programs: 15Number of master’s degree programs: SixAvg. SAT range for admitted students: Not publicly available Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Cleary University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 9. Madonna UniversityLivonia, Michigan About the school: MU offers more than 30 programs, including 17 online programs at the bachelor’s and master’s level. The Catholic school also provides study options at three other locations in Michigan.
Acceptance rate: 68%Graduation rate: 64%Avg. annual net price: $18,212Student body population: 2,792Student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1Number of bachelor degree programs: NineNumber of master’s degree programs: EightAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 460-560Minimum GPA: 2.8Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Madonna University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 10. Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, Michigan About the school: At WMU, students can choose from more than 300 programs at various levels, including nearly 30 online degree programs.
Acceptance rate: 85%Graduation rate: 59%Avg. annual net price: $20,371Student body population: 19,887Student-to-teacher ratio: 18:1Number of bachelor degree programs: EightNumber of master’s degree programs: 21Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 500-610Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Western Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
In conclusion
Students have no shortage of top online college choices in Michigan. The state’s school, program, and degree variety ensure that degree-seekers of all kinds have options. Use this guide to get you started on your search.
