Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Michigan is home to one of the larger higher education networks in the United States. The state’s strong institutional diversity means you have a wealth of schools to choose from, including online colleges with flexible programs.
This guide explores the top online colleges in Michigan. Compare costs, explore fast-growing career paths, and start your higher education journey in the Wolverine State.
Michigan at a Glance
- According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are 70 nonprofit four-year institutions in Michigan.
- Per the U.S. Census Bureau, around 33% of adults in the state hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- According to NCES, in fall 2023, 49.7% of students at Michigan institutions were enrolled in online courses.
- In fall 2023, there were over 130,000 students aged 25 and older enrolled at Michigan colleges, per NCES.
Top Accredited Online Schools in Michigan
Central Michigan University
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Central Michigan University delivers high-quality, flexible online programs. Students can enroll in the school's 54 online programs without relocating to Mount Pleasant, where its main campus is located. The institution enrolls 7,657 online degree-seekers.
Students can access support and resources through the online learning community. Participants can develop connections with classmates, which may lead to jobs after graduation. Degree-seekers can collaborate with professors on original research projects and can pursue internships with local organizations. To assist distance learners, the institution delivers resources including academic advising in a virtual format.
The federal government provides funding to support students with financial need. Learners can also receive institutional funding based on financial need or academic merit. To help pay for their degree, 96% of enrollees receive financial aid, according to the institution.
56%
$13,248
75%
$13,248
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,515
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Michigan-Flint
- Flint, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Enrollees can communicate with peers and faculty through the online learning platform. In addition to completing internships, degree-seekers can bolster their resume by conducting original research. Students can take advantage of institutional resources including career services and academic advising. Learners who are nervous about attending job interviews can participate in mock interviews to prepare for their job search.
Educational expenses depend on several factors, including degree type. For specific information regarding program costs, applicants can contact an admissions counselor. Merit-based and need-based awards can help enrollees reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
74%
$14,208
78%
$27,744
- Acceptance Rate
- 70%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,529
- Institution Type
- Public
Baker College
- Owosso, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Baker College delivers online degrees that prepare enrollees for professional roles in a variety of fields. Many of the school's 4,691 online learners save money on transportation and housing costs. Students from all walks of life will find the college’s flexible remote learning programs attractive.
Enrollees can connect with peers and instructors through group projects, virtual office hours, and online discussion boards. Internships allow degree-seekers to practice field-specific skills while bolstering their resume. Academic advisors provide support and guidance for online students throughout their program. Job fairs provide opportunities for learners to network and explore potential employment opportunities.
Students in different programs often have unique costs and educational expenses. Applicants can discuss the exact cost of earning a degree with an admissions counselor. In addition to institutional funding, enrollees can apply for private scholarships based on their field and background.
75%
$12,460
66%
$12,460
- Acceptance Rate
- 82%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,955
- Institution Type
- Private
Ferris State University
- Big Rapids, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Ferris State University’s online programs provide enrollees with a competitive education, preparing them for their future careers. The 3,610 learners who study online receive the same high-quality education as the school's on-campus students. Degree candidates from all walks of life will find the college’s flexible remote learning programs appealing.
Enrollees can participate in asynchronous class discussions and email professors for individual assistance. Degree-seekers can collaborate on original research projects and pursue experiential learning opportunities such as internships. Academic advisors help students select classes that align with their interests and career goals. To prepare to secure employment after graduation, learners can participate in career workshops and mock interviews.
Enrollees may pay different costs and fees based on their program. Applicants can discuss the exact cost of earning a degree with an admissions counselor. Merit-based and need-based awards can help learners reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
47%
$15,000
78%
$15,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 92%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,959
- Institution Type
- Public
Who Accredits Online Colleges in Michigan?
When an online school is accredited, that means its curriculum and faculty have passed the standards set by an independent accrediting body. It also means your degree will be recognized by future employers and other colleges and universities.
To qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend a school with institutional accreditation conferred by an agency that’s recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
Many of the best online schools in Michigan are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), though colleges and universities in the state may be accredited by other ED-recognized accreditors.
How Much Does College Cost in Michigan?
Access to Michigan’s excellent higher education network comes at a cost: Tuition rates at Michigan schools exceed national averages in most categories, sometimes by a wide margin. The difference is especially notable at public institutions.
Several helpful programs offer valuable assistance to students at online colleges in Michigan. They include:
- Scholarships, fellowships, tuition-free access programs, and grants from MI Student Aid, the official financial aid agency of the Michigan state government.
- The Go Blue Guarantee, which fully covers tuition and required fees at select University of Michigan campuses for high-achieving students from households that meet the income requirements.
- The Midwest Student Exchange Program, which offers reduced out-of-state tuition rates to learners from other participating jurisdictions in the Midwest region.
By supplementing these programs with additional financial aid from your school and other external sources, you can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Career Opportunities in Michigan
$48,300
Median annual wage in MI (May 2024)
+0.6%
Projected job growth in MI (2022-2032)
5.2%
Unemployment rate in MI (August 2025)
Historically known for its automotive and manufacturing industries, Michigan has diversified its economic profile to include fast-growing life sciences, technology, aerospace, defense, and professional services sectors.
You can enhance your chances of career success by targeting an in-demand profession with a strong future outlook in the state. This Michigan Works resource highlights more than 70 jobs primed for solid near-term growth.
The top five entries from Michigan’s Hot 50 Job Outlook — that require no more than a bachelor’s degree and are projected to have at least 1,000 annual openings — include medical and health services manager, software developer, substance use counselor, financial manager, and market research analyst.
Popular Cities for Recent Grads
Ann Arbor
- Situated on the Huron River in southeastern Michigan, Ann Arbor has a metro area population of about 366,000.
- It is within commuting distance of Detroit.
- Ann Arbor is safe, pedestrian- and bike-friendly, and hosts a major University of Michigan campus.
Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids is the largest city in western Michigan.
- According to Harvard University’s Metroverse project, it has a strong per-capita gross domestic product of nearly $58,000.
- Major industries include education and health services, trade and transportation, and professional services.
Detroit
- Michigan’s historical economic engine has undergone a dramatic revival in recent years, with strong investment and population growth.
- Detroit’s rising technology industry has spearheaded recent urban renewal.
- Detroit has one of the lowest costs of living of any major U.S. metropolitan center.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the 2022-2023 school year, Michigan had 96 degree-granting institutions recognized by NCES. This ranked Michigan in 16th place among the 50 U.S. states.
