Online Colleges and Universities in the State of Michigan
One of the most populous U.S. states, Michigan hosts over 180 institutions of higher education. Many of these schools offer their academic programs online, allowing students to earn a degree from the comfort of their homes. Online education makes college accessible to all students by reducing campus visits and scheduled class sessions.
Earning a degree comes with many benefits. Workers with a bachelor's degree make median weekly earnings of $1,305, compared to median weekly earnings of $780 for high school graduates. Students enrolled online at Michigan colleges often improve their career and salary prospects while working their current job.
This page offers an overview of online colleges in Michigan. We cover typical admission requirements, state residency requirements, and scholarships for Michigan students.
Popular Questions About Online Colleges in Michigan
Q. How long do you have to live in Michigan to get in-state tuition?
College students must reside in Michigan for at least six months prior to the first day of classes to qualify for in-state tuition.
Tuition rates vary among colleges and academic programs. An online bachelor's degree typically costs an average $9,580-$37,200 per year in tuition, depending on the school. Public institutions often charge lower tuition rates than private schools.
No. While Michigan does not offer tuition-free college, many students benefit from various higher education funding options. Examples include grants, scholarships, and loans.
The National Center for Education Statistics lists 187 colleges in Michigan, including community colleges and four-year colleges and universities.
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Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Michigan's higher education offerings include many colleges and universities with online programs. College costs more in Michigan than the national average, but online students can take advantage of financial aid opportunities to help offset tuition costs.
Below, you'll find our ranking of the best online colleges in Michigan.
#1 Online Colleges and Universities in Michigan
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Andrews University offers flexible online programs that meet high academic standards. Students based anywhere in the country can enroll in the school's 21 online programs. The institution's enrollment includes 918 online degree-seekers.
The school fosters a strong online learning community, featuring collaborative opportunities. Participants learn alongside colleagues in a virtual classroom environment. Students can complete research projects to contribute to the field while improving their resume in preparation for their job search. Online learners also benefit from numerous institutional resources and career services, including mock interviews and job fairs.
Eligible students can receive financial aid to defray the cost of their degree. To receive the most funding possible, learners can apply for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and any other awards for which they qualify. According to the institution's statistics, 99% of enrollees benefit from financial aid of some type.
#2 Online Colleges and Universities in Michigan
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
#3 Online Colleges and Universities in Michigan
University of Michigan-Flint
Flint, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
#4 Online Colleges and Universities in Michigan
Baker College
Owosso, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
#5 Online Colleges and Universities in Michigan
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
What Are the Goals of an Online Degree?
Online degrees offer many advantages over their campus counterparts, including the ability to complete coursework from anywhere with an internet connection. Many online programs offer their classes asynchronously. This course format lets students complete classwork at any time of day, without the need to log on for live class sessions. The flexibility of online learning often allows students to maintain full-time employment while completing their degrees.
The rapid growth of distance learning means that colleges now offer online programs in almost every major academic discipline and professional field. For example, learners may pursue an online mechanical engineering degree or an online degree in art. Students often complete programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Why Get an Online Degree?
Students enroll at online colleges for many reasons, including academic flexibility and more affordable tuition. The following list highlights the benefits of online education.
Flexibility
Many online programs enable students to finish coursework anywhere at any time, offering more flexibility than on-campus programs.Tuition Discounts
Online programs often offer tuition discounts to distance learners. Some public online colleges in Michigan offer discounted in-state tuition rates to out-of-state online students.Increased Degree Options
Online programs allow students to enroll at colleges nationwide. Distance learners have a wide selection of degree options when compared to campus programs.Ability to Maintain a Career
Online education's flexibility commonly allows students to maintain their current job. Many schools design their online programs with working students in mind.Self-paced Options
Many online programs also offer self-paced options. These options let students finish coursework on their own schedules.
What Are the Requirements for an Online School?
Admission requirements for Michigan online colleges vary by school, program, and degree. But many schools maintain the same general standards. At the undergraduate level, eligible applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma. Many schools also ask applicants to submit SAT or ACT test scores.
At the graduate level, all online programs need applicants to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college. Graduate programs often call for students to submit GRE or GMAT test scores. Many programs also ask students to submit samples of undergraduate work related to their graduate area of focus.
Scholarships for Online Students
Students enrolled in Michigan online colleges often finance their education with grants, loans, and scholarships. Consider scholarships first, since they do not require repayment. The following list highlights five popular scholarships for online colleges in Michigan.
Who Can Apply: The Bay Area Community Foundation offers this scholarship to high school seniors planning to attend a two-year or four-year program in Michigan. Eligible applicants hold a minimum 2.0 GPA and reside in Bay, Midland, or Saginaw counties.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: Michigan Sugar Company offers this scholarship to female students age 18-23 attending an accredited college in Michigan. Eligible applicants hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit two recommendation letters and a current picture. Scholarship finalists interview with the selection committee.
Amount: $1,000-$2,000
Who Can Apply: The Grand Rapids Community Foundation offers more than 70 need-based scholarships to students who reside in Kent County (including the Grand Rapids metro area). Eligible applicants submit financial information and academic transcripts. They also submit a short essay on their academic interests and community involvement.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) offers this scholarship to the children of MRA members or part-time employees of MRA businesses. The scholarship committee considers academic achievement, test scores, and community engagement. Unlike many scholarships, the committee does not consider financial need.
Amount: $1,000-$1,500