Michigan has experienced considerable gains in online education over the last several years. A 2015 report by the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute found that 11.5% of Michigan students at public postsecondary schools had "enrolled in at least one distance education course"; altogether this accounts for just under 28,000 Michigan students, spread across 15 Michigan institutions. The report concluded that this number would only grow, as would figures for the state's various private institutions.
Michigan has also proved its dedication to online education by becoming a full member of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC), an organization we explore in greater detail below. So, before we look at the best online colleges in Michigan, let's start with the state of higher education — and online education in particular — in the Great Lake State.
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Overview of Online Colleges in Michigan
A Brief Overview of Higher Education in Michigan
Michigan boasts of more than great music, industry, and lakefront beaches. With 103 degree-granting institutions, Michigan makes a great place to earn your postsecondary degree. Michigan State University, one of the largest universities in the state, is just one of 46 public institutions in Michigan, in addition to 42 nonprofit and 15 for-profit schools. With so many higher education options, it comes as no surprise that, in 2016, more than 580,000 students were enrolled in a postsecondary institution in Michigan.According to an annual survey by College Board, tuition for postsecondary education in Michigan runs a bit higher than some other states, with an average in-state tuition of just under $13,000 per year at a public institution. For students from outside Michigan considering earning their degree at a state college online, the out-of-state premium charged at Michigan's flagship institutions runs considerably higher than many other states, at an average of $47,480 per year in tuition and fees. However, in the 2015-16 academic year, more than 26,000 students in the state received need-based financial aid grants through the Michigan Competitive Scholarship program, and more than 40,000 students received need-based grants through the state's Tuition Incentive and Tuition Grant programs. This amounts to around 11% of all enrolled students receiving need-based grants through state financial aid programs.
Higher Education in Michigan
Featured Online Programs
The State of Online Higher Education in Michigan
As mentioned above, Michigan remains one of twelve states to honor the MHEC. Through this compact, students enrolled at public colleges in member states can take advantage of nonresident tuition breaks, a greater selection of courses, and a simplified transfer process. This agreement, which opens so many doors for its in-state distance student, captures Michigan's support of online education.Michigan Colleges Online drives the state's campaign for more online higher education. MCO brings together 28 community colleges spread across Michigan so that students either enrolled in one of the 28 schools or outside students interested in auditing a course can do so easily and remotely. The MCO site hosts a current directory of the many courses and programs students can pursue and then assists them through the enrollment process.[dataviz-nces online="8.5" undergrad="71.8" in-state="80"]Online schools in Michigan have grown steadily over the last few years. According to the Distance Education State Almanac, enrollment in distance-based learning programs in the state has steadily increased from 2012 to 2015, with 115,900 undergraduates and 19,934 graduate students enrolled in at least some distance learning. This accounts for 22.6% of all Michigan students. Additionally, more than 36,617 undergraduate and 14,339 graduate students at schools in Michigan (8.5% of all students) enrolled in exclusively distance-based degree programs in 2015. About 80% of these exclusively online students reside within Michigan, while the rest live outside the state.
Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students
To provide students in midwest states with more postsecondary education options at affordable rates, the Midwest Student Exchange Program allows students from certain midwest states to attend institutions in other states at a discounted rate. Many higher education institutions in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin participate in this unique program. Students from these states may attend one of the participating institutions in another state, paying no more than 150% of the in-state tuition at public institutions. Students choosing to attend one of the participating private institutions can expect a 10% tuition discount. The amount of savings students can expect to see annually varies by institution, but generally runs between $500 and $5,000.Participating institutions reserve the right to limit their participation, and some programs may not be eligible. Schools may also hold different admissions standards or requirements for students wishing to participate in this tuition reduction program. Check with the admissions and financial aid offices of the school(s) you wish to attend for more specific information on their requirements and participation, including whether students wishing to attend online schools in Michigan can take part. These states are part of the MESP
Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Below, you will find our rankings of the best online four-year programs in Michigan. Our profiles look at how schools approach online education and then list out their services for distance students and their popular, fully online degrees. After reviewing the best online schools in Michigan, explore our state resources, like a database of every college and university in Michigan or our index of popular in-state scholarships.
Ranking Methodology
To determine the best online colleges in each state, we examined the factors most important to prospective students: Academic quality and reputation, online program strength, and cost and student aid. At the most basic level, we use the following formula to determine the best online colleges: Academic Quality + Online Offerings + Cost and Student Aid = Final Score. Of course, there's more to these calculations than meets the eye. Visit our methodology page to discover the data points that shape our formula and to learn more about the process we use to rank schools.
Most Affordable Online Colleges in Michigan
Below you'll find the very best online colleges in Michigan, sorted by affordability.
Affordability Methodology
Our list of the most affordable online colleges is based on in-state yearly tuition, or annual tuition rates if a school does not differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students. Tuition rates are based on a full course load each semester or term. All colleges on the list offer at least one bachelor's degree completion program available entirely online.Those institutions with the lowest tuition are ranked highest, providing prospective students with a true list of the most affordable online colleges in their state.
College Graduate Outlook in Michigan
Job Outlook for College Graduates in Michigan
When considering earning your degree at an online school in Michigan, consider also the job outlook for college graduates in this state, particularly if you plan to work in Michigan after graduation. As of May 2018, the state unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, just slightly higher than the national average. However, this rate shows a small decrease over the course of the year, marking a positive change for job growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), across all occupations in Michigan, the mean annual wage holds at $48,300, with the median hourly wage at $17.62.The job market in Michigan shows signs of growth, particularly in areas like construction, leisure, and hospitality. However, according to Zippia, jobs in credit counseling, operations analysis, and interpreting experienced the most growth. The table below outlines the fastest growing careers in Michigan, compiled and calculated using information pulled from the Michigan Department of Labor and the BLS.
Fastest Growing Jobs in Michigan
OccupationJob Growth RateAverage Annual SalaryJobs in 2024Credit Counselor136.1%$47,7601,660Operations Analyst135.7%$84,0102,700Interpreter and Translator131.2%$45,4401,640Computer Numerical Controller Machinist130.6%$37,18013,910Dental Laboratory Technician128.7%$39,4602,020Source: Michigan Department of Labor/BLS