Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Updated October 24, 2023
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The State of Michigan Colleges and Universities
With affordable tuition and diverse academic programs, online colleges in Michigan offer degree programs that can enhance your career prospects.
Home to nearly 30 public and private colleges and universities, Michigan offers extensive online options for undergraduate and graduate students. Michigan's public universities offer affordable four-year degrees that prepare learners for in-demand positions in the state. The Great Lake State also offers state aid and tuition incentives for both part- and full-time enrollees attending the state's public universities.
According to GetMIDegree.org, 36 of the 50 top careers in Michigan require a bachelor's degree. Earning an online bachelor's degree in Michigan allows professionals to enter new fields or advance their ccareers. Online colleges in Michigan also prepare students to pursue the state's thriving manufacturing, technology, and design industries.
Featured Online Schools
The list below covers the best online colleges in Michigan. These rankings help students conduct research and choose the school or program that best meets their personal and professional needs.
The Best Online Colleges in Michigan
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northern Michigan University is a popular choice among those seeking a degree online. Students who enroll at the public institution can choose from 19 online offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners often choose this school because it has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for its academic strength.
Online learners can receive assistance from career and academic service associates located at the school's physical campus in Marquette. Degree-seekers also have the option to connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs, helping set them up for scholastic and professional success. The school's internship program gives students a chance to gain hands-on field experience. The academic programs grant graduates an accredited degree upon completion.
For more information on how to apply and what programs are available online, contact the school directly.
Northern Michigan University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,949
Online Bachelor's Programs: 9
Online Master's Programs: 7
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 11%
Admission Rate: 66%
#2 Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ferris State University ranks among the best online colleges. Remote enrollees at this public college can choose from 32 online programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school's experience with online education and strong academic reputation make it a great choice for distance learners.
Career and academic service associates located at the Big Rapids, Michigan, campus also assist online learners. Career services programs such as academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers achieve their professional goals. Internship programs give students the opportunity to develop tangible, real-world skills in their area of interest. Program graduates are awarded a bachelor's degree with full accreditation upon completing all requirements.
Additional details regarding program availability and application processes are available by contacting the school.
Ferris State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,610
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Online Master's Programs: 4
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 14%
Admission Rate: 87%
#3 Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Madonna University
Livonia, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Madonna University ranks among the best online colleges. The private institution's 32 online degree options include offerings at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Many distance learners enroll here because the school has a strong academic reputation and experience in online education.
Career and academic service associates located at the Livonia, Michigan, campus also assist online learners. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. Many degree programs include an internship, helping students gain experience in their field. Completing their academic program results in graduates receiving an accredited degree.
For more information on how to apply and what programs are available online, contact the school directly.
Madonna University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,822
Online Bachelor's Programs: 12
Online Master's Programs: 10
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 13%
Admission Rate: 75%
#4 Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Davenport University offers online programming that ranks highly among similar offerings. Students who enroll at the private institution can choose from 71 online offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners often choose to study at this school because of its experience with online education and reputation for academic quality.
Online learners are able to work with academic and career services professionals located at the Grand Rapids, Michigan, campus. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. The school also helps facilitate internships to help students gain hands-on experience. A degree with full accreditation is awarded to enrollees upon completing their program.
Anyone interested in learning more about available online programs and how to apply should contact the school directly.
Davenport University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,707
Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Online Master's Programs: 13
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 82%
Admission Rate: 82%
#5 Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Andrews University is one of the best options available to online degree-seekers. Those who enroll at the private institution remotely have 21 online degree opportunities to choose from at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has experience facilitating online classes and a reputation for strong academics, attracting many remote students.
Academic and career service professionals based out of the Berrien Springs, Michigan, campus are available to help online learners. Academic advising, virtual job fairs, and other career preparation services set degree-seekers up for long-term success. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. Program graduates are awarded a bachelor's degree with full accreditation upon completion of all requirements.
Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs is available from the school.
Andrews University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 918
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Online Master's Programs: 7
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 13%
Admission Rate: 67%
#6 Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Central Michigan University is a fantastic choice for online learners. A total of 54 online undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution. The school has a track record in helping learners achieve academic success through online coursework.
Online learners are also able to work with academic and career services professionals located at the Mount Pleasant campus. These advisors facilitate career-planning events like virtual job fairs for interested degree-seekers. Internship programs are also available to students, helping them gain valuable field experience. Program graduates are awarded a bachelor's degree with full accreditation upon completion of all requirements.
Contact the school directly to receive more information about online program opportunities and application procedures.
Central Michigan University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,657
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Online Master's Programs: 24
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 23%
Admission Rate: 70%
#7 Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Baker College
Owosso, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Baker College's online degree offerings rank highly among similar programs. The 48 online programs offered by this private institution consist of both undergraduate and graduate offerings. The school's experience with online education and strong academic reputation make it a great choice for distance learners.
The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its Owosso, Michigan, campus, which online learners can also take advantage of. Online offerings from academic advisors and career-planning events like virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for success. Internships are available to help students gain hands-on experience. Completing all requirements results in graduates receiving an accredited degree.
Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.
Baker College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,691
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Online Master's Programs: 12
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 40%
Admission Rate: 73%
#8 Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Arkansas State University is a popular choice among those seeking a degree online. A total of 42 online undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution. The school attracts many remote learners because of its solid reputation for academics and experience in offering online education.
The academic and career advisors located at the Jonesboro campus are also available to assist online learners. Academic advisors help degree-seekers complete their programs, while virtual job fairs and career planning events prepare them for success after graduation. The school's internship program gives students a chance to gain hands-on field experience. Completing all requirements results in graduates receiving an accredited degree.
Representatives at the school can provide additional information about application and program specifics.
Arkansas State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,939
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Online Master's Programs: 19
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 21%
Admission Rate: 80%
#9 Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Arkansas State University Newport
Newport, AR - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Arkansas State University Newport is a fantastic choice for online learners. The public institution makes six of its degrees available online, with offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners often choose this school because it has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for its academic strength.
Career and academic service associates located at the campus also assist online learners. Degree-seekers have the option to connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs, helping set them up for scholastic and professional success. The internship programs that the school offers help many students prepare for their future careers. Graduates are awarded a fully accredited degree upon completing their academic program.
Anyone interested in learning more about available online programs and how to apply should contact the school directly.
Arkansas State University Newport at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,073
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 9%
#10 Best Online Colleges in Michigan
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Arkansas Tech University offers online programming that ranks highly among similar options. Students who enroll at the public institution can choose from 29 online offerings at undergraduate and graduate levels. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
The school's main campus in Russellville hosts academic and career services offices available to online learners. Degree-seekers also have the option to connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs, helping set them up for scholastic and professional success. Students can take advantage of internship programs to gain hands-on experience. Graduates of the school's programs obtain a bachelor's degree with full accreditation.
Additional information about how to apply and what programs are available can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
Arkansas Tech University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,885
Online Bachelor's Programs: 5
Online Master's Programs: 9
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 17%
Admission Rate: 95%
Online Colleges in Michigan Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Employment in Michigan
Michigan's top industries focus on manufacturing and technology, and the state's top-paying non-medical positions match this trend. Managers working in engineering, information technology, and business settings were among the highest earners in Michigan, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS also reports continued projected growth in employment in these sectors from 2022-2032. The unemployment rate in Michigan was 3.9% in October 2023, down from as high as 14.9% in June 2020. The Great Lakes State also offers entrepreneurial opportunities, incentives and loans, and partnerships for individuals and businesses expanding in or relocating to the state.
Michigan offers both employment opportunities and a below-average cost of living. Housing costs in Michigan are nearly 35% lower than the national average, while healthcare and grocery expenses are also more affordable.
The following data covers the fastest-growing, highest-paying roles that do not require a first-professional degree — like a doctor of medicine or juris doctor — and employ more than 5,000 people in the state of Michigan. Salary information is specific to Michigan, while projected job growth data relates to the nation as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Managers | $130,600 | 4% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $159,920 | 4% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $164,070 | 15% |
| Financial Managers | $139,790 | 16% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $99,940 | 4% |
| General and Operations Managers | $98,980 | 6% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $104,830 | 28% |
Online Associate and Graduate Degrees
Online associate degrees in Michigan align with the industrial and economic needs of the state. For example, students can earn an associate of science in industrial training as they work toward becoming a journeyman with the United Association of Ironworkers. Additional online associate degrees in disciplines like occupational technology can prepare students to pursue four-year degrees or enter the workforce.
Online students earning associate degrees in Michigan can access the Michigan Colleges Online (MCO) cooperative platform. Through the MCO, Michigan's community colleges work together to offer online classes and expand access to education for learners across the state.
Online graduate programs in Michigan offer degrees in many disciplines, including several subsets of engineering. For example, the University of Michigan offers online master's degrees in automotive, energy systems, and global automotive and manufacturing engineering. Students can also earn online master's degrees in manufacturing or systems engineering and design.
Online programs typically resemble those offered in a classroom, although details differ by school. Online degrees may feature a mix of asynchronous and synchronous classes, with online curricula commonly providing more convenience and flexibility. As COVID-19 has shifted more classes and programs online, students may have additional opportunities to earn their degrees remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Online College Cheaper in Michigan?
Most schools in Michigan offer online tuition rates that vary based on residency, making costs comparable to those of an on-campus program. Michigan also offers financial aid opportunities and tuition incentive programs to help mitigate college expenses.
What Is the Best Online School in Michigan?
The best online school in Michigan is the one that meets your unique needs. Michigan offers online community colleges, public universities, and private institutions, all with their own advantages and benefits.
Are There Any Online Community Colleges in Michigan?
Many community colleges in Michigan offer online courses and degrees. In fact, most community colleges in Michigan offer course through the MCO, which is an online program that allows students to earn credit through online courses from colleges other than the one where they are currently enrolled.
Is Community College Free in Michigan?
In September 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Futures for Frontliners program. This program allows essential frontline workers who meet eligibility requirements to earn community college degrees without paying tuition.
Are Online Degrees Taken Seriously?
Academic institutions and potential employers all take online degrees seriously, so long as they come from regionally accredited universities. Many colleges have shifted to online formats to accommodate students and their circumstances during COVID-19, making online education even more common.
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