Best Colleges in Michigan
As the only state made up of two peninsulas, Michigan is nicknamed “The Great Lakes State” since it’s bordered by Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior. The southern portion of the state experiences hot summers and cold winters, but the northern half has short, warm summers and can have very cold winters. Colleges in Michigan are mostly in the lower peninsula, all 93 of them minus 2, and include 8 research universities, 17 baccalaureate colleges, and 19 master’s universities. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the oldest, as well as the most selective, institution. The Wolverine State’s top industries are automotives, advanced manufacturing, freshwater technology, and Christmas trees. The most popular places to visit are Mackinac Island, Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
How Were the Top Schools in Michigan Chosen?
Cappex determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Founded in 1817, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is the state’s oldest university. U of M has very high research activity and is a often referred to as a Public Ivy. The university at Ann Arbor offers upwards of 260 degrees for undergraduates...
The classes here are pretty intense. I'm a student in the college of Engineering, where group work is an important part of most classes. Most of the core classes like calculus, physics, and chemistry are very large classes, but they all have smaller...
” – Elizabeth from Rochester Hills, MI
Founded in 1844, Hillsdale College is a private, nonsectarian Christian, classical liberal arts college located on a picturesque 400-acre campus in southern Michigan. With a national reputation for operational independence from government subsidy...
Hillsdale College is small, academically rigorous, and conservative. The size makes the class discussions and campus life extremely vibrant, as you get to know your fellow students very well in and out of class. The academic level is as high as the...
” – Nicholas from Ottawa Lake, MI
Kalamazoo College is a private liberal arts institution based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kalamazoo offers students an immersive first-year experience that includes an 18-day wilderness adventure and a Summer Common Reading conversation. All students are...
The classes at Kalamazoo College have been anything but typical. The topics are basic but the materials utilized have been stimulating. Novels are commonly used in most Humanities Classes and the professors are all incredibly knowledgeable in their...
” – Hannah from Portage, MI
Albion College is a private liberal arts college associated with the United Methodist Church, though the institution is committed to religious diversity and non-discrimination. It is included in the 2019 Top 100 Liberal Arts Colleges in the US...
I'll be a sophomore for the 2009-2010 school year. The classes I took last year were mainly the basic classes for starting your science major and I felt like I was learning a lot and it was challenging but manageable.
” – Ashley from Waterford, MI
Hope College is a 4-year liberal arts institute located in downtown Holland. Hope partners with the Reformed Church in America but welcomes students of all faiths, as well as those of no faith. The liberal arts curriculum at Hope is threaded through...
The academics at Hope are outstanding. Yes, that means the classes can be difficult and a lot of work, but the professors are all excellent; supportive, encouraging, and willing to help you out at virtually any time. They genuinely want you to...
” – Dale from Grandville, MI
Founded in 1855, Michigan State University is a large public research institution in East Lansing, Michigan, with a multicultural student population representing more than 140 countries. MSU offers more than 200 areas of study through 17 degree...
As one of the eleven Big Ten schools, Michigan State's prestige includes it's wonderful learning opportunities. We have amazing professors that push academic limits beyond the class room. Although Michigan State is one of the largest universities...
” – Paulina from zeeland, MI
With a campus overlooking the Keweenaw Waterway, Michigan Technological University is a public school in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. MTU is home to seven colleges and schools offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 120 academic programs...
Michigan Tech has a reputation of being a tough school and it's reputation is well earned. Every class I've taken has been a challenge but nothing too extreme. The university takes academic dishonestly very seriously and strives to ensure that every...
” – Charles from Midland, MI
With campus along the shore of the St. Joseph River, Andrews University is a Christian school in southwest Michigan and the flagship institution of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Andrews hosts six colleges and schools featuring over 130 degrees...
The opportunity to learn is definitely obvious at Andrews University. The options are numerous. Classes are challenging and, for the most part, engaging.
” – Danika from Hamburg, PA
Alma College is a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It is a residential college based in Alma, Michigan, in the state’s Lower Peninsula. Alma also operates an ecological research area in Vestaburg, which houses...
The classes here are VERY intense. Be prepared to study A LOT. But also, be prepared to be intelligent and actually have something knowledgeable to contribute to conversations. I like being able to talk about something meaningful with my parents now...
” – Kristin from Charlotte, MIFounded in 1876, Calvin College is a 4-year Christian liberal arts college in Grand Rapids affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church. Calvin grants bachelor’s degrees in over 100 academic majors and programs. For students interested in the arts...
Professors care and want you to succeed. They challenge you, tasks are easy, but they also want to give you the tools to succeed, and excel at it. Some of the professors you connect with will get to know you at a personal level. In the classroom you...
” – Nickolas from Barrington, IL
Originally founded as The School of Automobile Trades, Kettering University is a 4-year private school in eastern Michigan. Kettering awards bachelor’s degrees in 13 academic programs with a STEM-centered focus. In addition to classroom facilities...
I haven't had a professor I couldn't understand, and classes are small enough that I can ask the professor any questions I have, and they all know me by name.
” – Zachary from Defiance, OHNorthwood University is a private, 4-year institution established in Midland, Michigan. The college maintains a number of regional education facilities in Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Texas, California, and online in order for students to complete...
When I visited they said the professors had a one year contract and if they weren't performing well that they were gone. The school also has many varying options of degrees and classes to take that cover a wide variety of interests.
” – Christian from Zeeland, MI
The University of Detroit Mercy is a private institution based in Detroit, Michigan. The school is sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus. The school operates three campuses, McNichols, Riverfront, and Corktown, making...
The classes that I have been enrolled in have been challenging, yet reasonable. I feel as though I am learning a lot of material very thoroughly, but I am able to keep up with it. The small class size helps students learn more especially in...
” – Allison from Shelby Township, MI
Spring Arbor University is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Michigan. SAU offers over 70 programs of study, including electrical engineering, nursing and sports management. At SAU, spiritual growth goes hand in hand with academic...
The liberal arts emphasis allows you to really get a thorough knowledge of many different subjects. The professors relate the classes that are not in your major to life in general, so that you at least take one thing away from the class at the end...
” – Marcia from Dorr, MI
Originally founded as a teachers college, Central Michigan University has grown to become a 4-year public research institution. CMU encompasses eight colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic programs. In addition, CMU is home to...
Having only been at Central Michigan University for a year, I feel like I have learned so much. Not only are students taught so much in the classroom, they learn through volunteering and getting involved on campus.
” – Samantha from White Cloud, MI
The University of Michigan-Dearborn is a public university and a regional campus of the U of M system in the Detroit metro area. UM-Dearborn is home to four colleges of Business, Education, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences offering 75 bachelor’s...
My biology class had many interactive lab projects and we gathered information form outdoors and around the lab itself. That class gives you more information to learn and helps you understand plants, animals and all other living creatures better. My...
” – Rachel from Redford, MI
Founded in 1886 by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, Aquinas College is a Catholic liberal arts college in western Michigan. Aquinas offers undergraduate degrees in over 100 fields of study including the first Sustainable Business program in the...
The teachers here are really focused on helping students learn and are always open to discuss any problems you have. Also, the classes are stimulating and very interesting. Classes are small and everyone knows each other in the class and this helps...
” – Running Guy
Founded by an antislavery advocate in 1859, Adrian College is a 4-year liberal arts college in southeast Michigan. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Adrian awards bachelor’s degrees in 50 academic majors. In addition to classroom space...
Almost every professor here at Adrian knows their stuff and is very willing to work with you to make sure you thoroughly understand the class material. They will stay after class, meet with you during or outside of posted office hours, and help you...
” – Kelly from Wellington, OH
With the guidance of Henry and Edsel Ford, Lawrence Technological University developed during an innovation explosion that would change the world. LTU is still changing the world by preparing students in colleges of Arts & Sciences, Architecture &...
Lawrence Tech is a good University for students who want to have the whole college experience. Their programs consist of many classes to focus towards your degree, but there are other, core courses, that help students get a well-rounded education...
” – Melvena from Chicago, ILConcordia University in Ann Arbor is a Christian, liberal arts institution in the state of Michigan. CU-Ann Arbor encourages students to live uncommon lives for the betterment of themselves and their community, advocating for both student service and...
In the small classes at Concordia every student receives the specialized attention they require. The professors truly care about each of their students. I am in the education program and each of the professors I have for these courses is personally...
” – Kassandra from Flint, MIGrace Christian University is an Evangelical college in Grand Rapids whose courses are centered around The Bible and ministry experience. GCU is home to over 20 undergraduate degree programs encompassing both Biblical studies and general education...
Grace Bible College has a great learning atmosphere. Whether learning about yourself or your academics, Grace Bible has many things to teach you. I learned many things about myself while I attended classes, as well as when I worked. I also learned...
” – Melody from Hamburg, NY
For more than a century, the College for Creative Studies has distinguished itself as one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the world. Located in the heart of Detroit’s Innovation District, CCS veritable force of talent and resources...
CCS is a challenging, fun, and rewarding school to attend. It demands a lot of hard work and effort due to the rigorous curriculum and high expectations. However, it is one of the best schools in the United States for the visual arts and hard work...
” – Sarah
Grand Valley State University is a public liberal arts institution with three regional campuses in western Michigan. GVSU offers undergraduate degrees in 91 academic fields of study. For students who wish to experience another culture during their...
The professors are very knowledgeable and make time to help you if you don't understand or just have a question. Each class I take regarding my major just makes me want to learn more! Even the other classes are interesting! You can sign up for a...
” – Alie from Michigan
Cornerstone University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Life on campus is rooted in the college’s Cornerstone Virtue Project, which guides students in the exploration of virtue throughout chapel...
I am a new Christian and I wanted to learn how to practice Christian views in a growing secular culture. In classes, I love that the teachers care about their students and integrate Christ into little lessons like grammar review. It makes class time...
” – Nicole from Rockford, MI
Established in 1903, Western Michigan University is a four-year public university in Kalamazoo. WMU is home to eight colleges and schools as well as Lee Honors College—the oldest honors college in the nation. Unique to Western, WMU Signature...
The academics offered here at WMU are great. The school is not too big that it is hard to get individual help, but its big enough to teach you how to learn on your own and use the facilities the school provides as help. The student writing center and...
” – Tim from Kalamazoo, MI
With campus overlooking Lake Superior, Northern Michigan University is a public school and the largest university in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. NMU confers undergrad and graduate degrees in 177 academic programs and all students receive either a...
The teachers are so helpful. They will come in early or stay late in their office if you can't make their hours. When you ask a question they do their best to answer it. I even had teachers who would look it up and the answer it the next class. Some...
” – Bryanne from Canton, MI
Wayne State University is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit. The 200-acre traditional and high-tech campus is in the heart of Midtown, offering unparalleled access to cultural experiences, community...
Most of my instructors are really good, and the ESP (Emerging Scholars Program) for math is phenomenal. It's a lot of work, but the extra hands on help and feedback really help you understand the math
” – Audrey from Ferndale, MI
Siena Heights University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Adrian, Michigan. Along with the main campus, the college also hosts a number of degree completion centers throughout the state. Students attending SHU have the...
Siena is a small campus, but a loving atmosphere. The teachers, other students, and staff want nothing but the best for the students attending. It is a great place to build connections that will last a lifetime!
” – Mackenzie from Monroe, MI
Madonna University, located in Livonia, Michigan, is one of the nation’s largest Franciscan Catholic universities. The Detroit-area campus provides: career preparation, service learning, more than 100 rigorous and relevant majors in a student...
Wow, a lot can be said about the learning that goes on at Madonna. The classes, for the most part, are small and you really can get that one-on-one attention with the professor in the middle of class. The only exception to that rule would probably be...
” – Alejandra from Lincoln Park, MIKuyper College is a Christian institution with an emphasis on training for a life in ministry. In addition to Kuyper’s religious degrees in programs like Biblical Greek and Youth Ministry, most of the school’s other fields of study include a built...
Academics are incorporated well with the Bible's teachings. The professors are good at what they do; teaching from a Christian worldview.
” – Alexandra from Cedarburg, WI
With a campus along the shores of the Flint River, the University of Michigan-Flint is a regional campus of the University of Michigan system. UM Flint is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Nursing, Health Sciences, Management, and Education...
Every day I learn something new about my area of study and about adult life. College has helped me so much more than high school ever could, and I so look forward to becoming a teacher and passing this joy on to other students.
” – Alisha from Millington, MI
With a campus overlooking the St. Mary’s River, Lake Superior State University is a 4-year institution in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the smallest public university in the state. Featuring a mix of liberal and technical studies, LSSU confers...
The professors at this university really take interest in who you are and in what you hope to accomplish at Lake State. It seems as though they acknowledge their role as a TEACHer and genuinely want to do their job.
” – Jane from Grand Rapids, MI
Ferris State University is a 4-year public university in west central Michigan. Ferris State is home to eight colleges conferring over 190 undergraduate degrees as well as an honors program. For students who wish to learn in a foreign culture, Ferris...
I am currently enrolled at Kendall (Ferris affiliate) and I find that the art studio and elective classes are very thorough and challenging. The professors are enjoyable, the atmosphere is non-competitive and the student life enjoyable and fun...
” – Samantha from Grand Rapids, MISaginaw Valley State University is a public institution based in University Center, Michigan. SVSU has a “selective” admissions process. Many students choose to study elementary education, nursing, or kinesiology and exercise science. The school also...
Class sizes are pretty close to high school, there are plenty of opportunities to get help from the professors.
” – from elkton, MIEstablished in 1944, Olivet College is a private, 4-year institution local in Michigan. The college offers over 50 major and minor undergraduate programs, as well as an MBA program, a Criminal Justice professional program, and an RN-BSN program...
I think the campus is great. All the staff members are open to see you whenever you need. The dorms are a perfect size.
” – Megan from Trenton, MI
Oakland University is a 4-year public school in the Detroit metro area that was originally established as a satellite campus of Michigan State. Oakland is now home to seven colleges and schools offering bachelor’s degrees in 143 academic programs. In...
I took a variety of classes and enjoyed each and everyone of them. My favorite class of my 2008 fall semester was intro to sociology with Dr. George Sanders. We covered a wide range of topics, and Dr. Sanders employed a wide range of teaching...
” – Stacey from Lutz, FL
Founded in 1849 as a teachers college, Eastern Michigan University is now a 4-year public school in Ypsilanti, MI. EMU is home to five colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic majors and minors. In addition to classroom space, EMU...
Eastern has such a wide variety of majors and minors. Professors are personable, but still don't make it easy. You have to work for your grades.
” – Brittaney from Dexter, MI
Finlandia University is a private, 4-year institution established in Hancock, Michigan. Academics at FinnU are primarily geared toward the arts, though there are many degree options available in scientific fields as well. The college is home to the...
I'm a first year here and it has been great so far. I'm part of the soccer team and although practice is extremely intense, the students here make you feel welcome. The orientation programs are helpful towards the schools mission and what to expect...
” – Jorge from CALocated in the heart of Detroit, Sacred Heart Major Seminary is a Roman Catholic institution dedicated to priestly formation and a center of the New Evangelization movement. The seminary offers bachelor’s degrees in Ministry, Arts, and Philosophy as...
Davenport University is a private institution based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The school operates multiple satellite campuses throughout the state and online. Davenport offers small class sizes and some of the most affordable tuition in the state...
The classes that I have taken at Davenport University have thus far been excellent. The focus that DU has on helping students to have a well-rounded education is obvious and beneficial. The professors are open to helping students; I enjoy the smaller...
” – Lauren from Hastings, MICleary University is a private business school in southeastern Michigan and the only 4-year degree-granting institution in its county. Cleary awards bachelor’s degrees in 14 fields relating to business and management and also features an MBA program...
All faculty staff have been very courteous and helpful. I had many questions and they helped me make the right decision in furthering my education. They had a program that was perfect for going back to school later in my career.
” – Vickie from Swartz Creek, MIFormed by the consolidation of Baker Business University and Muskegon College, Baker College is a career and vocational school with several campus locations throughout Michigan. Baker confers bachelor’s degrees in over 40 academic majors and students...
I am learning a lot at baker
” – Elizabeth from Flint, MIRochester College is a private, 4-year institution established in Rochester Hills, Michigan. In order to develop their faith, full-time students at RC are required to earn chapel credits each semester, which result in a letter grade on a 30-point...
I am truly excited to start taking courses and see all of what Rochester College has to offer.
” – Lauren from Oxford, MIThe Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration is a business school in the Detroit metro area and the third largest graduate business school in Michigan. Walsh offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in 16 fields of study...
Walsh college is fantastic for working students. I was able to complete my Master's degree online in one year and eleven weeks while working full time. The total cost was the same as a state college.
” – Timothy from Harrison Twp., MISchoolcraft College is a public 2-year community college in Livonia, Michigan. The school offers traditional courses for credit as well as Continuing Education and Professional Development classes. They use an open admissions policy and students can...
All of the professors I have had are each different from the next. I have had new instructors and less experienced ones. A lot of my professors teach at another institution, have travelled a great deal, are from other countries or have worked in a...
” – Sarah from Livonia, MIOriginally founded as a school of aviation, MIAT College of Technology is a technical and vocational school with campuses in the Detroit and Houston metro areas. MIAT is home to certificate-granting programs in Aviation, Energy, HVACR, Electro...
Oakland Community College is a public 2-year institution with headquarters in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, with an open admissions policy. OCC operates five campuses and is the largest community college in the state. Nearly half of all OCC students...
Almost all of my teachers have been great! They were helpful when I was having trouble, and most of their teaching methods were successful.
” – Cynthia from Troy, MI
Grand Rapids Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in the state of Michigan. GRCC values experiential learning, offering students the ability to learn in environments beyond the traditional classroom in Service Learning...
I am learning a fair amount in my classes. My professors are engaging and passionate about what they do which makes learning much more enjoyable. The class sizes are perfect and you can recieve a lot of individual attention from teachers which helps...
” – Tyler from Grand Rapids, MIAlpena Community College is a public, 2-year institution established on a rural, 700-acre campus in northern Michigan. ACC offers over 75 academic programs, awarding certificates, AA degrees, AAS degrees, and AS degrees, along with one BS degree...
You wouldn't think that a community college would have the same quality education as a university, but this one really does. We have the same textbooks, follow the same fast-paced schedules, cover the same topics, and receive the same homework. Plus...
”Monroe County Community College is a 2-year college in southeast Michigan. MCCC is home to five academic divisions offering degrees and certificates in over 35 fields of study. For students who wish to earn paid on-the-job experience while studying...
As is to be expected with college, I have learned more here in under a year than I did in four years of high school. Over all, I'm thrilled with the school! These classes have been challenging, but nothing too far out of my league and I feel that I...
” – Kara