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?
Appily 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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Grace 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, MI