Find Affordable College Courses

What Do You Want to Study?

Best Schools in Michigan

2023 Best Schools in Michigan

51 Schools Ranked
$49,185 Average Earnings
$26,510 Avg Student Debt

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

The Best Schools in Michigan ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 51 schools in Michigan to see which ones offered the best programs for students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Schools in Michigan

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Kettering University

Flint, Michigan
525 Total Awards
$87,338 Average Earnings
$43,238 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Kettering University the best school in Michigan for students working on their degree. Flint, Michigan is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 525 students in .

On average, students take out $43,238 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Kettering graduates make an average of $87,338 annually.

Read More…

Request Information
#2

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan
17,171 Total Awards
$66,254 Average Earnings
$57,297 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 51 schools in Michigan that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor landed the # 2 spot on the list. Ann Arbor, Michigan is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 17,171 students in .

Degree recipients from U-M accumulate an average of $57,297 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, U-M graduates make an average of $66,254 annually.

Read full report on University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Request Information
#3

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, Michigan
1,756 Total Awards
$64,652 Average Earnings
$38,111 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Michigan Technological University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Schools in Michigan list. Located in Houghton, Michigan, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,756 diplomas to qualifed students in .

Degree recipients from Michigan Tech accumulate an average of $38,111 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Michigan Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $64,652 during the early year of their career.

Full Michigan Technological University Report

Request Information
#4

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
13,239 Total Awards
$54,166 Average Earnings
$50,929 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Michigan State University is a great place for students. Located in East Lansing, Michigan, the large public school awarded 13,239 diplomas to qualifed students in .

Degree recipients from Michigan State accumulate an average of $50,929 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Michigan State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $54,166 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

Request Information
#5

Hope College

Holland, Michigan
826 Total Awards
$39,644 Average Earnings
$64,337 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Hope College is a great place for students. Located in Holland, Michigan, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 826 degrees in .

On average, students take out $64,337 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Hope graduates make an average of $39,644 annually.

Read full report on Hope College

Request Information
#6

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, Michigan
1,014 Total Awards
$44,220 Average Earnings
$38,725 Avg Student Debt

Calvin University ranked #6 on this year’s Best Schools in Michigan list. Calvin is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It awarded 1,014 degrees in .

On average, students take out $38,725 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Calvin graduates make an average of $44,220 annually.

Read More…

Request Information
#7

Macomb Community College

Warren, Michigan
2,588 Total Awards
$38,758 Average Earnings
$18,927 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Macomb Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working. Macomb Community College is a public institution located in Warren, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,588 degrees in .

Degree recipients from Macomb Community College accumulate an average of $18,927 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Macomb Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,758 during the early years of their career.

Full Macomb Community College Report

Request Information
#8

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, Michigan
6,170 Total Awards
$50,179 Average Earnings
$28,795 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Grand Valley State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working. GVSU is a large public school situated in Allendale, Michigan. It awarded 6,170 degrees in .

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,795 in student loans. During the early years of their career, GVSU graduates make an average of $50,179 annually.

Read More…

Request Information
#9

Alma College

Alma, Michigan
283 Total Awards
$42,740 Average Earnings

Alma College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #9 on the list. Alma is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Alma, Michigan. It awarded 283 degrees in .

After graduating from Alma, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,740 during the early years of their career.

Full Alma College Report

Request Information
#10

Lawrence Technological University

Southfield, Michigan
613 Total Awards
$74,924 Average Earnings
$58,243 Avg Student Debt

Lawrence Technological University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #10 on the list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Southfield, Michigan, and it awarded 613 degrees in .

On average, students take out $58,243 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Lawrence Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $74,924 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Lawrence Technological University

Request Information
#11

Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids, Michigan
1,839 Total Awards
$41,689 Average Earnings
$12,804 Avg Student Debt

Grand Rapids Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #11 on the list. Grand Rapids Community College is a fairly large public school located in Grand Rapids, Michigan that handed out 1,839 degrees in .

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,804 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Grand Rapids Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,689 during the early year of their career.

Full Grand Rapids Community College Report

Request Information
#12

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, Michigan
3,050 Total Awards
$54,608 Average Earnings
$24,079 Avg Student Debt

Ferris State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #12 on the list. Big Rapids, Michigan is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 3,050 students in .

On average, students take out $24,079 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Ferris graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $54,608 during the early year of their career.

Full Ferris State University Report

Request Information
#13

Adrian College

Adrian, Michigan
405 Total Awards
$43,444 Average Earnings
$45,440 Avg Student Debt

Adrian College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Michigan ranking. Adrian, Michigan is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 405 students in .

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $45,440 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Adrian graduates make an average of $43,444 annually.

Read More…

Request Information
#14

Delta College

University Center, Michigan
1,178 Total Awards
$37,342 Average Earnings
$10,055 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Delta College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working. Delta College is a medium-sized public school located in University Center, Michigan that handed out 1,178 degrees in .

On average, students take out $10,055 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Delta College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,342 during the early years of their career.

Full Delta College Report

Request Information
#15

Schoolcraft College

Livonia, Michigan
1,287 Total Awards
$46,283 Average Earnings
$14,035 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Schoolcraft College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working. Located in Livonia, Michigan, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,287 degrees in .

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,035 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Schoolcraft College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,283 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Schoolcraft College

Request Information
#16

Albion College

Albion, Michigan
329 Total Awards
$40,829 Average Earnings
$35,563 Avg Student Debt

Albion College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs. Albion College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Albion, Michigan that handed out 329 degrees in .

On average, students take out $35,563 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Albion, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,829 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Albion College

Request Information
#17

Oakland Community College

Auburn Hills, Michigan
2,525 Total Awards
$43,205 Average Earnings
$12,057 Avg Student Debt

Oakland Community College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs. Located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the fairly large public school awarded 2,525 diplomas to qualifed students in .

On average, students take out $12,057 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Oakland Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,205 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

Request Information
#18

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, Michigan
4,393 Total Awards
$54,785 Average Earnings
$25,180 Avg Student Debt

Oakland University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs. Oakland is a public institution located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 4,393 degrees in .

Degree recipients from Oakland accumulate an average of $25,180 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Oakland, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,785 during the early years of their career.

Full Oakland University Report

Request Information
#19

University of Michigan - Dearborn

Dearborn, Michigan
2,359 Total Awards
$62,536 Average Earnings
$21,482 Avg Student Debt

University of Michigan - Dearborn did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #19 on the list. Located in Dearborn, Michigan, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,359 degrees in .

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,482 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, UM Dearborn graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $62,536 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of Michigan - Dearborn

Request Information
#20

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan
4,468 Total Awards
$50,688 Average Earnings
$28,432 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Central Michigan University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working. Central Michigan University is a fairly large public school located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan that handed out 4,468 degrees in .

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,432 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Central Michigan graduates make an average of $50,688 annually.

Read More…

Request Information
#21

Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, Michigan
1,741 Total Awards
$50,012 Average Earnings
$24,169 Avg Student Debt

Saginaw Valley State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #21 on the list. University Center, Michigan is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,741 students in .

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,169 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Saginaw Valley State University graduates make an average of $50,012 annually.

Read full report on Saginaw Valley State University

Request Information
#22

Northwestern Michigan College

Traverse City, Michigan
604 Total Awards
$49,210 Average Earnings
$21,471 Avg Student Debt

Northwestern Michigan College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #22 on the list. Located in Traverse City, Michigan, the small public school handed out 604 degrees in .

On average, students take out $21,471 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, NMC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,210 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

Request Information
#23

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, Michigan
1,502 Total Awards
$76,755 Average Earnings
$37,682 Avg Student Debt

University of Detroit Mercy did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #23 on the list. Detroit, Michigan is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,502 students in .

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $37,682 in student loans.After graduating from Detroit Mercy, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $76,755 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

Request Information
#24

Siena Heights University

Adrian, Michigan
629 Total Awards
$52,293 Average Earnings
$23,091 Avg Student Debt

Siena Heights University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs. Siena Heights University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Adrian, Michigan. The school has a small population, and it awarded 629 degrees in .

On average, students take out $23,091 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Siena Heights University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,293 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Siena Heights University

Request Information
#25

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan
4,743 Total Awards
$48,966 Average Earnings
$33,773 Avg Student Debt

Western Michigan University landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs. WMU is a fairly large public school situated in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It awarded 4,743 degrees in .

Degree recipients from WMU accumulate an average of $33,773 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from WMU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,966 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

Request Information

Best Schools in the Great Lakes Region

View Best Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.