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Best Schools in Michigan

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2023 Best Schools in Michigan

51 Schools Ranked
$43,035 Average Earnings
$23,437 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
$83,324 Average Earnings

Our analysis found Kettering University to be the best school for students in Michigan.

If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $313, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Kettering graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $83,324 during the early year of their career.

Full Kettering University Report

#2

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan
$58,051 Average Earnings
$17,682 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.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,682 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $419. During the early years of their career, U-M graduates make an average of $58,051 annually.

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#3

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, Michigan
$60,470 Average Earnings
$24,749 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.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,749 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $294. During the early years of their career, Michigan Tech graduates make an average of $60,470 annually.

Full Michigan Technological University Report

#4

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
$47,302 Average Earnings
$24,447 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Michigan State University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Michigan.

On average, students take out $24,447 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $428, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Michigan State graduates make an average of $47,302 annually.

Full Michigan State University Report

#5

Hope College

Holland, Michigan
$35,540 Average Earnings
$22,982 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 51 schools in Michigan that were part of this year’s ranking, Hope College landed the # 5 spot on the list.

On average, students take out $22,982 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $821, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Hope, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,540 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Hope College

#6

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, Michigan
$38,043 Average Earnings
$19,374 Avg Student Debt

Calvin University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #6 on the list.

On average, students take out $19,374 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Calvin, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,043 during the early years of their career.

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#7

Macomb Community College

Warren, Michigan
$36,546 Average Earnings
$11,351 Avg Student Debt

Macomb Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Schools in Michigan list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,351 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Macomb Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,546 during the early year of their career.

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#8

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, Michigan
$43,501 Average Earnings
$25,527 Avg Student Debt

Grand Valley State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #8 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,527 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $243 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, GVSU graduates make an average of $43,501 annually.

Read full report on Grand Valley State University

#9

Alma College

Alma, Michigan
$36,745 Average Earnings
$23,308 Avg Student Debt

Alma College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,308 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Alma graduates make an average of $36,745 annually.

Read full report on Alma College

#10

Lawrence Technological University

Southfield, Michigan
$68,765 Average Earnings
$31,320 Avg Student Debt

Lawrence Technological University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Michigan ranking.

Degree recipients from Lawrence Tech accumulate an average of $31,320 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $385. Once they receive their degree, Lawrence Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $68,765 during the early year of their career.

Full Lawrence Technological University Report

#11

Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids, Michigan
$35,054 Average Earnings
$15,385 Avg Student Debt

Grand Rapids Community College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

On average, students take out $15,385 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Grand Rapids Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,054 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Grand Rapids Community College

#12

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, Michigan
$47,887 Average Earnings
$25,330 Avg Student Debt

Ferris State University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Schools in Michigan list.

Degree recipients from Ferris accumulate an average of $25,330 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $189, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Ferris, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,887 during the early years of their career.

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#13

Adrian College

Adrian, Michigan
$34,245 Average Earnings

Adrian College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Schools in Michigan list.

Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $479 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Adrian, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,245 during the early years of their career.

Full Adrian College Report

#14

Delta College

University Center, Michigan
$40,630 Average Earnings
$16,547 Avg Student Debt

Delta College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

Degree recipients from Delta College accumulate an average of $16,547 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Delta College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,630 during the early year of their career.

Full Delta College Report

#15

Schoolcraft College

Livonia, Michigan
$30,604 Average Earnings
$18,481 Avg Student Debt

Schoolcraft College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Michigan ranking.

On average, students take out $18,481 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Schoolcraft College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,604 during the early year of their career.

Full Schoolcraft College Report

#16

Albion College

Albion, Michigan
$37,698 Average Earnings

Albion College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $529, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Albion, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,698 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#17

Oakland Community College

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
$38,470 Average Earnings
$19,359 Avg Student Debt

Oakland Community College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Michigan ranking.

Degree recipients from Oakland Community College accumulate an average of $19,359 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Oakland Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,470 during the early year of their career.

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#18

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, Michigan
$50,418 Average Earnings
$26,781 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Oakland University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

On average, students take out $26,781 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $174 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Oakland graduates make an average of $50,418 annually.

Read full report on Oakland University

#19

University of Michigan - Dearborn

Dearborn, Michigan
$53,986 Average Earnings
$28,473 Avg Student Debt

University of Michigan - Dearborn ranked #19 on this year’s Best Schools in Michigan list.

On average, students take out $28,473 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $213, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UM Dearborn graduates make an average of $53,986 annually.

Full University of Michigan - Dearborn Report

#20

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan
$45,509 Average Earnings
$29,288 Avg Student Debt

Central Michigan University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Schools in Michigan list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,288 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $251.After graduating from Central Michigan, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,509 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#21

Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, Michigan
$42,305 Average Earnings
$29,456 Avg Student Debt

Saginaw Valley State University ranked #21 on this year’s Best Schools in Michigan list.

Degree recipients from Saginaw Valley State University accumulate an average of $29,456 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $179, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Saginaw Valley State University graduates make an average of $42,305 annually.

Read More…

#22

Northwestern Michigan College

Traverse City, Michigan
$42,204 Average Earnings
$21,353 Avg Student Debt

Northwestern Michigan College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Michigan ranking.

Degree recipients from NMC accumulate an average of $21,353 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, NMC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,204 during the early year of their career.

Full Northwestern Michigan College Report

#23

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, Michigan
$64,174 Average Earnings
$32,785 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, University of Detroit Mercy did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

Degree recipients from Detroit Mercy accumulate an average of $32,785 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $316.After graduating from Detroit Mercy, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $64,174 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Detroit Mercy

#24

Siena Heights University

Adrian, Michigan
$47,091 Average Earnings
$28,551 Avg Student Debt

Siena Heights University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #24 on the list.

Degree recipients from Siena Heights University accumulate an average of $28,551 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $227 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Siena Heights University graduates make an average of $47,091 annually.

Full Siena Heights University Report

#25

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan
$43,765 Average Earnings
$27,986 Avg Student Debt

Western Michigan University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #25 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,986 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $269 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from WMU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,765 during the early years of their career.

Full Western Michigan University Report

Best Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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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.

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