2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Michigan
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Michigan? We have ranked 160 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 51 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Michigan
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Wayne County Community College District, our #1 best-value Science & Tech school in Michigan. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,112 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $20,820. Wayne County Community College District alumni report median earnings of $29,079 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,820 median debt. Get the full Wayne County Community College District report
Out of the 51 schools in Michigan in this year's value ranking, Washtenaw Community College landed the #2 spot. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, Washtenaw Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,736, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. Graduates carry a median of $17,616 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,449. That is a strong return on a $17,616 median debt. See the full Washtenaw Community College profile
A rank of #3 makes Oakland Community College one of the best values in Michigan. Located in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Oakland Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $15,865 in debt. Oakland Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,395 a decade after entry. Set against $15,865 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Oakland Community College
You'll get strong value at Macomb Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, compared with $8,370 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,862 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $41,596 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,862 median debt. See the full Macomb Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Schoolcraft College earned it the #5 place in Michigan. Schoolcraft College is a public school based in Livonia, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,799, with out-of-state students paying around $6,501. Students borrow a median of $15,677 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Schoolcraft College alumni report median earnings of $42,722 a decade after entry. Set against $15,677 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Schoolcraft College
Mott Community College placed #6 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Michigan. Located in Flint, MI, Mott Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,845 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,460. Graduates carry a median of $20,645 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Mott Community College
Henry Ford Community College placed #7 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Michigan. This public school is set in Dearborn, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,568, while out-of-state students pay about $7,816. Henry Ford Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $18,876 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,795 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Henry Ford Community College profile
Delta College landed the #8 spot for value in Michigan this year. Located in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,880. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,075. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,781 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Delta College
Grand Rapids Community College landed the #9 spot for value in Michigan this year. Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Grand Rapids Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,179, with out-of-state students paying around $12,219. Graduates carry a median of $11,780 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,377 ten years out. Set against $11,780 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Grand Rapids Community College
Kalamazoo Valley Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,144, while out-of-state students pay about $9,094. Graduates carry a median of $15,525 in student loans. Kalamazoo Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,618 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kellogg Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Battle Creek, MI, Kellogg Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,118 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,282. Graduates carry a median of $20,432 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,329. That is a strong return on a $20,432 median debt. Read more about Kellogg Community College
Lansing Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Lansing, MI. Students from in state pay about $4,100 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $16,700. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,206 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,700 median debt. More on Lansing Community College
Jackson Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Jackson, MI, Jackson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,200. Graduates carry a median of $16,960 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,898 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Jackson Community College
Northwestern Michigan College landed the #14 spot for value in Michigan this year. Set in Traverse City, MI, Northwestern Michigan College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,860, with out-of-state students paying around $13,476. Graduates carry a median of $17,694 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,167 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,694 median debt. Read more about Northwestern Michigan College
Alpena Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alpena, MI, Alpena Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,840, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,442 ten years after entry. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Alpena Community College
Spring Arbor University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,014. Spring Arbor University Science & Tech students take on a median of $28,268 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,732 ten years after entry. Set against $28,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Spring Arbor University has an acceptance rate of 52%. More on Spring Arbor University
Ferris State University landed the #17 spot for value in Michigan this year. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ferris State University
Saginaw Valley State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in University Center, MI, Saginaw Valley State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,930 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,450 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,091 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,955. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Saginaw Valley State University report
Mid Michigan Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Harrison, MI, Mid Michigan Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,132, while out-of-state students pay about $10,864. Students borrow a median of $18,878 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,319. Set against $18,878 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mid Michigan Community College
Michigan State University landed the #20 spot for value in Michigan this year. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,213. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Michigan State University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #21 spot for value in Michigan this year. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,137 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,648. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Graduates carry a median of $26,378 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. More on Grand Valley State University
University Of Michigan Flint offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Flint, MI, University Of Michigan Flint is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,236, compared with $27,790 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $31,016. University Of Michigan Flint alumni report median earnings of $53,230 a decade after entry. Set against $31,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Michigan Flint profile
Michigan Technological University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Graduates carry a median of $25,800 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,198 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,800 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on Michigan Technological University
Central Michigan University landed the #25 spot for value in Michigan this year. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,857 in student loans. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Michigan
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Baker College Of Flint landed the #26 spot for value in Michigan this year. Based in Owosso, MI, Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,000. Baker College Of Flint Science & Tech students take on a median of $30,688 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,833 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baker College Of Flint admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Baker College Of Flint
University Of Michigan Dearborn came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dearborn, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,640, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,516. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,649. That is a strong return on a $26,516 median debt. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants. Read more about University Of Michigan Dearborn
Western Michigan University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,981. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Michigan University
Oakland University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,972. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,612. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Oakland University report
Lake Superior State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Sault Ste Marie, MI. Students from in state pay about $14,890 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $22,429. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,045. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lake Superior State University report
Northern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Marquette, MI, Northern Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,322, compared with $19,944 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,608 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,107 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,608 median debt. Northern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on Northern Michigan University
Kettering University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Kettering University is a private not-for-profit school based in Flint, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,425. Students borrow a median of $28,913 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $94,823. That is a strong return on a $28,913 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kettering University
Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Eastern Michigan University Science & Tech students take on a median of $28,781 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. That is a strong return on a $28,781 median debt. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report
Wayne State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,689. Wayne State University alumni report median earnings of $53,493 a decade after entry. Set against $26,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Wayne State University report
Lawrence Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Southfield, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,760. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,799. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,151. That is a strong return on a $27,799 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read more about Lawrence Technological University
University Of Detroit Mercy placed #36 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Michigan. Set in Detroit, MI, University Of Detroit Mercy is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,946 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,053 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,030 ten years after entry. Set against $29,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Detroit Mercy admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full University Of Detroit Mercy report
Siena Heights University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Adrian, MI, Siena Heights University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,778. Siena Heights University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,790 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,529. That is a strong return on a $25,790 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. More on Siena Heights University
Calvin College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Grand Rapids, MI, Calvin College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,350. Students borrow a median of $22,707 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $58,375 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Calvin College profile
Davenport University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Davenport University is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $24,466. Graduates carry a median of $30,603 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,099. That is a strong return on a $30,603 median debt. Davenport University admits about 98% of applicants. More on Davenport University
Madonna University landed the #40 spot for value in Michigan this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Livonia, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,440. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,896. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,058. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Madonna University has an acceptance rate of 63%. More on Madonna University
Concordia University Ann Arbor ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Concordia University Ann Arbor is a private not-for-profit school based in Ann Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,410. Graduates carry a median of $27,584 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. Set against $27,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Ann Arbor admits about 69% of applicants. See the full Concordia University Ann Arbor profile
Rochester College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester Hills, MI. Students from in state pay about $29,196 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $29,137. Rochester College alumni report median earnings of $48,707 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rochester College has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Rochester College
Hope College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Hope College is a private not-for-profit school based in Holland, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,484. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,334. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,427. Set against $26,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Get the full Hope College report
Cornerstone University placed #44 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Michigan. Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Cornerstone University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $23,000 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $29,243. Cornerstone University alumni report median earnings of $47,314 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cornerstone University
Adrian College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Adrian, MI, Adrian College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,684. Students borrow a median of $28,071 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,504. Set against $28,071 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Adrian College has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Adrian College
Aquinas College Michigan came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, Aquinas College Michigan is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,218. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,925. Aquinas College Michigan alumni report median earnings of $49,584 a decade after entry. Set against $25,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Aquinas College Michigan
Olivet College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Olivet, MI, Olivet College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,068. Graduates carry a median of $27,048 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,907. That is a strong return on a $27,048 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Olivet College
Andrews University placed #48 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Michigan. Located in Berrien Springs, MI, Andrews University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,056. Students borrow a median of $26,314 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Andrews University alumni report median earnings of $53,187 a decade after entry. Set against $26,314 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Andrews University
Alma College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Alma College is a private not-for-profit school based in Alma, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,552. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $27,248. Median earnings reach $54,742 ten years out. Set against $27,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More on Alma College
Albion College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Albion, MI, Albion College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,950. Students borrow a median of $26,254 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Albion College alumni report median earnings of $58,799 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,254 median debt. Albion College has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on Albion College
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 51 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 160 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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