Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2025
Known for its diverse economy and top-ranked public universities, Michigan lags slightly behind the national average in the percentage of adults with a college degree. A bachelor’s degree can help professionals stand out in Michigan’s job market.
Many of Michigan’s online colleges offer tuition discounts, access to hybrid programs, and other student resources.
Our list of the best online colleges in Michigan evaluates schools based on academic quality, affordability, reputation, program offerings, and student enrollment percentage.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in Michigan for 2025
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:Â
At Western Michigan University, you can choose from more than 30 online bachelor's and master's degree programs. Unique majors include university studies and cybersecurity. In 2021, WMU announced it received a $550 million donation, the largest ever for a public college or university in the United States.Â
Cost per Credit:
$630
Why Students Choose WMU:
- Philanthropic Support: You can benefit from WMU's historic donation of half a billion dollars, which funds scholarships, medical education, research, faculty expertise, and student initiatives.
- Customizable Degrees: Many of WMU's online majors include multiple tracks, allowing you to customize your education.Â
- Accelerated Options: WMU offers multiple accelerated options to start your master's studies while still working toward your bachelor's degree.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Online Is Cheaper: Tuition for online students at WMU is about $60 cheaper per credit hour than it is for on-campus students.Â
- Format Flexibility: Most online degree programs at WMU are also available in person.Â
- Financial Aid: According to WMU, 99% of full-time undergraduates with financial need received aid for the 2023-2024 school year, with 60% receiving grants directly from the school.
- In-State$14,494
- Out-of-state$18,118
- In-State$17,539
- Out-of-state$26,308
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled17,559
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
University of Michigan-Flint
- Flint, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:Â
The University of Michigan-Flint offers 31 fully online bachelor's and master's degree programs. As an online student at UM-Flint, you'll have access to a dedicated help desk available seven days a week to get the most out of your courses. UM-Flint also provides online training, one-on-one support, and free workshops, including one on navigating learning tools like Canvas.Â
Cost per Credit:Â
$568
Why Students Choose UM-Flint:
- Completion Programs: UM-Flint's bachelor's degree completion programs allow you to utilize prior college credits and finish your degree faster.
- Academic Advising: Academic advisors can help you stay on track with your education by assisting with your study plan and arranging online courses.
- Rigorous Education: UM-Flint delivers the same rigorous education as on-campus programs, ensuring your competency as a professional after graduation.Â
Know Before You Enroll:
- Competitive Tuition: Out-of-state students in eligible online programs only pay 10% more than in-state students, making a UM-Flint degree affordable no matter where you live.
- Go Blue Guarantee: First-year and transfer UM-Flint students are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee. It offers free tuition to qualified students from low-income households. Â
- In-State$12,216
- Out-of-state$24,456
- In-State$12,740
- Out-of-state$19,080
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled6,130
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Central Michigan University
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:Â
Central Michigan University has the second-lowest tuition on this list. It offers 36 online bachelor's and master's degrees, including unique offerings like ergonomics administration and fashion merchandising and design. You'll have access to various student support services, such as a writing center, math assistance center, and library services.
Cost per Credit:Â
$477
Why Students Choose WMU:
- Low Tuition Increases: The university reports it's had the lowest cumulative tuition rate increase of any public school in Michigan over the past 10 years.
- Online Scholarships: CMU offers scholarships specifically for online students and discounts for federal employees and military service members and their families.Â
- Financial Guidance: CMU's Financial Wellness Collaborative helps you make an informed financial plan while you pursue your degree to avoid overspending and create better budget habits.Â
Know Before You Enroll:
- No Asynchronous Courses: CMU's online courses are instructor-led and follow a weekly schedule, so you won't be able to move at your own pace.Â
- Rolling Admissions: There are six start dates throughout the year and rolling admissions, so you can start your education anytime.
- Student Support: You'll have access to many online student resources, from everyday essentials like study and success strategies to career development.Â
- In-State$10,992
- Out-of-state$19,800
- In-State$808
- Out-of-state$808
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled14,423
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Davenport University
- Grand Rapids, MI
- 4 year
- Online
What Sets It Apart:Â
Davenport University was the first school in Michigan to offer online degrees, and it's still a leader in online education today. Davenport offers more than 50 online bachelor's and master's degree programs. You can choose from undergraduate majors like urban STEM education and cyber defense or master's degrees in data mining and nursing.Â
Cost per Credit:Â
In State | $974
Out of State | $658Â
Why Students Choose Davenport:
- Experience Matters: Davenport pioneered online degrees in the state and has accumulated extensive experience in online education.
- Flexible Learning: Depending on your preferred learning style, you can attend class in person, on demand, or by live stream.Â
- Scholarships: Davenport offers a variety of scholarships, including scholarships for first-generation and Latino/a students.Â
Know Before You Enroll:
- Financial Aid: Davenport reports that 92% of students receive some type of financial aid, such as scholarships or gift aid that doesn't need to be repaid. Â
- Out-of-State Tuition: Non-Michigan residents receive a grant that allows them to pay less per credit for online courses than Michigan residents, but those receiving this grant do not qualify for Davenport scholarships or grants.
- Grades Matter: You must maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA to continue receiving scholarship funding.
- In-State$21,240
- Out-of-state$21,240
- In-State$17,262
- Out-of-state$17,262
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled5,073
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
Baker College
- Owosso, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:Â
Baker College offers the lowest tuition on this list. The school's tuition rate applies to on-campus and online students regardless of their location. Baker offers 41 online bachelor's and master's degrees, including topical majors like game software development and artificial intelligence.
Cost per Credit:Â
$450
Why Students Choose Baker:
- BeFree Tuition Guarantee: If you meet certain requirements, you can qualify for the BeFree Tuition Guarantee, which covers tuition costs for up to five years.Â
- Tailored learning: Choose from live virtual class sessions or flexible offline coursework that you can tackle independently.Â
Know Before You Enroll
- Scholarship Opportunities: Baker offers a variety of scholarships, including scholarships for adult learners, transfer students, and first-generation students.
- Set Course Schedules: You won't be able to move through your online degree at your own pace as classes begin and end on specific dates. Â
- In-State$12,460
- Out-of-state$12,460
- In-State$12,510
- Out-of-state$12,510
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled3,898
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Price Check
Michigan Reconnect covers tuition for residents attending in-district community colleges and recently expanded to include students ages 21-24. Students can save even more on their education by using their Michigan Reconnect benefits before transferring to one of the schools above to finish their bachelor’s degrees.
10 Fast-Growing Careers in Michigan
Like other states across the country, many of Michigan’s fastest-growing careers fall under the healthcare and data umbrellas. Growth in the healthcare sector results from a growing and aging population that needs more medical services and healthcare providers. In the data field, the growth stems from an increasing reliance on statistical analysis to solve organizational problems and inform decisions.
The following chart highlights the careers with the highest growth projection rates.
| Job | Projected Growth (2022-2032) | Annual Mean Wage in Michigan (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 41.2% | $127,200 |
| Statisticians | 30.4% | $104,340 |
| Epidemiologists | 25% | $80,580 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | 12.9% | $66,690 |
| Physician Assistants | 26.1% | $129,290 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 26.8% | $125,430 |
| Logisticians | 16.7% | $85,950 |
| Data Scientists | 34.8% | $102,030 |
| Information Security Analysts | 25.6% | $107,630 |
| Athletic Trainer | 13.5% | $60,900 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Michigan’s Job Market
Break into Michigan’s job market strategically by choosing a major that fills a state need. Here are some choices that will prepare you to pursue one of Michigan’s most in-demand careers.
Nursing
Michigan has an aging population and nursing workforce, creating a major demand for new nurses. A nursing degree can qualify you for registered nursing licensure and lay the groundwork for a nurse practitioner license and career. With experience, you might even gain access to a medical and health services management position in a nursing department.Business Administration
Business administration programs can equip you with widely applicable problem-solving and decision-making skills. In Michigan, majoring in business could lead you to several fast-growing careers, such as medical and health services management, logistics, data science, and information security analysis.Mathematics
Majoring in mathematics gives you the foundation required for many data-driven career paths, including statistics, data science, and logistics. Medical and health services managers can come from mathematics backgrounds as data-driven decision-making becomes critical in many industries, including healthcare.Computer Science
Nearly 90% of Michigan’s jobs require digital skills, and a computer science major provides a strong foundation in this area. The versatile discipline can prepare you for careers in information security analysis, computer numerically controlled tool programming, and data science. Depending on how you fill out your education, you could even pursue statistician or logistician careers.
What Is the Cost of College in Michigan?
The cost of college in Michigan varies widely by institution type. Tuition is higher for both in-state and out-of-state students at public and private four-year schools than the national averages. However, online students can save money or reduce the burden of their investment by pursuing scholarships, grants, and student loans, as well as saving on travel costs by attending classes from home.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in MI | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $14,718 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $41,324 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $33,385 | $35,248 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Michigan
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Michigan has some of the highest tuition costs in the country. However, you might find savings through online learning, tuition reciprocity benefits, and scholarships. Along with the state scholarships detailed below, you can seek national scholarships.
Fostering Futures Scholarship
This scholarship is available to Michigan residents who lived in foster care at 13 years of age or older. Eligible applicants must attend participating schools with at least half-time status and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship awards up to $3,000 for the year, and the priority deadline is Aug. 1, 2024.
FlMI Future Educator Fellowship
This scholarship is available to Michigan residents who are full-time education students working toward initial teacher certification. An applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have reached the junior grade level to qualify. The scholarship awards up to $10,000, and the application deadline is July 15, 2024.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
This scholarship is available to recent Michigan high school graduates who demonstrate financial need and attend eligible schools on a full-time basis. The renewable scholarship awards up to $5,500 per year at Michigan public schools, and candidates automatically apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Michigan Tuition Grant
This award is available to Michigan residents with at least half-time enrollment status at state schools. Eligible applicants must also demonstrate financial need and not be in pursuit of a religious education. The grant awards up to $3,000 per year, and applicants must file FAFSA forms by July 1, 2024, for consideration.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Michigan
If you hope to study in Michigan from out of state, a tuition reciprocity agreement like the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) can help you save on the pricey out-of-state tuition rates.
Under the MSEP, public schools agree to increase the in-state tuition rates to no more than 50% for out-of-state students from other member states. Participating private schools with the appropriate accreditation status agree to decrease tuition rates by 10%.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Michigan
You do not need to live in Michigan to attend most online colleges in Michigan. However, many Michigan online colleges offer discounted tuition rates to in-state residents. Some local and community colleges require local residency. Check with your school if you doubt you’ll be able to attend, but in most cases, non-residents can attend an online college in Michigan.
Related articles that may interest you
10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025
Discover the top 10 most affordable online colleges for earning your degree, with rankings based on factors like program options and student-to-faculty ratio.
Updated November 22, 2024
Guide To Online College For Undocumented Students
Undocumented students face a number of barriers when it comes to a college education. Here we offer a guide to college for undocumented students.
Updated June 1, 2023
How Much Does Online College Cost?
Curious about how much an online degree costs? It’s not that different from an on-campus degree, and there are tons of ways you can save a little extra.
Updated February 27, 2024