Michigan Online Colleges
Known for its diverse economy and top-ranked public universities, Michigan lags slightly behind the national average for 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. This guide introduces the best colleges in Michigan for earning an online degree. It also covers popular bachelor's programs, career and salary data, and scholarships for Michigan college students.
What You Need to Know About Online Schools in Michigan
Do online credits cost more or less in Michigan?
The cost of online college credits varies in Michigan. For example, Central Michigan University, a public university, charges around $430 per credit. Private schools typically charge higher rates.
What is the most affordable college in Michigan?
Michigan's public two-year community colleges charge some of the lowest rates in the state. Public four-year colleges and universities also typically cost less than private schools.
How long do you need to live in Michigan to get in-state tuition?
In general, students must live in Michigan for 12 consecutive months to access in-state tuition. However, Michigan also considers many factors when granting in-state tuition, such as attending high school in the state for at least three years.
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Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Why Choose Michigan for Online Higher Education?
The best online colleges in Michigan prepare graduates for careers in in-demand fields that offer above-average salaries. Michigan's core industries include technology, engineering, and manufacturing. Many of these industries offer strong salaries and hire candidates with a bachelor's degree.
Best Online Colleges in Michigan
#1 Best Online Colleges In Michigan
Northern Michigan University
- Marquette, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Virtual learners can enroll in liberal arts and professional studies programs offered at the nonprofit school Northern Michigan University. Online learning provides a convenient way to earn accredited degrees while juggling work and other obligations.
A 120-credit bachelor’s program typically takes four years to complete. Online learners can complete a master’s degree in about 24 months. Students complete their program using live and recorded classes. Students earn degrees through a mix of classroom lectures and practical experience such as internships or practicums. Enrollees finish assignments in an established time frame.
Students can begin their education at the school with certificates or associate degrees. Support services for online learners include tutoring and career advising. Students pay an affordable online tuition rate. Learners receive an average total aid of $7,867. Students can expect a 66% admission rate.
The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges In Michigan
Ferris State University
- Big Rapids, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ferris State University, a public institution located in Big Rapids, Michigan, ranks among the best online schools in the nation. Across its undergraduate and graduate programs, the accredited school teaches a total of 3,610 learners remotely. Degree-seekers pick from 10 online bachelor's programs and four online master's programs at the institution.
With online programs in popular fields like business, STEM, and healthcare, the school meets the needs of students with diverse career goals. The remote classroom spaces used by online programs help engage participants. Online learners can often do internships, practicums, clinicals, or other placements in their local area to fulfill in-person requirements. The school offers student services such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring for online students.
Most degree-seekers earn their bachelor's in four years. Those with prior college experience can transfer credits toward their degree and graduate in less time. Accelerated program options are available as well.
Percent Online Enrollment
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges In Michigan
Andrews University
- Berrien Springs, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ranking among the top schools, Andrews University offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and on its campus in Berrien Springs, Michigan. The accredited college's online enrollment currently totals 918 students. Degree-seekers at the private institution enjoy a large academic catalog with three online bachelor's programs and seven online master's programs.
Enrollees interested in many different fields find programs at the online school to suit them, such as those in business, healthcare, and STEM. Virtual programs usually feature a remote learning environment where distance learners do their classwork. Students make personalized study plans with help from academic advisors and faculty mentors. Tutoring services, financial aid counseling, and career services are available to support online degree-seekers.
Enrollees generally need to complete 120 credits for a bachelor's program or 30 credits for a master's program. Remote learners are eligible for different forms of financial aid, such as scholarships and federal aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
27%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges In Michigan
University of Michigan-Flint
- Flint, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Michigan-Flint is included among the top U.S. online colleges. Distance learners at the accredited institution pursue one of four online bachelor's programs. The online school's academic offerings also include seven online master's programs. The school teaches a total of 3,847 remote learners.
Distance learners attend class virtually from across the country. Online enrollees at the institution get access to student services just for them. Students receive academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services at the online school.
With programs in a variety of popular fields, the online school meets the needs of many degree-seekers. Graduates qualify for positions in many different fields with their accredited degree. The institution emphasizes affordability.
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges In Michigan
Madonna University
- Livonia, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Madonna University offers a total of 255 programs from its Livonia, Michigan, campus. Learners at the private institution choose from on-campus and online programs. Degree-seekers in online programs enjoy a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and a flexible, accessible format. Busy students and working professionals benefit from top-ranking programs designed with them in mind.
During an online program, distance learners interact with faculty and classmates in a virtual classroom. They build foundational knowledge and skills through their chosen program. General education credits allow students to develop in-demand skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. The online school provides distance learners with academic advising, tutoring services, and career counseling to support their academic journey. Enrollees receive an accredited degree.
Madonna University Numbers:
Online Associate Degrees: 1
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 12
Total Number of Online Master's Programs: 10
Percent of Applicants Accepted: 75%
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Common Online Bachelor's Programs in Michigan
The most common online bachelor's programs in Michigan include business, engineering, and nursing. The following bachelor's degrees prepare graduates for in-demand careers in the state.
Business
A business degree trains graduates for careers as financial analysts, management consultants, and accountants. Business majors strengthen their analytical and problem-solving skills. They often specialize their degree by studying economics, finance, or business administration.Computer Science
A computer science degree emphasizes programming, technical, and computer skills. Learners study software development, cybersecurity, and database management. They also study networking. The degree prepares learners for many computer science careers with high salary potentials. Computer and information technology jobs pay median annual salaries that exceed the national median for all jobs.Engineering
Engineering majors study topics like materials science, aerodynamics, and engineering technology. Within engineering, majors may specialize in civil engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. Most programs require simulations, lab assignments, and internships.Nursing
A bachelor's in nursing prepares graduates for licensure as registered nurses. Nursing students examine topics like evidence-based practice, patient care, and health assessment. Nursing programs often incorporate simulations, labs, and clinical practicums to build nursing experience. In Michigan, registered nurses earn over $73,000 per year, on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychology
Psychology majors study topics like human behavior, mental health conditions, and abnormal human development. A psychology degree strengthens critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.
Cost of Attending an Online College in Michigan
The cost of Michigan online colleges varies depending on the school, degree level, and enrollment status. For example, public colleges in Michigan offer a tuition discount to state residents. Private colleges typically charge higher tuition rates. Some public colleges and universities offer tuition discounts to fully online students regardless of residency.
Public two-year colleges charge significantly less than four-year colleges, as the table below shows. As a result, some students enroll in a two-year school to save money before transferring into a four-year institution to earn a bachelor's degree.
Students attending online colleges may also save on housing and transportation costs. An online format also lets students shop around for less expensive colleges rather than attending the school closest to them.
Average Undergraduate Tuition in Michigan
| Location |
Public Four-Year College |
Private Four-Year College |
Public Two-Year College |
| In-State |
$13,315 |
$29,405 |
$3,703 |
| Out-of-State |
$36,832 |
N/A |
$6,564 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Career and Salary Outlook for Students in Michigan
Michigan college graduates can work in a variety of fields, including business, technology, education, and social services. This section introduces the highest-paid careers in Michigan, including salary data and job growth projections. These management-level roles typically require a bachelor's degree and professional experience.
Sales managers oversee teams of sales professionals. They analyze data to set annual sales goals, create training programs for sales representatives, and handle customer complaints. Sales managers also project future sales and calculate the profitability of their organization's sales efforts. They may create customer recruitment plans, calculate discount rates, and set sales quotas.
Marketing managers research product demand and identify potential markets for new services. These managers also develop pricing strategies to stay competitive. They work closely with managers in advertising, sales, public relations, and product development to increase their organization's profits and market share. Marketing managers also track market trends and analyze competitors.
Computer and information systems managers, also known as IT managers, determine IT needs. They also implement computer systems and secure network systems to prevent cyberattacks. Computer and information systems managers may also supervise software developers, computer systems analysts, and other professionals.
Financial managers oversee an organization's investment activities and financial decisions. They manage teams that create financial reports and create plans to meet long-term financial goals. In addition, they monitor the legality of financial actions. These managers examine market trends, recommend financial strategies, and monitor budgets.
Compensation and benefits managers oversee benefits programs such as healthcare insurance. They research wages and benefits to make competitive offers, manage the distribution of benefits information, and oversee their department's budget.
Source: BLS
