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Best Online Colleges In Michigan Of 2024

Updated: Jul 25, 2024, 10:17am

Liz SimmonsEducation Expert Writer

Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how...

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Liz Simmons

Liz SimmonsEducation Expert Writer

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Education Expert Writer

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Brenna SwanstonFormer Deputy Editor

Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accol...

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Brenna Swanston

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Brenna SwanstonFormer Deputy Editor

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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

If you want to earn a bachelor’s degree, consider looking into online colleges in Michigan. The state offers numerous public and private schools where you can earn a four-year degree online, whether you live in Michigan or not. These schools offer a selection of degrees at different price points, allowing you to find a program that matches your budget and interests.

Choosing an online school in Michigan offers many benefits, including convenience, flexibility and affordability. For example, some public colleges offer in-state tuition to out-of-state residents enrolled in online programs. However, online learning isn’t necessarily the right choice for every college student, so weigh your priorities when deciding whether a distance program can meet your needs.

Keep reading to learn about some of Michigan’s best online schools, including the types of degrees and programs they offer, their average cost of tuition, and the requirements and resources online students can expect.

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

Table of Contents

Our Top Picks

Grand Valley State University
Oakland University
Baker College
Western Michigan University
University of Michigan – Flint
Ferris State University
Madonna University
Grace Christian University
Central Michigan University
Andrews University

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways
Best Online Schools in Michigan
Should You Enroll in an Online College in Michigan?
Accreditation for Online Colleges in Michigan
How To Find the Right Michigan Online School for You
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Colleges in Michigan

Best Colleges

Key Takeaways

Prospective students can find many online schools in Michigan that offer bachelor’s degrees in competitive fields.
Tuition, application requirements and availability of distance education programs vary by school.
Online colleges in Michigan provide a convenient, flexible and affordable higher education option for residents and non-residents of the state.

Best Online Schools in Michigan

Grand Valley State University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$14,302/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

79%

Graduation Rate

71%

$14,302/year (in-state)

79%

71%

Why We Picked It

Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan offers 30 online bachelor’s degrees, bachelor’s degree completion programs, minors and badges. Online options include an applied data analytics undergraduate certificate, a biomedical sciences B.S., a cannabis operations management minor, and an integrative studies B.A. or B.S.

Most online and hybrid courses use the Blackboard learning management system, where students participate in discussions, access content and take tests. While classes may include some synchronous requirements, they largely let students complete coursework anytime and any place.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on Your Schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Example Online Programs: Hospitality and tourism management, leadership and business fundamentals
Example Scholarships Available: The Robert and Ellen Thompson Scholarship programs, GVSU Award for Excellence Transfer Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

Oakland University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$15,723/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

75%

Graduation Rate

60%

$15,723/year (in-state)

75%

60%

Why We Picked It

Students can earn fully online, partially online and hyflex degrees and certificates from Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Online offerings include undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, education, business, health sciences and engineering. You can also enroll in professional and continuing education opportunities.

Oakland University offers in-state tuition for out-of-state students who enroll in eligible online programs. The school uses the Moodle learning management system for engaging in online discussions, communicating with professors and accessing course materials.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: Free
Example Online Programs: B.A. in professional and digital writing, B.S.N. degree completion sequence for RNs
Example Scholarships Available: Platinum Presidential Scholar Award, Academic Achievement Award
In-Person Requirements: No

Baker College

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$12,710/year

Student Retention Rate

63%

Graduation Rate

26%

$12,710/year

63%

26%

Why We Picked It

Baker College in Owosso offers fully online, asynchronous programs that feature eight-week terms through Baker Online. Distance learners can also enroll in synchronous programs with set meeting times through Baker Live. These programs allow eight- or 16-week semesters.

The transfer-friendly school accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Majors include accounting, game software development, and information technology and cybersecurity. The Online Learning Consortium and the U.S. Distance Learning Association recognize Baker College for meeting high standards in online learning.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Private
Application Fee: $30
Example Online Programs: Computer science, finance
Example Scholarships Available: Bright Futures Scholarship, First Generation Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

Western Michigan University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$14,623/year

Student Retention Rate

77%

Graduation Rate

60%

$14,623/year

77%

60%

Why We Picked It

Online programs at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo include undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. Distance learners can earn a bachelor’s degree in fields like family science and human development, psychology or criminal justice studies.

Undergraduate students enrolled in fully online programs pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of their state residency. Classes from the College of Fine Arts, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Haworth College of Business cost extra.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $40
Example Online Programs: Comparative religion, occupational education studies
Example Scholarships Available: Medallion Scholarship, Foundation Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

University of Michigan – Flint

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$12,858/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

77%

Graduation Rate

42%

$12,858/year (in-state)

77%

42%

Why We Picked It

The University of Michigan – Flint offers more than 35 hybrid and online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs across diverse fields. Potential online majors include history, social work, international business and healthcare administration. Students can choose from 14 online bachelor’s degrees; learners with 25 college credits can enroll in one of four bachelor’s degree completion programs.

Out-of-state students enrolled in eligible fully online programs pay just 10% more in tuition than in-state students.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: Free
Example Online Programs: Applied science, early childhood studies
Example Scholarships Available: Maize & Blue Merit Scholarship, True Blue Merit Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

Ferris State University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$13,608/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

77%

Graduation Rate

57%

$13,608/year (in-state)

77%

57%

Why We Picked It

Located in Big Rapids, Ferris State University offers more than 30 career-relevant online programs developed with help from industry experts.

Bachelor’s degrees include project management, risk management and insurance, digital media software engineering, and dental hygiene. Registered nurses looking to advance their careers can consider an RN-to-B.S.N. program that lets them quickly earn their bachelor’s while working.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: Free
Example Online Programs: Allied health science, automotive management
Example Scholarships Available: Founder’s Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

Madonna University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$26,100/year

Student Retention Rate

76%

Graduation Rate

60%

$26,100/year

76%

60%

Why We Picked It

Madonna University in Livonia offers online bachelor’s degrees in fields like criminal justice, gerontology, paralegal studies and general studies. Distance learners can also earn online graduate degrees and undergraduate certificates. Tailored for students with busy schedules, courses offer flexibility with no set meeting times or campus visits.

Online student support services include access to online peer tutoring, an online writing lab and a remote access library. To ensure the quality of its online programs, Madonna University uses research-based Quality Matters standards to create and evaluate its online courses.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Private
Application Fee: N/A
Example Online Programs: RN to B.S.N., family and consumer science
Example Scholarships Available: Transfer Student Merit Scholarships, Direct from High School Merit Scholarships
In-Person Requirements: No

Grace Christian University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$15,240/year

Student Retention Rate

69%

Graduation Rate

43%

$15,240/year

69%

43%

Why We Picked It

Distance learners can earn an online bachelor’s degree from Grace Christian University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Every program requires bible and theology courses to give students a deeper understanding of Christianity and prepare them to meet their career and spiritual goals.

Online majors explore disciplines like business, human services, leadership and ministry, and psychology. Distance learners can opt into an online elective track that consists of four courses on a single topic. Options include communication, criminal justice and social sciences.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Private
Application Fee: Free
Example Online Programs: Business, human services
Example Scholarships Available: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

Central Michigan University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$13,703/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

72%

Graduation Rate

65%

$13,703/year (in-state)

72%

65%

Why We Picked It

At Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, online degree options include athletic coaching, ergonomics administration, fashion merchandising and design, and teaching English learners. The flexible programs feature asynchronous courses that let you learn wherever and whenever you want.

Central Michigan University uses the Blackboard learning management system to provide access to streaming lectures, quizzes, and discussion forums with instructors and other classmates. Some online courses require proctored exams. Distance learners get access to online resources like a writing center, library and student organizations.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $40
Example Online Programs: RN to B.S.N., personnel administration
Example Scholarships Available: Maroon and Gold Merit Scholarships, Centralis Scholar Award
In-Person Requirements: No

Andrews University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$32,734/year

Student Retention Rate

82%

Graduation Rate

63%

$32,734/year

82%

63%

Why We Picked It

Andrews University, a Seventh-Day Adventist school in Berrien Springs, offers online undergraduate courses in business, education, social sciences, and religion and biblical studies. Distance learners can access more online offerings through the Consortium of Adventist Higher Education Online.

Fully online undergraduate programs from Andrews University include bachelor’s degrees in religion, public health and business administration. The school also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in general studies and integrative studies.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Private
Application Fee: $30
Example Online Programs: Public health, religion
Example Scholarships Available: Student Missionary/Taskforce Volunteer Scholarship, Summer Ministries Scholarship Program
In-Person Requirements: No

Should You Enroll in an Online College in Michigan?

Pro Tip

Online schools with asynchronous courses offer the most convenience and flexibility for students with busy schedules.

Attending an online school in Michigan can help you advance your role or launch a career in a new field. But online college isn’t the right choice for everyone. Consider the factors below when deciding whether to enroll online or in person.

What’s your learning style? Successful online students tend to be independent learners who can stay organized and manage their time effectively. If you perform better with a set schedule, external structure and in-person support, consider looking for on-campus or hybrid classes.
What’s your budget? If you want to save money, an online college in Michigan might help you do that. For example, if you live out of state but attend an online program at a public university, you might be able to pay a discounted or in-state tuition rate. However, this isn’t always the case, so do your research before you choose a school.
What’s your schedule? Online schools make earning a degree more accessible to students with busy schedules. This is especially true of asynchronous programs that don’t have set class times and let students learn anytime, anywhere.

Accreditation for Online Colleges in Michigan

Before enrolling in an online college in Michigan, make sure your prospective school is institutionally accredited. Schools receive institutional accreditation from accrediting agencies designated by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Accredited schools meet minimum quality standards set by an independent accrediting body. Attending an accredited college is crucial for qualifying for federal financial aid.

Depending on your major, your program might also hold programmatic accreditation. This process gives a stamp of approval to specific degrees or departments. Earning an accredited degree is important to some employers, graduate programs and professional credentialing organizations.

Look for accreditation information on CHEA’s database or the accreditation page of your school’s website.

How To Find the Right Michigan Online School for You

Pro Tip

Online degree options vary by school. Before committing to an institution, make sure it offers your specific program, including any concentrations or minors you want to pursue.

Consider Your Future Goals

Online schools in Michigan can help you qualify for new roles or take your current career to the next level. But each school is different, so research your options to ensure your online college is worth it.

For example, consider whether each prospective school requires any campus visits or in-person learning. Some colleges require online students to visit campus for an orientation at the beginning of their program. These experiences can develop a sense of connection between classmates, but they can also be costly and hard to fit into a busy schedule.

Also, the number and types of degrees available varies by school. Make sure that any prospective college offers the major you want to pursue to qualify for jobs in your desired field.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition rates for our ranked online colleges in Michigan range from $12,710 to $32,734 per year. The average bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete, putting the total estimated cost between $50,840 and $130,936.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that across the U.S., students at public universities paid an average of $9,750 per year in tuition and fees, or $39,000 for a four-year degree. Michigan students paid $14,718 on average, or $58,872 over four years. Most of the programs on our list roughly match that average, with two exceptions.

Online students can fill out the FAFSA® to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid, including scholarships, grants and loans. Check with your prospective schools directly to learn about additional institutional financing options, like merit scholarships or work-study programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Colleges in Michigan

Can you get an online degree from Michigan?

Yes, many online schools in Michigan offer bachelor’s degrees in lucrative fields. You can choose from public and private universities to find a program that matches your budget and goals.

What is the easiest online college to attend?

Online colleges in Michigan offer accessible degree programs. Applicants usually need a high school diploma or equivalent and may need a minimum GPA, but most undergraduate programs don’t specify additional admission requirements. Of the schools on our list, Grace Christian University and Andrews University had the highest acceptance rates.

Is it worth doing online college?

Earning an online degree provides new opportunities, but its value depends on what you hope to get out of college. You won’t get the traditional on-campus college experience, but you can earn an accredited, respected degree that prepares you for interesting career paths.

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Liz Simmons

Education Expert Writer

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