10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Michigan 2025

Several cheap online schools are available in Michigan. Students receive a high-quality education from accredited institutions at an affordable tuition rate.

A college degree can lead to more career opportunities; however, finding affordable and flexible higher education can be challenging. Cheap online colleges are an accessible solution for students with professional and family commitments.

Many of the best accredited online colleges in Michigan are also affordable. Below, we discuss the cheapest colleges in Michigan, where students can receive a quality education.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Michigan

Let's explore some of the cheapest online colleges for Michigan students.

1. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research institution located in Mount Pleasant that offers 75 online programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Online students can access a dedicated support team and receive assistance at the student writing center, math assistance center, and library.

Even with such an intensive level of student support, tuition rates remain affordable. It is one of the least expensive online colleges in Michigan at $477 per credit hour. CMU also accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and offers tuition discounts and scholarships.

2. Michigan State University

Students at Michigan State University can complete fully online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. As a nationally ranked research institution, the online programs reflect the academic excellence of on-campus programs.

Tuition is affordable with the annual cost at $16,118 for an undergraduate degree. Students are automatically considered for scholarships, and nearly 95% of incoming freshmen receive financial aid.

3. University of Michigan, Flint

The University of Michigan-Flint offers fully online degree programs, ranging from bachelor's to doctoral programs. These academically rigorous online courses provide a quality education. Students benefit from the mentorship of expert professors and academic advising services.

The tuition for this online school is $6,816 per term for in-state students. Many in-house scholarships are available. Students may also apply for federal and state financial aid.

4. Baker College

Baker College offers a range of quality online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Online classes are similar to traditional programs, where students must attend virtual sessions, complete coursework deadlines, and interact with instructors and peers.

Undergraduate students pay $450 per credit hour. Financial aid is available; however, students may also reduce tuition costs through prior work or life experience credits.

5. Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers over 40 flexible online programs across various academic fields, including business administration, healthcare, and technology. While there is a nursing degree completion program, most degrees are awarded at the graduate level.

The cost of tuition varies by program. For example, to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA), online learners pay $888 per credit hour.

This prestigious online master's degree program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Students utilize financial aid, employer tuition discounts, or scholarships to manage the cost of tuition.

6. Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University offers various flexible online degree options for working adults. Students may choose from bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Online students may apply for aid via FAFSA to qualify for scholarships, and grants. About 99% of full-time undergraduate students receive financial aid.

7. Ferris State University

Ferris State University offers numerous online bachelor's degrees, as well as some master's degrees. Undergraduate tuition costs $14,000 per year. Students may apply for federal and state financial aid, scholarships, and grants to help reduce tuition costs.

8. Walsh College

At Walsh College, students can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree online. These programs, accredited by the HLC, combine flexibility with quality education.

Tuition rates are affordable at about 23% below the average rate in Michigan. Undergraduate students pay $596 per credit hour and may receive financial aid and scholarships.

9. Wayne State University

Wayne State University offers several flexible undergraduate and graduate programs online. Online students have access to many support services, including advising, career services, and technical support.

Various forms of financial aid, including many scholarships, are available to online students. The Wayne State Guarantee covers the full cost of tuition for students with demonstrated financial need.

10. Oakland University

Oakland University is a public research institution, offering degrees from the undergraduate level to the doctoral level. With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, online students enjoy small classes and instructor support.

Tuition is relatively affordable for an online bachelor's degree. In-state students pay $528.75 per credit hour for lower-division courses and $615.75 for upper-level. Certain online programs may be approved for in-state tuition for out-of-state students.

Our Selection Criteria

We chose the schools on this list based on several ranking factors. Some of the considerations include:

Location: We chose online schools based in Michigan.
Affordability: The chosen schools made the list because they offer low tuition rates, comprehensive financial aid opportunities, scholarships, or tuition discounts.
Academic Excellence: All schools are accredited and provide a quality online curriculum and student support services.

How Much Do Online Colleges in Michigan Cost?

The tuition rates at online colleges vary widely; however, the range typically falls between $450 and $950. Some online colleges in Michigan, such as Baker College, offer low tuition rates, starting at $450 per credit hour.

Other online colleges may have higher tuition rates but offer significant financial aid packages. Students seeking affordable online colleges in Michigan should consider aid, scholarships, and discounts to decide which option is right for them.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

Identifying affordable online degrees in Michigan is the first step toward reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Forms of financial aid such as grants and scholarships will decrease the cost of the degree further.

Students should speak with each institution's financial aid department and fill out the FAFSA form to determine eligibility for federal grant programs.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree cheaper:

FAQs About the Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges in Michigan

Many students have questions about affordable online college degrees in Michigan. Let's explore these questions below.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Michigan?

One of the most affordable online college tuition rates is Central Michigan University, which costs $477 per credit hour. Still, affordability depends on several factors, including:

degree level
program type
state residency
transfer college credits
financial aid package
scholarships

Depending on these factors, students may find some online schools more affordable than others.

Are Online Programs Worth It in Michigan?

Online programs are worth pursuing from accredited four-year schools. The schools listed above provide a comprehensive online learning experience that mirrors the education on-campus students receive. Additionally, many schools have extensive online student support services.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get into in Michigan?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics Oakland University has a 70% admissions acceptance rate. While first-year students should have a high school GPA of 2.5, personal essays and letters of recommendation are not required. Additionally, SAT and ACT scores are not necessary to gain admittance.

Which Affordable Online Colleges in Michigan Offer Financial Aid?

Most online colleges in Michigan offer financial aid opportunities for online bachelor's degree programs. Check with the financial aid office to determine your package will look like.

Do I Need To Live In Michigan To Attend an Online College There?

No, you do not need to live in the state to attend an online college in Michigan. Tuition rates may be higher for out-of-state students, though.

Find an Affordable Online Degree

Explore affordable online education in Michigan here on Learn.org. Contact each school to learn more information on enrollment processes and financial aid opportunities.