Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Michigan 2025

Earning a bachelor's degree doesn't have to mean taking on overwhelming debt. Michigan offers a variety of affordable bachelor's degrees online from accredited institutions, many of which are fully online and tailored for working adults. Whether you're starting fresh or transferring credits, this guide highlights the cheapest online bachelor's degree options in Michigan. Keep reading to explore tuition costs, financial aid resources, and flexible program formats designed to support your success.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in Michigan?

The cost of earning an online bachelor's degree in Michigan varies by institution and program type. Public universities often offer the lowest tuition�around $450 to $700 per credit�while private colleges may charge more but sometimes offer flat rates for all students. Financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans, can help significantly offset expenses, making even private programs more accessible.

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Michigan

Michigan is home to several schools offering affordable online bachelor's degree programs. These include both public universities and private colleges that provide flexible formats, career-relevant majors, and robust financial aid options. Whether you're interested in business, healthcare, or the liberal arts, you can find a cost-effective path to a degree.

1. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University (CMU) offers flexible bachelor's degree programs designed for online learners. With six start dates each year and eight-week course formats, students can progress at their own pace. Each program includes student support services, and concentrations are offered in business, education, fashion, health care, public administration, and technology.

Average in-state tuition: $477

Average out-of-state tuition: $477

Financial aid: CMU is one of Michigan's online colleges that accept the Pell Grant in addition to scholarships and federal loans.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Ferris State University

Ferris State University offers over 30 online bachelor's degree programs in fields like the following plus others:

• allied health science
• hospitality management
• industrial technology
• integrative studies
• software engineering

Designed with industry input, programs are flexible and career-focused. Some have GPA requirements, and many are also available in person at statewide locations or the main campus in Big Rapids.

Average in-state tuition: $500

Average out-of-state tuition: $500

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, payment plans, and grants are all available to Ferris State students.

Accreditation: HLC

3. Baker College

Baker College offers online bachelor's programs through two formats: flexible, self-paced courses or scheduled Online Live classes held in real-time. Both run in eight- or 16-week semesters, in which students can choose from concentrations such as accounting, business administration, computer science, criminal justice, psychology, marketing, and many others.

Resident students pay the same as out-of-state students. Plus, for an online degree that's even more affordable, Baker College is one of Michigan's cheap online colleges that accept financial aid.

Average in-state tuition: $450

Average out-of-state tuition: $450

Financial aid: Students at Baker College can fund their education with scholarships, grants, and FAFSA loans.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Oakland University

Oakland University offers online and hybrid bachelor's programs in areas such as interdisciplinary studies, professional and digital writing, human resources development, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree completion sequence. Designed for working adult learners and professionals, these programs provide the same quality education as on-campus offerings, with a focus on practical, career-oriented learning.

Average in-state tuition: $528.75 to $615.75

Average out-of-state tuition: $795.75 to $853.25

Financial aid: Oakland University accepts scholarships, grants, and loans to help students finance their higher education.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Davenport University

Davenport University offers online associate degrees, bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs with specializations in healthcare, computer information systems, business, finance, legal studies, and more. For many programs, students can choose from flexible learning formats: fully online, synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid.

In addition to being one of Michigan's online colleges with monthly payment plans, the university awards over $30M in scholarships annually.

Average in-state tuition: $1,018

Average out-of-state tuition: $688 (after receiving the Davenport Tuition Grant)

Financial aid: Students at Davenport University can take advantage of payment plans, scholarships, grants, and FAFSA aid to pay for their college degree.

Accreditation: HLC

6. Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor University, a private Christian institution, offers online undergraduate programs grounded in faith and liberal arts values. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong focus on mentorship, students can pursue their online learning in degrees such as cybersecurity, human services, management, nursing, and social work�while balancing work, family, and faith.

Average in-state tuition: $405 to $621

Average out-of-state tuition: $405 to $621

Financial aid: FAFSA, grants, work-study, and scholarships are offered to students at Spring Arbor University.

Accreditation: HLC

7. University of Michigan-Flint

In addition to online master's and doctoral degrees, the University of Michigan-Flint offers 16 online bachelor's degrees in fields such as business, health care, psychology, and social work. Designed for flexibility, these online education programs provide a strong academic foundation and career preparation. Degree completion options are also available for adult learners with prior college credit.

Average in-state tuition: $568.00

Average out-of-state tuition: $626.50

Financial aid: Students at the University of Michigan-Flint can use grants, federal loans, work-study, and scholarships to cover tuition costs.

Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Michigan-Dearborn

The University of Michigan-Dearborn offers a range of online degree programs that combine academic excellence with a hands-on learning experience. Students can pursue fully online options in fields like history, psychology, and sociology, gaining real-world skills through research, internships, and practice-based learning opportunities.

Average in-state tuition: $521.33

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,096.53

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, and work study opportunities are offered to students attending University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Accreditation: HLC

9. Wayne State University

Wayne State University's Knowledge on Demand platform offers flexible online degree programs and professional development opportunities. With a focus on personalized learning experiences, students can pursue fully online programs in fields such as mortuary science, technology information systems and analytics, and social work. Each online course is designed to support academic and career growth.

Average in-state tuition: $637

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,360.33

Financial aid: Wayne State University accepts scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.

Accreditation: HLC

10. Michigan State University

Michigan State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. The program provides comprehensive professional preparation grounded in nursing science, biological and physical sciences, behavioral studies, and the humanities.

Average in-state tuition: $707.25

Average out-of-state tuition: $707.25

Financial aid: Students can use scholarships, grants, and loans to afford their education at Michigan State University.

Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate schools based on four key factors to ensure students find high-quality, affordable, and flexible online degree options, including:

• Accreditation: Schools must be accredited by a recognized accrediting body to ensure academic standards and credit transferability.
• Affordability: We prioritize institutions with low tuition rates and generous financial aid opportunities to minimize student debt.
• Program reputation and quality: Programs are assessed for academic rigor, faculty expertise, and student outcomes.
• Online format: We look for flexible, accessible formats that support both synchronous and asynchronous learning for online students.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in Michigan

Michigan offers a range of affordable online bachelor's degrees through both public and private universities, giving students flexible options without sacrificing academic quality or career preparation.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in Michigan?

Baker College offers one of the most affordable online bachelor's degrees in Michigan, with tuition averaging $450 per credit hour for all students, regardless of residency. The school's acceptance of financial aid and flexible learning options�such as asynchronous and live online formats�make it a practical choice for cost-conscious learners.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

To minimize costs, students can start at a community college and transfer to one of many online colleges that accept transfer credits. Choosing an online program with low tuition, like those at public Michigan universities, and maximizing scholarships for online students, grants, and FAFSA aid can also significantly reduce the overall cost of a degree.

Is Online College Worth It?

Yes, online college is worth the investment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor's degree holders earn significantly more than those with only a high school diploma. Online programs provide the same credentials as in-person degrees, offering flexibility without compromising academic quality or career potential.

What Other Fees Should I Expect for an Online Bachelor's Degree?

Beyond tuition, students may encounter additional costs such as technology fees, online course materials, proctoring services, lab kits, and textbooks. Some universities also charge administrative or graduation fees. Reviewing a program's full cost breakdown helps students budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses while completing their online degree.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

From public universities to private institutions, Michigan offers diverse and affordable online bachelor's degree programs designed to meet the needs of today's students wherever they are, and wherever they're headed.