Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2025

More than 57,000 students in Michigan earned their bachelor's degrees in the 2021-22 school year. Students in Michigan who aren't able to make it to campus can look for online college programs, which allow them to earn their degrees while still having the freedom to work full-time or take care of their families.

Over two dozen schools offer accredited online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Michigan, including some with free tuition programs. The best online colleges allow students to complete their coursework in a convenient, flexible format. Keep reading to learn more about the top online college programs that Michigan students can enroll in.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Michigan

Many colleges and universities in Michigan offer online college programs. We've highlighted some of the best options for distance learning below.

1. Andrews University

Andrews University is a Christian school in Berrien Springs, MI. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees online in fields like aviation, business administration, healthcare, and religion.

The college provides leadership, faculty and student support for online and lifelong studies. About 96% of students here receive financial aid, including grants and scholarships

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $33,710

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $27,380

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 83%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit religious

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Central Michigan University

At Central Michigan University, students can earn online bachelor's and master's degrees. These online learning programs are available in areas of study like business, cybersecurity, education, and public administration.

CMU, a public university, is located in Mount Pleasant, MI, and its flexible online programs are transfer-friendly. Multiple scholarships are available, and 97% of students receive some type of aid to pay for their online courses.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $14,190

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $15,843

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Retention Rate: 74%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: HLC

3. Concordia University Ann Arbor

Concordia University Ann Arbor offers undergraduate and graduate programs online. The Lutheran school offers online education in fields like computer science, education, healthcare management, and social work.

Online students can take classes in an accelerated format, allowing them to finish faster. Tuition is $490 per credit for online bachelor's degrees, and 99% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $34,200

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $14,700

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 72%

Retention Rate: 66%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit religious

Accreditation: HLC

4. Davenport University

Online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees are available through Davenport University. Areas of study include business administration, computer science, education, and healthcare administration.

Davenport University, based in Grand Rapids, MI, was one of the first colleges in the state to offer online classes. It offers over 250 scholarship opportunities, and 100% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $23,324

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State In-State & Out-of-State: $18,108

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 97%

Retention Rate: 74%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: HLC

5. Ferris State University

Ferris State University is a public school in Big Rapids, MI. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs online in areas of study like business administration, information technology, nursing, and public health.

These online programs were built with input from industry experts to give students the skills they need to further their careers. Roughly 98% of students receive financial aid through programs like the last-dollar Ferris Pledge.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $13,630

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $8,880

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

6. Grand Valley State University

Students at Grand Valley State University can earn online bachelor's and master's degrees. Areas of study include environmental studies, education, healthcare, and web design.

GVSU, located in Allendale, MI, is a public school. It offers a variety of financial aid options, like the Grand Valley Pledge, and 93% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $14,628

Out-of-State: $20,820

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $19,364

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 95%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

7. Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan University offers undergraduate and graduate programs online in fields like criminal justice, management, psychology, and social work. The public institution is located in Marquette, MI.

These programs are offered through the school's global campus, which offers a variety of services to help online learners succeed. This includes helping students secure financial aid, which 96% of students at NMU receive.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $13,304

Out-of-State: $18,800

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,704

Out-of-State: $14,160

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

8. Siena Heights University

Online bachelor's and master's degrees are available through Siena Heights University. Areas of study include business administration, healthcare, nursing, and public service administration.

The Catholic university is located in Adrian, MI, and many of its online programs are highly ranked and accelerated. Undergraduate programs cost $550 per credit, and 100% of students receive financial aid through programs like the college's Brain Gain Promise.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $29,778

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $12,744

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit religious

Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Michigan�Flint

The University of Michigan�Flint is a public institution offering a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Areas of study include business, education, healthcare administration, and social work.

The school's high-quality, flexible programs help students reach their career goals without sacrificing their schedules. Its Go Blue Guarantee covers up to full tuition costs for eligible students, and 97% of students at UM�Flint receive some type of financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $14,014

Out-of-State: $31,274

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $13,383

Out-of-State: $20,034

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 69%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

10. Western Michigan University

Through Western Michigan University, students can earn online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like criminal justice, cybersecurity, healthcare, and psychology.

WMU, a public research institution, is based in Kalamazoo, MI. Around 95% of students receive financial aid, including last-dollar scholarships like the Bronco Promise.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $15,298

Out-of-State: $19,098

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $18,354

Out-of-State: $27,531

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Retention Rate: 80%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: HLC

Other Featured Online Colleges

While there are many excellent online colleges in Michigan, there are also excellent online college programs across the country that accept students from all states. We've highlighted a few below.

Franklin University

Franklin University offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like business administration, computer science, healthcare, and social sciences. The private university is based in Columbus, OH.

It's geared specifically toward adult learners and also holds accreditation from the HLC. Tuition is $398 per credit hour, and most undergraduate programs allow students to transfer up to 90 credit hours.

National University

Associate degrees through doctoral programs are available online at National University. Areas of study include business, education, healthcare, and social science.

National University, a private school that caters specifically to nontraditional students, is headquartered in San Diego. It's accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC) and charges $370 per credit for most undergraduate programs.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school in Manchester, NH, that's well-known for its range of high-quality online programs. It offers these programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in areas of study like criminal justice, humanities, information technology, and psychology.

SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Undergraduate online programs have a tuition rate of $330 per credit, and the school accepts up to 90 transfer credits.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list of online Michigan colleges, we used the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard as sources to find schools that fit the following criteria.

• Location: All schools chosen are based in Michigan.
• Accreditation: We only chose regionally accredited schools.
• Type: We focused specifically on four-year public and private nonprofit institutions.
• Online programs: We then tailored this list to find schools that offer a variety of quality online degree options, especially at the bachelor's degree level.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Michigan

When deciding if you should attend a Michigan college online, there are a few pros and cons to consider. We've broken down a few common benefits and downsides below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Flexible scheduling: You have the freedom to study on your own time, rather than meeting at a set time on campus.
• No commute: You don't have to worry about traveling to campus for in-person classes.
• Multitasking: You have the ability to continue working or taking care of your family while completing your coursework.
• Health: If you're immunocompromised or live with someone who is, you can avoid catching illnesses by staying home.
• Travel-friendly: As long as you have internet access, you can complete your coursework from anywhere.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Relaxed scheduling: Some students do better when they have a set schedule, like what you get with on-campus courses.
• Reduced connection: Students sometimes find it harder to connect with other students or their professors when everything is virtual.
• Some projects are more difficult: Certain types of projects, like group projects or labs, can be harder to do online.

How To Choose an Online Degree Program in Michigan

There are several things to consider when choosing an online college program. First, you want to ensure that the school offers your major. You also want to ensure the school is accredited, preferably regionally accredited. Other things to think about include:

• Admissions requirements: Some schools just require a high school diploma, while others require things like a minimum GPA and test scores.
• Pace of scheduling: Many programs are offered on a standard full-time schedule, but sometimes accelerated or part-time options are available too.
• Tuition costs: The price of tuition can range wildly from one school to the next.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer aid programs that will cover up to the full cost of your tuition.
• Reputation: Looking at things like graduation rates and reviews from current and former students can help you determine if a school is right for you.
• Student services: Often, schools offer things like career services, tutoring, and mental health resources to online students.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Michigan Cost?

Most online bachelor's degree programs in Michigan range between $400 to $600 per credit hour. However, the final cost of your tuition will depend on multiple factors, including what financial aid you qualify for.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Michigan More Affordable

There are multiple strategies you can utilize to make your online degree affordable in Michigan. Choosing an affordable school and applying for financial aid are good places to start.

All students who need financial aid should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This allows you to qualify for federal and state programs.

Below, we've listed some resources for making your online degree more affordable.

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• affordable online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• scholarships for online college
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with no application fee

Michigan Scholarships & Grants

Several Michigan schools offer scholarships and grants that can significantly reduce or even eliminate your tuition costs. We've highlighted a few below.

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is a state-issued scholarship offered to Michigan residents. The amount you receive depends on your financial need. All students who fill out the FAFSA are automatically considered.

Award Amount: Up to $5,500

Deadline: July 1, 2025

Michigan Free Tuition Programs

Many public colleges in Michigan, including Grand Valley State, UM�Flint, and Western Michigan University, offer free tuition programs for students. Students typically must be undergraduate Michigan residents with a household income under a specific amount. Students are automatically considered for their school's program when they fill out the FAFSA.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition coverage

Deadline: School dependent

Michigan Reconnect Scholarship

The Michigan Reconnect Scholarship is offered by the state to students 25 or older. It provides free tuition for the student to attend their in-district community college. This is a great way for students to cover their first two years, after which they can proceed to a degree completion program.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition costs

Deadline: School dependent

Top Majors for Michigan Graduates

According to the NCES, the most popular fields of study for Michigan graduates are:

• Business: Business majors can go on to have careers in accounting, human resources, project management, marketing, sales, and more. Many business degrees allow you to choose an area of concentration.
• Healthcare: At the bachelor's level, healthcare degrees may include areas of study like healthcare administration, health sciences, and nursing. To work as a physician, surgeon, or nurse practitioner, you'll need a graduate degree.
• Engineering: An engineering degree can lead to a career as an engineer. There are multiple fields of engineering, like computer engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: Natural sciences cover areas like geology, physics, and chemistry. Degrees in the natural sciences and mathematics fields can lead to roles like mathematician, meteorologist, chemist, or geologist.
• Humanities: The humanities are a broad field that includes subjects like arts, language, cultural studies, and philosophy. Careers may include designer, journalist, anthropologist, professor, or researcher.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Michigan

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online colleges in Michigan.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Michigan?

Most bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated online degrees in Michigan or part-time program options.

Will My Online Degree Be Respected?

As long as your degree comes from an accredited institution, it should be respected. In most cases, your degree will not specify if you learned online or on campus.

Is Online College in Michigan Less Expensive Than In-Person College?

In many cases, online college can be less expensive than in-person college, especially for out-of-state students. However, this isn't always the case, and it's wise to check the tuition price before enrolling.

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

You do not need to live in-state to attend most online Michigan colleges. Typically, online colleges will accept students from all over the country. However, there may be certain requirements for international students.

Discover Online Programs in Michigan

Find the perfect online college in Michigan for you by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.