15 Best STEM Colleges in Michigan 2025

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are interconnected fields of study, often shortened to the acronym STEM. Many programs are considered part of the larger STEM field and learners can find degree programs at many of the best STEM colleges throughout the country. However, just because a school offers STEM courses doesn't mean it is a STEM college.

STEM colleges offer more STEM-specific courses than liberal arts colleges, research opportunities, internships, and undergrad and graduate programs. Students in Michigan can attend many great STEM colleges, including STEM colleges with financial and merit aid to prepare them for an in-demand career path.

Top STEM Colleges in Michigan

There are several factors that students should take into account when determining which school is best for them. Start by reviewing the various criteria the school uses for admissions. Ask questions like:

• Does the school have a low acceptance rate?
• Do students need to meet an ACT or SAT score minimum?
• Are there different tuition rates for in-state vs. out-of-state students?
• Does the school have other requirements like application fees, letters of recommendation, or similar materials?

Your methodology for picking the best college for your education goals should include post-enrollment factors like student services, where individual STEM programs are evaluated in third-party rankings, and more. You may find free STEM degrees online with the right combination of financial aid or assistance.

1. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus is considered one of the top 25 universities and a top three public university by U.S. News & World Report. Computer science and mechanical engineering are two of the top STEM programs offered at the school and these two programs account for 16% of all graduates from the school.

The school has fairly competitive admissions practices, but the 81% graduation rate is a testament to the school's student services and quality education.

2. Michigan State University

Michigan State University (MSU) is a public university located in East Lansing, near Michigan's capital. The school specializes in life sciences, like biomedical engineering, agricultural sciences, and veterinary medicine. MSU has a high acceptance rate of 88% and 63% of students complete their undergraduate degree program.

3. Wayne State University

Wayne State University offers multiple health sciences degree programs but also has a robust college of engineering with chemical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering programs.

WSU provides students with multiple research opportunities and first-year-specific experiences. Wayne State's main campus is located in Detroit, giving engineering and other STEM students close access to companies like Ford and General Motors for internships.

4. Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University, commonly called Michigan Tech, is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and over 90% of its graduates earn STEM degrees, with 63% pursuing some form of engineering. Michigan Tech has an 86% graduation date and rolling application deadlines which makes enrollment more convenient than some other schools in the state.

5. Oakland University

Oakland University is located in Rochester, MI, and accepts 90% of applicants. Students at Oakland pursue various degrees, but the health sciences program accounts for 25% of graduates. Engineering, biomedical sciences, and computer science are some of the other most popular STEM degrees at Oakland.

6. Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University has a 66% graduation rate and a 90% acceptance rate. STEM students at GVSU primarily pursue health and biomedical sciences, but the school does have engineering and environmental science degree programs available at their Allendale campus.

GVSU has multiple campus locations across the state that provide different opportunities to students based on their hometown locations.

7. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University (CMU) offers multiple STEM degrees at its Mount Pleasant campus, including exercise science and cellular biology. CMU has a 79% acceptance rate, giving Michigan STEM students a high likelihood of enrolling in their chosen program.

8. Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University is a public university that offers STEM degrees in health, medical, and computer science degree programs. EMU has an acceptance rate of 83% for its online and on-campus courses.

9. Ferris State University

Ferris State University, located in Big Rapids, MI, is a public university that offers many medical-based STEM programs, including medical laboratory science and biological sciences. The school also has mechanical engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics. Ferris accepts 88% of applicants.

10. Calvin University

Calvin University offers degree programs in biological sciences, chemical engineering, physics, and other STEM subjects. Calvin has a 74% acceptance rate and a 65% graduation rate. In addition to degrees to work in STEM fields, Calvin has multiple degree programs tailored to STEM education.

11. Hillsdale College

Hillsdale Colleges is a private school located in Hillsdale, MI. Hillsdale is a liberal arts college, but some of the most popular degree programs at the school include applied math, biology, and biochemistry.

Hillsdale has a 21% acceptance rate, but its 76% graduation rate reflects the quality of education and support students receive.

12. Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University accepts 82% of applying students. LTU has one of the best engineering schools in Michigan and 46% of Lawrence Tech graduates complete an engineering degree program. Students will benefit from research opportunities and small class sizes, allowing for personal connections with classmates and professors.

13. Kettering University

Kettering University's College of Engineering is one of the best in the state due to its research labs and degree paths like chemical engineering, electrical engineering, and manufacturing engineering. Kettering's campus in Flint, MI has an 81% acceptance rate and 83% of all graduates completed engineering degree programs.

14. Albion College

Albion College accepts 67% of applicants, with most STEM students pursuing health, medical, and biology-related degree programs. Albion has a 48% graduation rate for all degree programs. Students at Albion can pursue combined degrees in engineering, natural sciences, and health sciences.

15. University of Detroit Mercy

The University of Detroit Mercy focuses on health sciences, like medical degrees and biology; however, students also pursue architecture and mechanical engineering degree programs. UDM has a 91% acceptance rate and a 53% graduation rate, with most graduates completing a STEM degree.

FAQs About STEM Colleges in Michigan

STEM degree programs can lead to stable careers with high earning potential. Michigan high school students trying to find a college or professionals looking to return to school often have questions about the best STEM schools in their state.

What Michigan College Has the Best Engineering Program?

The best engineering school in Michigan is the University of Michigan. Students at U of M can pursue specialties in aerospace, civil, materials, and nuclear engineering. These individual programs are all near the top of the rankings for their subjects.

Is the University of Michigan Ann Arbor Good for Engineering?

The University of Michigan Ann Arbor is one of the best engineering schools in America and the best engineering program in the state. Students have access to some of the highest-ranked engineering programs according to third-party evaluations like U.S. News & World Report.

Is Michigan State University Better for STEM Majors Than the University of Michigan?

It will depend on the STEM program. Michigan State offers better biology, veterinary medicine, and agricultural science courses while U of M is often better for engineering-based degree programs. Your individual degree plans will ultimately decide which school is better.