Best Colleges in Michigan
As the only state made up of two peninsulas, Michigan is nicknamed “The Great Lakes State” since it’s bordered by Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior. The southern portion of the state experiences hot summers and cold winters, but the northern half has short, warm summers and can have very cold winters. Colleges in Michigan are mostly in the lower peninsula, all 93 of them minus 2, and include 8 research universities, 17 baccalaureate colleges, and 19 master’s universities. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the oldest, as well as the most selective, institution. The Wolverine State’s top industries are automotives, advanced manufacturing, freshwater technology, and Christmas trees. The most popular places to visit are Mackinac Island, Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
How Were the Top Schools in Michigan Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Founded in 1817, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is the state’s oldest university. U of M has very high research activity and is a often referred to as a Public Ivy. The university at Ann Arbor offers upwards of 260 degrees for undergraduates...
The classes here are pretty intense. I'm a student in the college of Engineering, where group work is an important part of most classes. Most of the core classes like calculus, physics, and chemistry are very large classes, but they all have smaller...
” – Elizabeth from Rochester Hills, MI
Founded in 1844, Hillsdale College is a private, nonsectarian Christian, classical liberal arts college located on a picturesque 400-acre campus in southern Michigan. With a national reputation for operational independence from government subsidy...
Hillsdale College is small, academically rigorous, and conservative. The size makes the class discussions and campus life extremely vibrant, as you get to know your fellow students very well in and out of class. The academic level is as high as the...
” – Nicholas from Ottawa Lake, MI
Kalamazoo College is a private liberal arts institution based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kalamazoo offers students an immersive first-year experience that includes an 18-day wilderness adventure and a Summer Common Reading conversation. All students are...
The classes at Kalamazoo College have been anything but typical. The topics are basic but the materials utilized have been stimulating. Novels are commonly used in most Humanities Classes and the professors are all incredibly knowledgeable in their...
” – Hannah from Portage, MI
Albion College is a private liberal arts college associated with the United Methodist Church, though the institution is committed to religious diversity and non-discrimination. It is included in the 2019 Top 100 Liberal Arts Colleges in the US...
I'll be a sophomore for the 2009-2010 school year. The classes I took last year were mainly the basic classes for starting your science major and I felt like I was learning a lot and it was challenging but manageable.
” – Ashley from Waterford, MI
Hope College is a 4-year liberal arts institute located in downtown Holland. Hope partners with the Reformed Church in America but welcomes students of all faiths, as well as those of no faith. The liberal arts curriculum at Hope is threaded through...
The academics at Hope are outstanding. Yes, that means the classes can be difficult and a lot of work, but the professors are all excellent; supportive, encouraging, and willing to help you out at virtually any time. They genuinely want you to...
” – Dale from Grandville, MI
Founded in 1855, Michigan State University is a large public research institution in East Lansing, Michigan, with a multicultural student population representing more than 140 countries. MSU offers more than 200 areas of study through 17 degree...
As one of the eleven Big Ten schools, Michigan State's prestige includes it's wonderful learning opportunities. We have amazing professors that push academic limits beyond the class room. Although Michigan State is one of the largest universities...
” – Paulina from zeeland, MI
With a campus overlooking the Keweenaw Waterway, Michigan Technological University is a public school in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. MTU is home to seven colleges and schools offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 120 academic programs...
Michigan Tech has a reputation of being a tough school and it's reputation is well earned. Every class I've taken has been a challenge but nothing too extreme. The university takes academic dishonestly very seriously and strives to ensure that every...
” – Charles from Midland, MI
With campus along the shore of the St. Joseph River, Andrews University is a Christian school in southwest Michigan and the flagship institution of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Andrews hosts six colleges and schools featuring over 130 degrees...
The opportunity to learn is definitely obvious at Andrews University. The options are numerous. Classes are challenging and, for the most part, engaging.
” – Danika from Hamburg, PA
Alma College is a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It is a residential college based in Alma, Michigan, in the state’s Lower Peninsula. Alma also operates an ecological research area in Vestaburg, which houses...
The classes here are VERY intense. Be prepared to study A LOT. But also, be prepared to be intelligent and actually have something knowledgeable to contribute to conversations. I like being able to talk about something meaningful with my parents now...
” – Kristin from Charlotte, MIFounded in 1876, Calvin College is a 4-year Christian liberal arts college in Grand Rapids affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church. Calvin grants bachelor’s degrees in over 100 academic majors and programs. For students interested in the arts...
Professors care and want you to succeed. They challenge you, tasks are easy, but they also want to give you the tools to succeed, and excel at it. Some of the professors you connect with will get to know you at a personal level. In the classroom you...
” – Nickolas from Barrington, IL
Originally founded as The School of Automobile Trades, Kettering University is a 4-year private school in eastern Michigan. Kettering awards bachelor’s degrees in 13 academic programs with a STEM-centered focus. In addition to classroom facilities...
I haven't had a professor I couldn't understand, and classes are small enough that I can ask the professor any questions I have, and they all know me by name.
” – Zachary from Defiance, OHNorthwood University is a private, 4-year institution established in Midland, Michigan. The college maintains a number of regional education facilities in Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Texas, California, and online in order for students to complete...
When I visited they said the professors had a one year contract and if they weren't performing well that they were gone. The school also has many varying options of degrees and classes to take that cover a wide variety of interests.
” – Christian from Zeeland, MI
The University of Detroit Mercy is a private institution based in Detroit, Michigan. The school is sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus. The school operates three campuses, McNichols, Riverfront, and Corktown, making...
The classes that I have been enrolled in have been challenging, yet reasonable. I feel as though I am learning a lot of material very thoroughly, but I am able to keep up with it. The small class size helps students learn more especially in...
” – Allison from Shelby Township, MI
Spring Arbor University is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Michigan. SAU offers over 70 programs of study, including electrical engineering, nursing and sports management. At SAU, spiritual growth goes hand in hand with academic...
The liberal arts emphasis allows you to really get a thorough knowledge of many different subjects. The professors relate the classes that are not in your major to life in general, so that you at least take one thing away from the class at the end...
” – Marcia from Dorr, MI
Originally founded as a teachers college, Central Michigan University has grown to become a 4-year public research institution. CMU encompasses eight colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic programs. In addition, CMU is home to...
Having only been at Central Michigan University for a year, I feel like I have learned so much. Not only are students taught so much in the classroom, they learn through volunteering and getting involved on campus.
” – Samantha from White Cloud, MI
The University of Michigan-Dearborn is a public university and a regional campus of the U of M system in the Detroit metro area. UM-Dearborn is home to four colleges of Business, Education, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences offering 75 bachelor’s...
My biology class had many interactive lab projects and we gathered information form outdoors and around the lab itself. That class gives you more information to learn and helps you understand plants, animals and all other living creatures better. My...
” – Rachel from Redford, MI
Founded in 1886 by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, Aquinas College is a Catholic liberal arts college in western Michigan. Aquinas offers undergraduate degrees in over 100 fields of study including the first Sustainable Business program in the...
The teachers here are really focused on helping students learn and are always open to discuss any problems you have. Also, the classes are stimulating and very interesting. Classes are small and everyone knows each other in the class and this helps...
” – Running Guy
Founded by an antislavery advocate in 1859, Adrian College is a 4-year liberal arts college in southeast Michigan. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Adrian awards bachelor’s degrees in 50 academic majors. In addition to classroom space...
Almost every professor here at Adrian knows their stuff and is very willing to work with you to make sure you thoroughly understand the class material. They will stay after class, meet with you during or outside of posted office hours, and help you...
” – Kelly from Wellington, OH
With the guidance of Henry and Edsel Ford, Lawrence Technological University developed during an innovation explosion that would change the world. LTU is still changing the world by preparing students in colleges of Arts & Sciences, Architecture &...
Lawrence Tech is a good University for students who want to have the whole college experience. Their programs consist of many classes to focus towards your degree, but there are other, core courses, that help students get a well-rounded education...
” – Melvena from Chicago, ILConcordia University in Ann Arbor is a Christian, liberal arts institution in the state of Michigan. CU-Ann Arbor encourages students to live uncommon lives for the betterment of themselves and their community, advocating for both student service and...
In the small classes at Concordia every student receives the specialized attention they require. The professors truly care about each of their students. I am in the education program and each of the professors I have for these courses is personally...
” – Kassandra from Flint, MI