Best Colleges in Michigan

Choosing a college can be one of the most exciting times for a student, but it also takes a lot of careful planning and consideration, especially if you have a plethora of schools to choose from.

When browsing through some of the best colleges your state has to offer, there are many things to consider, like cost of attendance, intended major, and acceptance rates, just to name a few! And with Michigan being the home to 171 colleges and universities, your options are definitely not limited, but who do you know which school is for you in a state that offers that much educational opportunity?

Today's article is all about the best schools in Michigan: what they have to offer, how to prepare your college application, tips on how to get your ducks in order and more. Bold.org is committed to the fight against student loan debt, so if you are interested in Michigan colleges, this article will provide you with all the valuable information you need when it comes to the right school for you and ways to get funded. Let's get started!

Bold.org offers exclusive scholarships for students all over the United States. Head over to our Scholarship blog to learn how to create a Bold profile and start applying today!

How to Apply for Colleges in Michigan

Unfortunately, scouting top colleges and choosing the one that's best for your future career is only half the battle. Working on the admissions application is the other, and without the proper setup and preparation, you may be selling yourself short.

Let's go over some ways to prepare your college application and maximize the chances of getting admitted to your choice of colleges in Michigan:

• Research is vital: This should always be the first step in the application process. Researching each school of choice allows you to know the programs and degrees offered, specific requirements, and deadlines for each institution you are interested in.
• Check costs: College costs can make or break a decision, so don't wait to look into the tuition, room & board, and all other school costs for each school. And note that there may be an application fee for each college you apply to.
• Check Deadlines: This is a major key! Knowing the deadlines for each school will keep you on track throughout the application process. These deadlines can be but are not limited to application dates, transcripts, financial aid and FAFSA, and any other relevant dates that affect the submission.
• Prepare paperwork: The application form, along with high school transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and personal statements/essays, may be required for submission. Gather them early so there's no hassle when deadlines arrive.
• Additional Materials: Some colleges may also require an interview or additional materials. It is important to carefully review the application instructions for each college and ensure that all the necessary criteria are met.
• Submit application: Once you have your ducks in a row, it's time to submit the application!

Though these rules are not the end all be all for the application process, they can help keep you on the right track and one step away from getting into your choice in top college in Michigan!

Tips for Applying to Colleges in Michigan

Aside from knowing how to navigate through the application process, it's important to keep a few personal tips under the belt for a smoother application process once it's time to apply. Here are some tips to help you get started on the college application process:

1. Start early: This is KEY. Researching colleges and their application requirements well in advance allows plenty of time to gather materials and complete the applications.
2. Create a timeline: Make a schedule of application deadlines for each college of choice and set aside time to work on them.
3. Personalize all applications: Application materials, such as personal statements/essays, to each college should demonstrate personal interest and fit with the institution.
4. Request letters of recommendation early: Ask teachers, counselors, or other mentors for letters of recommendation well in advance of the application deadlines.
5. Proofread materials: Double-check all application forms, essays, and any other written materials for errors or typos before submitting them.
6. Follow instructions: Pay close attention to each college's application requirements and make sure to provide all the necessary information and materials.
7. Seek help if needed: If you have questions or need assistance with your applications, don't hesitate to reach out to your school counselor, teachers, or other resources for support.

By following these tips and staying organized throughout the application process, students can increase their chances of successfully applying to colleges and finding the right fit for their academic and personal goals.

The Best Colleges in Michigan

A big part of the college search process is about finding the right college. This means knowing what programs are offered at each school, their choice in extracurricular activities, campus life, reputation, etc. Whether you're getting your bachelor's degree or doctoral degree or are interested in the different graduate programs offered, you must know all the key details.

Here is our list of the top colleges in Michigan and what they have to offer students:

1. University of Michigan - Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the University of Michigan offers undergraduate, graduate, and special programs for students. They have an 18% acceptance rate and 93% graduation rate, at an average cost of $17K, after aid.
2. Michigan State University - In the heart of East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is the nation's premier land-grant university and one of the top research universities in the world. With an acceptance rate of 88%, 81% graduation rate and a yearly cost of $11K, students who are passionate about research are sure to find their niche at this school.
3. Grand Valley State University - Known for their athletic achievements, Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale Charter Township, MI and is home to students from all over the nation. Grand Valley has an acceptance rate of 90%, a graduation rate of 67% and an annual average cost of $17K.

Other universities and colleges include, but are not limited to:

• Western Michigan University
• Wayne State University
• Michigan Technological University
• Calvin University
• Detroit Mercy
• Rochester Christian University
• Central Michigan University

Be sure to do your research on these schools, as well as others that you deem fit for your future goals. While Calvin University may offer the program that fits your passions, it may not have the same accommodations and campus life as Mount Pleasant or Detroit Mercy. So, don't sell yourself show and research, research, research! And be sure to check out some scholarships exclusively for Michigan State!

Best Community Colleges in Michigan

Though Bold.org is passionate about combatting student debt, tuition prices are still high, and some schools are just too expensive if the financial backing isn't there. This is why community colleges can be a great choice for students in search of a low-cost option for higher education. Most community colleges have a 100% acceptance rate, so it's important to focus less on the financial competition and more on ensuring it's an affordable fit.

We've compiled a list of some of the best community colleges in Michigan that can be the stepping-stone in the right direction. Check it out!

• Grand Rapids Community College
• Glen Oaks Community College
• Alpena Community College
• Lansing Community College
• Kalamazoo Valley Community College
• Monroe County Community College
• Macomb Community College
• North Central Community College

And the list goes on! These community colleges offer students an opportunity to get a great education without burying themselves in unnecessary student debt. And if you didn't know, there are scholarships available to students attending community college, as well.

How to Rank the Best Michigan Colleges

Now, while ranking and reputation are important factors to consider when choosing a college, they shouldn't be the deciding factor. However, it's still important to know how to measure their values.

Below are some ways to rank the best colleges in Michigan:

• Along with academic reputation, graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratio, post-graduation employment rates, acceptance rate, campus facilities, and student satisfaction are all ways to measure a university's rank.
• Look at rankings from reputable sources like U.S. News & World Report. These rankings often take into account factors like academic quality, student outcomes, and campus resources.
• Consider your own preferences and priorities when evaluating colleges, such as location, size, majors offered, and extracurricular activities.
• As always, researching each school will help you determine a school's rank.
• Visiting campuses can also give you a better sense of which Michigan colleges align best with your academic and personal goals.

Above all, you want to make sure the ranking of the school always supports your choice of institution. You also want to make sure it aligns with your passions, academic interests, and goals.

Facts About Colleges in Michigan

Now that we've reviewed everything there is to know about Michigan schools and how to jump-start your college and application journey, let's go over some fun facts about colleges in Michigan that you may not know:

• There are 171 active colleges and universities in Michigan. This includes 47 public colleges and 124 private colleges (45 nonprofit private schools and 79 for-profit private schools).
• The average acceptance rate among Michigan colleges is 71.4%.
• The average SAT score is 1120.
• The average undergraduate tuition and fees for Michigan colleges are $15,680 for in-state students (Michigan residents) and $17,997 for out-of-state students (non-residents).
• The average graduate school tuition and fees for Michigan colleges are $18,033 for in-state students and $20,639 for out-of-state students.
• There are over 503,000 students enrolled in a Michigan college or university.
• The average graduation rate at a Michigan college or university is 55.6%.
• The average student-to-faculty ratio is 14.09 to 1.

Do you see why research and preparation is key? There is so much information out there that can help you make the most informed decision possible when it comes to investing your time, money, energy, and efforts in your college education. So, take a breath, have a seat, and let the fun begin!

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Colleges

How many colleges are in Michigan?

Luckily for students looking to go to school in the Midwest, there are 171 colleges and universities in Michigan to choose from! Of this number, there are 47 public schools and 124 private schools, offering an abundance of different programs students can choose from. So, whether you're starting at Grand Rapids Community College or headed straight to Western Michigan University, the state of Michigan is home to over 100 colleges to choose from.

Is community college free in Michigan?

Though they generally cost less than traditional four-year colleges and universities, community college is not free in Michigan. The average annual tuition at a Michigan community college is $7,382, though the price tag can vary depending on a number of factors. The cost for in-state students averages about $4,914, significantly lower than the out-of-state price of $6,836. The cost is higher at private community colleges, where it averages about $11,100 annually.

What is the best college in Michigan?

Overall, the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ranks highest among Michigan colleges. UM-Ann Arbor is a notable college in a number of ways; it boasts an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio (lower than the national average of 15 to 1).

The school is large yet selective, with esteemed faculty in all departments and a wide array of majors and minors for prospective students to choose from. However, other notable schools like Wayne State University and Michigan Technological University are also great choices. Ultimately, the best college in Michigan should align with your goals, passions, and education aspirations.

Learn more on the ins and outs of higher education and landing scholarships on our Scholarship Blog. Be sure to sign up for a Bold.org account to gain access to our list of exclusive scholarships, as well!