Are you shopping for affordable online colleges in Michigan? If so, Affordable Schools would like to help. We’ve ranked the best cheap online universities for traditional and adult students to fulfill their higher education goals.
Settled in 1622, Michigan has become America’s 10th most populous state with 9.99 million people. Approximately 508,875 of these “Great Lakes State” residents are enrolled in college. Michigan currently has 46 public and 44 private institutions to choose from. The University of Michigan system serves 63,093 pupils from 128 nations with 97 percent retention. Michigan State University boasts the eighth-largest U.S. campus enrollment of 50,531. The Michigan Community College Network includes 28 two-year schools with sites in nearly all 83 counties. From Detroit to Marquette, Michigan fills two peninsulas with post-secondary opportunities to boost its $530 billion economy.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Michigan the 37th best state for collegiate education. In particular, Michigan landed 14th for opportunity and fifth for affordability. The state’s average tuition in 2018-19 was $12,262 for Michiganders and $30,298 for non-residents. Expenses can be exponentially higher at private Michigan schools though. For instance, Kalamazoo College has a full-time yearly tuition of $50,046. Overall university costs have risen 168 percent more than inflation since the 1990s statewide! That’s why we’re here to help maximize your budget. Let’s explore affordable Michigan online colleges that keep education accessible 24/7 and within monetary reach.
Methodology
First, the AS Staff used the U.S. Department of Education’s College Navigator tool to find affordable Michigan online colleges. We clicked the distance education box to include only those schools that offer online degrees. Our results located 25 public and private institutions with at least one entirely online undergraduate degree. Second, we went to the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database. Here we double-checked that each online Michigan college had regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Third, we narrowed the initial pool to 10 based on average in-state attendance costs. We recorded how much Michigan residents pay for full-time tuition and fees each year. Our team then researched and wrote about the 10 cheapest online Michigan schools that bill under $13,000 annually for their undergraduate degree programs.
Ranking Low-Cost Online Michigan Colleges
10. Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
Average In-State Tuition: $12,960
Conferred a 2019 CASE District V Circle of Excellence Award, Central Michigan University is an innovative public, coed APLU member in the Mid-American Conference that’s endowed for $182 million to empower 21,705 Chippewas from 66 countries at a 21:1 student-faculty ratio. CMU is divided into eight colleges with 77 percent retention online, on its 480-acre Mount Pleasant campus, and at 60+ global locations, including 14 military bases. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Central Michigan 102nd for online bachelor’s and 73rd for online MBA programs. Washington Monthly declared CMU the 197th top master’s institution and 133rd best Midwest value. Central Michigan University kicks off our 10 cheap online schools in Michigan with $12,960 in-state expenses. On Blackboard, the Global Campus starts hundreds of HLC-accredited courses every eight, 12, or 16 weeks with Online Ally services. Online CMU students can register for 15 bachelor’s, 14 master’s, and three doctoral degrees like the:
- Bachelor of Applied Arts in Integrated Leadership Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Design
- Bachelor of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Development
- Bachelor of Science in International Business
- Bachelor of Science in Public and Nonprofit Administration
- Master of Arts in Learning, Design and Technology
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Master of Arts in Reading and Literacy K-12 Education
- Master of Science in Information Resource Management
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
9. Oakland University
Rochester, MI
Average In-State Tuition: $12,606
Given the 2019 AASCU Leadership Development & Diversity Award, Oakland University is a public, doctoral-granting Horizon League member that’s endowed for $101.7 million to serve 19,013 Golden Grizzlies at a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. Oakland has seven schools available online, on its 1,443-acre Metro Detroit campus, or at the Anton/Frankel Center in Mount Clemens. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Oakland the 137th best online school and 237th top social mobility performer. Forbes crowned OU the 206th top public college. Our website named Oakland University the ninth best cheap Michigan online college with $12,606 average in-state tuition. Since 2010, the Online Learning Department has developed 250+ HLC-accredited Web courses in eight- or 16-week formats. Online Oakland students must pass a Moodle orientation before these two affordable bachelor’s and eight graduate degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion for RNs
- Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership
- Master of Science in Engineering Management
- Master of Education in EI Special Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching Reading and Language Arts
- Master of Science in Safety Management
- Master of Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Education Specialist in Leadership
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
8. Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI
Average In-State Tuition: $12,508
Named a 2019 Corp! Salute to Diversity Champion Award finalist, Eastern Michigan University is a selective public, four-year MAC member founded by Adonijah Welch that’s endowed for $85.8 million to support 1,282 faculty and 18,838 Eagles from 85 countries. Seven HLC-accredited EMU colleges report 71.58 percent retention online, on its 122-building Ypsilanti campus, and at eight extension centers from Livonia to Traverse City. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Eastern Michigan 53rd for online business and 159th for online education programs. On Niche, EMU has America’s 232nd hardest admission and 326th most liberal academics. Affordable Schools placed Eastern Michigan University eighth among cheap online colleges in Michigan with a $12,508 in-state price. Based in Boone Hall, EMU Online logs into Canvas to deliver 550+ virtual courses in accelerated 7.5- or traditional 15-week sessions. Eastern Michigan students always pay in-state rates online for five bachelor’s and 11 master’s options, including the:
- Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
- Bachelor of Science in Technology Management
- Bachelor of General Studies in Individualized Studies
- Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
- Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications
- Master of Science in Quality Management
- Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
- Master of Arts in Social Foundations and Community Education
- Master of Science in Human Nutrition
7. Lake Superior State University
Sault Sainte Marie, MI
Average In-State Tuition: $11,895
Home to the 2014 MASU Statewide Distinguished Professor of the Year, Lake Superior State University is a small public, four-year WCHA member on the Upper Peninsula that’s endowed for $20.7 million to educate 2,637 Lakers for nearly 100 percent job placement. LSSU splits into 12 schools with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio online, on its 115-acre Canadian border campus, and at six regional centers. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Lake Superior State the Midwest’s 45th best institution with the 43rd most social mobility. Washington Monthly chose LSSU for the 99th best baccalaureate college nationally. Lake Superior State University stands seventh among the AS Staff’s affordable online Michigan colleges with average $11,895 in-state costs. Regionally accredited in March 2017, the College of Professional Studies provides 16-week fall and spring or 12-week summer sessions on Moodle and at hybrid off-campus sites. Lake Superior State students select from 10 distance education programs, such as the:
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Generalist
- Bachelor of Science in General Studies
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Post License
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
- Bachelor of Science in Individual Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Corrections
- Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business
6. Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
Average In-State Tuition: $11,788
Chosen for the 2019 IIE Heiskell Award Honorable Mention, Ferris State University is a diverse public, civic-engaged AASCU member named for Woodbridge Nathan Ferris in Big Rapids that’s endowed for $78.7 million to instruct 13,798 Bulldogs, including 1,005 online, from 50+ countries. Eight degree-granting FSU colleges employ 584 faculty providing 188 degrees in 20 different delivery modes for a 63 percent graduation rate. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Ferris State 50th for business and 68th for nursing programs online. For 2020, Niche crowned FSU America’s 67th best criminal justice school and 175th best free application college. Our list positions Ferris State University sixth among affordable online Michigan schools with $11,788 in-state tuition. On Canvas, Ferris Online offers condensed 7.5- or full 15-week digital HLC-accredited courses with Academic Support Center resources 24/7. Off-campus FSU students can pursue 10 bachelor’s and seven graduate online degrees like the:
- Bachelor of Science in HVACR Engineering Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
- Bachelor of Science in Automotive Management
- Bachelor of Science in Technical Education
- Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies
- Master of Healthcare Administration
- Master of Science in Information Security and Intelligence
- Master of Business Administration in Project Management
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Education
5. University of Michigan-Flint
Flint, MI
Average In-State Tuition: $11,304
Granted the 2019 Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Chapter of the Year Award, the University of Michigan-Flint is a public, coed research-based AACSB member that’s endowed for $113.1 million to teach 7,297 Wolverines from 42 countries with 118 clubs for 72.26 percent retention. UM-Flint has five HLC-accredited colleges available online or on its 76-acre “Vehicle City” campus in Mid-Michigan with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report named Flint 53rd for nursing and 180th for teaching degrees online. Washington Monthly deemed UM-Flint the 191st top Midwest value and 314th best master’s institution. The University of Michigan-Flint is this ranking’s fifth best affordable online school with an $11,304 in-state rate. Launched in January 2000, the Office of Extended Learning has a 24/7 Help Desk for accessing 200+ seven- or 15-week courses on Blackboard. Online UM-Flint students can completely earn nine bachelor’s and 11 graduate degrees, such as the:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Substance Use Treatment and Intervention
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
- Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems
- Master of Arts in Inclusive Education
- Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Arts in Applied Communication
- Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
4. Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI
Average In-State Tuition: $10,729
Bestowed a 2018 Tau Kappa Epsilon Excellence in Involvement Award, Northern Michigan University is the Upper Peninsula’s largest public, four-year GLIAC member that’s endowed for $15.9 million to employ 457 faculty inspiring 8,001 Wildcats from 26 nations in 180+ programs. Five NMU divisions are made available online and on its 52-building, tobacco-free Marquette campus with selective 66 percent acceptance. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Northern Michigan the Midwest’s 59th best value and 15th top public school. WalletHub picked NMU 215th for financial aid and 423rd for educational outcomes. Northern Michigan University finished fourth among our most affordable colleges online with $10,729 in-state pricing. On EduCat Moodle, the Global Campus provides 100+ HLC-accredited online courses of four to 16 weeks each term with no-cost LTE internet service. Online NMU learners can transfer up to 92 previous credits for 13 undergrad and 15 post-bachelor’s degrees, including the:
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
- Associate of Arts in General Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Ski Area Business Management
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Loss Prevention Management
- Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs
- Master of Arts in Reading K-8 Education
- Master of Science in Clinical Molecular Genetics
- Master of Public Administration
3. Walsh College
Troy, MI
Average In-State Tuition: $10,687
Presented a 2018 Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Gold-Level Award, Walsh College is a private, nonprofit NSA Center of Academic Excellence that’s endowed for $9.4 million to “Live, Breathe Business” by teaching 4,400 students from 64 countries at an average age of 30. Led by CEO Marsha Kelliher, Walsh College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio for 61 percent retention online, on its 40-acre Metro Detroit campus, and at three satellites. College Factual ranked Walsh 155th for accounting and 101st for general business degrees. The U.S. Department of Education applauded Walsh for the sixth best Michigan salary ROI of $57,800. Walsh College won bronze as our website’s third best low-cost online college in Michigan with a $10,687 annual tuition in-state. Since 1998, Walsh Online has followed an 88-point quality checklist for accelerated, 11-week quarter courses with HLC accreditation. There’s year-round registration for online students to begin six bachelor’s and seven master’s degrees, such as the:
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
- Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business
- Master of Science in Human Resources Management
- Master of Arts in General Business
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership
- Master of Business Administration
2. Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI
Average In-State Tuition: $10,308
Selected for a 2018 Insight Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence Award, Saginaw Valley State University is Michigan’s youngest public, four-year GLIAC member that’s endowed for $86.2 million to help 10,498 Cardinals from 48 nations soar with a 73 percent retention rate. SVSU has 55+ years of experience operating five colleges online, on its 748-acre Kochville Township campus, and at the Macomb Regional Center with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Saginaw Valley 266th for public affairs and 177th for engineering programs. On Niche, SVSU boasts America’s 242nd top public education and 277th best student life. Saginaw Valley State University is Affordable Schools’ second best cheap online Michigan college with $10,308 in-state costs. Since 2017, the Graduate Programs Division has logged into Canvas to provide skill-based, HLC-accredited master’s courses asynchronously. SVSU post-grads apply until July 1st, November 1st, and March 15th for five fully online degrees:
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Arts in Technology Learning Systems and Design
- Master of Public Administration
1. Baker College
Flint, MI
Average In-State Tuition: $9,800
Awarded the Online Learning Consortium’s Quality Scorecard Exemplary Endorsement in 2016, Baker College is a nonprofit, career-oriented MACRAO member founded by Eldon E. Baker that’s endowed for $33.77 million to enroll 8,819 undergrads and 346 post-grads for 69.9 percent retention. Baker splits into six HLC-accredited colleges with a 35:1 student-faculty ratio online, on its main 53-acre Flint Township campus, or at eight Lower Peninsula sites. On Niche, Baker boasts America’s 198th safest learning environment. Payscale noticed Baker College for the 511th best 20-year average net ROI of $299,000. College Factual placed Baker 44th for business and 35th for computer science degrees. Baker College is the AS Staff’s #1 best affordable Michigan online college with a $9,800 in-state rate. Switched to Canvas in 2017, the Global Campus gives 24/7 access to fast-paced, six-week online courses with Academic Resource Center services. Baker Online students pursue 25 undergrad and 17 graduate degrees like the:
- Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement
- Associate of Business Administration in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Master of Science in Cloud Security Risk Management
- Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Master of Business Administration in Business Intelligence
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Master of Science in K-12 Educational Leadership
According to the Census Bureau, only 28.1 percent of Michigan residents age 25 or older have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Slightly more, 35.6 percent, have at least an associate degree. The “Wolverine State” ranks 30th nationwide in terms of higher learning attainment. That’s a problem because nine out of 10 new jobs require college education. The Lumina Foundation reports that bachelor’s graduates make an average $32,000 more than high school graduates. The likelihood of finding a high-quality job with benefits is also 47 percent higher. Fortunately, Michigan is financially helping more people of all ages benefit from college. The Michigan Tuition Grant provides up to $1,626 each year for in-state residents with unmet need. The Michigan Competitive Scholarship gifts $1,000 to students with at least 23 ACT or 1200 SAT scores. Other offerings include the Tuition Incentive Program, Gear Up Scholarship, Fostering Futures Scholarship, Dual Enrollment Grant, and Children of Veterans Tuition Grant. Picking from the 10 low-cost online Michigan colleges above will also boost your savings on an accredited degree.
AS Staff
December 2019
This concludes our list of the 10 most affordable online colleges in Michigan for 2020.
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