Students in Michigan have a variety of higher education options, including online. Colleges across the state offer partially and fully online degrees and certificates to help you move your career forward. To help you choose the right online college in Michigan, this guide ranks the best schools in the state for online learning, and outlines the many benefits (and some pitfalls) of learning online at the college level. Review the top schools, read about online program formats, research accreditation, and find resources to help you along the way. If you’re ready to start or advance your career with a degree from a top online college in Michigan, keep reading.
Top Online Colleges in Michigan for 2023
Online learning success begins with finding the right school. This ranking of top online colleges in Michigan can help you do just that. Schools that made our list make it a priority to support their online students in achieving their academic and career goals. This includes offering affordable tuition rates, generous financial aid opportunities, flexible scheduling, a variety of online degree options, and strong student services. Learn more about top-rated online colleges in Michigan below, and find the one that meets your needs.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Ann Arbor, MichiganPublic $$$$
The University of Michigan Ann Arbor offers students a wide variety of options to study online, not only toward undergraduate or graduate degree completion, but also to expand their knowledge with certificate courses, online learning events, and online courses that allow students to explore curated and interdisciplinary educational content. The online degree programs are offered in both fully online and hybrid accredited degree programs, completable in one-two years. Applicants will need to complete the application and fee and provide program-specific requirements. Below, we’ve highlighted three of the university’s online degree programs.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Health Infrastructures and Learning Systems
- Credits: 27
- Length: 12-27 months
- Cost: $1,582 per credit hour (Resident); $3,043 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Online MBA
- Credits: 57
- Length: 3.5-4 years
- Cost: $1,828 per credit hour (Resident); $2,003 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Master of Engineering in Manufacturing
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $1,359 per credit hour (Resident); $1,505 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Mount Pleasant, MichiganPublic $$$
Central Michigan University has been providing students with the option to choose online programs for more than 20 years. The university offers a wide variety of online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. CMU’s online program focuses on providing students with the flexibility they need and the academic rigor they’re looking for in a program. Through hands-on learning and research opportunities, students develop the confidence and fired-up attitude that prepares them for their careers. Courses are provided through Blackboard. Students can expect to access courses several times a week at their convenience, as there will be weekly assignments and due dates in addition to discussion board posts. Some classes may have a synchronous component where students and faculty meet for a live lecture or discussion. Admission requirements vary by program, but every applicant will need to complete the application and fee and send transcripts. We’ve highlighted three of CMU’s programs below.
Program Highlights:
Special Education: The Master Teacher M.A.
- Credits: 30-33
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $726 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Educational Leadership M.A.
- Credits: 30-36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $726 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Political Science
- Credits: 21-33
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $474 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Grand Rapids, MichiganPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Davenport University’s Online Global Campus was Michigan’s first online learning community and is now among the best online colleges in the nation. Davenport’s global campus, Online+, offers more than 30 online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Courses are delivered in four format options: on-demand (asynchronous), Livestream (synchronous), flex (combination of in-person learning and on-demand coursework), and blended (Select from in-person, on-demand, or Livestream formats for each week’s classes). All Online+ courses use Blackboard and/or Blackboard Collaborate for instructions, assignments, assessments, and more. Students receive support through a dedicated Global Campus admissions team, online student support center, online tutoring, and more.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $959 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 30 or 39
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $959 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s in Technology Project Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $885 per credit hour (Resident); $598 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Owosso, MichiganPrivate not-for-profit $$
Baker College offers a wide variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Baker is committed to allowing students to control their own education path. There are two different formats for taking online classes at Baker. Baker Online is the school’s online campus, and it enables students to take classes with a flexible schedule so they get the campus learning experience at their own pace. There are no class meetings, but students complete weekly assignments and discussion posts with other students and professors. Students can complete their work when convenient and learn at their own pace. Online Live offers classes conducted in real-time online. It’s a more traditional learning option that incorporates technology with real-time lectures and labs to give students an opportunity to learn from professors, from anywhere. Admission requirements will vary by program, but every student will need to fill out a complete application and provide transcripts. We’ve highlighted three of the online programs below.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science Information Systems
- Credits: 36
- Length: 1.5-2 years
- Cost: $695 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education (Program); Higher Learning Commission (School)
Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $695 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (Program); Higher Learning Commission (School)
Bachelor of Business Administration Logistics
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $435 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education (Program); Higher Learning Commission (School)
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
8/1
-
Allendale, MichiganPublic $$$
Grand Valley State University offers online and hybrid programs, badges, and certificates at all levels of education. Degree programs are primarily offered in a hybrid format and meet the same quality standards as traditional in-person classes. Class sizes are small to ensure a low student-to-faculty ratio, and students can expect courses designed using the recommended best practices of course delivery, supporting the development of a community of online learners. Online and hybrid academic courses generally follow the regular semester schedule and are not self-paced. While some classroom or synchronous time may be required for hybrid courses, and some synchronous time may be required for online, the majority of coursework is available online. This allows students to learn from anywhere.
Program Highlights:
Clinical Dietetics, M.S.
- Credits: 52-55
- Length:5 semesters
- Cost: $796 per credit hour
- Mode: Hybrid, online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Occupational Therapy, M.S.
- Credits: 80-81
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $796 per credit hour
- Mode: In person, hybrid
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Hospitality and Tourism Management, B.S.
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $615 per credit hour (Resident); $852 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: In person, hybrid, online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Kalamazoo, MichiganPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Houghton, MichiganPublic $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Ypsilanti, MichiganPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Dearborn, MichiganPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
University Center, MichiganPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Detroit, MichiganPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Livonia, MichiganPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Rochester Hills, MichiganPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
East Lansing, MichiganPublic $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Big Rapids, MichiganPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Jackson, MichiganPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Marquette, MichiganPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Wyoming, MichiganPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Lansing, MichiganPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Traverse City, MichiganPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Livonia, MichiganPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Flint, MichiganPublic $
Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan offers many degrees, certificates, and certifications entirely online. Whether you are a transfer student, international student, or dual-enrolled high school student or have another background, there’s a pathway for your individualized needs. MCC also offers a Gold Card Scholarship for full tuition to senior citizens over 60 who reside within the district. Online degree and certificate programs as well as hybrid courses include those in computer programming, early childhood education, accounting, maintenance technician, welding, and more.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
- Credits: 65
- Length: 5 semesters
- Cost: $142/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
- Credits: 66
- Length: 5 semesters
- Cost: $142/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems
- Credits: 68
- Length: 5 semesters
- Cost: $142/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Ann Arbor, MichiganPublic $
Washtenaw Community College offers online programs in five academic concentrations: business, broadcast media and digital arts, general studies and transfer, human services and pre-education, and computer technology. There are dozens of highly-specialized degrees and certificates ranging in topics from entrepreneurship and innovation to criminal justice. There are 137 programs to choose from, 49 of which are online. Online learning at Washtenaw Community College is offered either on-demand and accessible online 24/7 or in a virtual classroom that mirrors the traditional classroom experience with a specific day and time to meet.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Arts in Secondary Education
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $108/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate in Applied Science in Retail Management
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $108/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Certificate in 3D Animation
- Credits: 23
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $108/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Battle Creek, MichiganPublic $$
Kellogg Community College offers dozens of online courses each semester and six online degree programs. Online degrees include an Associate in Arts, Associate in Applied Science in Accounting, Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, Associate in Applied Science in Human Services, and more. You can complete your studies completely online except for the fieldwork requirements that are a part of the ECE and Human Services programs. Online classes are either fully online, hybrid, or web-enhanced formats.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $127.50/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Applied Science in Business Management
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $127.50/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Applied Science in Human Service
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $127.50/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Ironwood, MichiganPublic $$
Gogebic Community College offers several associate degree programs entirely online that are flexible and allow you to transfer to a four-year college or university to continue your education. Programs include an Associate of Arts in General Education, Associate of Arts in Business Administration, Associate of Applied Business in Accounting, Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming, and more. You can also choose a certificate program, like a Medical Coding and Billing Specialist Certificate of Completion and a Computer Programming Certificate of Completion.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Business
- Credits: 61-62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $134/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
University Center, MichiganPublic $$
Delta College, a national top 10 technology innovations winner, costs 50% less than a public university. It offers hundreds of online classes each semester on a wide range of academic topics. Online associate degrees include an Associate in Business Studies in Business Information Technology, Associate in Applied Arts in Criminal Justice Corrections, Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity, and more. You can also complete certificate programs in accounting, plant-based nutrition, medical scribe, and more in less time. In addition, there are 140+ in-person and blended degree and certificate programs.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Arts in Criminal Justice – Corrections
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $121/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science and Information Technology
- Credits: 71
- Length:2 years
- Cost: $121/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate in Business Studies, General Management
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $121/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Grayling, MichiganPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Lansing, MichiganPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Port Huron, MichiganPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Grand Rapids, MichiganPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Muskegon, MichiganPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Harrison, MichiganPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
Online Learning Formats at Michigan Colleges
Choosing a program that matches how, when, and where you learn best is crucial for doing well in college. Here’s a look at the most common online college learning modes along with examples of online programs in Michigan that use them to help you understand how they work.
Hybrid & Blended versus Fully Online
Some online colleges in Michigan offer fully online and 100% online programs featuring all virtual didactic coursework and no campus visits. Sometimes, though, these programs have in-person requirements like internships, clinical hours, classroom observation, or field experiences.
Program types also sometimes are hybrid or blended. Hybrid programs have online components that fully or partly replace in-person instruction, while blended programs combine online elements (e.g., reading and writing assignments, tests, research, etc.) with on-campus classes.
The program type often depends on the academic discipline. Degree programs preparing graduates for jobs requiring licensure, certification, hands-on skills, or face-to-face interaction are typically hybrid or blended.
The two Michigan online degrees described below provide examples of fully online and partially online formats.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Madonna University (Blended/Hybrid)
Madonna University, a private, Catholic-affiliated institution in Southfield, offers a hybrid Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program that allows students with no previous nursing experience to earn a nursing bachelor’s degree in as few as 16 months. Admission is open to applicants with either a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or who have completed 60 credits of prerequisite college coursework and other requirements. The full-time hybrid curriculum combines online didactic coursework with skills and simulation labs at the program’s learning site as well as substantial in-person clinical rotation hours at a partner facility in the Detroit area. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, a requirement for state licensure as a Registered Nurse. Tuition for this 53-credit hour program is $1,011/credit.
Master of Science in Healthcare Management – Leadership at Michigan State University (Fully-Online)
Among the many fully-online master’s programs available from Michigan State University is its MS in Healthcare Management – Leadership degree. The program provides current healthcare professionals with critical thinking and leadership skills along with business acumen to take on a range of advanced management positions in the healthcare industry. Courses are delivered 100% online in five-week modules in a hybrid format that includes synchronous live-streamed class sessions. The 42-credit hour program can be completed with a minimum of 28 months of full-time study.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA in the last two years of the program, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation. Tuition is $39,000 for both Michigan and non-Michigan residents.
Synchronous versus Asynchronous
Asynchronous programs have no set class times. Students typically access and complete all coursework, including pre-recorded class sessions, at times most convenient to them. Synchronous programs, conversely, are those where some or all class sessions are attended online via live stream at specifically-scheduled dates and times. Generally speaking, students working full-time or with otherwise busy schedules may find an asynchronous program an absolute must. Those with more flexible schedules may benefit more from the real-time interaction with instructors and fellow students that a synchronous program provides.
Below are Michigan online programs featuring asynchronous and synchronous formats to help understand how they work.
Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degree Completion at the University of Michigan-Flint (Asynchronous)
Michigan students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree that prepares them for an IT career should consider the Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degree Completion (AODC) program available from the University of Michigan-Flint. Students in this accelerated program complete two, seven-week courses each semester to finish the entire program in as few as ten months. They also complete four courses in two of three IT concentrations: Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Data Analytics & Interpretation, and Digital Communication. All coursework is 100% online and asynchronous. AODC students also have access to 24/7 technical support through UM-Flint’s Office of Online & Digital Education.
Admission into this program requires a minimum of 25 college credits, but a bachelor’s or associate degree is not required. Tuition is $516 for Michigan residents, $569.50 for non-Michigan U.S. residents, and $1,032.75 for international students. Students may be eligible for scholarships of up to $8,000 in their first year. Six start dates are available annually.
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies at Davenport University (Synchronous)
The BS in Legal Studies at Davenport University prepares students to enter the legal profession as a paralegal or to continue to law school and become an attorney. The curriculum combines general education and foundational business coursework with core legal studies and elective courses that help students tailor their studies to a specific area, like criminal or family law. Students can also complete one of two specializations, General Practice or Litigation Technology, in place of their electives. This program is in a synchronous “Online+” format in which students complete degree requirements through a combination of asynchronous online coursework and online, live-streamed, evening classes.
The 120-credit program takes four years of full-time study. Tuition is $885 for Michigan residents and $598 (discounted via a tuition grant) for non-Michigan residents. Michigan residents are typically eligible for several school-based scholarships, grants, and discounts.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time
Most online colleges in Michigan offer full-time and part-time degree programs. Part-time study is particularly common with online programs because of the popularity of distance learning for working adults. This is especially true for mid-level professionals looking to move into senior leadership positions by earning an advanced degree while still working. The advantage of a full-time program is being able to earn a degree much more quickly than taking classes part-time.
The degree programs featured below are from online colleges in Michigan and feature full-time and part-time study.
Online MasterTrack Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan (Part-Time)
The Online MasterTrack Master of Social Work program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor offers both full-time and part-time options. The part-time option begins with the completion of the MasterTrack Certificate program offered in conjunction with Coursera. The program costs $2,000, is 100% online, and includes live class sessions. Students earn their certificates in four to six months.
After completing the certificate program, students continue to the MSW program which requires 28 months of part-time study. Didactic coursework is delivered fully online through both asynchronous and synchronous coursework. The program also requires 912 clock hours of field instruction at a program-approved practice site. The estimated program cost for the 45-credit MSW program is $47,737 for Michigan residents and $75,960 for non-Michigan residents.
Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Calvin University (Full-Time)
The Online Master of Speech-Language Pathology at Calvin University, a private, Christian school in Grand Rapids, provides the didactic coursework and clinical practice hours needed for professional certification as a speech-language pathologist. The curriculum combines online asynchronous didactic coursework with 400 clinical practice hours. The program has two full-time track options. The two-year full-time track involves two didactic courses plus a clinic course in each eight-week block. The three-year track involves one didactic course per eight-week block over the first academic year and one didactic course plus a clinic course each eight-week block in the second and third years. All students are allowed up to three years to complete their degrees regardless of track. Tuition for this 72-credit hour program is $920 and is all-inclusive with no additional fees.
Accreditation at Michigan Online Colleges
Accreditation of postsecondary institutions and the degree programs they offer indicates that your degree program meets important standards of academic quality. Proper accreditation is also a requirement for federal and state student financial aid eligibility. Institutional accreditation concerns the vetting of colleges and universities overall. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is the regional accrediting body for colleges and universities in Michigan. Programmatic accreditation concerns the vetting of individual degree programs and is overseen by dozens of professional organizations. Not all degree programs or academic fields have programmatic accreditation. For programs that prepare graduates for occupations in disciplines that are highly regulated or require government licensing or certification (e.g., nursing, engineering, education, social work, etc.), programmatic accreditation is a must. Visit OCM’s Guide to Accreditation for more on accreditation.
What Your Online Degree in Michigan Could Cost
According to the most recent (2020-2021) data from the U.S. Department of Education, the average total cost for an undergraduate degree for Michigan residents attending a Michigan public 4-year college is $13,716. That’s approximately $4,500 higher than the national average.
What you actually pay for your online degree in Michigan depends on many variables, including the degree type, program length, whether the school is public or private, and where you live. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll likely save money in an online program as compared to a traditional on-campus one once you factor in savings on transportation.
The chart below provides undergraduate online and on-campus tuition rates for five Michigan colleges to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for your degree program. Your total program price tag will be higher once you add in the costs for program fees, books, supplies, etc.
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker College | $435/credit | $435/credit | $435/credit | $435/credit |
| Central Michigan University | $440/credit (lower level); $474/credit (upper level) | $440/credit (lower level); $474/credit (upper level) | $440/credit (lower level); $474/credit (upper level) | $440/credit (lower level); $474/credit (upper level) |
| Ferris State University | $467/credit | $467/credit (U.S. residents and Canadians) | $479/credit | S479/credit (U.S. residents and Canadians) |
| Northern Michigan University | $491.50/credit | $720.50/credit | $541.50/credit | $541.50/credit |
| Northwood University | $1,155/credit | $ 1,155/credit | $ 1,155/credit | $1,155/credit |
* Costs are tuition only, not including fees except for distance education fees.
Financial Aid for Michigan Online College Students
For students of online colleges in Michigan, the full slate of financial aid resources available to traditional on-campus students is available for them as well. Common sources include student loans obtained through the U.S. Government’s Federal Student Aid program, scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement programs, fellowships and assistantships (primarily for graduate students), and VA benefits (for military).
Begin your financial aid search with the Michigan State government using the MI Scholarship Search database and the MI Student Aid – Students and Families webpage. You can also access the scholarship and grant websites for individual Michigan colleges and Universities. Examples include the following:
- Michigan State University Scholarships & Grants
- Michigan Tech Scholarships
- Northwestern University Scholarships & Grants
- University of Michigan Scholarships
To learn more about funding your college degree, check out these guides to financial aid and scholarships.
Career Potential in Michigan for College Grads
If you’re certain a college degree is in your future but uncertain about your choice of career, start by considering jobs in the fastest-growing career fields. The chart below offers a look at ten occupations projected to be among the fastest-growing in Michigan over the next several years.
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 50.9% | $108,770 |
| Statistician | 35.3% | $92,770 |
| Epidemiologist | 33.3% | $76,910 |
| Physician Assistant | 31.9% | $111,990 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 31.5% | $107,820 |
| Logistician | 29.7% | $82,620 |
| Data Scientist | 29.4% | $86,680 |
| Information Security Analyst | 28.2% | $94,780 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | 27.6% | $38,750 |
| Curators | 26.3% | $58,310 |
Resources for Online College Students in Michigan
Are You Ready for Online Learning?
Written for North Central Michigan College students, this article offers great advice that applies regardless of where you go to school. Topics include online learning, time management, and stress management.
Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU)
MASU’s Student Success webpage provides access to a variety of great resources, including information on free tuition and other financial aid programs, veterans services, and success initiatives along with a guide to Michigan’s public universities.
Michigan Colleges Access Network (MCAN)
MCAN offers a wide range of resources, including a virtual assistant that connects Michigan students with a wealth of information and support services.
Michigan Colleges Alliance (MCA)
MCA offers information about many access, affordability, and outcome initiatives. It also provides a downloadable viewbook with extensive information on each member school.
Michigan Community College Association (MCCA)
MCCA provides extensive information on Michigan’s community colleges and many of its professional associations. Resources include four “Centers of Excellence” that provide connections related to collaborative programs, student success programs, Michigan’s online colleges, and job training programs.
This service offers tools to help Michigan residents 25 or older who are interested in returning to college obtain funding to earn an associate degree or skills certificate.
Michigan Transfer Network (MiTransfer)
The MiTransfer website provides college students with a wealth of resources to make transferring between colleges and universities easier. These include help planning your transfer, information on how courses transfer, an explanation of the Michigan Transfer Agreement, and more.