For many, the norm is to attend school immediately proceeding high school. However, for those who don’t choose that path, attending college can be difficult. For working adults, a typical school schedule isn’t always feasible. Online schools in Michigan make it possible for an individual who works to attend school before or after work. This makes it possible for a first-time adult student to complete a college degree. Additionally, individuals who already have a degree and would like to further their education can go to school while working. Those looking for a career change can benefit from online schools in Michigan as well.  

A Michigan online school can also make it possible for parents to attend college. A stay-at-home, single, or working parent can choose from one of the accredited online colleges in Michigan. A Michigan online school allows the individual to attend school while his or her kids sleep, play, or are at school. Those with transportation issues may opt for one of the accredited online colleges in Michigan rather than a traditional school. Michigan online colleges don’t require a student to have a vehicle. Moreover, Michigan online colleges don’t require a long commute time that can interfere with a person’s schedule.  

Ranking the Best Online Colleges in Michigan

The Value Colleges ranking of the Best Online Colleges in Michigan is intended to point students to the best choices for non-traditional students. Quality is crucial to value, so Value Colleges features only accredited institutions proven to provide students with a real return on their investment. Schools are presented in order of a number of online undergraduate degrees.

1. Davenport University

When you plan to attend one of the best online colleges in Michigan, you want to consider Davenport University. The school offers 19 online degree programs at the undergraduate level. The degree programs allow you to study topics that range from accounting and accounting fraud investigation to computer science and finance. The variety of options allows students to focus on a career path that fits their personal interests and goals.

A key way Davenport University differs from other online programs is the focus on quality and support. Students are able to gain the same education they would from the on-campus classes, but they have the flexibility to work at their own pace and from the comfort of home. The school also focuses on providing students with active support and assistance to ensure that they are ready for the rigors of their careers. Davenport University offers an employment guarantee for students in certain fields. The guarantee is that students will have a job within six months of completing their degrees.

Number of Online Programs: 19

2. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University is one of the best online colleges in Michigan. The university offers 15 online programs at the undergraduate level and prepares students for the challenges they will face when moving into a competitive career. The school offers courses that range from nursing and administration to psychology and political science. The variety of different types of programs ensures that students are able to focus on a career that fits their personal interests.

Central Michigan University at Mount Pleasant offers scholarships that apply to students in the online programs. The scholarships through the university are based on merit, so students must comply with the standards set by the university to qualify for the scholarship. It allows students who are looking for ways to cut back on the costs to address their concerns. Central Michigan University at Mount Pleasant offers three online undergraduate degree programs at an accelerated pace so students can graduate early.

Number of Online Programs: 15

3. Northwood University

Northwood University offers 11 online undergraduate programs for students who want to work on their bachelor’s degrees. The programs range from aftermarket management and applied management to franchising management and entrepreneurship. Students are able to learn the skills they need to take on roles in a corporate or business environment, as well as the skills to build and develop their own businesses.

A key way Northwood University in Michigan stands out from other programs is the focus on business and management skills. The school offers a variety of management degree programs through the online program that prepares students to take on leadership roles within a business. It also teaches students the skills they need to handle different situations based on the industry. Northwood University in Michigan is ranked in the top 20 online marketing programs in the country.

Number of Online Programs: 11

4. Siena Heights University

Siena Heights University is one of the best online colleges in Michigan for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s program. The school offers 10 online degree programs at the undergraduate level that prepares students for a rigorous career. The degree programs range from accounting and finance to religious studies and professional communication. Students can focus on a variety of subjects and find the right degree to fit their personal goals for a career.

Siena Heights University offers online programs that are designed around the needs of adult learners. It recognizes that adults who decide to pursue a higher level of education may have a job or personal obligations that limit their availability. That is why it offers fully online programs that allow students to work at their own pace. Siena Heights University is ranked as the 23rd best online college for military veterans by U.S. News and World Reports.

Number of Online Programs: 10

5. Ferris State University

Ferris State University offers 10 online degree programs at the undergraduate level. The degree programs allow students to study topics that range from dental hygiene and allied health sciences to nursing and integrated studies. The variety of topics ensures that students are able to find a degree program that fits their goals and situation.

The way Ferris State University in Big Rapids stands out is the focus on subjects related to the medical industry. Students have a variety of topics to study that involve medical treatments. That allows students who plan to work in a health-related field to find a program that fits their personal goals and interests. It also offers degrees that focus on business-related industries. Ferris State University in Big Rapids offers access to research materials and the school’s library database online that helps students keep up with their studies.

Number of Online Programs: 10

6. Madonna University

Madonna University is one of the best options for online programs in Michigan. It offers 10 online degree programs at the undergraduate level for students who want to work around a flexible schedule. The degree programs range from criminal justice and nursing to sociology and organizational leadership. Students can find a major that fits their goals without leaving the comfort of home.

Madonna University differs from other programs by helping students find the right strategy for their goals. The school offers a variety of undergraduate degrees online and offers master’s degree programs for students who plan to pursue a higher level of education. Students can also enhance their degrees with professional certifications. The school gives students the flexibility to focus on their long-term career goals. Madonna University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, or NC-SARA, and allows out-of-state students to complete a degree online.

Number of Online Programs: 10

7. University of Michigan – Flint

The University of Michigan at Flint offers nine online degree programs for undergraduate students. The degrees allow students to study business administration, health care administration, nursing, and psychology, as well as more specialized fields of study like substance use treatment and intervention. The variety of options ensures that students can find a degree that fits their goals for a career.

The way the University of Michigan at Flint stands out is access to support services. Students are able to talk to professionals for advice about their career options and the right degree programs to help with their goals. They also have access to the school’s library and online library services, as well as access to the Student Veterans Center if students are veterans of the military. The University of Michigan at Flint offers support to military veterans through the Student Veterans Center, so it is a military-friendly university.

Number of Online Programs: 9

8. Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan University offers seven online degree programs for undergraduate students. The degree programs range from ski area business management and loss prevention management to psychology and nursing. Students can gain specialized skills and training for specific types of businesses by considering the unique degrees available through online programs.

Northern Michigan University in Marquette differs from other programs by offering unique degree programs that assist with specific career goals. Students can study business management as it applies to ski areas. They can also study clinical lab sciences and laboratory medicine to gain specialized skills for a specific career path. That opportunity to engage in specific abilities and skills ensures that students are able to focus on their long-term goals. Northern Michigan University in Marquette offers minors and certifications online that help students gain specialized skills to enhance their undergraduate degrees.

Number of Online Programs: 7

9. Grace Christian University

Grace Christian University offers five undergraduate degree programs online. The undergraduate programs allow students to study leadership and ministry, business, human services, psychology, and criminal justice. Students are able to focus on a degree that fits their interests and goals. The degree programs are specialized to fit the needs of students who may have limitations on their time or need greater flexibility due to personal obligations.

Grace Christian University takes a Biblical approach to undergraduate degree programs. The school is a Christian-centered facility, so it does put an emphasis on Christian values and the application of those values in different areas of business, psychology, or criminal justice. Students will notice that the school does reference the Bible and Christian values as part of their studies.  Grace Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and it allows students to rent books for their online classes to help cut costs.

Number of Online Programs: 5

10. Eastern Michigan State University

Eastern Michigan State University offers five online undergraduate degree programs. Students can choose from dietetics, general studies, information assurance, and cyber defense, nursing, or technology management through the online program. The degree options allow students to focus on specialized areas of technology studies or to consider options with more applications to a variety of fields. 

The way that Eastern Michigan State University differs from other programs is the opportunity to move forward with a higher level of education through the online program. While the school only offers a few online programs at the undergraduate level, it also offers a variety of master’s degrees and graduate certifications that students can consider for leadership roles in their careers. Students have opportunities for more advanced studies if they decide to pursue a master’s degree after completing an undergraduate program. Students have access to the Halle Library when taking online classes and can take advantage of the e-books and database for research when working on projects or course materials.

Number of Online Programs: 5

What is the Value of  Online Colleges in Michigan?

Today more than ever, there is an increasing pressure for students to juggle family, part or full-time work, and other commitments, while attending school either full or part-time. For this reason, students from all walks of life and of all ages, are turning to online distance learning as a viable and practical way to reach their education, and thus their career, goals. We see now that major universities and colleges across the nation are developing fully accredited and accessible online undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs to accommodate the needs of today’s busy students.

What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn Online in Michigan?

Students may benefit from the variety of Michigan online degrees available. For instance, someone looking to go to school in this state may earn an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate. At an associate’s degree level, a student may earn a degree in business management, psychology, or health administration, among others. Those interested in earning a bachelor’s degree may choose from programs like dental hygiene, nursing, business administration, and more. Both nursing and dental hygiene are options at a bachelor’s degree level because they require clinical experience at an associate’s degree level.

Other tried and true programs include information systems and information technology.

Michigan online masters programs offer students various options, such as engineering, business management, nurse practitioner, and more. Students who either earn a Michigan online master’s or who already have a master’s degree may opt for a doctorate program. Some options for these Michigan online degrees include healthcare administration and education technology. 

For individuals in manufacturing, their jobs may not be stable. The economy in Michigan is starting to transition from manufacturing to service and business. Those who don’t have business and service skills may find it difficult to find employment in the state. 

If you’re considering enrollment in an online learning higher education program, make sure you look into their accreditation. Online students looking for online bachelor’s degrees will be wasting their time with an unaccredited program.

How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Michigan?

While scheduling for school is an obstacle for many students, the issue of cost is another problem that affects many students. A prospective student may look into cheap online colleges in Michigan. For instance, a public institution usually ranks as one of the cheap online colleges in Michigan when compared to private schools. However, it’s important to compare the different public institutions because they’re not all the same. 

Another option students have to make school more affordable is to consider financial aid. Financial aid is assistance the state or federal government gives a student to help him or her through school. Both the state and federal government award grants — money students don’t have to pay back — for those with a financial need. Additionally, it’s possible to get additional assistance if a student is in a nursing or teaching program. 

A potential student may want to look into whether his or her employer offers an employer reimbursement program. This option is an agreement an individual makes with an employer. A student must agree to work for the employer once he or she is out of school. 

A Michigan online college is a cheaper option than a major institution. A student may take many of the same programs from a Michigan online community college. On the other hand, a student could choose to take general courses at a Michigan online community college. To save money, a student could decide to complete an associate’s or bachelors at one of the online community colleges in Michigan. The online community colleges in Michigan can provide students with credits that are transferrable.  

Online learners can complete online courses from anywhere, but, in-state tuition is always cheaper than out-of-state tuition rates, whether for a four-year degree or graduate programs. A degree completion program may also be lower in cost, with a focus on later coursework. College students who are distance learners in Michigan colleges can also save money by choosing a nonprofit rather than for-profit institution. The graduation rate for for-profits is much lower than the state of Michigan in general.

Why Choose an Online Public Universities in Michigan? 

Public universities in Michigan offer students the option of a variety of degree programs. For instance, Western Michigan University’s online degree program options include bachelor’s degrees in subjects like addiction studies, holistic health, and family studies. At a graduate level, students at Western Michigan University online can earn a degree in science education, vision rehabilitation therapy, or nursing. 

Eastern Michigan University online degrees also vary in the subject matter. A student can earn an undergraduate degree in psychology or history. Just like many other online public universities, Eastern Michigan University offers students the option to take courses on campus. The programs available on campus are very similar in nature to the online programs, just in a different format.

Related Rankings:

• Top 25 Best Value Online Colleges
• Top 25 Lowest Out-of-State Tuition Colleges
• Top 50 Best Value Community Colleges
• Top 50 Best Value Online Graduate Schools
• 15 Best Graduate Schools USA