2023 Best Online Colleges in Michigan

Kettering University is a private, nonprofit institution with online master's degrees and graduate certificates. Master's degrees feature technology and business majors, such as engineering management, data science, and global leadership, each requiring 40 credit hours. Full-time students may graduate in approximately two years. The acceptance rate at Kettering is 86% with 71% of students reaching graduation.

Kettering uses Blackboard for its online coursework, which is delivered asynchronously. There's a 12-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Financial aid is available and scholarships are offered through a private network. Online students have access to 24/7 technology support and professional advisors. Kettering is known for its webinars that show instructors and faculty discussing its online master's programs.

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (UM) is a public university that offers online bachelor's and master's degrees. There's only one bachelor's program in dental hygiene, while the rest of the programs are at the master's level and require a minimum of 30 credits. Full-time students can graduate in two years. UM's acceptance rate is 20%, with 93% of students graduating.

Canvas is UM's online learning platform, where students study on a flexible schedule with asynchronous courses. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12-1. Online students have access to financial aid and scholarships. Online counseling and mental health wellness tools are offered through Uwill. UM is known for providing free non-credit online courses for its students through the Coursera network and online learning events through Teach-Out.

Michigan State University (MSU) is a public institution with online certificates, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees. There's also an online nursing RN-BSN requiring 30 credits. Master's degrees generally require 30 credits, which full-time students can complete in two years. MSU accepts 83% of applicants, with 82% of students graduating with degrees.

MSU uses Brightspace for its online programs, where students engage in synchronous and asynchronous coursework. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16-1. Financial aid and admissions scholarships are available. Online students can access a writing lab, digital libraries, mental health counseling, and 24/7 tech support. MSU is known as a prominent research institution which in 2022 received $759 million in research expenditures.

The University of Michigan - Dearborn (UM - Dearborn) is a public institution with online master's degrees, graduate certificates, and undergraduate courses. Master's degrees are offered in the fields of business and education and require at least 30 credits. Full-time students can graduate in approximately two years. The acceptance rate at UM - Dearborn is 69%, with 57% of students graduating.

UM - Dearborn students use Canvas to take their online coursework, which is delivered asynchronously. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16-1. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Online graduate students have access to academic advising and a 24/7 self-service portal with additional academic resources. UM - Dearborn is known as a research institute with over $11.1 million in awards.

Siena Heights University (SHU) is a private nonprofit Catholic university with 11 different bachelor's degrees available online. Available majors include professional communications, nursing, marketing, human services, healthcare management, business, and accounting. SHU also provides degree completion centers across southern Michigan. Classes at SHU are offered in seven-week sessions, and the university encourages students to transfer up to 90 previously earned credits to help fast-track their bachelor's degree. SHU has a 69% graduation rate within eight years, and 74% of first-time applicants are accepted.

Northwood University (Northwood) is a business school in Michigan offering 17 different online bachelor's degrees. Students can choose a Bachelor of Business Administration in areas such as cybersecurity management, economics, entrepreneurship, sports management, and operations. Bachelor of Science programs include degrees in data analytics, information systems, and applied management. Students will need to complete at least 123 credits in order to earn their bachelor's degree. Northwood offers a unique Foundations Curriculum designed to support new students and help them succeed in college. Students can also take a course on strategies to success, designed for Northwood's online Adult Degree Programs. Extracurriculars for online students include joining the National Society of Leadership and Success. The four-year private nonprofit university serves just over 2,000 undergraduate students and has a 64% graduation rate within eight years. According to data from College Scorecard, 77% of first-time applicants are accepted to the school.

Walsh College (Walsh) has provided online degrees since 1998, and today offers both remote and blended options that allow online students to attend class with their campus-based peers. Students can choose from eight different online bachelor's programs in accounting, finance, applied management, information technology, and other areas of study. Some classes are asynchronous, meaning students can review lectures on their own time, while others meet virtually on a set schedule. Some courses follow a mix of both options. Online students can also access tutoring via Zoom, attend virtual workshops, and access free e-learning courses and certifications to bolster their resumes. The university is fairly small, serving around 700 undergraduate students. Walsh has a 66% graduation rate within eight years, which is higher than the average for four-year colleges.

Ferris State University (Ferris) offers online bachelor's degrees in allied health sciences, automotive management, dental hygiene, health information studies, nursing, Esports, risk management and insurance, and other areas of study. The public four-year school in Big Rapids has provided online degrees to Michigan students for more than 20 years and offers a broad range of support services for online students, including career preparation, library services, and veteran resources. Ferris students can also meet virtually with admissions and financial aid representatives and can access virtual counseling services if they live in the state. Online programs at Ferris are offered through Canvas, a learning management system that allows students to review class materials and turn in assignments. Ferris also provides a detailed guide to Canvas to help students get the most out of the platform.

Oakland University (OU) is a public research university offering online certificates, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Most programs are at the master's level with majors such as business analytics, engineering management, and public administration. Between 30 and 36 credits are required to graduate which full-time students can accomplish in approximately two years. OU accepts 92% of its applicants with 59% graduating with a degree.

Moodle is used to deliver online coursework in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous formats. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17-1. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Online students access support through tutoring and supplemental instruction. OU is known for its large selection of continuing education certificates that provide professional training in specialized areas, such as Japanese business communication, mindfulness, automotive lighting, and animal assisted therapy.

Students at Central Michigan University (CMU) have a broad range of online bachelor's degrees to choose from in fields such as business, education, fashion, healthcare, public administration, and technology. The university offers six start dates throughout the year, and classes run for 8, 12, or 16 weeks. CMU is also a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program and focuses on making higher education accessible for military students, veterans, and their families. Student services include online support from the writing and math centers and tech help from the CMU help desk, which also offers an online chat option. Students can also use the Career Development Center to plan their next steps, get help with their resumes, and network.

Cornerstone University (CU) is a private, nonprofit, Christ-centered university with online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Most offerings are at the master's level with majors such as education, organizational leadership, sport management, and theology. Most programs require 36 credits, which full-time students can complete in two years. CU accepts 91% of applicants, with 65% earning a degree.

The learning management system for CU is Moodle, where students engage in online asynchronous coursework. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15-1. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Online students receive 24/7 technical support, writing workshops, tutoring, and career resources. CU is known for its religious programs at the bachelor's and master's levels, which include majors such as biblical studies, ministry leadership, biblical exegesis, and divinity.

Spring Arbor University Online (SAU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution offering online bachelor's and master's programs in three subjects: (1) nursing, (2) business administration, and (3) social work. Bachelor's programs require at least 120 credits, which may take full-time students four years to complete. Among those who apply, 60% are accepted for enrollment with 64% of students reaching graduation.

Blackboard is the learning management system used by SAU to deliver flexible online coursework. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12-1. Financial aid loans and scholarships are available. Online students receive a success coach to provide career guidance, professional development tools, and technology support. SAU is known for including a Christian education philosophy in its programs. The master's in nursing, for example, features classes in moral and ethical decision making through a Christian lens.

Wayne State University (WSU) is a public university that offers online certificates, bachelor's, and master's degrees. The majority of its programs at master's degrees, which require a minimum of 30 credits. Majors include information management, criminal justice, community health, and business administration. Full-time students can graduate in approximately two years. WSU's acceptance rate is 63%, with 47% of students graduating.

Canvas is WSU's learning management system that delivers its online coursework in a flexible format. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12-1. Financial aid and scholarships can be applied for online. The academic success center provides learning support for online students in the form of tutoring, study groups, skills academies, and literacy services. WSU is known as the first university in Michigan to offer an online master's degree in social work that's fully asynchronous.

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public university with online certificates, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Bachelor's majors are available in nursing, psychology, cybersecurity, and criminal justice, among other areas. These programs generally require 120 to 122 credits which full-time students can complete in four years. WMU has an acceptance rate of 83% and a graduation rate of 60%.

Online learning is done through the WMUx platform, which utilizes a variety of LMS tools. This allows students to study on flexible schedules that meet their needs. The student-to-faculty ratio at WMU is 16-1. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Online students receive support through advising, online libraries, and career advising. WMU is known for its expansive online certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can engage in specialized subjects, such as kinship care, clinical addiction, and sports coaching.

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is a public university that offers online graduate certificates and bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Most programs are master's degrees with majors, such as children's literature, quality management, and human nutrition, each requiring a minimum of 30 credits. Full-time students may graduate in approximately two years. EMU has an 85% acceptance rate and a 53% graduation rate.

Canvas is the learning software used to deliver online synchronous and asynchronous coursework. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15-1. Financial aid and scholarships are available to online students. They also have access to technical support and digital libraries with research tools and databases. EMU is known for its accelerated online programs in areas such as education, nursing, and cybersecurity, where students can graduate in as few as 12 months.

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public university with online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, badges, and certificates. Bachelor's degree majors include health sciences, computer engineering, environmental studies, and more, each requiring a minimum of 120 credits. Students can graduate in approximately four years on a full-time study schedule. GVSU's acceptance rate is 92%, with 66% of students reaching graduation.

Blackboard is the learning management system for GVSU's online students. Courses may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15-1. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Academic and career advising are available, although GVSU does not specify how online students access these services. GVSU is known for its online combined degrees, which allow students to complete undergraduate and graduate coursework, earning a bachelor's and master's degree simultaneously.

Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) is a public university with several online master's degrees, two certificates, and a nursing RN-BSN bachelor's degree. Most programs are available at the master's level in majors, such as business administration and public health, requiring a minimum of 30 credits. This allows full-time students to graduate in approximately two years. The acceptance rate at SVSU is 78%, with 49% of students reaching graduation.

The online learning management system at SVSU is Canvas with some coursework completed asynchronously. There's a 16-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available. Tutoring, resume building, mentorship, financial literacy programs, and counseling are available, although it does not specify how online students access these services. SVSU is known for its online professional training programs, including two certificates in hospitality and tourism management, human resources training, and an IT boot camp.

Baker College Online (BC) is a private, nonprofit college offering online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Bachelor's majors include accounting, game software development, psychology, and logistics — each requiring 120 credits. Students studying full time can graduate in approximately four years. BC's acceptance rate is 41% and its graduation rate is 22%.

BC uses Canvas as its LMS. Online classrooms are asynchronous and open 24/7; however, they do require students to complete assignments on strict deadlines. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8-1. Online students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships. Learning support is offered through a virtual tutoring portal. BC is known for its OnlineLive learning modality, which features 16-week synchronous programs through Zoom classes, allowing remote students to meet in a live setting.

Madonna University (MU) is a private, nonprofit, Catholic university that offers online certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. A minimum of 120 credits is required for bachelor's degrees, which include majors such as criminal justice, sociology, and general studies. Full-time students can graduate in approximately four years. MU has an acceptance rate of 52% and a graduation rate of 67%.

Blackboard's LMS is used to deliver online coursework, which is in synchronous and asynchronous formats. MU's student-to-faculty ratio is 11-1. Online applications are available for online students to apply for financial aid and scholarships. Students can schedule eTutoring appointments through the writing center. MU is known for its affiliation with the Catholic church. Religion is included as part of its university core, with classes in religious values and religious studies.

Davenport University (DU) is a private, nonprofit institution offering online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees along with undergraduate and graduate certificates. Bachelor's majors include health and human services, nursing, and computer information systems, among others. Overall, 120 credits are required to graduate, which full-time students can complete in four years. DU's accepts 98% of applicants, with 38% earning degrees.

Blackboard's LMS is used to deliver online courses. Students can choose how to engage in coursework whether on-demand asynchronous, livestreamed, or through hybrid online and in-person learning. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15-1. Financial aid packages are available for online students. Online students receive academic advisors, online tutoring, and are eligible to take part in internships and practicums. DU is known as the first online learning community in Michigan with more than 20 years of experience.

The University of Michigan - Flint (UM - Flint) is a public institution with online certificates, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Bachelor's majors include accounting, philosophy, social work, history, and more. Students must meet the 120-credit minimum to graduate. This can be accomplished in four years while studying full time. UM - Flint accepts 74% of its applicants, with 51% reaching graduation.

Canvas is the learning management system for UM - Flint students to study online and asynchronously. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14-1. Financial aid and scholarships are available for online students. Student services include academic advising and a dedicated help desk open seven days a week. UM - Flint is known for offering reduced tuition rates for first-time out-of-state students enrolled in select online bachelor's programs.

Northern Michigan University (NMU) is a public institution with online associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate programs. Bachelor's majors include management, psychology, laboratory medicine, and nursing, each requiring 120 credits. Full-time students may reach graduation in approximately four years. The acceptance rate is 71%, with 53% of students earning degrees.

NMU uses the EduCat on the Moodle platform to deliver its flexible online coursework. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19-1. Students can file for financial aid and scholarships online, such as the NMU Tuition Advantage. Online academic advisors are available to assist students during their major by developing remote study habits. NMU is known for its unique certificate programs in the emerging markets of cannabis operations, plant-based wellness, and workplace intercultural competency.

Grace Christian University (GCU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian university with online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Undergraduate students can study business, communication, and psychology — all requiring 120 credits to graduate. Students studying at a full-time pace are likely to complete bachelor's programs in four years. GCU has an acceptance rate of 100% and a graduation rate of 37%.

GCU uses the Blackboard learning management system to deliver its online asynchronous coursework. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16-1. Students have access to financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Online writing centers, libraries, an IT help desk, career services, and counseling are available. GCU is known for its ministry programs, allowing students to earn an associate, bachelor's, and master's degree. General education requirements also include a bible and theology core.

Andrews University (AU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian school offering online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Most undergraduate degrees are in the fields of religion and healthcare with bachelor's degrees requiring a minimum of 120 credits. Full-time students can graduate in approximately four years. AU has an 82% acceptance rate and a 60% graduation rate.

Moodle is AU's online learning management system that delivers asynchronous coursework. There's a 10-1 student-to-faculty ratio. AU offers scholarship programs and financial aid is also available. Online students have access to counseling services, study tools, and technical support. AU is known for its online Seminary Learning Center that allows remote students to take online seminary courses outside of their normal degree programs.

Cleary University is a private, nonprofit university offering online undergraduate certificates and associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Bachelor's programs feature business majors, such as corporate finance, project management, and business leadership. They require at least 120 credits to be completed before graduating, which full-time students can achieve in four years.

Cleary uses the Canvas learning management system to deliver its asynchronous coursework. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18-1. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Online students have access to technical support, academic advising, and personal counseling. Cleary is known for its OnlinePlus courses, which feature synchronous learning designed to mimic a traditional academic calendar. These consist primarily of foundational classes.

Calvin Theological Seminary (CTS) is a private, Christian institution affiliated with Calvin University. It offers several online master's degrees in faith-based studies, along with one doctoral degree and one certificate in Christian leadership. Master's programs require a minimum of 21 credits, which full-time students may complete in four years. CTS does not provide acceptance or graduation data. However, Calvin University has a 75% acceptance rate and a 77% graduation rate.

Canvas is used to deliver its online asynchronous coursework. According to CTS, the majority of its students receive seminary scholarships. Financial aid and payment plans are also available. Online students have access to a vocational mentor, a learning supervisor, and a scripture study app to assist in their biblical studies. CTS is known for infusing Christianity into its master's in clinical mental health counseling, where students learn through a theological foundation.