2023 Best Online Colleges in Michigan

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.

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.

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.

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.