5 Best Value Online Schools in Michigan

Updated November 29, 2022

By BVS Staff Welcome to our best value ranking of online colleges in Michigan. There are more than 50 four-year colleges and universities in Michigan, although only a small portion (approximately 15-20) of them have designated educational options for distance learners. But there are still plenty of opportunities for students seeking an online undergraduate degree ...

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By BVS Staff

Welcome to our best value ranking of online colleges in Michigan.

There are more than 50 four-year colleges and universities in Michigan, although only a small portion (approximately 15-20) of them have designated educational options for distance learners. But there are still plenty of opportunities for students seeking an online undergraduate degree in this state. Of those online-accessible schools, we are bringing you the 5 "best value." These top 5 colleges all earned at least 65 points (out of 100) in our ranking.

Methodology

Click here to read all about our best value online schools ranking methodology, or check out our ranking of the top cheap accredited online colleges.


#1 Grace Bible College Wyoming, MI
#2 Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI
#3 Davenport University Grand Rapids, MI
#4 Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI
#5 Northwood University-Michigan Midland, MI
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Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

  1. Grace Bible College
    Location

    Wyoming, MI

    Tuition

    $12268

    As the only evangelical institution on this accredited Michigan online colleges ranking, Grace Bible College is no doubt a top choice for Christian students. All of the school's bachelor's degrees include of a set of core classes covering religious topics like Marketplace Ministry and Knowing God. While faith-based programs are popular at GBC (Leadership and Ministry, for example), secular programs are also available, such as Criminal Justice and Human Services. GBC uses a cohort model with groups of just 10-16 individuals, lending an air of intimacy and community to the classroom - even for online students. Christian learners looking for an affordable and Christ-focused online degree will likely find something of interest at Grace Bible College.

  2. Central Michigan University
    Location

    Mount Pleasant, MI

    Tuition

    $11850

    Central Michigan provides a lot of support to its distance learners, both through the flexibility of its affordable online college courses in Michigan (they come in 8-, 12-, and 16-week formats) and its many student services. For example, CMU partners its distance learners with designated Online Student Allies who can provide advice and useful connections to campus life. In addition, this accredited online college in Michigan has special resources specifically dedicated to helping those returning college students complete their degree. These include designated support centers across the country and an entire staff of people who work exclusively with online learners.

  3. Davenport University
    Location

    Grand Rapids, MI

    Tuition

    $15952

    More than half of the students at Davenport University in Grand Rapids are distance learners. And while this seems like a high figure, it makes sense given that the school's catalog lists more online programs than almost any other school on this best Michigan online colleges ranking. Nearly 20 of those programs, including Technology Project Management, Cyber Defense, and Medical Case Management, are at the undergraduate level. Online students at Davenport can choose from two class formats: the usual asynchronous online structure as well as a Blackboard-enabled "Real-Time Virtual Learning" (RTVL) format. RTVL provides an ideal option for distance learners hoping to maintain some semblance of the classroom experience, as it enables them to "attend" class virtually at scheduled times.

  4. Ferris State University
    Location

    Big Rapids, MI

    Tuition

    $10970

    Ferris is home to a varied and well-developed set of online degrees, ranging from two-year career-focused completion programs to an interdisciplinary liberal arts degree in Integrative Studies. In addition to these choices, the university also provides a select number of hybrid programs. These technical hybrid courses, which focus on subjects like HVAC and Refrigeration and Technical Education, are not available at any of the other schools on this affordable Michigan online degree ranking. The school also has the distinction of having the lowest tuition on this list, giving it an undeniable appeal to budget-conscious online learners.

  5. Northwood University-Michigan
    Location

    Midland, MI

    Tuition

    $24170

    Northwood may offer just one online degree (in business) but it comes with an unusually wide assortment of majors. Students at this top online school in Michigan can choose from 11 in all, including standard subjects like Accounting, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. Less conventional choices within the major include Aftermarket Management (as in automotive aftermarket) and Franchising Management. Northwood claims to be the first and only school in North America to offer an undergraduate program in Franchise Management, giving this accredited online college in Michigan at least one unique advantage over its competitors.

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What did you think of these top online degrees in Michigan?

Sources:

College Navigator
IPEDS Data Center

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