2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  4,619 reviews

Senior: This is a fabulous choice school for someone looking to truly have the social and academic life balance, such as I am. This environment is more than suitable even for those who are dedicated wholeheartedly either side of that social-academic spectrum- though the opportunities for growth and exploration in each regard are something I refuse to believe can be found on any other campus. The professors are renowned in their respective fields, if not the world, and are advisable, inspiring, generous (most of the time), and constructors of some of the most effective and informative curriculums I can imagine. What is most imperative to emphasize is that exponential emotional, academic, and professional development occurs for every person. If you have faced adversity in the past or are entering college first-gen like me, attending UM will open your eyes, open doors, and change your life past in the best way while you overcome challenges you never thought you could. But it's definitely hard!... Read 4,619 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $19,205

• SAT range 1340-1520

• East Lansing, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  6,164 reviews

Senior: Michigan State University has truly transformed my academic journey. As a transfer student, choosing MSU was the best decision I ever made. The warm welcome from both faculty and peers made me feel right at home. Through engaging classes, I not only gained knowledge but also forged incredible friendships. Joining a professional business fraternity was a pivotal move; the networking opportunities and mentorship have been invaluable. I'm thrilled to share that I've already secured a full-time job offer, thanks to the solid foundation MSU provided. My time here has been nothing short of extraordinary. Go Green!... Read 6,164 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $8,738

• SAT range 1100-1320

• Houghton, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,038 reviews

Freshman: I recently got admitted into Michigan tech! So far it has been a thrilling affair with their admission process. It was really easy to apply and I'm really happy that I have the opportunity to go to such a great university. I had always wanted to be a husky and my dream is finally coming into fruition. Financing was my only obstacle. I had the grades, extracurricular activities, sports but not the money to get there. Niche and several other scholarships have given me hope that I might eventually end up there. Michigan tech has been helpful with all the opportunities they have provided. To sum it all up, I'm happy I got the chance.... Read 1,038 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $17,826

• SAT range 1130-1350

• Detroit, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  2,934 reviews

Alum: I was a commuter and WSU is very commuter friendly, except for the cost of parking tickets! If you are a commuter I highly recommend investing into a parking pass, I understand the upfront cost is high but it will save you in the long run. The education you receive at WSU is top-notch, the professors truly care for your well-being if you are present and trying to do your best, never be afraid to reach out for help. Students are always willing to help other students, so truly do not be shy when it comes to the betterment of yourself. The campus is lively and enjoyable, there is always something happening that is enjoyable if you need a break from the learning mode we all put ourselves in when attending college. WSU is a wonderful place to be if you want to be part of a "melting pot" while in college.... Read 2,934 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $15,710

• SAT range 1030-1260

• Dearborn, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  1,297 reviews

Freshman: The University of Michigan-Dearborn is a great school to start at if you are unsure about your career path. Not only is it affordable, but it offers students a large range of majors and minors. The only downside is that the University of Michigan-Dearborn is a large commuter school, which may make it harder for someone to build connections and friendships. Nevertheless, the University of Michigan-Dearborn is a great place to attend college!... Read 1,297 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $11,818

• SAT range 1050-1300

• Allendale, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,029 reviews

Sophomore: I will describe my experience with Grand Valley State University with one word, great! The professors at Grand Valley are willing to help you with everything they got all you have to do is ask and they won't hesitate to help with what you need, because they want to see you succeed. You don't understand the material they've given you? Oh just go to their office visit hours! You're not able to attend office hours because you have a class during that time? Oh don't worry about it there's zoom meetings or they will try to meet you outside of office hours! The professors aren't the only thing I like about Grand Valley. I also like the environment, the building structures (you can get lost at first but you'll find your way if you can't then there's always a person near you, you can ask them for help), the scenery (especially the scenery) it's refreshing. One thing I would like to see change would be the diversity. I would love to see more "diverse" students, more of color students.... Read 4,029 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $16,947

• SAT range 1050-1250

• Mount Pleasant, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  2,958 reviews

Alum: I graduated from CMU back in 2000, but I think now that I'm removed from my time as a student I have a little different perspective. Not only did I LOVE my time as a student because of the social life, the people and everything to do on-campus and in Mount Pleasant, but looking back I can see how my education completely changed my future. I've changed careers a couple times, and the things I learned at CMU have allowed me to quickly move up the ladder in each of those fields. The things I learned in my business classes, my broadcasting classes, and my general courses gave me the tools to be a connecter and leader, and a quick learner in just about any industry. It was a transformative educational experience, and an awesome place to spend 4 years with genuinely good and fun people!... Read 2,958 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $16,880

• SAT range 1010-1220

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  590 reviews

Alum: WCC is the best and most affordable college in the state of Michigan. Their programs are wide-ranging and extremely advanced, especially compared to other colleges. Very few colleges in the US the same amount effort into taking care of their students like at WCC. The resources they offer students are wide-ranging and easily accessible. The professors are usually extremely prefessional and highly experienced in their field of study. Of course there are teachers who are not, but the majority of teachers are good at their jobs. The in-person, virtual, and blended courses are somewhat lenient with due dates and missed tests; however, the online classes with no ZOOM component are brutal. There is basically zero interaction with the teachers except through email or the notes they leave on your graded assignments. If you're having a hard time or are falling behind the teacher isn't going to do much. Overall, WCC is a wonderful school with plenty of resources for students of all backgrounds.... Read 590 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $2,857

• SAT range —

• Rochester Hills, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  2,497 reviews

Sophomore: My overall experience is great! Oakland has a really nice campus and all of my teachers/classes so far have been good. It's a big change to move from high school senior to college freshman. The teachers at OU were super welcoming as a freshman and I was able to understand how different education there was. The University makes it very clear that there's lots of ways to get support for many different things. There is academic advising, tutoring, social clubs or groups, and also fun activities that pop up to encourage socializing. The buildings are also incredibly nice. The ones that I got to see so far were fantastic. They all had nice and spacious furniture, many floors, and things such as chain food stores, accessible printers, elevators, etc. I look forward to exploring different parts and meeting new teachers each passing year.... Read 2,497 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $14,316

• SAT range 970-1230

• Ironwood, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  67 reviews

Graduate Student: My experience at Gogebic was awesome it was funny because when I first got there I was afraid because I was 10 hours away from home and it was my first time leaving home so far for a while in 2019. I cried like a baby at first because I was in the middle of no where and I was just homesick. But as time pasted I loved Gogebic I met people that will be in my life forever, people I can call family Gogebic was really like my second home and I cried again when I graduated this past may I miss it so much. So many great people there and everybody cares I spent 3 years at Gogebic. I will recommend Gogebic to whoever want to feel like you at home you won't regret it I promise it's awesome!... Read 67 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,109

• SAT range —

• University Center, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,693 reviews

Alum: Overall I had a great experience at Saginaw Valley State University. The campus always had events planned for students to mingle. My friends and I especially enjoyed going to hockey games and plays. The theater department did a wonderful job creating interesting sets and costumes. The advisors at SVSU were very helpful. It was always easy to get in to see someone when I had questions and the staff was eager to support the students. They made registering for classes stress-free. I also had many wonderful professors! They are really the heart of SVSU. They were supportive, and always willing to help support students during class and during office hours. My experience in college of education was a positive one. I feel that the professors really worked with us to prepare for teaching in the real world. They supported us in getting placements for student teaching and acted as a guide every step of the way. I would strongly encourage anyone going into education to look into SVSU.... Read 1,693 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $15,476

• SAT range 960-1170

• University Center, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  581 reviews

Sophomore: Delta College is a great place to study! It is more affordable than most colleges and it offers a great variety of classes and associate degrees. Being in college during the pandemic, they have made sure to keep their students and staff safe throughout the past couple of years. The professors are phenomenal, (of course, you are going to encounter some that are not) and they are willing to help you with everything you need. The classes are relatively small, therefore you can have more one-on-one learning experiences.... Read 581 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,492

• SAT range —

• Kalamazoo, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  480 reviews

Alum: The student diversity at KVCC is amazing! All the faculty memebrs are very passionate about representing KVCC in a great and memorable way. They genuinely care about their students personal lives and what their futures hold. It's hard to find a large enrollmenet sized school with people who puruse relationships with their students. I would like to see a change in how student-athletes support other student athletes along with the facilities. It would be great to se KVCC get on campus housing with the years to come for it would allow for the student life and culture to be better.... Read 480 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,053

• SAT range —

• Big Rapids, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  2,168 reviews

Alum: I can not say enough great things about Ferris State University. First, the location is beautiful and the small town of Big Rapids was welcoming. The college is central to the area. It's easy enough to navigate and there is always someone around to give you directions or even recommendations to wherever you are headed next. And the school itself gives you professors that are fantastic. Most of the professors I encountered were kind and generous. So many are approachable and easy to talk with. One time in particular, I really struggled with an accounting class. It was difficult for me to understand the concepts that were discussed in the online setting, but by being able to go to the professor's in-office hours was detrimental to my passing grade. The professor only wanted to see my success and never made me feel ridiculous. And generally, that was what attending Ferris felt like-like each person was there for you to achieve your dream and give you a great education to boot!... Read 2,168 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,624

• SAT range 930-1150

• Livonia, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  734 reviews

Sophomore: I love the professors at Schoolcraft College. They are helpful, understanding, and teach very well. The campus is small but beautiful. The classes aren't super big which is good for people with anxiety, like me. I have got close with plenty of professors and still visit them to this day. The people that go to Schoolcraft are also very sweet and quiet. I have made some really great friends at Schoolcraft that I will have forever. I have made many amazing memories that I will always remember as well. Schoolcraft College and all the memories/friends I have gained will never be forgotten!... Read 734 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,561

• SAT range —

• Benton Harbor, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  270 reviews

Sophomore: Although I am only an Early/Middle College student through LMC, I have benefitted from their academic faculty and their strong program. I never felt like I was falling behind compared to other institutions, and every professor I have had seemed knowledgeable in their field. It was few and far between to have a professor that was unpleasant; virtually all of them were a pleasure to be around and to be in their class. I looked forward to attending classes and feel like I have a solid foundation to move on to a 4-year university.... Read 270 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,146

• SAT range —

• Owosso, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  289 reviews

Freshman: They are a great college, the staff cares about you and your well being and will help you get any resource that will help you succeed. They say you are more than a number at Baker College, I didn’t believe it at first but it’s true. The professors, at least in my program (veterinary technology) are extremely passionate and want to see you succeed. Baker also throws student tailgates where free food, drinks, and other treats such as ice cream or donuts and cider are provided. They also have activity’s and raffle drawings that are free to enter! Baker is sincerely a great college. All colleges can be difficult and leave you feeling alone, overwhelmed, or extremely stressed, but Baker does everything they can to help you get through the various difficult programs they offer!... Read 289 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $14,366

• SAT range —

• Sault Ste Marie, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  563 reviews

Sophomore: I found that the small campus allows for a great way to find friends and connect with professors. Though Lake State has some issues, like any school does, I found that professors care so much more about your wellbeing and education when compared to other schools with large populations. Connecting with staff on a personal level and being known by name allows for an increase in opportunities around campus and towards your future. Having such a small population also adds an increased feeling of safety. You know recognize most people you see around campus and since everyone knows each other, people are less likely to do any harm. I personally enjoy all the events the school offers. Laker week is a great way to start the school year! I would like to see a better management of funds by the school. I believe that it would be beneficial to the students to offer more scholarships and to communicate with the students when tuition is going to increase. Other than that I love it here!... Read 563 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $13,583

• SAT range 950-1160

• Alpena, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  129 reviews

Niche User: Professors know their field and are determined to help students through classes. I took classes while in high school and the college allowed me to still pursue extracurriculars while taking classes. Overall a great university to take remote or virtual classes. I do not know what the scene in like on the campus, but if you are looking to return to college or learn from home this is a great option.... Read 129 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,259

• SAT range —

• Flint, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  982 reviews

Senior: I have had nothing but positive experiences at UofM-Flint. The professors, advisors, and support staff have gone above and beyond in ensuring that I accomplish my goals. I am a young mother and first generation college student. UofM-Flint ensured that my additional needs were met and often provided supports that weren't required of them. Our campus is always clean and welcoming, with a multitude of events happening at any given time. During the pandemic I never felt like I was up against a mountain. My professors made sure that they were touching base with us and setting realistic expectations surrounding the circumstances. As an education student I am expected to log a certain amount of placement hours in elementary school classrooms. I have always felt that UofM looks out for its student teachers by making placements in locations that are just as hungry to teach us as we are to learn. Overall the university has been an amazing experience for me and I am very proud to have gone here.... Read 982 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $12,616

• SAT range 990-1250

• Scottville, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  124 reviews

Sophomore: I have enjoyed my experience at West Shore Community College. I have been dual-enrolled since my senior year in 2021. I have taken a mixture of online and in-person classes and have enjoyed both of them. I also have enjoyed the student life and am part of the student senate that throws free events for the students on campus. I have not had a bad experience with a professor, and if I had had issues with a class and reached out, I was helped immediately. I have enjoyed my experience at West Shore Community College and will recommend it to others that are in the area!... Read 124 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,852

• SAT range —

• Grand Rapids, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  628 reviews

Alum: The courses were top-notch with passionate professors who were always willing to help. The faculty and staff truly care about the students and want them to succeed. The AQ community is tight-knit and welcoming. The dorms weren't great when I was there, but I do know that they have done major updates and renovations!... Read 628 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $19,447

• SAT range 1000-1170

• Traverse City, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  430 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Northwestern community college has been fantastic, the campus is small, and the people are super friendly. I have made a lot of friends, and I've learned a lot from my professors. The campus is beautiful, and the education, at least in the audio technology program, is excellent. My only criticism would be that the cafeteria food gets a little boring later in the semester, which wouldn't be a problem if we were not required to buy a meal plan, but as a first year student on campus, it is a requirement. I think adding more variety in the soup choices and the specials would be a great addition to keep things interesting.... Read 430 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range —

• Escanaba, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  162 reviews

Alum: I loved Bay college. I was a non-traditional college student that attended college after 30 plus years of graduating High School. I deal with disabilities and Bay College was an amazing college for me! It was close to home, and when I did have to travel it was not a far drive from Iron Mountain Campus to Escanaba Campus. The office that helps with disablilty was amazing for my situation, and the staff was so helpful. I attended college with a variety of students ranging from High School graduates to senior citizens, and I loved it! I successfully graduated with my AAS in Office Administration and Medical Office Specialist. I would rate Bay College 5 stars across the board!... Read 162 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,072

• SAT range —

• Dowagiac, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  405 reviews

Sophomore: Southwestern Michigan College is very good especially when it comes to the guidance curriculum and overall administration. They know what they are talking about and are willing to go the extra mile to help you out. The professors here are great from at least what I’ve heard and the professors that I’ve had last year and this year as well. Not only is it the administration but the students here make it will worth it as well! Overall, SMC is great community college to go to and get started with your college education!... Read 405 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,153

• SAT range —