2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  4,602 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 4,602 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $19,205

• SAT range 1340-1520

• Hillsdale, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  383 reviews

Alum: I came out of Hillsdale a better critical thinker and better person thanks to our Hillsdale Community. The Professors really care about the students. Be it checking in when a student’s relative dies or taking the extra time to meet with a student on the front porch of their home with a warm coffee. I was both an athlete and in a sorority. My last year at Hillsdale I was neither. Loved both experiences. I made friends with students and staff I will have for a life time! Strength rejoices in the challenge! Work hard, play hard!... Read 383 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 24%

• Net price $24,057

• SAT range 1340-1510

• Detroit, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  2,919 reviews

Alum: I had my tuition fully paid for by scholarships from the school, which was the main reason I decided to go there. I am so glad I did, and that I stayed on-campus in my first years, because it was a great experience to get my first taste of independence in a cosmopolitan city like Detroit. There were always fun events happening. I enjoyed all my classes, but some were especially interesting. I had some amazing instructors! One remains a close friend and mentor. I did have an issue with one professor who I and other students felt gave us lower grades than we deserved, and we submitted appeals, but the department chair quit without alerting us and our appeals expired. I am still a little bitter they dropped the ball like that. Still, overall, I highly approve of Wayne State University. However, like all institutions nowadays, I wish it was cheaper, even though I personally did not have to pay.... Read 2,919 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $15,710

• SAT range 1030-1260

• East Lansing, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  6,128 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 6,128 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $8,738

• SAT range 1100-1320

• Holland, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,068 reviews

Sophomore: Hope College is a fantastic place to go to college. Ever since I've started studying at Hope, I appreciate their openness to diversity of belief. As a Christian, I appreciate that I've been given the opportunity to make my faith my own. The community is amazing. Each Sunday, the Gathering is a place where people come and worship in Dimnent Chapel. Hope is very accommodating to my needs and offer courses that fit my academic abilities. This is one of the things that helped me make my college decision. I would say that the student body is about 75% white, a majority is a mix of Christians and Catholics, so if you're not white or Christian, it might be a little difficult fitting in. Overall, Hope is a great school- they're accommodating, have a great community, decent housing and dining hall food, have lots of extracurriculars to help students get involved, and a beautiful, easy-to-navigate campus! I love it here!... Read 1,068 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $28,688

• SAT range 1100-1330

• Kalamazoo, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  3,570 reviews

Freshman: I am an incoming freshman and so far, all of my interactions have been great! I have had many family members attend Western Michigan university and plan to be the next one to become a Bronco. Academically, Western offers the Western School of Medicine that I am interested in and plan to one day join the medical field as my mother is a Registered Nurse. Helping others is something that I am passionate about and hope that I will be an asset to the much-needed health care family. With the growing shortage of medical providers in the country and the need increasing daily I believe that Western will be able to help me to obtain my education and be an added value to the community. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to provide information on Western so far as I still have a lot to learn but hope that Western will guide me through the process and have a great freshman year at collage. I do have a roommate from home that will also be a great help as we will be figuring this out.... Read 3,570 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $19,749

• SAT range 1000-1220

• Kalamazoo, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  410 reviews

Sophomore: Kalamazoo College is awesome! Welcoming, beautiful campus in all seasons, with great professors, the sweetest faculty, and full of great resources. Yes, it is a very small College, some take that as a con, but for me has definitely been a pro. You can walk around saying hi knowing who you are saying hi to, and create deeper relations, the professors know who you are and are, and work one-on-one with you, all the faculty cares about you and you can be friends with almost anyone! And of course, no need to walk long distances or drive. It is next to Downtown and has an amazing library. Huge % of diversity. I am an international student and in 2 days I will be welcoming 49 new international students and that is super exciting. I completely recommend K College to anyone who loves art, big friend groups, movie looking campus, small classes, and cool professionals.... Read 410 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $27,395

• SAT range 1160-1380

• Houghton, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,031 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 1,031 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $17,826

• SAT range 1130-1350

• Mount Pleasant, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  2,939 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 2,939 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $16,880

• SAT range 1010-1220

• Allendale, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4,005 reviews

Senior: I really enjoy the environment at Grand Valley State University. It is such a secluded campus giving it a rural feel. It also feels very safe and welcoming. I have loved my time at this school. I have had great professors, joined fun clubs and have met wonderful people. Grand valley also offers great help and guidance with academics through tutoring resources and helpful advisors. I have really enjoyed the promotion of diversity and inclusion at this campus as well. This campus also is beautiful and has great features such as a large fitness center and an amazing library! This school is one that I would recommend to all as I have had some of the best years of my life. Grand Valley always promotes student involvement through sporting events, clubs and events. The only issue with the campus is the parking, but GVSU has a great bus system! Overall, Grand Valley is not just a great school, but it is also a welcoming place for all people.... Read 4,005 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $16,947

• SAT range 1050-1250

• University Center, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,689 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 1,689 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $15,476

• SAT range 960-1170

• Detroit, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  695 reviews

Sophomore: The university is private and small, so most of the professors can focus on student’s individually. The campus is somewhat old, which I would consider to be a downside. The students are extremely hard working and motivated for success. I notice that all the students are interested in participating in club activities and excelling in them. The students really want to make a difference. It has many downsides when compared to the outer appearance of big universities, but it’s really beautiful on the inside.... Read 695 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $17,911

• SAT range 1060-1250

• Alma, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  521 reviews

Freshman: So far I am satisfied with my experience at Alma. I am also on athletic teams which has allowed me to meet way more people than I would have thought. I never eat any meals alone and am always able to find someone to eat or hang out with. Alma is perfect for that small-town-connected feeling, where you do not feel like you are going to get lost. The academic side is great because professors have office hours multiple times a week to make it possible for students to get help whenever they may need it.... Read 521 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $24,302

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Rochester Hills, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  2,487 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 2,487 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $14,316

• SAT range 970-1230

• Ypsilanti, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  3,299 reviews

Freshman: I am a freshman at Eastern Michigan University, I enjoyed my first semester a lot. The beautiful campus of Eastern provides many events and clubs to join, there is never a dull moment! The library is a great place to study either alone in quiet areas or even with a group of friends. There is a variety of food choices around the campus such as going to Starbucks in the student center for a quick coffee to eating at a sushi bar in the same student center. The curriculum Eastern offers is diverse there are many different classes, online/hybrid/in-person that have great professors. Overall Eastern Michigan University has a great community, with study locations, ongoing events, and a diverse curriculum.... Read 3,299 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $16,311

• SAT range 930-1180

• Marquette, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  1,141 reviews

Junior: When I started at Northern Michigan University, I was a pre-med neuroscience major with the intention of going to medical school. My experience within this program was great, but unfortunately, Covid happened and it shifted both my perspective and plans. I switched into the school of business and it was not a good experience. I had multiple professors who seemed to not care about their students at all. I then switched into the construction management program and it has been nothing short of amazing. Each instructor cares whole-heartedly about the success of each individual student. The opportunities the CM program gives are endless and always up for grabs. They promote hard work and prepare us for our real-world jobs for sure. They are always willing to help with anything and want to see students move on and succeed. Both the instructors and the program are absolutely outstanding.... Read 1,141 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $17,686

• SAT range 970-1190

• Livonia, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  527 reviews

Senior: At Madonna University, I had the ability to transfer 3 years of classes from a community college. The faculty at the school made the transition seamless. The advisors and financial aid office help answer whatever questions you have and make sure you are headed down the right path. As most universities, Madonna may seem expensive. The only problem I've had is that the school has limited scholarships that you can be available for. If I could change one thing, that's the only thing I would fix. Overall, I'm excited to say I get to graduate from Madonna!... Read 527 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $18,469

• SAT range 890-1140

• Dearborn, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  691 reviews

Junior: Best and clearest site for admissions, registration, viewing classes, turning in homework, and taking online classes. This is actually very important and improved my expeirence there! The professors are caring and actually want you to pass! You will learn here . Fun interesting classes. Classmates can easily be turned into friends. Many clubs and extracurricular activties. Nothing really to complain about.... Read 691 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $2,696

• SAT range —

• Bloomfield Hills, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,021 reviews

Sophomore: The teachers are generally very helpful and truly care for their students to learn. I mostly enjoyed the biology courses I have taken so far at the Southfield campus. The labs are immersive and so much fun! Also, if you are looking for electives, Oakland community college provides a wide range of interesting topics to choose from. I have taken a myth, magic and religion class, and I’m currently taking Spanish online. I would recommend this college to friends for a cheaper, more enjoyable college experience.... Read 1,021 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,444

• SAT range —

• Lansing, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  1,000 reviews

Sophomore: Lansing Community College handled the pandemic really well. The transition to online learning was pretty smooth. Now two years into the pandemic, LCC is starting to offer more in person class options, which is awesome! Except they are also taking away online learning options, which made the college more accessible for more people. Class sizes are small and personal, it gives better opportunities to get to know your instructor. Even with online learning I made bonds with some of my instructors. Overall LCC is a great place to be, I 10/10 recommend starting (and/or finishing) your higher education journey at Lansing Community College!... Read 1,000 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,557

• SAT range —

• Flint, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  974 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 974 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $12,616

• SAT range 990-1250

• Adrian, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  655 reviews

Freshman: As a freshman going into college, I was super nervous, but deciding on college had never felt so right. My brother started attending Adrian College, one weekend I went up to visit him, that's when I feel in love with Adrian College. The campus is so beautiful, and well taken care of. On my walks to my morning lectures, I always see the grounds guys working hard, their super nice and wave to me every morning. A thing everyone notices about Adrian is the pink flowers all around campus, from the moment you're on campus to the second you leave campus you see the beautiful bright flowers. The Caine student center building is my favorite, with all the seating outside, including the fire places, to the big slide on the inside, Its an awesome building. Ive felt so welcomed into every course I have taken at Adrian. The resources there are amazing, from Office hours to tutoring. I've never been so proud to call myself an Adrian Bulldog.... Read 655 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $24,050

• SAT range 940-1150

• Albion, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  723 reviews

Sophomore: Albion College is an excellent college because of the experience you get attending a liberal arts college, and if you like small classrooms and speaking with the professors easily after class, this college is the match for you! In addition, the college provides diverse experiences and resources you need or have not thought of for the careers you wish to pursue, leaving the campus grounds.... Read 723 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $19,772

• SAT range 930-1160

• Traverse City, MI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  429 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 429 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range —

• Adrian, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  485 reviews

Freshman: Siena Heights University has provided me with an amazing experience so far. The professors, students, and aides were welcoming and understanding, figuring out ways to help with assignments, paying for tuition, and finding the best courses to take for my degree. I have recommended Siena Heights to family and friends and would do it again!... Read 485 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,931

• SAT range 880-1050