A few decades ago, Detroit was the capital of America’s automotive industry. However, the city’s decline began well before the 2000s as auto production decentralized, manufacturing jobs moved elsewhere, and global competition increased. Detroit’s fiscal situation became so severe that on July 18, 2013, it filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy, then the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history. The city exited bankruptcy in December 2014 and was later released from active state financial oversight in 2018. Today, Detroit continues to rebuild, and its colleges and universities remain an important part of the region’s recovery. Therefore, we’d like to present this list of affordable universities in and near Detroit to your attention.
Affordable Schools in Detroit for International Students
1. Wayne State University
Wayne State University is the third-largest university in Michigan. Founded in 1868, WSU has 13 schools and colleges and offers more than 375 academic programs to over 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
WSU’s flagship business school is the Mike Ilitch School of Business. Students can choose programs such as finance, accounting, and global supply chain management, while the School of Medicine and other health-related schools are also major parts of the university. The tuition ranges above reflect published undergraduate rates for 1-11 credits; full-time students often pay flat-rate tuition, and program-specific fees may apply.
2. University of Detroit Mercy
The University of Detroit Mercy is a private Catholic university in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions. Its beginnings date back to 1877. The university has three campuses in Detroit and one campus in Novi, and it offers more than 100 academic degrees and programs through its schools and colleges.
Most undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the University of Detroit Mercy are taught at the McNichols Campus, which also houses the university’s main administration, residential facilities, and athletic facilities. It is one of the few places in Michigan where you can earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in Addiction Studies. More than 98% of Detroit Mercy students receive some form of financial aid, although international eligibility varies by award.
3. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor is one of the best-known public research universities near the Detroit region. Established in 1817, it is also the oldest higher education institution in Michigan. The Ann Arbor campus is organized around Central, North, Medical, and Athletic campuses. In fall 2025, the Ann Arbor campus enrolled 35,358 undergraduate students and 18,130 graduate students. The university has 19 schools and colleges and offers more than 280 degree programs.
Most Ann Arbor students are enrolled in one of the university’s many undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across engineering, arts, sciences, humanities, business, health, and other fields. Although it is included here because of its strong reputation and regional proximity, international students should note that its nonresident tuition is significantly higher than many other schools on this list.
4. Madonna University
Madonna University is a small, private Catholic university in Livonia, in the Detroit metropolitan area. Its beginnings can be traced back to 1937. Today, it has about 2,040 undergraduate students and about 404 graduate students. Madonna offers over 140 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees and certifications.
Looking at Madonna University’s undergraduate tuition fees, one can see that they are relatively affordable for a private university. Admissions criteria vary by program, and some health programs may have additional requirements. Madonna is especially known for nursing and health sciences: its nursing program began in 1962 and is accredited at the bachelor’s, master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice levels.
5. College of Creative Studies
The College for Creative Studies is one of the more expensive higher education providers in Detroit because art and design study can require specialized equipment, studios, labs, and materials. Undergraduate tuition does not depend on a student’s residence status. CCS reports that 98% of its students receive financial assistance, and prospective students should also budget for supplies, housing, and program-related costs.
This college has a focused academic portfolio in art and design. It offers undergraduate options such as Communication Design & Strategy, Entertainment Arts, Fashion Design, Film, Illustration, Game Design, Product Design, Studio Art & Craft, Transportation Design, and more.
Despite its nickname as the “Motor City,” Detroit remains a lively place to pursue higher education. The region’s educational institutions offer a wide range of degree programs, including public research universities, private Catholic universities, art and design colleges, and technology-focused programs. We’ve provided a list of some schools in and near Detroit above, so if you’re considering studying in the Detroit area, these institutions are worth comparing.
We hope this article on the cheapest universities in Detroit was helpful. Make sure also to check out the Study in the USA page and the Available Courses for International Students for more information about studying in the United States.
