Michigan, the Upper Midwestern state of the USA, is surrounded by the Great Lakes region, which inspires thousands of students and academicians to pursue academic qualifications. Michigan also hosts great universities with nationwide or worldwide recognition, including Michigan State University, the first land-grant university in the U.S.
Besides academic studies, students in Michigan have a variety of extracurricular options to enrich their student life experience, including numerous water sports. This is because of the highest number of great lakes included in a single state and Michigan’s geographical location consisting of two peninsulas, nicknaming the state as the “Great Lake State” as well as “Water Wonderland.” Whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state resident or an international student, you can experience the U.S. college experience at its peak if you choose to study in Michigan.
When it comes to choosing a study program, tuition costs are often the prioritized factors to consider. If you’re looking to study in Michigan but need to plan your budget carefully, this article is for you. Read more to take notes about the ten cheapest universities you can apply to study in Michigan.
Affordable Schools in Michigan for International Students
1. Lake Superior State University
Established in 1946, Lake Superior State University is a public university in Sault. Ste. Marie, Michigan. As it is on the border between Canada and the USA, the university includes a lot of Canadian and U.S. citizens and offers joint programs with Sault College and Algoma University in Ontario, Canada.
Lake Superior State University mainly offers associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as a Master of Business Administration. Schools of engineering, computer science, and medicine have the most recognized programs of the university. Lake Superior State University has a student population of 1,700, including 8.3% Ontario residents and 3.7% non-residents.
2. Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University is a prestigious public research university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Founded in 1892, Central Michigan University is one of the eight recognized research universities in Michigan and is considered one of the best institutions for doctoral-level research.
Students at Central Michigan University can choose among 200 academic programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and some of the top-ranked colleges include the College of Science and Engineering, the College of Education and Human Services, the College of Business Administration, and more.
3. Saginaw Valley State University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: $5,660/semester (In-State) | $13,135/semester (Out-State and International)
Saginaw Valley State University is a public university in Saginaw, Michigan. Founded in 1963, Saginaw Valley State University is accepted as the newest public university in Michigan. It has more than 100 programs and a student population of over 8,500. Its main campus is located in the Great Lakes Bay Region, considered in many charts as the best campus in Michigan.
Saginaw Valley State University has undergraduate and postgraduate degree levels and is considered to have the lowest tuition fees among public universities in Michigan. Also, there are generous scholarship options for both local and international students; currently, 50% of the freshmen students receive full-tuition scholarships.
4. Oakland University
Oakland University is a public university located in Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills in Michigan. Founded in 1957, Oakland University is among the eight public research universities in Michigan with a recognition of research activities.
Oakland University charges the same amount for undergraduate applicants coming from Michigan, outside Michigan, or outside the USA, yet for graduate applications, the fees differ depending on the home residency of the student.
5. Wayne State University
Wayne State University is a public university in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1868, it is among the oldest universities and the third-largest university in Michigan, with 24,000 students, 3,000 academic staff, and more than 350 study programs. Moreover, the university is also among the three schools composing the University Research Corridor of Michigan with strong commitment and investment in research activities.
Wayne State University has several notable programs, such as nursing, criminal justice, law, computer science, and more. The university also offers the lowest tuition rates among the three major research universities.
6. Ferris State University
Ferris State University is a public higher education institution recognized for its wide variety of study programs at 19 off-campus locations and online. Established in 1884 by Woodbridge N. Ferris, an educator and former governor of Michigan, Ferris State University is recognized nationwide for its contributions to medical research.
Ferris State University has seven degree-granting colleges, including business, engineering, health professions, pharmacy, optometry, and more. Besides quality education, Ferris State University offers career guidance and professional connections.
7. Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University is among the eight public research universities in Michigan. Founded in 1903, the university has 140 undergraduate and 103 postgraduate programs in seven colleges, including the College of Aviation, the College of Fine Arts, the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and more. Some of the most recognized programs at Western Michigan University include finance, accounting, nursing, airline pilot and flight crew, and more.
8. Grand Valley State University
Founded in 1960, Grand Valley State University is a public university with a large student population of more than 22,000 students and several other campuses in Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse; in addition to its main campus is located in Allendale, Michigan.
Grand Valley State University values both the academic and extracurricular accomplishments of its students; about 25% of the students are engaged in research projects, and the university’s official athletics team, the Grand Valley State Lakers, has a series of winnings with 21 teams in various sports.
9. Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is a public research university located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Started as the Michigan State Normal School, Eastern Michigan University took its current name in 1959, and since then, it’s been recognized as the top-class institution in Michigan as one of the eight research universities in the state.
Eastern Michigan University has a large student body of more than 13,000 students. Some of the best programs at the university include business and entrepreneurship, educational psychology, nursing, and engineering. At the undergraduate level, the tuition fees apply the same amount for in-state, out-of-state, or international students, yet at the postgraduate level, the fees per credit differ accordingly.
10. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is the oldest and most recognized university in Michigan, with an establishment in 1817, as well as being one of the oldest research universities in the U.S. The university has a large student body of more than 52,000 students, including 17,000 international students, and offers over 300 academic programs in 17 colleges.
Some of the most popular programs include computer and information sciences, business administration, behavioral science, experimental psychology, economics, and mechanical engineering.
FAQs: Studying at a University in Michigan
What Are the General Requirements to Study in Michigan?
Admission requirements to apply to universities in Michigan can depend on different factors, such as the home residency of the student, the type of program or faculty, the degree, and so on. However, we can share the general requirements many universities mandate in Michigan, including SAT/ACT/GRE scores, GPA requirements, diploma of the highest completed degrees, an academic transcript, proof of residency address, and more.
Are International Students Eligible for Financial Aid and Grants in Michigan?
Yes, many public universities in Michigan offer generous scholarships to non-Michigan or international students to encourage a diverse campus and learning environment. The type and amount of scholarships depend on the university or student; an example is Michigan Technical University’s scholarship and financial aid options for international students.
What is the Cost of Living in Michigan?
The cost of living in Michigan is neither too expensive nor affordable; students should expect to spend an average of $2,000 to $2,500 per month, including housing for $500 for on-campus accommodation and $800 for a one-bedroom apartment, $400 for food, $130 for transportation, and $100 for books and other academic expenses.
Michigan promises an ideal American college experience to both local and international students, and the number of affordable universities can be an excellent chance to pursue your dreams for the future. First, choose your university and student program in Michigan today and start your application.
We hope this article will help in your search for the most affordable schools in Michigan! To learn more about studying abroad, visit our Guide to Studying in the U.S. and Available Programs for International Students sections!
