Michigan, an Upper Midwestern state in the United States, borders four of the five Great Lakes and has a long freshwater coastline. Michigan also hosts universities with national and international recognition, including Michigan State University, one of the country’s pioneering land-grant institutions.
Besides academic studies, students in Michigan have a variety of extracurricular options to enrich their student life, including numerous water sports. This is because Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes and is made up of two peninsulas, which is why it is often called the “Great Lakes State” and “Water Wonderland.” Whether you are an in-state resident, an out-of-state resident, or an international student, you can experience a traditional US college environment if you choose to study in Michigan.
When choosing a study program, tuition costs are often one of the main factors to consider. If you are looking to study in Michigan but need to plan your budget carefully, this article is for you. Read on to learn about ten public universities in Michigan with published tuition rates for undergraduate students.
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. Its location near the Canadian border gives the university a distinctive cross-border setting.
Lake Superior State University offers master’s, bachelor’s, associate, certificate, and minor programs. Its academic options include fields such as sciences, engineering, business, health and emergency response, computer science, mathematics, and the Master of Business Administration.
2. Central Michigan University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $5,988/semester (US resident, lower-level undergraduate, 12 credits) | $10,500/semester (International, lower-level undergraduate, 12 credits)
Central Michigan University is a public research university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Founded in 1892, Central Michigan University is classified as an R2 doctoral university with high research activity.
Students at Central Michigan University can choose from more than 200 academic programs across seven colleges, including fields such as business, engineering, health sciences, education, science, and more.
3. Saginaw Valley State University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: $6,840/semester (Michigan resident, 12–18 credits) | $12,000/semester (Non-Michigan resident, 12–18 credits; eligible international students may qualify for scholarship-based reduced tuition)
Saginaw Valley State University is a public university in University Center, Michigan, near Saginaw. Founded in 1963, Saginaw Valley State University is the youngest public university in Michigan. It offers more than 100 programs, and its main campus is located in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Saginaw Valley State University offers undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for affordability among Michigan public universities. It also offers scholarship and grant opportunities for students; according to the university, a high percentage of freshmen receive scholarships or grant aid.
4. Oakland University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: From $6,630/semester (Michigan resident, lower-division undergraduate, 12 credits) | from $9,549/semester (Non-resident/international, lower-division undergraduate, 12 credits)
Oakland University is a public doctoral research university in Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills, Michigan. Founded in 1957, Oakland University is classified among doctoral research institutions and offers a broad range of academic programs.
Oakland University’s undergraduate tuition is no longer the same for all residency categories. Rates differ by residency status, credit level, and college or program, so students should check the official tuition page for the exact rate that applies to them.
5. Wayne State University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: From $6,821.32/semester (resident lower-division undergraduate, 12–18 credits) | from $15,623.91/semester (non-resident lower-division undergraduate, 12–18 credits)
Wayne State University is a public university in Detroit, Michigan. Its history dates back to 1868, and it is one of Michigan’s major public research universities, serving more than 24,000 students and offering more than 375 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges.
Wayne State University has notable programs in areas such as nursing, criminal justice, law, computer science, and more. The university also states that its tuition is the lowest among Michigan’s major research universities.
6. Ferris State University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $7,210/semester (US residents and Canada, freshman/sophomore, 14 credits) | $11,942/semester (International, freshman/sophomore, 14 credits)
Ferris State University is a public higher education institution known for career-focused programs offered in Big Rapids, Grand Rapids, statewide locations, and online. Established in 1884 by Woodbridge N. Ferris and Helen Ferris, Ferris State University has a long history of practical, career-oriented education.
Ferris State University offers programs through colleges and schools in fields such as business, engineering technology, health professions, pharmacy, optometry, arts and sciences, and education. Besides classroom learning, Ferris emphasizes career guidance, applied learning, and professional preparation.
7. Western Michigan University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $7,907/semester (Resident, lower-level undergraduate, 12–15 credits, before standard fees) | $9,883.75/semester (Non-resident, lower-level undergraduate, 12–15 credits, before standard and international student fees)
Western Michigan University is a public university in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Founded in 1903, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including programs in aviation, business, engineering, fine arts, health, education, and more.
Some of the recognized fields at Western Michigan University include aviation, business, accounting, nursing, engineering, and related career-focused programs. Tuition varies by residency, earned credits, college, and fees, and international students may be assessed an additional international student fee.
8. Grand Valley State University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $7,936/semester (Michigan resident, lower division, 12–15 credits) | $11,294/semester (Non-Michigan resident, lower division, 12–15 credits)
Founded in 1960, Grand Valley State University is a public university in West Michigan. It serves more than 22,000 students and offers more than 350 programs through eight colleges and six schools.
Grand Valley State University values both academic and extracurricular achievement. Its official athletics teams, the Grand Valley State Lakers, compete across 22 varsity sports.
9. Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is a public university located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. It started as the Michigan State Normal School and took its current name in 1959.
Eastern Michigan University offers more than 200 undergraduate and 150 graduate programs. Some of its academic areas include business, education, engineering, computer science, nursing, psychology, and health-related fields. At the undergraduate level, EMU uses block tuition for students taking 12 to 16 credit hours, while graduate and online program costs can differ by program and delivery format.
10. University of Michigan
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $8,932/semester (Michigan resident, Ann Arbor lower-division general undergraduate, 12–18 credits) | $31,740/semester (Non-resident/international, Ann Arbor lower-division general undergraduate, 12–18 credits)
The University of Michigan is the oldest university in Michigan, with an establishment date of 1817, and is one of the best-known public research universities in the United States. The university has 19 schools and colleges and offers more than 280 degree programs.
Some of the most popular academic areas include computer and information sciences, business administration, behavioral science, psychology, economics, engineering, and related fields.
FAQs: Studying at a University in Michigan
What Are the General Requirements to Study in Michigan?
Admission requirements for universities in Michigan depend on factors such as residency, degree level, program, school or college, and applicant background. In general, applicants may need academic transcripts, proof of high school graduation or previous degree completion, English-language proficiency for international applicants, financial or residency documents when applicable, and standardized test scores only when required by the specific university or program.
Are International Students Eligible for Financial Aid and Grants in Michigan?
Yes, some public universities in Michigan offer scholarships to non-Michigan or international students to support a diverse campus and learning environment. The type and amount of scholarships depend on the university and the student’s profile; one example is Michigan State University’s scholarship options for international students.
What is the Cost of Living in Michigan?
There is no single cost of living for all students in Michigan because expenses vary by city, campus, housing choice, meal plan, health insurance requirements, transportation, and personal lifestyle. As a practical planning step, students should review each university’s cost-of-attendance estimate, which usually includes tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Michigan can offer a strong American college experience to both local and international students, and its range of public universities gives students many options for pursuing their academic goals. First, choose your university and study program in Michigan, then begin your application.
We hope this article helps in your search for 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.
