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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in Michigan

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Michigan's business programs show remarkable earnings variation, with University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earning $83,177 annually while University of Michigan-Flint alumni start at $39,271. The state's automotive giants and growing tech sector create strong demand for business graduates, though net costs range from $10,904 at UM-Dearborn to $21,019 at Cleary University. Michigan State University delivers impressive results with an 82.20% graduation rate and $62,654 median earnings, while its $20,751 net cost reflects strong state support. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 for in-state students, making public options particularly attractive. Oakland University stands out with $57,318 earnings at just $13,584 net cost, demonstrating that value extends beyond flagship institutions. Most programs maintain high acceptance rates above 75%, giving students multiple pathways to business careers in Michigan's economy.
38
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$48,257
Avg. Program Earnings
57.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,832 $83,177 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
2 $10,904 $52,941 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
3 $13,584 $57,318 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
4 $12,202 $46,924 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
5 $15,729 $59,124 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
6 $16,041 $52,107 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
7 $17,096 $55,151 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
8 $12,280 $39,271 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
9 $21,019 $66,653 $24,842 39.4% 67.5%
10 $20,751 $62,654 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
11 $17,084 $51,273 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
12 $15,171 $45,373 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
13 $18,701 $53,858 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
14 $16,179 $44,747 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
15 $14,582 $40,253 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
16 $16,882 $45,715 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%
17 $20,899 $53,358 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
18 $14,368 $33,993 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
19 $19,988 $46,820 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
20 $17,185 $38,289 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
21 $18,902 $40,821 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
22 $17,815 $38,289 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
23 $22,384 $46,924 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
24 $19,245 $38,289 $27,938 41.4% 71.4%
25 $17,485 $34,526 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
26 $21,504 $42,123 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
27 $26,409 $51,106 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
28 $21,158 $40,896 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
29 $24,783 $45,980 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
30 $26,429 $47,116 $33,000 61.1% 79.7%
31 $25,749 $44,418 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
32 $33,092 $54,713 $46,380 70.5% 80.8%
33 $24,663 $38,289 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
34 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
35 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%
36 $28,458 $26,390 53.6% 75.7%
37 $18,700 $19,990 25.9%
38 $13,996 $14,992 42.9% 99.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between Michigan business programs?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn $83,177 compared to $39,271 at UM-Flint, reflecting alumni network strength and employer recognition. Ann Arbor's 17.69% acceptance rate creates selectivity that translates to higher-paying opportunities. The $43,906 earnings difference significantly outweighs the modest $2,552 cost difference between these schools. Location also matters, with Ann Arbor's proximity to major corporations providing better internship and job placement opportunities.

How do Michigan's public universities compare on cost-effectiveness for business majors?

UM-Dearborn offers the lowest net cost at $10,904 with $52,941 earnings, creating excellent value despite a 56.60% graduation rate. Oakland University provides strong returns with $57,318 earnings at $13,584 net cost and a 90.05% acceptance rate. Michigan Tech commands $15,729 but delivers $59,124 earnings with a solid 68.70% graduation rate. Most public options keep in-state tuition below $19,000, making them accessible choices.

Does Cleary University justify its higher private school costs?

Cleary's $21,019 net cost produces $66,653 median earnings, ranking third in the state behind only Michigan's flagship campuses. The private institution's focused business curriculum and industry connections help explain earnings that exceed larger public universities like Central Michigan or Western Michigan. However, the 39.40% graduation rate raises concerns about student success rates. The $45,634 difference between net cost and earnings provides reasonable return on investment for graduates who complete the program.

Where do Michigan business graduates find the best job opportunities?

Michigan's automotive sector employs thousands of business graduates at Ford, GM, and Stellantis headquarters throughout the Detroit metro area. The state's growing healthcare and technology industries create additional management opportunities, particularly around Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's $83,177 median earnings reflect access to these high-paying sectors and national recruiting. Regional campuses like UM-Dearborn and Oakland University benefit from proximity to automotive suppliers and emerging tech companies.

Is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship worth considering for business students?

The scholarship's $5,500 maximum significantly reduces costs at public universities where in-state tuition ranges from $12,240 to $18,392. At Saginaw Valley State University, the scholarship covers nearly half of the $12,240 tuition, making net costs extremely affordable. Michigan residents can combine this aid with institutional grants to achieve the low net prices seen at schools like UM-Dearborn. The scholarship makes Michigan's public business programs competitive with out-of-state options while providing access to the state's strong job market.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.