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Best Value Finance and Financial Management Services Colleges in Michigan

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

Michigan State University finance graduates earn $60,219 annually while paying just $20,751 net cost, making it the clear earnings leader among the state's finance programs. This return on investment reflects strong demand from Michigan's major employers, including the Big Three automakers who need financial analysts for their ongoing electric vehicle transitions and supply chain management. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans $17,445, with Oakland University ($59,982) and University of Michigan-Dearborn ($54,252) also delivering strong graduate outcomes. Public universities dominate the value proposition, with 13 of the top 15 programs offering in-state tuition under $19,000. Michigan's finance programs benefit from the state's economic transformation, as traditional automotive companies expand their financial services divisions and fintech startups emerge in Detroit's growing downtown business district. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 for in-state students, further improving affordability across these programs.
28
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$49,373
Avg. Program Earnings
56.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $54,252 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $13,584 $59,982 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
3 $12,202 $48,041 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
4 $12,280 $46,087 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
5 $14,773 $51,690 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
6 $14,582 $48,432 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
7 $15,171 $46,673 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
8 $17,084 $50,856 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
9 $20,751 $60,219 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
10 $16,041 $46,538 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
11 $17,096 $49,370 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
12 $15,729 $42,774 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
13 $17,485 $46,087 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
14 $18,701 $46,087 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
15 $19,988 $43,798 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
16 $26,409 $49,631 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
17 $26,429 $48,823 $33,000 61.1% 79.7%
18 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
19 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
20 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
21 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%
22 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
23 $22,384 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
24 $21,019 $24,842 39.4% 67.5%
25 $24,783 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
26 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
27 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
28 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Michigan State University the top earner for finance graduates?

MSU finance graduates earn $60,219 annually, the highest among Michigan programs, despite a net cost of $20,751. The university's 82.20% graduation rate and 87.95% acceptance rate indicate strong student support systems. MSU's proximity to Lansing's government financial sector and connections to major corporate headquarters contribute to these salary outcomes.

How do public universities compare to private options for finance value?

Public universities deliver superior value, with the top 13 programs all being public institutions. University of Michigan-Dearborn offers the lowest net cost at $10,904 while producing graduates earning $54,252. Private options like Baker College and Davenport University charge $15,171 and $19,988 respectively but show lower earnings and graduation rates.

Is Oakland University worth considering despite higher acceptance rates?

Oakland University accepts 90.05% of applicants yet produces the second-highest earning graduates at $59,982 annually. Students pay just $13,584 net cost with a 56.90% graduation rate. The high acceptance rate reflects the university's commitment to access rather than academic quality concerns.

Does location within Michigan affect finance program outcomes?

Detroit-area programs show strong performance, with Wayne State ($51,690 earnings), Oakland University ($59,982), and UM-Dearborn ($54,252) all exceeding $50,000 in graduate salaries. These programs benefit from proximity to major financial employers and the city's growing fintech sector. Rural programs like Michigan Tech show lower earnings at $42,774 but maintain solid graduation rates.

Where can students find the lowest debt burdens in Michigan finance programs?

Wayne State University graduates carry the lowest average debt at $18,507, followed closely by UM-Dearborn at $18,875. Both programs combine low debt with strong earnings above $50,000 annually. Saginaw Valley State also keeps debt manageable at $18,300 while maintaining reasonable graduation rates at 53.80%.

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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.