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Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Michigan

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

University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers extraordinary value with a net price of just $10,904, while Baker College graduates earn the highest salaries at $45,529 annually. This dramatic range reflects Michigan's evolving economy, where liberal arts graduates find opportunities beyond traditional sectors. The state's Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 for in-state students, making public options particularly attractive. Oakland University stands out with 90% acceptance rates yet maintains strong earnings of $41,937, demonstrating accessible pathways to career success. Michigan's automotive giants increasingly value liberal arts skills for project management, communications, and strategic planning roles. With net costs spanning from $10,904 to $28,458 across 15 programs, students can find affordable options that align with career goals. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor achieves a remarkable 93% graduation rate, though at higher costs, while programs like Ferris State offer solid middle-ground alternatives at $12,202 net price.
29
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$33,141
Avg. Program Earnings
58.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,584 $41,937 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
2 $15,171 $45,529 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
3 $10,904 $32,391 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
4 $14,773 $38,289 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
5 $14,832 $36,848 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
6 $12,202 $29,064 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
7 $17,185 $36,134 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
8 $17,096 $34,814 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
9 $20,751 $32,391 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
10 $14,368 $21,508 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
11 $20,899 $31,133 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
12 $18,902 $25,596 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
13 $22,384 $25,194 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
14 $14,582 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
15 $28,458 $26,390 53.6% 75.7%
16 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
17 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
18 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
19 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
20 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
21 $19,245 $27,938 41.4% 71.4%
22 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%
23 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%
24 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
25 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
26 $26,409 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
27 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
28 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
29 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Michigan-Dearborn such strong value for liberal arts students?

UM-Dearborn combines the lowest net price at $10,904 with solid graduate earnings of $32,391 annually. The program maintains a 57% graduation rate with 54% acceptance rates, creating selective yet accessible admissions. Students benefit from University of Michigan system resources while paying significantly less than the Ann Arbor campus.

How do private college outcomes compare to public options in Michigan?

Baker College leads all programs with $45,529 average earnings despite a 31% graduation rate and $15,171 net cost. Siena Heights offers strong private value with $36,134 earnings and 51% graduation rates at $17,185 net price. Public options like Oakland University often provide better graduation rates, with 57% completion and $41,937 earnings.

Does the Michigan Achievement Scholarship significantly impact program affordability?

The scholarship covers up to $5,500 annually for Michigan residents, making public programs especially attractive. University of Michigan-Dearborn's $14,944 in-state tuition drops to $10,904 net price with aid. This scholarship helps explain why 12 of the 15 programs charge under $21,000 net annually.

Where do liberal arts graduates find employment in Michigan's changing economy?

Michigan's automotive sector increasingly values liberal arts skills for communications, project management, and strategic roles at GM, Ford, and Stellantis. Healthcare systems and growing tech companies also hire graduates for their analytical and communication abilities. Average earnings range from $21,508 to $45,529, reflecting varied career paths available.

Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor worth the higher costs for liberal arts majors?

UM-Ann Arbor commands a 93% graduation rate, the highest among all programs, though earnings of $36,848 don't top the list. With 18% acceptance rates and $14,832 net price, students pay premium pricing for elite academics. Graduates carry $18,765 average debt, relatively modest for the program's reputation.

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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.