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Cheapest Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Michigan

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Michigan's public universities deliver accounting education at remarkably affordable prices, with University of Michigan-Dearborn leading at just $10,904 net cost while producing graduates earning $51,106 annually. The $8,000 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options on this list reveals how strategic school selection can impact both debt loads and career outcomes. Oakland University graduates command the highest median earnings at $56,544, nearly $16,000 more than Lake Superior State graduates despite only $600 higher net costs. Michigan's automotive giants like Ford and General Motors maintain large accounting departments, creating steady demand for financial professionals who understand manufacturing cost structures and supply chain accounting. The state's Michigan Achievement Scholarship adds up to $5,500 in aid for residents, making these already affordable programs even more accessible for in-state students pursuing careers in corporate accounting, tax preparation, and financial analysis.
35
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$48,114
Avg. Program Earnings
57.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

35 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
3 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
4 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
5 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
6 $14,582 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
7 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
8 $15,171 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
9 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
10 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
11 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
12 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%
13 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
14 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
15 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
16 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
17 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
18 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
19 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
20 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
21 $19,245 $27,938 41.4% 71.4%
22 $19,988 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
23 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
24 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
25 $21,019 $24,842 39.4% 67.5%
26 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
27 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
28 $22,384 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
29 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
30 $24,783 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
31 $25,749 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
32 $26,409 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
33 $26,429 $33,000 61.1% 79.7%
34 $28,458 $26,390 53.6% 75.7%
35 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $20,000+ earnings gap between accounting programs in Michigan?

Albion College graduates earn $62,632 compared to $35,988 at Lake Superior State University, reflecting both program quality and alumni networks. Oakland University also produces high earners at $56,544 despite being a public institution. Geographic factors play a role, as schools near Detroit's corporate centers tend to produce graduates with higher starting salaries. The $27,000 difference between top and bottom earners shows how school choice impacts long-term financial outcomes.

How do Michigan's public accounting programs compare on graduation rates?

Michigan Technological University leads public schools with a 68.7% graduation rate, followed closely by Grand Valley State at 68.6%. In contrast, Baker College struggles with just 31.3% of students completing their programs. The state average hovers around 56%, with most public universities falling within 10 percentage points of this mark. Higher graduation rates often correlate with better support systems and more selective admissions processes.

Is University of Michigan-Dearborn really the best value for accounting students?

At $10,904 net cost with graduates earning $51,106, Dearborn offers strong return on investment for accounting students. The program maintains a 56.6% graduation rate with moderate debt loads of $21,750. Its proximity to Detroit's corporate headquarters provides internship and job opportunities with major employers. Only Oakland University comes close in terms of earnings potential while maintaining reasonable costs for in-state students.

Does attending a private college for accounting in Michigan justify the higher costs?

Albion College produces the highest-earning graduates at $62,632, but costs $16,882 in net expenses compared to $10,904 at Michigan-Dearborn. The $11,000+ earnings premium may justify the extra cost for some students. However, University of Detroit Mercy charges similar amounts without providing salary data, making the value proposition unclear. Most students find better returns at public institutions like Oakland University or Wayne State.

Where do accounting graduates from Michigan schools typically find employment?

Michigan's automotive industry employs thousands of accountants at companies like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis for cost accounting and financial analysis roles. Detroit's financial district houses regional offices of major accounting firms and corporate headquarters requiring tax professionals. Healthcare systems like Henry Ford Health and manufacturing companies throughout the state also recruit accounting graduates. The state's growing technology sector adds additional opportunities in financial planning and analysis positions.

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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.