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Cheapest Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Colleges in Michigan

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

Michigan's entrepreneurial programs show a striking $23,091 difference between the most affordable public option at University of Michigan-Dearborn ($10,904) and the highest-cost private institution. This gap reflects the state's commitment to accessible business education, particularly relevant as Michigan's economy continues diversifying beyond automotive manufacturing into tech startups and small business ventures. Eastern Michigan University graduates earn $41,025 annually, nearly double Northern Michigan University's $24,035 median earnings despite similar program costs. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 for in-state students, making public options even more attractive. Grand Valley State University stands out with a 68.60% graduation rate and relatively low debt burden of $23,914, while Davenport University accepts 98.91% of applicants. Central Michigan University offers strong value with $39,214 graduate earnings and moderate debt at $27,000.
15
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$34,758
Avg. Program Earnings
53.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
3 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
4 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
5 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
6 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
7 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
8 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
9 $19,245 $27,938 41.4% 71.4%
10 $19,988 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
11 $21,019 $24,842 39.4% 67.5%
12 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
13 $26,409 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
14 $26,429 $33,000 61.1% 79.7%
15 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Michigan entrepreneurship programs?

Graduate earnings range from $24,035 at Northern Michigan University to $41,025 at Eastern Michigan University, a $16,990 difference. Eastern Michigan's proximity to Detroit's business ecosystem likely contributes to higher starting salaries. Northern Michigan serves the Upper Peninsula's smaller market, where local business opportunities may offer lower initial wages but potentially better work-life balance. Central Michigan falls in the middle at $39,214, reflecting the university's statewide business network connections.

How do Michigan's public universities compare for affordability in this field?

University of Michigan-Dearborn offers the lowest net cost at $10,904, followed closely by UM-Flint at $12,280. Lake Superior State provides excellent value at $14,368 with a strong 56.90% graduation rate. Grand Valley State University, despite a higher $17,096 net cost, delivers the best graduation rate at 68.60% among public options. All public institutions benefit from in-state tuition rates ranging from $13,304 to $15,510.

Does program selectivity correlate with outcomes in Michigan?

University of Michigan-Dearborn combines the lowest acceptance rate (54.10%) with the most affordable cost and solid 56.60% graduation rate. Davenport University accepts 98.91% of applicants but maintains a respectable 49.50% graduation rate, suggesting open access doesn't necessarily hurt completion. Grand Valley State accepts 90.37% while achieving the highest graduation rate at 68.60%. Selectivity appears less important than institutional support systems for student success.

What private school options exist for entrepreneurship students in Michigan?

Private institutions range from $19,245 at Rochester University to $33,995 at Lawrence Technological University. Cleary University specializes in business education at $21,019 net cost with focused entrepreneurship training. Northwood University, known for its business programs, costs $26,429 with a solid 61.10% graduation rate. Lawrence Tech commands the highest price but offers unique engineering-business combinations valuable in Michigan's manufacturing and automotive sectors.

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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.