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NCAA Division I Colleges in Michigan

7 schools in Michigan. See our methodology.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor stands as the clear academic leader among Michigan's seven Division I universities, with a 93.2% graduation rate that nearly doubles some competitors and alumni earning $83,648 annually. The state's automotive legacy connects directly to these institutions, with Ford, GM, and Stellantis actively recruiting from programs across the system. Michigan State University enrolls the most students at 40,243 despite charging $20,751 net annually, while Oakland University offers the lowest costs at just $13,584. The spread in outcomes tells a compelling story about value and opportunity. Eastern Michigan graduates earn $51,793 on average with a 45.5% completion rate, while Detroit Mercy achieves 68.1% graduation despite serving only 2,289 students. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship helps bridge affordability gaps, particularly important given the $7,167 difference between the most and least expensive options. These universities serve over 121,000 students total, feeding talent directly into the state's evolving economy from traditional manufacturing to emerging technology and healthcare sectors.
7
Schools
$16,739
Avg. Net Price
$63,110
Avg. Earnings
66.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Michigan

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 33,488 $14,832 93.2% 17.7%
2 40,243 $20,751 82.2% 88.0%
3 9,916 $16,041 61.8% 79.0%
4 2,289 $16,179 68.1% 90.5%
5 12,450 $13,584 56.9% 90.1%
6 12,704 $18,701 57.8% 84.6%
7 10,751 $17,084 45.5% 83.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Michigan-Ann Arbor different from other Division I schools in the state?

Michigan-Ann Arbor combines the state's most selective admissions at 17.7% acceptance with the highest graduation rate at 93.2%. Alumni earn $83,648 annually on average, significantly above the $67,253 at Michigan State. With 33,488 students, it maintains academic excellence at scale.

How much do Michigan Division I colleges typically cost students?

Net prices range from $13,584 at Oakland University to $20,751 at Michigan State. The $7,167 spread reflects different funding models and student needs. Private Detroit Mercy costs $16,179, competitive with several public options like Central Michigan at $16,041.

Does acceptance rate correlate with graduation success at Michigan universities?

The data shows mixed patterns. Michigan-Ann Arbor accepts just 17.7% of applicants but graduates 93.2%. Meanwhile, Detroit Mercy accepts 90.5% yet achieves 68.1% graduation. Eastern Michigan accepts 83.2% but graduates only 45.5%, suggesting admission selectivity matters for outcomes.

Where do Michigan Division I graduates typically work after college?

Alumni earnings from $51,793 to $83,648 reflect Michigan's economy spanning automotive, healthcare, and technology. Major employers like Ford, GM, and Stellantis recruit from these programs. The state's growing tech sector also draws graduates, particularly from engineering and business programs.

Is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship available at all Division I universities?

Yes, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship applies to all public universities in the state, helping students at Michigan State, Central Michigan, Oakland, Western Michigan, and Eastern Michigan. This state program helps offset the $13,584 to $20,751 net price range across public institutions.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.