Skip to main content

Suburban Colleges in Michigan

18 schools in Michigan. See our methodology.

MIAT College of Technology graduates in Canton earn $62,575 annually, the highest among Michigan's 18 suburban colleges, while charging students a net price of $21,202. This technical focus aligns perfectly with Michigan's automotive sector transformation, where General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis increasingly need skilled technicians for electric vehicle production and advanced manufacturing processes. The state's suburban colleges show remarkable cost variation, from Kalamazoo Valley Community College at just $2,991 to Kuyper College at $28,458. Graduation rates span from 18.5% at Oakland Community College to 64.3% at MIAT, reflecting different institutional missions. Community colleges dominate the affordable options, with five institutions charging under $9,000 annually. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship helps students access these programs, particularly valuable as the state's economy shifts toward technology and healthcare alongside traditional manufacturing. Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti represents the middle ground, offering four-year degrees at $17,084 with 45.5% of students completing their programs.
18
Schools
$15,633
Avg. Net Price
$43,096
Avg. Earnings
41.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Michigan

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 1,645 $21,202 64.3%
2 Suburb-Midsize 6,004 $14,582 53.8%
3 Suburb-Large 12,450 $13,584 56.9%
4 Suburb-Large 7,736 $3,561 30.3%
5 Suburb-Small 1,955 $8,145 31.7%
6 Suburb-Large 10,751 $17,084 45.5%
7 Suburb-Midsize 4,885 $2,991 22.6%
8 Suburb-Midsize 774 $21,019 39.4%
9 Suburb-Large 11,772 $4,568 18.5%
10 Suburb-Large 119 $28,458 53.6%
11 Suburb-Large 827 $19,245 41.4%
12 Suburb-Large 3,213 $19,988 49.5%
13 Suburb-Large 130 $18,700 25.9%
14 Suburb-Large 547 $22,079 38.3%
15 Suburb-Large 267 $21,770 54.4%
16 Suburb-Large 443 $23,871 31.3%
17 Suburb-Large 71 $4,913 46.2%
18 Suburb-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes MIAT College of Technology stand out among suburban Michigan colleges?

MIAT achieves the highest graduation rate at 64.3% and produces graduates earning $62,575 annually, nearly $11,000 more than Oakland University graduates. The college's 99.1% acceptance rate and focus on technical training align with Michigan's automotive industry needs for skilled technicians.

How do community college costs compare to four-year institutions in suburban Michigan?

Community colleges average under $6,000 annually, with Kalamazoo Valley at $2,991 and Oakland Community College at $4,568. Four-year institutions like Eastern Michigan University cost $17,084, while private colleges range from $18,700 to $28,458, creating clear affordability tiers.

Where do suburban Michigan college graduates find the best earning potential?

Technical and four-year programs lead in earnings, with MIAT graduates earning $62,575 and Oakland University graduates earning $58,612. Even community college graduates from St Clair County earn $40,177, reflecting Michigan's strong manufacturing and healthcare job markets.

Is Oakland University a good value among suburban Michigan colleges?

Oakland University delivers strong value at $13,584 net cost with 56.9% graduation rate and $58,612 graduate earnings. With 12,450 students, it offers the largest enrollment among suburban four-year institutions while maintaining a 90.1% acceptance rate.

How accessible are suburban Michigan colleges for average students?

Most suburban Michigan colleges accept over 75% of applicants, with 12 institutions accepting more than 80%. Only Cleary University drops below 70% at 67.5% acceptance, making suburban options highly accessible for Michigan students seeking affordable education.

Related

Suburban Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Michigan Cheapest Programs in Michigan

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.