Choosing a college in Michigan doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Michigan are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Michigan , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 14 four-year Michigan Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $29,450, reflecting a 4.11% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 14 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 13 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.
Ferris State University ranks as the least expensive public Michigan colleges. With tuition and fees at just $14,778, Ferris State University offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Central Michigan University at$15,480 and Eastern Michigan University at$16,990 both consistently recognized among the Michigan Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Michigan Public Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 79.85%, and the average SAT score is 1,074, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MIPublic, 4-year | $14,778 ($14,778) $532 | $9,538 ($9,538) $552 | 91.39% | 9,959 | 1,010 | 47.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 2 - | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MIPublic, 4-year | $15,480 ($15,480) $1,168 | $17,187 ($17,187) $894 | 89.82% | 14,488 | 1,080 | 59.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 3 - | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MIPublic, 4-year | $16,990 ($16,990) $730 | $30,978 ($17,968) $906 | 79.64% | 12,631 | 1,060 | 46.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 4 1 | Northern Michigan University Marquette, MIPublic, 4-year | $19,944 ($14,322) $700 | $15,652 ($12,196) $596 | 84.02% | 7,409 | - | 52.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 5 1 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MIPublic, 4-year | $19,952 ($15,987) $854 | $29,681 ($20,103) $1,227 | 84.60% | 16,744 | - | 58.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 6 - | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MIPublic, 4-year | $21,894 ($15,502) $740 | $20,030 ($20,030) $666 | 83.02% | 22,011 | 1,060 | 67.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 7 - | Oakland University Rochester Hills, MIPublic, 4-year | $24,735 ($17,167) $2 | $24,648 ($21,960) - | 87.84% | 15,768 | 1,120 | 58.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 8 - | University of Michigan-Flint Flint, MIPublic, 4-year | $27,790 ($14,236) $1,312 | $21,390 ($14,473) $832 | 70.46% | 6,529 | 1,100 | 40.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 9 - | Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MIPublic, 4-year | $30,450 ($12,930) $1,698 | $18,360 ($18,360) $1,032 | 72.07% | 6,822 | 1,050 | 48.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 10 - | University of Michigan-Dearborn Dearborn, MIPublic, 4-year | $32,896 ($15,640) $1,536 | $30,350 ($17,126) $1,790 | 55.61% | 8,104 | 1,110 | 58.00% | 16 to 1 |
| Average | $22,491 ($15,303) | $21,781 ($16,894) | 79.85% | 12,047 | 1,074 | 53.30% | 16 to 1 |