Michigan is a leader in higher education. With a multitude of colleges and universities in the state, both public and private, there is a place for everyone. Here is a closer look at some of these schools…
First on the list is University of Michigan. The flagship U of M Ann Arbor campus began as a public institution in 1817. It is among the best public universities in the nation.
The school is set within a bustling town of more than 121,000 people. The U of M campus stretches across 3,207 acres of land. Michigan is a special blend of top-tier academics and premier athletic programs. Plus, the university offers numerous cutting edge research facilities.
U of M even rates well against other elite institutions around the world. To add, Ann Arbor is a hub of art and culture. The town is treasured by many in Michigan and beyond.
Michigan has two satellite schools. They are UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint. Classes begin for the Wolverines on Monday, August 28.
https://admissions.umich.edu/apply
Next of course is Michigan State University. Michigan State is known as a first-rate research institution. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act to create land-grant colleges. MSU is the nation’s pioneer land-grant university and the model for this land-grant system across the country.
East Lansing is one of the most spirited and sprightly college towns in the country. With almost 40,000 undergraduates on a 5,192-acre campus, there is no shortage of activity.
MSU has highly respected programs in agriculture, hospitality and education. U.S. News and World Report tabbed them as the No. 1 elementary education program in the United States.
MSU takes the lead in other academic fields such as horticulture, music therapy and packaging. The Spartans’ basketball program is a national powerhouse. They are backed by a corps of ardent followers.
The fall semester starts on Monday, August 28. https://reg.msu.edu/roinfo/enrollment.aspx
Just east of Ann Arbor in Ypsilanti lies Eastern Michigan University. A 460-acre campus serves the somewhat smaller student body of about 15,000. This makes for a more intimate classroom setting. Some favored fields at EMU are business, education, health and social work.
It’s back to school for the Eagles on August 28. https://www.emich.edu/admissions/apply/index.php
On the other side of the state is Western Michigan University. You will find WMU in Kalamazoo. A festive atmosphere awaits here, as the Broncos are a fun-loving bunch. They also excel in their studies as well.
Classes begin on Wednesday, August 30. https://wmich.edu/apply
The charming city of Mount Pleasant is home to Central Michigan University. The Chippewas return to class on Monday, August 28. https://fireup.cmich.edu/apply/
In the Upper Peninsula, right by Lake Superior sits Northern Michigan University. NMU is based in Marquette. That first bell rings the 28th of August.
https://nmu.edu/admissions/apply
Wayne State University has been an academic gem of Detroit since 1868. WSU is in the heart of midtown, an area that’s been revitalized in recent years. WSU students are back in school on August 28. https://wayne.edu/admissions
Oakland University is 25 miles north of the city in Rochester. In their own words, “OU is a public doctoral research institution that promotes a global perspective.” Originally part of Michigan State, OU subsequently branched out on their own. From a small commuter school, it has grown into a mid-major power.
Fall term starts on Wednesday, September 6. https://www.oakland.edu/futureoustudents/
Big Rapids is where you will find Ferris State University. The Bulldogs are back-to-back defending Division II football champs.
Lake Superior State University is up north in Sault Ste. Marie. There is a good-sized Canadian population at the school, as it is close to Canada’s border. Fall instruction begins on August 28.
A few miles north of Saginaw proper in Kochville Township is Saginaw Valley State University. SVSU student housing gets good grades. The smaller class sizes at SVSU lead to a personalized learning experience. They are said to have the lowest tuition rate of all Michigan’s public universities.
As for the state’s private colleges and universities, there are many high quality institutions.
To name a few, one is Adrian College. Adrian is a United Methodist school in southern Michigan, northwest of Toledo. Albion College is a private liberal arts college off I-94, between Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo.
Alma College. is a private Presbyterian school south of Mount Pleasant. They feature online graduate degrees, along with a challenging curriculum rooted in the liberal arts.
Calvin University can be found on the outskirts of Grand Rapids. Hillsdale College is off M-12 about 20 miles southwest of Jackson. Hope College rests by the shores of Lake Macatawa in Holland.
One of the oldest colleges in the country, Kalamazoo College was established in 1833.
University of Detroit-Mercy is Michigan’s biggest and oldest Catholic university. The College for Creative Studies gives a world class education in the arts.
That is simply a snapshot of schools spread out across the state. Find your own path to higher learning.