Attending College in Michigan: What You Need to Know (Including Michigan Scholarships)

Updated on May 1st, 2023

If attending college in Michigan is a top priority for your student, they have plenty of excellent options available. The best colleges in Michigan offer exceptional academic experiences, as well as great cultures. Plus, the state itself brings a ton to the table, giving students plenty to explore.

But choosing between the top colleges in Michigan isn’t easy. Plus, students have the added challenge of figuring out how to cover the cost of schooling.

If your student plans on attending college in Michigan, scholarships can make the dream of an affordable education come true. If you and your student want to learn about scholarships in Michigan, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a quick trip over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve a spot today.

Luckily, it’s possible to sort out every detail well in advance. If attending college in Michigan is your student’s goal, here’s what they need to know.

About Michigan

Michigan is very well known for its amazing landscape. Dense forests, magnificent waterways, and rugged mountains are all there, waiting to be explored. Plus, there are lakes almost everywhere, creating plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

There’s also nearly every kind of town imaginable. Whether your student prefers bustling cities or something more quaint, there’s a place for them.

When it comes to the weather in Michigan, it’s far more varied than some people would expect. Summer temperatures can reach well into the 80s during the summer, with parts of the south seeing around 14 days of temps above the 90°F mark.

During the winter, snow is incredibly common. Usually, annual totals range between 40 and 80 inches, though getting as high as 180 inches in some areas. Plus, in the northern peninsula, temperatures can dive quite low, often getting below 0°F at night.

Colleges and Universities in Michigan

In total, there are around 167 Michigan colleges and universities. Of those, around 84 are four-year institutions, giving students looking to earn a Bachelor’s degree plenty of places to turn during their college search.

However, sorting through that many colleges in the state of Michigan isn’t easy. Usually, it’s far more options than any student can fully explore.

Luckily, it’s possible to pare the list down by using the right approach. If your student isn’t sure how to figure out which college in Michigan is right for them, here are some points that may help them narrow it down.

College Towns in Michigan

While plenty of people would argue that every city that has a school within its borders is a “college town,” that isn’t always the case. Genuine college towns tend to have a youthful feel, as well as amenities that specially target young adults.

In many cases, students can figure out which top colleges in Michigan might be right for them by exploring college towns first. It can help them determine the kind of city that meets their needs best, simplifying the process.

Here is a list of Michigan college towns:

Ann Arbor
Big Rapids
East Lansing
Grand Rapids
Houghton
Kalamazoo
Mount Pleasant
Ypsilanti

Each of those cities has something students may appreciate. Now, if your student is interested in another town, that’s okay. This list is just there to help them launch their college search, so they can certainly consider other options.

Major Michigan Colleges and Universities

With so many to choose from, finding the right college in Michigan is often hard for students. In some cases, starting with the major Michigan colleges and universities makes things easier. It allows students to start eliminating options while they learn more about what they’d like to find.

Ultimately, every school is going to bring something different to the table. By looking at a broad selection of Michigan’s top colleges, your student can start identifying features they want to have in a school.

If your student is still trying to figure out where they want to send their Common App or application when the time comes, here are some colleges in the state of Michigan that they can start off with:

Again, this list of Michigan top universities and colleges is just meant to be a starting point. It can help students figure out what they’re after in a school, giving them helpful information that may make it easier to find the best option for them.

Michigan Financial Aid

For many students, getting financial aid is critical if they are going to go to college. College tuition in Michigan can be high, depending on the school. Plus, there are costs like room, board, and fees, all of which can add up fast. If your student needs to make college more affordable, scholarships and grants can make a big difference.

In many cases, Michigan scholarships and grants have unique requirements. However, being or becoming a resident of the state is typically a common thread.

Exactly how long it takes to establish residency for financial aid (as well as in-state tuition) can vary a tad. As a result, students may need to explore the award’s precise qualifications to see where the line falls.

Plus, there are other requirements to navigate. Each award may have its own qualifications, so students need to review the rules to determine if they are eligible.

Michigan College Grants

Functionally, a college grant in Michigan is similar to the federal Pell Grant. The main difference is that they are offered at a state or local level.

Typically, Michigan college grants do require residency. Additionally, other qualifications are usually involved. Financial need is a common one, though it isn’t universal. Similarly, pursuing a certain major may be mandatory, but it isn’t always.

Here is a list of Michigan college grants your student may want to check out:

Michigan Scholarships

When it comes to scholarships for college students in Michigan, the same residency rules can apply. Additionally, there can be other requirements.

Here are some Michigan scholarships your student may want to check out:

It’s important to note that these are by far not the only options available. For example, there aren’t any institutional scholarships on this list. With those, attending a particular school is a requirement, but residency often isn’t. For example, scholarships at the University of Michigan don’t all require residency. The same goes for many Michigan State scholarships for their students.

Instead, institutional scholarships focus eligibility on being an admitted student, as well as points like degree program, financial need, and more. If your student wants to learn about those, the information is typically on the college’s financial aid page or program pages.

If your student plans on attending college in Michigan, scholarships can make the dream of an affordable education come true. If you and your student want to learn about scholarship eligibility, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Head over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to save your seat today.

Living and Getting Around in Michigan

Before your student heads to Michigan, it’s wise to learn a bit about what it’s like to live in and travel around the state. That way, they can be ready for the adventure that lies ahead.

Housing in Michigan

Housing in Michigan – compared to many other parts of the country – is relatively affordable. The median home value is $208,337, which is notable below the national average of $293,349.

When it comes to rent, the fair market value of a one-bedroom apartment is $765 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment in the state is $964 per month.

For some students, renting may be within reach, especially if they are open to having a roommate. For others, it could make heading to a dorm a better choice.

Transportation Options

Getting around in Michigan isn’t usually a challenge. Many cities have public transit, as well as rideshares and similar services.

If your student needs to head to a different city or state, that’s typically doable. Between the airports and train stations, finding an option isn’t difficult.

Here is a list of major Michigan airports:

Here is a list of Amtrak stops:

Albion, MI (ALI)
Ann Arbor, MI (ARB)
Bangor, MI (BAM)
Battle Creek, MI (BTL)
Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI)
Dearborn, MI (DER)
Detroit, MI (DET)
Dowagiac, MI (DOA)
Durand, MI (DRD)
East Lansing, MI (LNS)
Flint, MI (FLN)
Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)
Hammond-Whiting, IN (HMI)
Holland, MI (HOM)
Jackson, MI (JXN)
Kalamazoo, MI (KAL)
Lapeer, MI (LPE)
Michigan City, IN (MCI)
New Buffalo, MI (NBU)
Niles, MI (NLS)
Pontiac, MI (PNT)
Port Huron, MI (PTH)
Royal Oak, MI (ROY)
Joseph-Benton Harbor, MI (SJM)
Troy, MI (TRM)

Things to Do in Michigan

Michigan has plenty of options for students looking for things to do. When it comes to arts, culture, and history, museums abound. Plus, there are many historic landmarks scattered about, allowing students to combine a bit of learning with some time outdoors.

Outdoorsy students may appreciate time spent around one of Michigan’s lakes or hiking through a state park. There are also 129 lighthouses throughout the state, which could give them a fun goal for outdoor exploration.

Thrill-seekers may want to check out the various amusement parks. Michigan’s Adventure is the largest park in the state, but many of the smaller ones are worth exploring, too.

Making Money in Michigan

If your student is going to work while studying, understanding the local economy is a must. Here is some information that can help your student prepare.

Minimum Wage

The minimum wage in Michigan is $9.65 per hour. For tipped workers, the minimum is $3.67 per hour. However, if they don’t earn enough in tips to hit an average total of $9.65 per hour, the employer is required to make up the difference.

College students under the age of 20 should also be aware of the state’s training wage. For newly hired employees between the ages of 16 and 19, employers can pay just $4.25 per hour during the first 90 days of employment in some cases. After that, the rate does have to increase to the regular minimum wage.

Employment Rates

As of June 2021, the unemployment rate in Michigan was 5.0 percent. That is slightly below the national average for that time, which came in at 5.9 percent.

Michigan Key Industries

Michigan has a diverse economy, with many industries represented across the state. When it comes to major sectors, the automotive industry is one of the most significant. However, Michigan also has a strong agribusiness sector, as well as a notable medical device manufacturing industry.

Healthcare and life sciences are both well-represented in Michigan, too. Information technology is also growing in prominence, as well as cybersecurity. This helps create more opportunities for scientific and technically-focused professionals, including many students.

Attending College in Michigan: What You Need to Know (Including Michigan Scholarships)

About Michigan