30 BEST VALUE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN MICHIGAN

Calvin College is the flagship school for the Christian Reformed Church, a small protestant denomination largely centered on West Michigan's sizable Dutch immigrant population. Thus, while you don't need to be Christian Reformed in order to attend, you will certainly learn a lot about John Calvin and Reformed theology in your time here. Professors are knowledgeable, passionate on their areas of expertise, and more often than not, eager to engage with students. Calvin's faculty is frequently recognized alongside professors from much larger schools in the state, helping Calvin stand tall as one of the top colleges in Michigan. Even though surrounding neighborhoods are largely suburban, a bus line can connect you with eclectic neighborhoods nearby and the newly thriving downtown.

How many schools do you know of where you get to cheer on your own Nordic skiing team? Crossing the bridge to Michigan's Upper Peninsula may mean colder weather and lots of snow, but it doesn't mean leaving technology behind. Northern Michigan University in Marquette was America's first university to operate its own 4G network. The school's investment in this wireless network—now spanning more than 40 square miles—even prompted a visit from President Obama to the school's campus. NMU, one of the best colleges in Michigan, is home to two art galleries, two radio stations, and a public access TV station. Plus, with a 72% acceptance rate, the school's 9,000-person student body is largely self-selected.

Lawrence Technological University is one of the best universities in Michigan. Don't take our word for it, though. Try these numbers on for size: 90% of students find a job in their field within six months of graduation. LTU also ranks in the top 10% nationally for return on investment, with a 20-yr ROI of $548,000. Just north of Detroit, LTU connects students with Fortune 500 companies like Ford, which hosts an annual networking event on campus where company reps bring a full range of vehicles on campus and talk to students. Many event participants go on to intern or even work at Ford. Currently, LTU is investing $55 million in a new research center as well as constructing the Detroit Center for Design in Midtown, one of the hippest neighborhoods in the Midwest.

With easy access to Ann Arbor and Detroit, Eastern Michigan University is ideally located if you want to be close to the action. You don't even have to leave campus, either. The school's Convocation Center has welcomed big name performers such as Jay-Z, Kevin Hart, and Jason Mraz to campus in recent years. Eastern's College of Education, the oldest department on campus, was founded in 1849 and is home to the largest department of special education in the United States. And recent construction on campus led to the opening of a new science complex built in 2011, the same year that Pray-Harold, home to the College of Arts and Sciences, was enhanced with its own set of renovations. With an average 20-year ROI of $213,000, Eastern Michigan is a standout among cheap Michigan colleges.

Located in suburban Grand Rapids, Kuyper is a small Christian school with a focus on preparing students for ministry by developing character and capability. Kuyper is one of the most affordable colleges in Michigan—and significantly cheaper than other comparable religious schools. All students are required to take Bible & Theology classes and will, in fact, graduate with at least a Bible & Theology minor. And students looking to get off campus will enjoy plenty of options; the school is just around the corner from Robinette's, a great place for donuts and cider—and down the road students will find Knapp's Corner, a quickly growing entertainment district on Grand Rapid's northeast side with coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, and an IMAX theatre.

Ferris State University sits appropriately near the middle of our ranking of the best Michigan colleges, as it offers a true middle-of-the-road solution for those who don't want to compromise quality for cost. You'll pay one of the lowest tuition rates around while still earning a serious return on investment - the small upfront cost you commit today could turn into almost $300k in earnings over the next 20 years! Part of the reason for FSU's alumni success is its strong emphasis on career prep. Programs like Industrial Technology and Management, Allied Health Services, Automotive Management, and Nursing will set you up as a high-demand worker in the job market.

For some students, getting a true "Christian experience" at college is a must-have. Enter Spring Arbor University, one of the best universities in Michigan for religious scholars. SAU's roots are simple but inspiring; in 1873 it opened its doors with the singular mission to offer an education grounded in the Christian faith. Over the past nearly 150 years, Spring Arbor has grown into a distinguished school that welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, and the academic programs have expanded to include secular topics in Accounting, Broadcasting, Economics, Global Studies, and nearly 70 others! Of course, there are still plenty of options for those who seek a career with the church, and you can study Biblical Languages, Camping Ministry, Global Ministry, or Theological Studies to your heart's content.

Who ever said you can't make money in a creative field? Get ready to prove the "haters" wrong if you attend the College for Creative Studies, a top-ranked LinkedIn university and one of the "best in the Midwest" based on Alumni success. CCS is also the #3 design school in the nation and an obvious choice for anyone interested in art, graphic design, illustration, product/fashion design, or related fields in new media. Don't expect to just walk in the door - the acceptance rate here is a respectable 46% - and get ready to work hard once you take your seat in class. Campus (and off-campus) life mirrors students' passions, and you'll find plenty of nearby studios, entertainment venues, and urban attractions in Detroit to keep your creative mind constantly engaged.

Western Michigan University is hands-down one of the top colleges in Michigan. Why? Well first of all, there's a reason more than 24,000 students choose WMU as their guide through collegiate life. With a low net price and a 20-year ROI of $294,000, Western Michigan is an investment you can count on. And despite its high enrollment, WMU fosters an inclusive, intimate learning environment that will make you feel like you're on a campus a fraction of the size. As far as academics are concerned, this university has a stellar reputation in a number of areas, including Aviation Flight Science, Geology, Jazz Studies, Psychology, Business, Occupational Therapy, and a hodgepodge of other fields that span the arts and sciences.

Long seen as removed from the rest of Flint, today Kettering University is at the heart of the Vehicle City's resurgence. With cooperation from General Motors and other local foundations, Kettering is investing in new automotive research facilities and recently helped renovate Atwood Stadium in Flint's historic Carriage Town neighborhood. Notable alums include Mary Barra, one of the most successful women in business and the first-ever woman CEO of General Motors. Don't be daunted by the price tag: Kettering offers the best 20-year ROI of any school in Michigan with an average return of $752,900.

Grand Valley State University has a student body of 25,000 and owns 1,300 acres in total, making it a true Goliath among American colleges. Not only is it the fifth largest school in Michigan, but it is also one of the 100 biggest schools in the nation. And if you're not quite convinced of GVSU's stature, consider a few other figures: 200 areas of study, more than 400 student organizations, and over 60 school-sponsored study abroad trips are within easy reach of all GVSU students. And if all this isn't enough, maybe you'll be enticed by all the university's campus events. From the Laker Kickoff Party at the beginning of every year to the annual "Battle of the Valleys" in conjunction with Saginaw Valley State, GVSU is a top Michigan college for anyone who seeks constant stimulation.

One of the benefits of attending a religious college is their unwavering commitment to knowledge and wisdom in their purist form. Aquinas College fits this description exactly, bringing students an education that emphasizes leadership, community service, a lifelong love of learning, and an eternal pursuit of the "common good." Located on the edge of Grand Rapids, Aquinas serves as a safe haven from which students can venture out into Michigan's second biggest city. Concerts, cultural events, and festivals will quickly fill up your calendar, giving you plenty of ways to relax on the weekends - after finishing your homework, of course!

If you're looking for a small but diverse liberal arts college, take a closer look at Kalamazoo. It accepts just 1,500 students at a time but is internationally oriented, with individuals from more than 30 countries present on campus at any given time. Kalamazoo College is dedicated to teaching and makes undergraduate success the most important responsibility of its entire faculty - and since 92% hold terminal degrees in their field, you can trust that you're getting a reliable education. Kalamazoo is also big on experiential learning, and the statistics prove this point: 75% of students participate in an internship or externship, 50% of seniors complete their final projects "in the field," and 80% of students study abroad at some point during their academic career.

The University of Detroit Mercy is another academic institution that serves as a bright spot in a struggling city. A traditional liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university, Detroit Mercy sits at the crossroads of two very different collegiate experiences. You'll have more than 100 academic programs from which to choose, plus a plethora of extracurricular endeavors. You can join a co-op in your field and work with a local business, find an internship with a nearby corporation, or opt for a research project that will give you insight into the work of your favorite professors. All this talk of career preparation certainly pays off; this affordable Michigan college boasts a 20-year ROI of $217,000.

Sometimes referred to as "the little college that could," Adrian College boasts somewhat of a Cinderella story. Despite its small stature and lack of name recognition nationally, Adrian is working hard to grow into a world-class university. U.S. News & World Report named Adrian the #1 "up and coming" college in the entire country, it is counted among the nation's best Midwest schools. The university also continues to beat its own records when it comes to enrollment - with 1,700 students now attending from year to year, you can expect the 62% acceptance rate to drop down, and soon!

Way back in 1862, Hope College opened its doors to just 10 students who shared a desire for higher education. More than 150 years later, Hope has managed to expand significantly without losing that cozy, intimate feel. If you apply today, you could be one of 3,300 students joined together in spirit at this religious liberal arts college. The school perfectly blends historic architecture and traditional values with all the modern day conveniences you'd expect from a 21st century college - including the Pelletron particle accelerator located just a block away! And students who come to Hope don't often regret their decision; in fact, the graduation rate is an impressive 80%.

Detroit may have suffered somewhat in reputation over the past few years, but certain spots in the city still thrive - including Wayne State University. A diamond in the rough when it comes to cheap colleges in Michigan, Wayne State is nationally recognized for many of its more than 370 academic programs. And with 28,000 students, 100 buildings, six extension centers, and over 200 acres of academic space, you'll find that WSU has the resources to accommodate even your biggest aspirations. Wayne State is certainly one of the best colleges in Michigan when it comes to campus culture, too; it hosts students from 60 countries and has been rated the most diverse school in the state!

Although the Upper Peninsula can seem isolated from the rest of the state, it more than makes up for its remoteness with picturesque views and relaxed atmosphere. It also makes LSSU a great choice for outdoor adventurers, who can take advantage of the university's hiking and camping trips - there's even a national wildlife refuge nearby! Lake Superior's location also offers the perfect environment for students who are looking to concentrate on their schoolwork; you'll find few distractions while absorbing every detail of your classes in Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Parks and Recreation, and Environmental Health, among other options.