25 Best Universities In Michigan For International Students 2025

Michigan is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 40 universities and colleges in Michigan, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 40 universities in Michigan, University of Michigan and Michigan State University are the top-performing schools in Michigan. This list covers both public and private institutions in Michigan.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Michigan. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Michigan.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Michigan?

Applying to the universities in Michigan involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Michigan to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Michigan?

Tuition fees at Michigan’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 13,100 USD to 56,100 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 8,625 USD to 52,500 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Michigan!

As we cover the best universities in Michigan for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Michigan for International Students

Heralded as the oldest university in the state is the University of Michigan. Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan has its central campus at An Arbor, with branch campuses in Dearborn and Flint. It offers over 250 degree programs across various disciplines in art, engineering, applied sciences, and social sciences. The University of Michigan takes pride in its reputation in research and academic performance, earning a seat among the top public universities around the world.

Michigan State University, also known as Michigan State, is a world-class public research university in East Lansing, Michigan which is known to have one of the largest student bodies in all of the universities in the United States. It was established in 1855 as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, the very first agricultural college in the country. The institution is recognized to have a solid research performance and outstanding higher education system allowing students and professionals to gain interdisciplinary knowledge and advanced theoretical and technical skills. Moreover, the university is well-known for pioneering music therapy, packaging, hospitality business, supply chain management, and communication science.

Situated in one of the major hubs of Michigan, Wayne State University (WSU) is a public institution that specializes in research. As one of the largest colleges in Michigan state, WSU offers over 300 academic programs to many of its enrolled students. When it comes to size, Wayne State University has over 100 different buildings on its central campus alone. In addition to its main campus, WSU has established six satellite campus that surrounds the Detriot area.

Michigan Technological University has proven that it can also keep up with other prominent universities since it has incurred rapid growth over the years. The university saw a massive increase in its research outputs and admission population significantly when it expanded its degree offerings. At present, the university already has more than 100 programs for students worldwide.

Grand Valley State University is one of the United States’ most extensive universities, welcoming tens of thousands of students and employees. Around 140 majors and programs are offered every year to students. It has several campuses and regional centers across Michigan: Allendale, Grand Rapids, Holland (Michigan), Battle Creek, Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City. Campus life is also vibrant, with no less than 300 active student organizations in the university.

Western Michigan University is one of the most high-regarded universities in the region. It offers an innovative educational approach where students get to have a deeper understanding of themselves and society. The university defines success as being competent in this ever-changing world, which is why it trains students to have the necessary knowledge they need in their field of choice.

Oakland University is one of the most prominent and extensive universities in the Detroit area, such that it extends across two cities, Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills. More than 200 programs from the arts to medicine are available for undergrads and grad students. Among its best programs is medicine, which ranks 601st in the QS Subject Rankings. This university, borne out of a couple’s generous donation, has maintained excellence and a credible reputation, as is evident in its rankings.

Eastern Michigan University was one of the first normal or teacher training schools in the United States. It was only in 1959 when it earned its present name and university status. Composed of eight colleges, EMU offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and specialist programs in the arts, sciences, education, engineering, technology, health, and human services.

Central Michigan University (CMU) is one of the leading public research institutions in the state of Michigan. In fact, the university is home to quite a number of research centers and institutes that have top-notch facilities. CMU also takes pride in its diverse and inclusive community, welcoming students and staff of different backgrounds and cultures.

Located in the upper part of Michigan, Ferris State University (FSU) is a federally-funded institution that was established in the late nineteenth century. Undergoing much change in infrastructure, FSU became one of the largest universities in the nation with 20 campuses nationwide. Following the major academic trend, many courses offered by Ferris have become available online, and even now, various graduate programs and certificates are still offered by its academic colleges and specialized departments.

The University of Detroit Mercy is affiliated with the Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus, making it a Catholic institution. It is the most extensive Catholic university in Michigan, having four campuses: McNichols, Riverfront, Novi, and Corktown. The university maintains a small student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, allowing for more opportunities and personalized training for each student.

Kettering University is a specialized private institution in Michigan. Its programs are centered on STEM or science, tech, engineering, and mathematics courses. The university was formerly known as the General Motors Institute of Technology, and its present name is taken after the inventor of General Motors. Kettering University is 389th in the Times Higher Education US College Rankings 2022.

Northern Michigan University was primarily an institution for education and teacher training. More than 100 years after its establishment, it now offers diverse programs ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate courses. The university provides a warm learning environment for both domestic and international students.

Hope College is one of the country’s top liberal colleges. It is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and was established by the Dutch immigrant community in 1866. Hope College provides around 90 majors, minors, and pre-professional courses. The student-to-faculty ratio is small and optimal at 11:1, ensuring attention and opportunities are given to each student.

Andrews University is a university facilitated by Seventh-day Adventists. It offers a variety of degree programs, which is why many students aim to be admitted to this Christian school. The university promotes the holistic development of the students and encourages them to maintain strong moral principles in this modern era.

Known for being the perfect place for conservative students, Hillsdale College offers almost 40 bachelor’s degree programs and recently opened 3 master’s degree programs. Classes are complemented with independent research and extracurricular activities such as volunteering. In fact, the college has 25 volunteering programs in partnership with different charities. Additionally, the college has more than 100 student organizations, which include honorary societies, sports teams, and religious groups.

Kalamazoo College is a private liberal arts university founded in 1833 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was founded by American Baptist pastors at the time of its establishment, but now it is not classified as a religious university. Kalamazoo College is one of the most prestigious universities in Forbes Michigan. Kalamazoo College emphasizes hands-on education and operates a rigorous liberal arts education that provides students with overseas experiences and rich experiences within the Kalamazoo community.

Albion College is located in a small city in Michigan with a little more than 8,000 inhabitants, which turns Albion’s students into an important part of the local community. It offers almost 80 bachelor’s degree programs, and although it doesn’t have any graduate programs, it gives assistance to students that want to continue their education and obtain a master’s degree. This college has modern facilities such as state-of-the-art laboratories and 4 centers, which include its famous Nature Center that’s open to the public.

The Saginaw Valley State University was founded in 1963, making it the youngest state-funded university in Michigan. It offers over 100 programs in diverse fields. Programs at the university combine theory and practice and are taught by the best experts in their respective fields. 

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is a public institution in Michigan. The university provides study programs in liberal arts and several technical studies. Some of its academic programs include health science, computer science, engineering, and education. The learning approach at the university is a blend of the traditional and modern ways of learning. LSSU may be small, but it has big goals for its students. It provides top-quality education and countless opportunities to equip its students with the necessary knowledge and core capabilities to succeed in their chosen career paths.

Founded in 1932, Lawrence Technological University is among the leading academic institutions for tertiary education in the midwest region. It offers more than 100 programs in a wide range of fields and is well-known for its excellent engineering programs. Programs at the university are designed to equip students with strong technical knowledge, skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. 

Northwood University (NU) is a higher education institution that has cultivated industry leaders and experts in different sectors. It has always remained true to its primary goal to generate global citizens and competent graduates. It aids its students in achieving academic success throughout their studies while also giving the same importance to their well-being. The university has been entirely committed to providing high standards of teaching and research since its inception. And evidently enough, it continues to thrive on developing advanced programs and achieving more important goals to offer to its students.

Alma College offers 50 bachelor’s degree programs and has recently opened two master’s degree programs. Its education is based on experiential learning, as it encourages doing internships, developing research projects, and studying abroad. The university works in partnership with universities in 14 countries to offer study abroad opportunities and has centers in four US states with off-campus activities. This college is also famous for its United Nations Model, with which they have won dozens of awards in the last two decades.

College for Creative Studies (CCS) is one of the ideal private institutions in the US for creative students. CCS has some of the best network connections in the art, entertainment, and other relevant industries. Students enrolled in one of their study programs will have numerous opportunities awaiting them. In addition, the academic faculty comprises experts and highly qualified professors who are well connected in several industry sectors.

Established in 1866, Davenport University offers countless opportunities for local and international students. This private university offers a traditional and modern way of learning, and students have the option to either study in-person or online, depending on their needs. It is also known to be among the pioneers in Michigan in offering online programs at all levels. Moreover, as the institution thrives to become a leading national university, its top priority is to constantly improve the quality of education and offer more innovative academic programs.