Michigan is renowned for its distinctive cuisine, stunning natural beauty, and energetic metropolises. You can expect fantastic things whether you want to relax or explore the state for work chances. The busy metropolitan life of Detroit and the calm of the Great Lakes will present you with many wonderful opportunities.

Additionally, Michigan’s economy is booming. The state’s 2023 $493.2 billion GDP secured the 14th rank and is anticipated to rise in the upcoming years.

The state’s tax laws are one of the several reasons why many companies and entrepreneurs pick Michigan to grow or establish their companies. The business tax system in Michigan generates the revenue needed to maintain public services while also promoting economic growth. Additionally, the Michigan Business Taxes e-Registration system simplifies the registration process and ensures compliance with state tax requirements, making it easier for entrepreneurs to navigate the state’s tax environment.

Another contributor to Michigan’s thriving economic scene is its educated population. 18.6% of its total population are bachelor’s degree holders, and 8.73% are master’s degree holders. The percentage of individuals with degrees means the competition for leadership roles in Michigan is stiff. To stand out in the pool of applicants in large-scale companies statewide and nationwide, you need to earn an advanced degree from a top-ranking higher education institution.

One of the most respected college degrees that qualifies you for a leadership position in Michigan or anywhere in the United States is the Master of Business Administration (MBA). An MBA from a top-tier business school equips you with a diverse skill set to enhance your career prospects.

But with all the online and on-campus MBA degrees surfacing today, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly which is more renowned. Michigan has 42 colleges and universities with business schools, and listing which of them helps you stand out more in the job market can be time-consuming.

To help you out, we’ve scanned and researched each business school in Michigan—public and private—and listed the ten most notable schools of the bunch. World-renowned Michigan universities and accredited business schools offering MBA degree programs ensure that you’ll have the chance to achieve a higher ROI.

In addition to its high-quality programs, Michigan’s affordable cost of living is a significant advantage for out-of-state students, making the prospect of pursuing an MBA in the state even more attractive.

These ten comprehensive MBA programs in Michigan will help you achieve your goals, whether you want to advance in your current career or shift towards a new path.

Top 10 MBA Programs in Michigan

University of Michigan

University of Michigan, also called Michigan, was established in 1817 as a preparatory school in Detroit. Over the years, Michigan has adopted a new education system to help its locals become more educated and be able to compete in job markets nationwide. Michigan is known as the university with one of the largest alumni bodies despite not being the largest school in the state.

Michigan has three campuses. Its flagship campus is at Ann Arbor, while the other two are in Dearborn and Flint. Each campus offers students unique opportunities that prepare them for the professional world, including student support and financial aid resources.

If you’re looking for an MBA, you can explore the MBAs offered by Michigan’s three AACSB-accredited business schools.

Michigan Ross at Ann Arbor:

College of Business Dearborn:

Online and On-Campus MBA with concentrations in:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Information Systems Management
- International Business
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management

School of Management at UM-Flint:

The specific curriculum for each MBA degree each Michigan business school offers varies. Nevertheless, prospective students can expect to undergo a curriculum that combines various experiential learning activities that allow them to demonstrate what they’ve learned throughout the program in real business issues. Another notable aspect of these MBA degrees is their networking opportunities and reputation as a business education leadership powerhouse.

Michigan students can also expect to have low and affordable tuition costs and financial assistance to make their MBA journey more manageable.

Eli Broad College of Business – Michigan State University

Michigan State University is the largest state university in MI, with over 40,000 students and 12,000 faculty members and staff. The university also prides itself on a robust alumni network that allows current students to mingle with professionals and create a bond that bridges the academic realm and the professional market. MSU is big on hosting various alumni networking events that serve as a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and opportunities designed to create an environment conducive to formal and informal networking.

MSU offers over 400 academic programs designed to accommodate modern students’ diverse needs. Seventeen degree-granting institutions offer these programs. MSU is known for a lot of things, including being a top provider of business education in the United States. Its Broad College of Business has received accreditation and distinction from the AACSB since 1953, making it one of the oldest accredited business education providers.

The Broad College of Business streamlined two distinct MBA programs for both experienced and inexperienced business degree seekers.

The Broad Executive MBA is among the most sought-after programs for working professionals as it allows students to enroll in weekend classes or a hybrid learning format. If you’re maintaining a full-time career or other obligations, you should consider this Broad MBA track. This will give you more flexibility around your tight schedules, providing you with more opportunities to balance your other responsibilities with the demands of obtaining an advanced degree.

On the other hand, the Full-Time MBA and STEM MBA are almost identical, with the only difference being the concentrations offered. In addition to Finance, Marketing, and SCM, the Full-Time MBA offers an HR Management concentration. Moreover, the STEM MBA concentrations are more geared towards preparing students for the intersection of business and technology, making it a more popular choice for students aspiring to delve into the rapidly evolving fields of data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation in the business industry.

But regardless of which MBA track students choose, they’ll have the same access to students’ resources. This includes academic advising, world-renowned faculty, and an MBA curriculum grounded in strategic business theories.

College of Business Administration – University of Detroit Mercy

Students looking for a Michigan university that emphasizes connecting with the community while obtaining a high-quality education should consider the University of Detroit Mercy. This is a top-ranked private university in the state run by Roman Catholics. But before you decide to pursue a degree in this institution, you should know that tuition and fees are competitive at UDM. However, if you’re talented enough, you can apply for a scholarship that covers the whole tuition cost.

As the highest-ranked private university in Michigan, one can expect a lot from UDM. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to give back to your community and create a solid and ever-lasting bond with both small and large-scale professionals in Detroit. However, securing a spot at UDM can be hard considering its reputation as a “moderately selective” university. UDM uses a holistic approach in selecting its students, meaning applicants are evaluated based on their contributions to their respective fields and communities.

The UDM College of Business Administration is a top employer of seasoned business professionals and an excellent provider of private business education. Their offerings span from certificate to undergraduate and graduate degree levels, including:

Master of Business Administration

Internationally accredited by the AACSB, the UDM MBA is a cornerstone of advanced-level training in the US. This comprehensive MBA program will equip you with leadership skills, cultural competencies, ethical decision-making, justice commitment, and compassionate leadership, fostering personal growth and career objectives. It also offers MBA students various opportunities to participate in research projects facilitated by UDM faculty members.

Since most MBA seekers already have obligations outside their student, the UDM MBA offers two tracks to completion: Online and Evenings and weekends. Students who want to experience a more hands-on learning approach to MBA education can pursue evening and weekend MBA courses at McNichols or the downtown Riverfront Campus.

Furthermore, those eager to apply what they’ve learned in the MBA program or save more on tuition and time can pursue accelerated 7-week summer sessions. This opportunity allows students to complete the MBA program in as little as a year.

Another notable aspect of this Michigan MBA is its versatility. As a renowned Network of MBA Programs at Jesuit Colleges and Universities member, UDM graduates can transfer graduate credits and complete their MBA degree nationwide.

College of Business Administration – Central Michigan University

Ranked among the 100 Largest Colleges and Universities in America by the US News and World Report, Central Michigan University offers a distinctive environment for a diverse pool of students. Renowned for preparing undergraduate and graduate students for various job markets, CMU is among the state’s pride for affordable and world-class education. Whether you are pursuing degrees in business, technology, or other fields, CMU provides a curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

CMU started as a training ground for aspiring educators and has later evolved into one of the most comprehensive and inclusive four-year universities nationwide. CMU has seven degree-granting colleges with sophisticated academic advisors dedicated to helping each student tailor their educational journey. One of its stand-out colleges is the College of Business Administration, renowned for its business education accredited by the AACSB.

The COB at CMU offers several business education degree programs, including:

Master of Business Administration

Students can pursue the CMU MBA program full- or part-time on-campus or online, whichever format best aligns with their current schedules. It is also one of the most diverse MBA programs in the state, offering twelve concentration options. Its most popular concentrations include Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Logistics Management, Project Management, and Business Data Analytics.

As you can see, most of its popular concentrations are geared towards technological aspects of business operations. This is mainly because modern businesses rely on technology to protect and streamline their businesses. These concentrations will help you develop tech-savvy skills sought-after by businesses worldwide.

As a CMU student, you’ll also have various opportunities to network and join a Big Three consulting firm. Networking and advising opportunities at CMU are also excellent ways for students to hear more practical advice from business owners on starting their own firms from the ground up.

College of Business – Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University is the oldest American normal school outside New England. Established in 1849, where it was first known as Michigan State Normal School, EMU is key to shaping the educational landscape of the Midwest. It started as an institution for teacher preparation and now offers various degree programs designed for the modern student.

The College of Business and EMU is one of its prestigious seven colleges that has undergone intense accreditation evaluations. The COB offers over 32 programs that cater to the unique needs of students and prepare them for success in the ever-evolving global business landscape. There are currently two MBA pathways offered to bachelor’s degree holders:

The AACSB fully accredited these MBA programs, meaning students should expect a rigorous and comprehensive journey.

If you’re already employed in a business setting and want to accelerate your career advancement, you’re best suited for the EMBA track. This track allows professionals in managerial roles to enhance their leadership and management skills and expand their network while balancing the demands of their current professions.

On the other hand, the other MBA track offers eight concentration options:

Finance
Supply Chain Management
Information Systems
Marketing, Business Analytics
Human Resource Management
Entrepreneurship
Business Analytics

You can also pursue a General Concentration, where you can choose up to 12 credit hours of courses from other concentrations.

On top of its affordable tuition costs, talented applicants can apply for various financial aid and scholarship opportunities to reduce out-of-pocket costs. MBA students, whichever track they choose, can take advantage of the school’s resources like academic advising that aims to help students from the admissions process to graduation.

Seidman College of Business – Grand Valley State University

Attracting learners from around the world, Grand Valley State University is home to eight academic institutions offering diverse programs that lead to careers in community and public services, business, and technology.

One of GVSU’s mainstream colleges is the Seidman College of Business, which was awarded for emphasizing sustainable growth in the state. The Seidman College of Business, founded in 1973, has developed into a vibrant center for business education with a wide selection of graduate and undergraduate programs.

The Seidman College offers two MBA pathways:

These MBA programs are AACSB-accredited.

Each program has its own specific curriculum and course scheduling. Nevertheless, MBA students will receive rigorous training to gain knowledge, practice their skills, and grow as strong business leaders through experiential learning, self-awareness, mature acumen, and sound judgment.

Both programs are completed with cohort structures to facilitate a collaborative learning environment within the College of Business. The EMBA track offers a unique Study Abroad/International Trip opportunity that allows students with at least five years of director-level experience to explore non-US business cultures and compare their similarities and differences with US companies. This opportunity helps business professionals understand political influences, learn about trade relations, and engage in meaningful cultural experiences.

College of Business + Information Technology – Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University is a top-notch private university in Michigan for students who thrive in an individualized learning environment. LTU ranked as one of the top schools of Social Mobility, is also known for its strong emphasis on innovation, technology, and hands-on learning. Students can access state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge resources that foster creativity and critical thinking.

With five academic colleges, LTU offers several engineering, business, architecture, technology, and arts programs. These programs prepare students for the challenges in their preferred industries while equipping them with basic in-demand technological knowledge.

Students who want to pursue business education integrated with technology skills can consider the College of Business + Information Technology at LTU. Among its popular AACSB-accredited business programs include:

Master of Business Administration

LTU’s MBA curriculum offers undergraduate students practical knowledge and broad functional skills for advanced leadership positions. Online, on-campus, and hybrid classes are available. Students can concentrate on business analytics, cybersecurity, finance, IT, marketing, project management, or HRM.

Beyond academics, you’ll also gain practical knowledge and skills from esteemed professionals through the university’s diverse networking opportunities. You’ll also gain knowledge of positive sciences, strengths-based theories, and appreciative inquiry techniques.

College of Business – Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University is another top public university sought after by international applicants seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a focus on preparing students for the globally interconnected and rapidly changing world of industries, Michigan Tech integrates technology learning into its curriculum.

While known for its strength in the engineering sector, Michigan Tech is also capable of producing well-rounded professionals through its AACSB-accredited College of Business. Aspiring business professionals can pursue various programs in this COD, including:

Master of Business Administration

This program is popularly known as Michigan Tech’s TechMBA degree. This STEM-designated program provides MBA students with an interdisciplinary approach to education. The curriculum offers business administration, research, technology, and engineering courses. Students can pursue the TechMBA online or on-campus, giving them maximum flexibility and control of their MBA journey.

Beyond its academics, Michigan Tech is also proud of its 100% job placement rate, which is possible thanks to the university’s dedicated faculty, abundant student support services, and robust alumni and networking services. You can expect to gain access to high-tech computing spaces, professional resources, and advanced business tools used for online simulation experiences to support learning best business practices.

College of Business – Northern Michigan University

An all-inclusive university, Northern Michigan University is praised for its innovative technology, research programs, and leadership. Renowned around the country, NMU students will be able to develop a professional network to help them launch or progress their careers in various sectors. NMU students can access comprehensive career counseling with advisors with years of experience in the business industry. They’ll teach students how to stand out among hundreds to thousands of applications for a specific job position.

NMU has four degree-granting colleges, including a College of Business. The COB allows students to pursue entry-level and advanced business education at an affordable cost. The COB, which the AACSB fully accredits, ensures that students obtain a well-rounded and rigorous academic journey that prepares them for the demands of the modern job market. The college offers various degree programs, including:

Master of Business Administration

This MBA can also be completed through on-campus and online learning. Students enrolled on-campus in the NMU MBA can apply for Graduate Assistantships, where they can earn a stipend and gain valuable work experience while assisting faculty or staff with various responsibilities. These MBA assistantships offer specific benefits such as networking opportunities and hands-on experience in the field, providing a significant advantage in the competitive job market.

The NMU MBA offers a flexible learning experience with seasoned business experts, preparing graduates for leadership in the modern business world. As a graduate student, you can expect to have a rigorous journey studying the core of business administration. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore behavioral and quantitative courses that provide a well-rounded understanding of the multifaceted aspects of business, leading to skills for data-driven decision-making.

School of Business Administration – Oakland University

Oakland University is a research university with a reputation for fostering a unique blend of a tight-knit and inclusive community where students, faculty, and staff collaborate to create an environment that nurtures both personal and academic growth. Multiple organizations also recognize Oakland’s commitment to sustainability, evident in its eco-friendly initiatives and campus design to harmonize with the natural beauty of its surroundings.

The School of Business Administration at Oakland is a top-tier business school that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs for students interested in business careers. With outstanding faculty, advising, and industry partnerships, students benefit from professional resources, personal attention, experiential learning, and alumni connections. There are various graduate degree programs offered at Oakland, such as :

Accredited by the AACSB, MBA students at Oakland will have an intense curriculum that utilizes case studies, action-based projects, and expert conversations to give them the tools they need to meet the challenges of the global economy. Students can also pursue graduate certificates for a more specialized focus in Finance, Business Analytics, Information Security Management, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which MBA school is the most difficult to get into?

The University of Michigan Ross School of Business is the most competitive, with a 20% acceptance rate. Ross does not specify how many years of work experience are necessary. Candidates should understand that their qualifications are being evaluated against those of other candidates with an average experience level of 5.8 years.

How many Fortune 500 companies are in Michigan?

18 Michigan companies have made it to the 2023 Fortune 500 list. Ford Motor Company made #19 on the list, while General Motors secured the #21 spot. Other Michigan companies that secured a spot on the list are:

Dow Inc. (#75)
Penske Automotive Group (#147)
Lear Corp. (#189)
Whirlpool Corp. (#203)
DTE Energy (#212)
Stryker Corp. (#224)
BorgWarner (#262)
Kellogg’s (#270)
Jackson Financial (#282)
Ally Financial (#338)
Auto-Owners Insurance (#362)
SpartanNash (#399)
UFP Industries (#403)
Autoliv (#429)
Masco Corp. (#436)
CMS Energy (#441)

These large-scale companies are also the top MBA employers in the state.

How much can an MBA graduate make in Michigan?

The specific salary of an MBA professional varies by location, position, experience level, and company scale. The average annual wage of MBAs in Michigan, according to Zippia, is $130,795. This is below the national average salary for MBAs, but considering the cost of living in Michigan—which is 3% lower than the national average—this figure will give you a comfortable lifestyle. Consider relocating to Flint, Birmingham, or Wixom to increase your chances of higher pay.