Accounting in Michigan 2026

Best Colleges for Accounting in Michigan 2026

Accounting remains one of the most reliable paths to stable employment, and Michigan's programs prepare students for CPA licensure and careers in public accounting, corporate finance, and forensic accounting.

We analyzed 66 colleges and universities in Michigan offering Accounting programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Accounting Programs in Michigan

Detailed School Profiles

1. University of Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 15.6%
• In-State Tuition: $17,736 | Out-of-State: $60,946
• Enrollment: 34,177 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Earnings (6yr): $49,800
• Average Financial Aid: $19,323

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2. Spring Arbor University (SAU)

Location: Spring Arbor, Michigan • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 51.5%
• In-State Tuition: $34,014 | Out-of-State: $34,014
• Enrollment: 1,010 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 64% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,100
• Average Financial Aid: $19,288

View full Spring Arbor University (SAU) profile →

3. University of Michigan - Dearborn

Location: Dearborn, Michigan • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 55.6%
• In-State Tuition: $15,640 | Out-of-State: $32,896
• Enrollment: 5,952 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 58% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,600
• Average Financial Aid: $9,519

View full University of Michigan - Dearborn profile →

4. Lawrence Technological University

Location: Southfield, Michigan • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 55.9%
• In-State Tuition: $44,760 | Out-of-State: $44,760
• Enrollment: 1,668 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 61% | Median Earnings (6yr): $46,300
• Average Financial Aid: $15,552

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5. Alma College

Location: Alma, Michigan • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 57%
• In-State Tuition: $49,552 | Out-of-State: $49,552
• Enrollment: 1,148 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 63% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,000
• Average Financial Aid: $29,410

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6. Madonna University

Location: Livonia, Michigan • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 63.4%
• In-State Tuition: $28,440 | Out-of-State: $28,440
• Enrollment: 1,632 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 60% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,200
• Average Financial Aid: $13,724

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7. Hillsdale College

Location: Hillsdale, Michigan • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 64%
• In-State Tuition: $65,117 | Out-of-State: $65,117
• Enrollment: 1,786 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 77% | Median Earnings (6yr): N/A
• Average Financial Aid: $18,634

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8. Northwood University

Location: Midland, Michigan • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 64.5%
• In-State Tuition: $34,400 | Out-of-State: $34,400
• Enrollment: 1,974 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 63% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,200
• Average Financial Aid: $17,327

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9. Cleary University

Location: Howell, Michigan • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 67.5%
• In-State Tuition: $26,102 | Out-of-State: $26,102
• Enrollment: 738 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 41% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,700
• Average Financial Aid: $11,970

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10. Siena Heights University (SHU)

Location: Adrian, Michigan • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 68.9%
• In-State Tuition: $30,778 | Out-of-State: $30,778
• Enrollment: 1,495 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 39% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,500
• Average Financial Aid: $17,918

View full Siena Heights University (SHU) profile →

How to Choose the Right Accounting Program in Michigan

Selecting the best Accounting program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Michigan residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Accounting.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Accounting programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Accounting in Michigan?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Accounting programs in Michigan include University of Michigan, Spring Arbor University (SAU), and University of Michigan - Dearborn.

How much does a Accounting degree cost in Michigan?
In-state tuition for Accounting programs in Michigan averages around $34,653 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Accounting degree from a Michigan school?
Graduates from Michigan's Accounting programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.