This school appears in our ranking Top 30 Online Master's in Liberal Studies Degree Programs.
Founded just over 60 years ago in Flint, Michigan, the University of Michigan was ranked by U.S. News & World Report among its list of the best schools in the Midwest in 2015. The university offers over 100 programs at the undergraduate level along with 18 graduate-level degree programs, many of which can be pursued fully online. Students here will benefit from the university's commitment to immersive learning, which includes top-notch research opportunities, fieldwork and community service.
The school enrolls approximately 8,600 people. Students enjoy a small class size ratio of 15:1 and classes taught by internationally distinguished professors. The university's Department of Student Involvement and Leadership encourages students to become involved on and off campus with various activities and programs, such as the Women's Educational Center or Campus Activities Board. "Learning, engagement, and inclusion" form the cornerstone for student experience here.
In its relatively short history as a school for higher learning, the University of Michigan has achieved significant recognition. In 2010, the school received the Carnegie Classification for Civic Engagement. Two years later, Michigan Campus Connect awarded the school the first Engaged Campus of Year Award. UM-Flint is part of the larger network of University of Michigan schools.
University of Michigan Accreditation Details
The University of Michigan holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is one of six regional accrediting boards in the United States. Thirteen individual accrediting agencies have also recognized many specific programs offered by the school, among them the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education as well as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
University of Michigan Application Requirements
Undergraduate applicants need a 2.7 GPA for standard admission. Honors students need a 3.7 GPA and high scores on standardized tests, such as the ACT or SAT, to gain admittance to the honors program. For students who don't meet standard admission requirements, the school offers a Promise Scholar Program that will admit students based on a GPA of 2.3 and an interview to determine eligibility. All undergraduate applicants need to submit official high school transcripts or GED records. Applications can be submitted online or via mail, and there's a nonrefundable fee of $30.
Graduate students must pay an application fee of $55, and application requirements vary by degree. Some programs require letters of recommendation, an essay and a resume. Others may require different combinations of these and other elements. All graduate applications should include official transcripts of previous academic work. For those interested in online degrees, applications can be submitted online, and students should follow the requirements outlined by individual programs.
Tuition and Financial Aid
How much students pay for classes at the University of Michigan depends on program type and enrollment level. In-state undergraduates taking lower-division courses pay $430.75 per credit hour in 2018. Out-of-state undergraduates at the same level pay $857.75 per credit hour. The per-credit rate increases to $436.75 and $870, respectively, for in-state and -out-of-state upper-division students. Rates also vary widely among graduate students. The Master's of Arts in Literary Education, for instance, requires $578.50 per credit hour for in-state students and $866.25 for out-of-state students.
Students seeking online degrees will pay an additional $43 per credit hour on top of the standard tuition rates. The school also charges various other fees, such as a dissertation binding fee for certain programs or the convenience fee of $29 per credit hour for mixed-mode courses. There may be other fees added to tuition rates depending on program as well, a full breakdown of which us available online.
For those who need help paying for college, the University of Michigan awards scholarships based on various criteria. Tuition can be divided into interest-free monthly payments throughout the year. Incoming freshmen students have access to merit-based awards that may be worth up to $7,000 per year. The school lists 28 unique scholarship opportunities on its financial aid website, and students who need assistance should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to learn more. Other options include grants, work-study opportunities and loans.
Online Degrees Available
Along with its bevy of traditional on-campus course offerings, the University of Michigan has been offering a wide range of online degree programs since 2000. Students here will gain access to high-quality education from the remote comfort of home. Online students also benefit from many of the same services that traditional students do, including a help desk with extended hours and tech support, personal advising, library services, financial aid and the Student Veterans Center. Fully online programs currently include:
- Nine undergraduate degree programs
- Seven programs at the master's level
- Three doctoral programs
- A physical therapy residency program with specialization
- Several certificates, including one in Africana studies
The school also offers seven mixed-mode programs, which are offered online but require students to attend physical classes every four to six weeks. These include a Master's of Science in Accounting, an Master's Business Administration and a Doctor of Education, among others.
For undergraduate students, the online Bachelor's of Business Administration provides the same benefits as the on-campus degree, but students should note that six of the eight business specializations are only offered on campus. General business and marketing are offered fully online. Accredited by AACSB International, the Bachelor's of Business Administration degree program requires applicants to hold a 2.2 GPA and to complete pre-business coursework. Applicants also need to transfer in at least 25 credit hours to gain admittance.
At the graduate level, students can pursue varying degree paths, including a Master's of Arts in Literary Education. Designed with the needs of working educators, this graduate program requires just one, two-week clinical seminar in which students will work with children in the Flint community. The school allows for a residency program for students who don't live in Michigan. The Master's of Arts in Literary Education is structured so that it can be completed part time over the course of two years.
Students at this university benefit from a focus on practical experience and high academic value. The school's online programs in nursing and education have been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, adding value to degree programs that already offer convenience to busy learners. For those interested in attending school online at an established college, the University of Michigan provides several programs at different levels to suit individual interests and career goals.