The easiest colleges to get into in Michigan only require a high school diploma or its equivalent and some proof of essential skills to gain admission to one of their undergraduate or graduate program. Students with low test scores can significantly benefit from Michigan universities with high acceptance rates.
This article takes a detailed look at the colleges with high acceptance rates in Michigan, including both online schools and community colleges. By enrolling in one of these colleges, you can boost your GPA and earn college credits that you can later transfer to more prestigious institutions, increasing your chances of landing a great job after graduation.
What Are the Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Michigan?
The easiest colleges to get into in Michigan include Adrian College, Calvin University, and Central Michigan University. Most students who apply for admission are able to enroll in one of their undergraduate programs right after high school graduation. Prospective undergraduate students for these schools sometimes need to submit a letter of recommendation during the application process.
Colleges in Michigan With Open Admissions
Open admissions mean that every student who enters the application process will be accepted as long as they fulfill the minimum requirement of holding a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Submitting standardized test scores to the admissions committee is rarely required during the admissions process for these schools, and is typically only used for scholarship purposes.
Open Admissions Colleges in Michigan
- Alpena Community College
- Baker College of Cadillac
- Baker College of Jackson
- Baker College of Muskegon
- Delta College
Are There Good Universities With High Acceptance Rates in Michigan?
Yes, there are good universities in Michigan with high acceptance rates. These universities accept most students who apply for admission. They also offer competitive tuition costs, have a small average class size, and are fully accredited. These schools, which often take a holistic approach during admissions, provide their students with an excellent educational experience.
Common Admissions Requirements for Colleges With High Acceptance Rates in Michigan
The most common admission requirements for colleges with high acceptance rates in Michigan include holding a high school diploma or its equivalent, submitting letters of recommendation, having a minimum GPA of 2.0, and demonstrating certain basic competencies. Having completed community service during high school can also boost your chances of admission.
- High school diploma or GED certificate. Prospective first-year students need to have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED certificate, to be able to apply to any college or university in Michigan. This is the most basic of academic requirements set by the admissions offices of colleges and universities in Michigan.
- Letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters or a counselor recommendation are sometimes required when applying to certain universities. Some also require an application essay or a mission statement for your career path. Letters of recommendation can come from your high school teachers or employers.
- Secondary school GPA. Michigan schools with a high average acceptance rate typically require applicants to have a minimum GPA of 2.0. This serves as basic proof of a student’s ability to study at the post-secondary level.
- College-preparatory program. While not always used to determine your admission status, most schools will require you to submit a record of any college preparatory programs or courses you’ve completed.
- Demonstration of competencies. Before enrollment, some schools, usually community colleges, require applicants to formally demonstrate that they are competent in the skills essential for their chosen academic program.
The Best Colleges With High Acceptance Rates in Michigan
| School | Acceptance Rate | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Valley State University | 92% | $13,560 |
| Hope College | 92% | $36,650 |
| Aquinas College | 89% | $36,134 |
| Kettering University | 86% | $44,380 |
| Ferris State University | 85% | $12,740 |
| Kalamazoo College | 80% | $54,522 |
| Finlandia University | 78% | $24,576 |
| Central Michigan University | 77% | $13,200 |
| Adrian College | 76% | $39,107 |
| Calvin University | 75% | $38,240 |
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Michigan: A Closer Look
The following colleges have some of the highest acceptance rates in Michigan. They are fully accredited and allow students to earn a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. Some of them also offer online programs as well as a wide range of financing options. Below is a more detailed look at the admissions process for the schools listed in the table above.
Grand Valley State University
- Location: Allendale, MI
- Number of applicants per year: 17,163
- Percent admitted: 92%
- Admissions requirements: Secondary school GPA, school record, and proof of completion for any college-preparatory program
At $13,560 per year, Grand Valley State University has one of the lowest tuition rates among universities in Michigan and an acceptance rate high above the national average. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in fields like neurobiology, business, or accounting or enroll in one of its graduate programs. The school also offers plenty of on-campus activities to provide its students with a great college experience.
Hope College
- Location: Holland, MI
- Number of applicants per year: 4,172
- Percent admitted: 92%
- Admissions requirements: Secondary school GPA, school record, and proof of completion for any college-preparatory program
With a 92 percent acceptance rate, Hope College is one of the easiest schools get into for an undergraduate program in Michigan. Students at Hope College receive an average of over $641,000 per year in Pell Grants from the federal government. The institution offers degree options in the fields of biomedical sciences, engineering, and foreign languages.
Aquinas College
- Location: Grand Rapids, MI
- Number of applicants per year: 1,142
- Percent admitted: 89%
- Admissions requirements: Secondary school GPA, school record, recommendations, proof of completion for any college-preparatory program, and formal demonstration of competencies
Students at Aquinas College can earn associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Almost nine out of ten applicant students are admitted. Aquinas College is perfect for students looking for business programs that offer plenty of hands-on experience. With a student body of almost 1,400, the school’s average class size is under 20 students.
Kettering University
- Location: Flint, MI
- Number of applicants per year: 1,777
- Percent admitted: 86%
- Admissions requirements: Secondary school GPA and secondary school record.
Every student enrolled at Kettering University receives financial aid through grants, scholarships, or loans. This institution has a student body of 2,030 across its various bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. This institution has a high graduation rate of 70 percent and, thanks to its student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to one, is able to offer a small average class size.
Ferris State University
- Location: Big Rapids, MI
- Number of applicants per year: 10,480
- Percent admitted: 85%
- Admissions requirements: Secondary school GPA and secondary school record
Ferris State University has the lowest tuition costs on our list of the easiest colleges to get into in Michigan. Students at Ferris State University can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Home to a student body of almost 10,400 graduate and undergraduate students, the school does its best to provide each of them with a wonderful college experience.
Kalamazoo College
- Location: Kalamazoo, MI
- Number of applicants per year: 3,350
- Percent admitted: 80%
- Admissions requirements: Secondary school GPA, school record, recommendation letters, and proof of completion of the college-preparatory program
Kalamazoo College offers a wide range of bachelor’s degree options across various fields of study. Students at this college receive an average of around $551,000 in Pell Grants from the federal government. This school has an above-average review for its academics.
Finlandia University
- Location: Hancock, MI
- Number of applicants per year: 1,836
- Percent admitted: 78%
- Admissions requirements: Secondary school GPA and secondary school record
Students at Finlandia University can earn an associate degree in two years or a bachelor’s degree in four years. It is a small university with only 402 students. The majority of its students are enrolled in its accounting, business management, and physical therapy programs. Finlandia University is recognized for the wide variety of extracurricular activities it offers.
Central Michigan University
- Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
- Number of applicants per year: 18,517
- Percent admitted: 77%
- Admissions requirements: Secondary school GPA, secondary school record, secondary school class rank, application fee, and proof of completion for any college-preparatory program
Central Michigan University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree options across the fields of neuroscience, kinesiology, biochemistry, and much more. Located in the city of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University’s admissions officers do take the class rank of its applicants into consideration.
Adrian College
- Location: Adrian, MI
- Number of applicants per year: 2,736
- Percent admitted: 76%
- Admissions requirements: Secondary school GPA and school record.
Adrian College accepts over 76 percent of its applicants. This school offers undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online degree options. Students at Adrian College are eligible for Pell Grants from the federal government. The college is recognized for its wide range of extracurricular activities and its welcoming environment for international students.
Calvin University
- Location: Grand Rapids, MI
- Number of applicants per year: 3,986
- Percent admitted: 75%
- Admissions requirements: Secondary school GPA, secondary school record, application fee, and proof of completion for any college-preparatory program
Calvin University offers a sizeable selection of in-person undergraduate and master’s degree programs. It also offers an online Master of Arts in Media and Strategic Communication and a Master of Business Administration. Seventy-five percent of all applicants to Calvin University are admitted.
Online Colleges Based in Michigan That Are Easy to Get Into
The following accredited online colleges in Michigan have few application requirements and high acceptance rates. Students enrolled in the online programs these colleges offer can avoid the costs associated with commuting or living on campus. Among these online colleges are Grace Christian University and Davenport University.
The following are the easiest online colleges based in Michigan to get into:
- Baker College Online. School students at this completely online college based in Michigan can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Business Administration, for example, and even an Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry.
- Davenport University – Global Campus. This university uses the Blackboard online learning platform to run its fully online degree programs. Its students can major in fields such as business, nursing, and accounting. Many college scholarships are available at this institution.
- Eastern Michigan University Online. Eastern Michigan University uses Canvas as its online learning platform. Its students can earn entirely online degrees and take interesting online courses like Abnormal Psychology, Financial Markets, and Accounting Information Systems.
- Grace Christian University. Students at Grace Christian University can enroll in online associate degree programs in business, leadership, or social science as well as bachelor’s degree programs in areas such as criminal justice.
- Lansing Community College eLearning. This online public college in Michigan, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers computer programming, psychology, and Spanish literature programs.
Should I Attend Community College in Michigan and Then Transfer to University?
Yes, you should attend community college in Michigan and then transfer to university if you have low test scores or a GPA that does not allow you to apply to the university of your choice. It’s a great idea first to attend community college in Michigan as you can earn college credits that you can transfer to a university program and shorten your time to completion.
Easiest Community Colleges to Get Into in Michigan.
The easiest community colleges to get in Michigan include Kellogg Community College, Lansing Community College, and West Shore Community College. The best community colleges in Michigan have a 100 percent acceptance rate and below-average tuition costs. They are accredited and allow their students to transfer the college credits they earn to other institutions.
Michigan Community Colleges That Are Easy to Get Into
- West Shore Community College
- Glen Oaks Community College
- Kellogg Community College
- Lansing Community College
- Kirtland Community College
Should I Attend a University in Michigan With a High Acceptance Rate?
Yes, you should attend a university in Michigan with a high acceptance rate. Even with low test scores, you can enroll in an undergraduate program in these institutions with a high school diploma or equivalent. These colleges will support you in your effort toward academic excellence, improve your career outlook, and find career stability after graduating.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Michigan FAQ
You can get into Central Michigan University, Calvin University, or Grand Valley State University with a 3.0 GPA. These universities have a very high acceptance rate, and you can enroll in an undergraduate program with a high school diploma or its equivalent alongside proof of some basic skills.
Yes, colleges in Michigan such as Kellogg Community College, Lansing Community College, and Bay College have a 100 percent acceptance rate. Some institutions with open admissions in Michigan even offer graduate degrees and financial aid options.
You can get into Michigan State University (MSU) with a 3.5 GPA. The typical freshman profile for MSU in 2022 has a GPA of 3.5 to 4.0, a composite ACT of 23 to 29, or a total SAT of 1,100 to 1,310.
It’s easier to get into Michigan State University than it is to get into the University of Michigan. The admission rate for Michigan State University is 83 percent, while the admission rate for the University of Michigan is 74 percent.
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