Best Economics Schools in Michigan

Michigan has 14 colleges offering Economics programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 820 recent graduates. Graduates in Michigan earn $41,673 on average within two years — 14% below the national average of $48,383. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn $61,829 while Western Michigan University graduates earn $33,993 — a $27,836 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in MI

$41,673

MI Avg. Earnings

$48,383

National Avg.

449

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Economics in Michigan

Public Schools (11)

$41,971

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$40,578

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Michigan produce comparable or higher early earnings for Economics graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Economics Schools in Michigan, Ranked by Earnings

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public

$61,829

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $62,024

Graduates: 337

Acceptance: 17.9%

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI · Public

$26,353

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $42,719

Graduates: 20

Acceptance: 81.3%

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public

$48,823

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $48,199

Graduates: 301

Acceptance: 83.9%

Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo, MI · Private

$55,964

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,802

Graduates: 21

Acceptance: 76.2%

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI · Public

$42,682

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 70.2%

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MI · Public

$43,575

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,103

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 58.6%

Albion College

Albion, MI · Private

$41,349

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,973

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 83.2%

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public

$39,729

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $42,428

Graduates: 29

Acceptance: 91.0%

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public

$43,798

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,437

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 82.0%

#10

Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI · Public

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private

University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, MI · Public

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public

$42,682

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,005

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 94.7%

#14

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public

$33,993

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Economics in Michigan?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ranks #1 for Economics in Michigan with median graduate earnings of $61,829 within two years of graduation. There are 14 schools offering Economics programs in the state.

How much do Economics graduates earn in Michigan?

Economics graduates in Michigan earn an average of $41,673 within two years of graduation. This is 14% below the national average of $48,383 for this major.

What is the hardest Economics school to get into in Michigan?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the most selective Economics program in Michigan with an acceptance rate of 17.9%. The average acceptance rate across Economics programs in the state is 73.9%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Economics in Michigan?

In Michigan, private Economics programs produce average earnings of $40,578 vs $41,971 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 11 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Michigan

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $78,199 Computer Engineering $77,621 Industrial Engineering $73,496 Chemical Engineering $73,272 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $72,128 Materials Engineering $71,516 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $70,187 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $69,677

All colleges in Michigan →

Economics in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.