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 $48,479. 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 Calvin University graduates earn $24,421 — a $37,408 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

14
Schools in MI
$41,673
MI Avg. Earnings
$48,479
National Avg.
413
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

#1
U

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public

$61,829
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $62,024
Graduates: 337
Acceptance: 17.9%
#2
K

Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo, MI · Private

$55,964
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,802
Graduates: 21
Acceptance: 76.2%
#3
M

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public

$48,823
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $48,199
Graduates: 301
Acceptance: 83.9%
#4
U

University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, MI · Public

$43,798
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 68.8%
#5
W

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public

$43,798
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,437
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 82.0%
#6
U

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MI · Public

$43,575
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,103
Graduates: 34
Acceptance: 58.6%
#7
G

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,005
Graduates: 19
Acceptance: 94.7%
#8
O

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI · Public

$42,682
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 70.2%
#9
A

Albion College

Albion, MI · Private

$41,349
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,973
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 83.2%
#10
C

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public

$39,729
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,428
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 91.0%
#11
N

Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI · Public

$34,420
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 70.0%
#12
W

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 84.7%
#13
E

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI · Public

$26,353
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,719
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: 81.3%
#14
C

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private

$24,421
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 71.3%

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 $48,479 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

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.