Source: IPEDS, as of September 29, 2026. Cost is resident tuition plus required fees, 2023-24.
Associate Degrees in Michigan
34
Meet the Ranking Threshold
25
Median Resident Tuition and Fees
$7,633
With a Fully Online Option
9
General Studies Associate Degrees in Michigan
General studies associate degrees in Michigan come in 34 versions, 25 ranked, and the split that matters is between the 19 ranked community colleges and the 6 universities that also award the two-year degree. Three are public, Northern Michigan, Lake Superior State and Ferris State, charging $13,622 to $14,266 a year in tuition and required fees for an associate degree, against $4,584 to $11,510 at the community colleges. Three are private: Lawrence Technological University at $41,872, Great Lakes Christian College at $19,990 and Baker College at $12,810.
Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor holds first place at 60.6, 101st in the national associate ranking, on size and price, not completion: 198 degrees a year at $4,584 with a 33% graduation rate, online. Northern Michigan University reaches 57.1 the opposite way, graduating 52% on 98 degrees, online, at $13,622. Mott Community College in Flint is third at 56.6 on 386 degrees and $5,435, and Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville scores 55.4 by graduating 43% at $5,712. Lawrence Tech's 61% graduation rate, the highest among the ranked programs, comes with 16 degrees at the top tuition on the list.
Across the 25, graduation rates run from 16% at Jackson College to 61% at Lawrence Tech. Macomb Community College in Warren awards 711 degrees and graduates 18%. The 9 programs below the threshold awarded 1 to 8 degrees, among them Bay Mills Community College's online degree at $3,320, Cornerstone University at 62% and Andrews at 72%.
The 25 Best General Studies Associate Degrees in Michigan
The best general studies associate degrees in Michigan are ranked below by their national score, from the national associate degree ranking. The number on each card is the program's place in Michigan. Each needed at least 10 graduates in the latest year to be ranked.
1
Washtenaw Community College
Michigan
60.6- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 33%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $4,584 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 198
About the Program
Some 11,133 students attend Washtenaw Community College, a public community college in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It conferred 198 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 76% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Its college-wide graduation rate is 33%, the 45th percentile, because the federal record tracks completion by institution. Expect tuition and fees of $4,584 a year as a resident and $6,336 otherwise. Distance students can complete the whole degree online, so where you live matters less here. Strongest of its measures is the number of degrees it awards, which lands at the 76th percentile.
2
Northern Michigan University
Michigan
57.1- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 52%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $13,622 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 98
About the Program
Marquette, Michigan is home to Northern Michigan University, a public university of 7,409 students. Some 98 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 59% of the programs ranked alongside it. Its college-wide graduation rate is 52%, the 88th percentile, because the federal record tracks completion by institution. Expect tuition and fees of $13,622 a year as a resident and $19,244 otherwise. Because the full degree is offered online, it is open to students well outside the region. Applicants are admitted at a rate of 84%, which leaves room for a rejection. What lifts it most is the graduation rate of its college, where it reaches the 88th percentile.
3
Mott Community College
Michigan
56.6- Public
- College graduation rate
- 32%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,435 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 386
About the Program
Flint, Michigan is home to Mott Community College, a public community college of 6,718 students. It conferred 386 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 87% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Of the students who start at Mott Community College, 32% graduate, and that beats 41 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Residents pay $5,435 a year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $7,410. Its strongest mark is the number of degrees it awards, at the 87th percentile.
4
Glen Oaks Community College
Michigan
55.4- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 43%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,712 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 32
About the Program
Based in Centreville, Michigan, Glen Oaks Community College is a public community college with 1,183 students on its rolls. It conferred 32 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 28% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Of the students who start at Glen Oaks Community College, 43% graduate, and that beats 74 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Tuition and fees run $5,712 a year in state against $6,576 out of state, so on price it sits at the 51st percentile. Because the full degree is offered online, it is open to students well outside the region. On the graduation rate of its college it does best, reaching the 74th percentile.
5
Lake Superior State University
Michigan
51.8- Public
- College graduation rate
- 51%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $14,266 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 55
About the Program
Sault Ste Marie, Michigan is home to Lake Superior State University, a public university of 1,567 students. Some 55 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 41% of the programs ranked alongside it. Of the students who start at Lake Superior State University, 51% graduate, and that beats 86 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Residents and nonresidents are both charged $14,266 a year in tuition and fees. On the graduation rate of its college it does best, reaching the 86th percentile.
6
Southwestern Michigan College
Michigan
48.4- Public
- College graduation rate
- 38%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $7,510 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 74
About the Program
Based in Dowagiac, Michigan, Southwestern Michigan College is a public community college with 2,000 students on its rolls. Some 74 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 49% of the programs ranked alongside it. A 38% graduation rate puts the college at the 59th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Expect tuition and fees of $7,510 a year as a resident and $8,006 otherwise. Its strongest mark is the graduation rate of its college, at the 59th percentile.
7
Kellogg Community College
Michigan
46.5- Public
- College graduation rate
- 30%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,748 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 123
About the Program
Kellogg Community College is a public community college in Battle Creek, Michigan that enrolls 4,036 students. It conferred 123 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 66% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. A 30% graduation rate puts the college at the 33rd percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Expect tuition and fees of $5,748 a year as a resident and $7,902 otherwise. Its strongest mark is the number of degrees it awards, at the 66th percentile.
8
Lawrence Technological University
Michigan
46.3- Private nonprofit
- College graduation rate
- 61%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $41,872 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 16
About the Program
Some 3,693 students attend Lawrence Technological University, a private nonprofit university in Southfield, Michigan. It conferred 16 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 11% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Of the students who start at Lawrence Technological University, 61% graduate, and that beats 96 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Residents and nonresidents are both charged $41,872 a year in tuition and fees. Getting in is not automatic, because 56% of applicants are admitted. What lifts it most is the graduation rate of its college, where it reaches the 96th percentile.
9
Ferris State University
Michigan
42.6- Public
- College graduation rate
- 47%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $14,246 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 20
About the Program
Ferris State University is a public university in Big Rapids, Michigan that enrolls 9,959 students. It conferred 20 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 16% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Its college-wide graduation rate is 47%, the 80th percentile, because the federal record tracks completion by institution. Residents and nonresidents are both charged $14,246 a year in tuition and fees. Getting in is not automatic, because 91% of applicants are admitted. Strongest of its measures is the graduation rate of its college, which lands at the 80th percentile.
10
Oakland Community College
Michigan
40.5- Public
- College graduation rate
- 21%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,560 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 241
About the Program
Based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Oakland Community College is a public community college with 15,287 students on its rolls. It conferred 241 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 79% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Of the students who start at Oakland Community College, 21% graduate, and that beats 11 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Residents and nonresidents are both charged $5,560 a year in tuition and fees. Strongest of its measures is the number of degrees it awards, which lands at the 79th percentile.
11
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Michigan
39.7- Public
- College graduation rate
- 28%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,746 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 114
About the Program
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a public community college in Kalamazoo, Michigan that enrolls 6,334 students. During the most recent year on record it awarded 114 associate's degrees, a count at the 64th percentile for size. A 28% graduation rate puts the college at the 26th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Tuition and fees run $6,746 a year in state against $8,876 out of state, so on price it sits at the 39th percentile. On the number of degrees it awards it does best, reaching the 64th percentile.
12
Delta College
Michigan
38.9- Public
- College graduation rate
- 27%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $7,250 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 176
About the Program
Delta College is a public community college in University Center, Michigan that enrolls 8,397 students. It conferred 176 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 72% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. A 27% graduation rate puts the college at the 24th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Tuition and fees are $7,250 a year for residents and $7,550 for students from out of state, which makes it cheaper than 34% of programs at this level. What lifts it most is the number of degrees it awards, where it reaches the 72nd percentile.
13
Gogebic Community College
Michigan
38.7- Public
- College graduation rate
- 36%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $7,419 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 22
About the Program
Some 882 students attend Gogebic Community College, a public community college in Ironwood, Michigan. It conferred 22 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 18% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. A 36% graduation rate puts the college at the 53rd percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Residents pay $7,419 a year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $8,318. Strongest of its measures is the graduation rate of its college, which lands at the 53rd percentile.
14
Macomb Community College
Michigan
38.4- Public
- College graduation rate
- 18%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,510 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 711
About the Program
Warren, Michigan is home to Macomb Community College, a public community college of 16,300 students. Some 711 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 93% of the programs ranked alongside it. Of the students who start at Macomb Community College, 18% graduate, and that beats 6 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Expect tuition and fees of $6,510 a year as a resident and $8,220 otherwise. What lifts it most is the number of degrees it awards, where it reaches the 93rd percentile.
15
Schoolcraft Community College District
Michigan
38.4- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 18%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,982 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 361
About the Program
Livonia, Michigan is home to Schoolcraft Community College District, a public college of 8,587 students. It conferred 361 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 86% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Of the students who start at Schoolcraft Community College District, 18% graduate, and that beats 6 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Tuition and fees run $5,982 a year in state against $7,906 out of state, so on price it sits at the 47th percentile. Because the full degree is offered online, it is open to students well outside the region. Its strongest mark is the number of degrees it awards, at the 86th percentile.
16
Henry Ford College
Michigan
37.1- Public
- College graduation rate
- 17%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,452 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 202
About the Program
Henry Ford College is a public college in Dearborn, Michigan that enrolls 11,410 students. Some 202 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 76% of the programs ranked alongside it. Across the whole college, 17% of students finish, which is a higher rate than 4% of the institutions behind this list. Expect tuition and fees of $5,452 a year as a resident and $7,540 otherwise. Strongest of its measures is the number of degrees it awards, which lands at the 76th percentile.
17
Baker College
Michigan
36.8- Private nonprofit
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 36%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $12,810 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 49
About the Program
Some 3,955 students attend Baker College, a private nonprofit college in Owosso, Michigan. It conferred 49 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 38% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Its college-wide graduation rate is 36%, the 53rd percentile, because the federal record tracks completion by institution. Tuition and fees are $12,810 a year for every student, residents and nonresidents alike. Nothing in the degree requires attending in person, since it is offered fully online. About 82% of applicants are admitted, so an application is not a formality. On the graduation rate of its college it does best, reaching the 53rd percentile.
18
North Central Michigan College
Michigan
36.0- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 29%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $8,147 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 94
About the Program
Petoskey, Michigan is home to North Central Michigan College, a public community college of 1,613 students. During the most recent year on record it awarded 94 associate's degrees, a count at the 56th percentile for size. Its college-wide graduation rate is 29%, the 29th percentile, because the federal record tracks completion by institution. Residents pay $8,147 a year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $10,247. The degree can be finished entirely online, which suits anyone who cannot move or stop working. On the number of degrees it awards it does best, reaching the 56th percentile.
19
Grand Rapids Community College
Michigan
33.2- Public
- College graduation rate
- 21%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $8,049 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 222
About the Program
Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to Grand Rapids Community College, a public community college of 12,468 students. Some 222 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 78% of the programs ranked alongside it. A 21% graduation rate puts the college at the 11th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Tuition and fees run $8,049 a year in state against $11,859 out of state, so on price it sits at the 30th percentile. Its strongest mark is the number of degrees it awards, at the 78th percentile.
20
Great Lakes Christian College
Michigan
27.8- Private nonprofit
- College graduation rate
- 36%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $19,990 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 13
About the Program
Great Lakes Christian College is a private nonprofit college in Lansing, Michigan that enrolls 210 students. Some 13 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 7% of the programs ranked alongside it. A 36% graduation rate puts the college at the 53rd percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Tuition and fees hold at $19,990 a year whichever state you come from. What lifts it most is the graduation rate of its college, where it reaches the 53rd percentile.
21
Lake Michigan College
Michigan
27.5- Public
- College graduation rate
- 22%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $7,500 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 67
About the Program
Lake Michigan College is a public community college in Benton Harbor, Michigan that enrolls 2,937 students. Some 67 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 47% of the programs ranked alongside it. A 22% graduation rate puts the college at the 13th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Residents and nonresidents are both charged $7,500 a year in tuition and fees. Its strongest mark is the number of degrees it awards, at the 47th percentile.
22
Jackson College
Michigan
25.9- Public
- College graduation rate
- 16%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $7,755 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 102
About the Program
Some 5,086 students attend Jackson College, a public college in Jackson, Michigan. The program's last federal report shows 102 associate's degrees conferred, so it is larger than 60 in every 100 programs measured here. Its college-wide graduation rate is 16%, the 3rd percentile, because the federal record tracks completion by institution. Expect tuition and fees of $7,755 a year as a resident and $9,795 otherwise. What lifts it most is the number of degrees it awards, where it reaches the 60th percentile.
23
Muskegon Community College
Michigan
24.7- Public
- College graduation rate
- 28%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $11,510 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 44
About the Program
Some 3,617 students attend Muskegon Community College, a public community college in Muskegon, Michigan. It conferred 44 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 34% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Of the students who start at Muskegon Community College, 28% graduate, and that beats 26 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Tuition and fees run $11,510 a year in state against $15,390 out of state, so on price it sits at the 14th percentile. Strongest of its measures is the number of degrees it awards, which lands at the 34th percentile.
24
Bay de Noc Community College
Michigan
20.9- Public
- College graduation rate
- 30%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $9,858 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 10
About the Program
Escanaba, Michigan is home to Bay de Noc Community College, a public community college of 2,149 students. Some 10 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 2% of the programs ranked alongside it. Its college-wide graduation rate is 30%, the 33rd percentile, because the federal record tracks completion by institution. Residents pay $9,858 a year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $11,656. On the graduation rate of its college it does best, reaching the 33rd percentile.
25
Northwestern Michigan College
Michigan
18.2- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 25%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $10,076 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 21
About the Program
Northwestern Michigan College is a public college in Traverse City, Michigan that enrolls 3,253 students. It conferred 21 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 17% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Of the students who start at Northwestern Michigan College, 25% graduate, and that beats 19 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Tuition and fees are $10,076 a year for residents and $12,762 for students from out of state, which makes it cheaper than 18% of programs at this level. Distance students can complete the whole degree online, so where you live matters less here. What lifts it most is the graduation rate of its college, where it reaches the 19th percentile.
Other General Studies Associate Degrees in Michigan
The other general studies associate degrees in Michigan awarded fewer than 10 degrees in the latest year or did not report a figure the ranking uses, so they are listed here without a score. That says something about size and nothing on its own about quality.
| College | Degrees Awarded | Graduation Rate | Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Christian University, Wyoming | 8 | 51% | $15,321 |
| Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids | 7 | 62% | $29,100 |
| Kirtland Community College, Grayling | 6 | 34% | $6,990 |
| West Shore Community College, Scottville | 6 | 27% | $6,270 |
| Monroe County Community College, Monroe | 5 | 34% | $7,468 |
| Alpena Community College, Alpena | 4 | 52% | $8,115 |
| Bay Mills Community College, Brimley | 4 | 30% | $3,320 |
| Andrews University, Berrien Springs | 3 | 72% | $33,710 |
| Siena Heights University, Adrian | 1 | 39% | $29,778 |
Source: IPEDS, as of September 29, 2026. Graduation rate is the college's, for first-time, full-time students.
How Much Does a General Studies Associate Degree Cost in Michigan?
A general studies associate degree in Michigan costs a median of $7,633 a year in resident tuition and required fees for 2023-24 across the 34 programs. The 24 community colleges run from $3,320 at Bay Mills in Brimley to $11,510 at Muskegon, with Washtenaw at $4,584 the cheapest ranked one. The ten universities awarding the two-year degree start where the community colleges stop: Baker College at $12,810, Northern Michigan at $13,622, Ferris State at $14,246 and Lake Superior State at $14,266, then the private colleges from Grace Christian at $15,321 to Lawrence Tech at $41,872.
If you're 21 or older, Michigan Reconnect can make the community college half of this list free. It's a last-dollar scholarship that pays your in-district community college tuition, or gives a large discount out of district, for Michigan residents of at least a year who hold a high school diploma or equivalent and don't yet have an associate or bachelor's degree. It pays after the Pell Grant, and if you don't qualify for Pell it covers full tuition, mandatory fees and contact hours. It doesn't reach the ten universities on this list.
Will a General Studies Associate Degree Transfer in Michigan?
A general studies associate degree transfers in Michigan in two pieces: a 30-credit general education block that moves under the Michigan Transfer Agreement, and the rest, under the university's own rules. The MTA lets you complete at least 30 semester hours of college-level credit that fulfill a portion of the lower-division general education requirements at participating four-year colleges and universities. To earn it you need at least 30 credits with at least a 2.0 in each course and at least one credit at the college awarding the MTA. Michigan's colleges adopted it in fall 2014.
That leaves about half of a 60-credit degree outside the agreement, and in general studies that half is electives, the part evaluators are freest to refuse. Get the MTA stamped on your transcript before you leave, and ask your university how it treats general studies electives specifically. The six universities that award this associate themselves deserve a different question: whether their own two-year graduates roll into their bachelor's with everything counted.
If you already left for a university with credits but no degree, MiTransfer describes reverse transfer as a degree-completion opportunity for students who started at a community college and transferred to a university before completing the associate degree. Ask the university registrar to send your credits back and the community college how many it will count.
What Do Jobs With a General Studies Associate Degree Pay in Michigan?
Jobs open to a general studies associate degree in Michigan pay the state medians below, from the May 2025 federal wage survey, with the national median beside each for comparison. Each row links to the salary guide for that job.
How to Choose a General Studies Associate Degree Program in Michigan
To choose a general studies associate degree program in Michigan, decide whether you'll pay community college or university tuition for the same two-year credential, because the three public universities charge $13,622 to $14,266 and the ranked community colleges $4,584 to $11,510. What the university price buys is completion: Northern Michigan, Lake Superior State and Ferris State graduate 47% to 52%, while the community colleges range from 16% at Jackson to 43% at Glen Oaks. Washtenaw and Southwestern Michigan, at 33% and 38%, are the community colleges that come closest to the universities, at $4,584 and $7,510.
Seven of the ranked programs can be finished online: Northern Michigan, Washtenaw, Glen Oaks, Schoolcraft, North Central Michigan, Northwestern Michigan and Baker. If you plan to continue to a bachelor's, ask whether the degree includes the full 30-credit Michigan Transfer Agreement block, which universities have a MiTransfer Pathway with the college, and whether a university awarding the associate itself, like Ferris State, lets you roll straight into its bachelor's. And if you're 21 or older without a degree, check Michigan Reconnect before you pay any of these figures.
If you plan to finish a bachelor's in the state, the general studies bachelor's degrees in Michigan have their own page.