Plymouth, Michigan, offers students a rich array of higher education opportunities with numerous institutions located within driving distance. If you’re seeking a community college, public university, or private institution, the Plymouth area provides diverse academic pathways to match various career goals and learning preferences. This guide explores the educational landscape around Plymouth, helping prospective students make informed decisions about their academic futures.
Overview of Higher Education Options in Plymouth, MI
Plymouth and its surrounding area boast an impressive educational ecosystem, with approximately 19 colleges and universities within a 20-mile radius. This educational landscape includes 11 private colleges and universities, three public institutions, and three community colleges offering two-year degrees. The region has experienced consistent growth in degree completion over recent years, with a notable 5% increase in doctoral degree completions from 2019 to 2023, resulting in over 30,000 doctorate degrees being awarded in 2023 alone.
The institutions around Plymouth represent various educational approaches, from research-intensive universities to specialized technical schools and liberal arts colleges. These options allow students to find programs that align with their educational goals, financial situations, and preferred learning environments. The Plymouth area’s higher education system reflects Michigan’s strong commitment to providing quality education across different institution types, creating pathways for traditional students directly from high school as well as working adults seeking to advance their careers.
Private Colleges & Universities Near Plymouth
Franklin University stands out as a top choice for adult learners and transfer students in the Plymouth area. Founded in 1902, this nonprofit institution offers over 50 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs—all available 100% online. With annual undergraduate tuition around $9,577, Franklin represents an affordable private option with strong credentials, including accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. In 2023, the university awarded 1,429 bachelor’s degrees, 616 master’s degrees, and 38 doctoral degrees, with business programs being particularly popular.
Other notable private institutions near Plymouth include Lawrence Technological University, Madonna University, and University of Detroit Mercy. Lawrence Tech, with its focus on engineering and architecture programs, charges higher tuition (approximately $41,872) but offers strong technical education with minimal online offerings. Madonna University ($27,360 tuition) provides a balance of traditional and online programs, with strengths in health professions and business. University of Detroit Mercy ($32,300 tuition) offers comprehensive programming, including strong health professions, business, and legal studies, awarding 632 bachelor’s degrees, 385 master’s degrees, and 371 doctoral degrees in 2023.
Public Institutions Serving Plymouth Students
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, just a short drive from Plymouth, represents one of the nation’s premier public research universities. With in-state tuition of approximately $18,309, it provides Michigan residents access to world-class education across diverse disciplines. In 2023, U-M Ann Arbor awarded over 9,000 bachelor’s degrees, 6,000 master’s degrees, and 1,640 doctoral degrees. The university excels in engineering, business, health professions, and computer science, with limited but growing online offerings (about 6% of programs). Its traditional campus experience attracts primarily full-time students of traditional college age.
Other public institutions serving Plymouth students include the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Eastern Michigan University. U-M Dearborn offers a more accessible entry point to the University of Michigan system with in-state tuition of $14,944 and strengths in business and engineering programs. Eastern Michigan University, with $16,260 in-state tuition, awarded 2,751 bachelor’s degrees and 923 master’s degrees in 2023, with particular strengths in business, health professions, and education. Both institutions primarily serve traditional-aged students in face-to-face programs, though online offerings have been expanding, with U-M Dearborn providing 29% of its programs online and Eastern Michigan offering 13%.
Student Living Considerations
Affordability remains a critical factor for students considering higher education near Plymouth. The average tuition at four-year nonprofit institutions in the area is approximately $25,652, though this varies widely between public institutions (averaging $16,504 for in-state students) and private universities. Community colleges like Schoolcraft Community College, Washtenaw Community College, and Henry Ford College offer the most affordable entry points to higher education. Financial considerations should extend beyond tuition to include living expenses in the Plymouth area, where the cost of living slightly exceeds the national average but offers a strong quality of life.
Job prospects for graduates in the Plymouth region appear promising, with the area hosting approximately 2.3 million jobs in 2024. While job growth was slightly below the national average at 0.9% from 2023-2024, the region reported 266,962 job openings and above-average earnings, with workers earning an average hourly wage of $23.99 (compared to the national average of $20.75). Students should prioritize institutions with proper accreditation, as this ensures educational quality and credential recognition. Fortunately, Plymouth benefits from numerous accredited options across institution types, including 8 accredited nonprofit colleges and 3 accredited community colleges, providing students with respected credentials that employers value.
