2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in Michigan

[Individualized Studies](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/individualized-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong individualized studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 11 schools to find the best return on investment for individualized studies students.
What’s on this page:
ADVERTISEMENTS
Featured Individualized Studies Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
AA in Liberal Arts
Strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills with this online associate in liberal arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Learn More
BA in General Studies
Maximize your transfer credits and complete your bachelor's degree faster with this flexible online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Learn More
2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in Michigan
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the individualized studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Individualized Studies Schools
Our analysis ranked Oakland Community College the best value for a degree in individualized studies in Michigan. Located in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Oakland Community College generally make around $37,347. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Kellogg Community College one of the best values for individualized studies. Set in the city of Battle Creek, Kellogg Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,118, with out-of-state students paying around $8,282. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $15,057 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Kellogg Community College earn a median of $32,616 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Glen Oaks Community College one of the best values for individualized studies. Set in the rural area of Centreville, Glen Oaks Community College is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,176 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,624. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $13,764. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $46,226. Set against $13,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Mid Michigan Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Mid Michigan Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Harrison. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,132, compared with $10,864 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $14,425. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Mid Michigan Community College generally make around $27,136. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Michigan Dearborn came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Dearborn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,640, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $32,609 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $62,536. Set against $32,609 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants.
Lake Michigan College landed the #6 spot for individualized studies value this year. Set in the rural area of Benton Harbor, Lake Michigan College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,445, with out-of-state students paying around $7,755. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Lake Michigan College earn a median of $21,526 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ferris State University came in at #7 for value in individualized studies this year. Located in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $24,990 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Ferris State University earn a median of $38,583 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,990 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Oakland University placed #8 among the best values for individualized studies. Set in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $28,000. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Oakland University generally make around $36,157. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Michigan State University landed the #9 spot for individualized studies value this year. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $27,312 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $30,916 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,312 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.
More Individualized Studies Rankings
View All Individualized Studies Rankings >
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.