Affordable Online Degrees for Michigan Residents
ACE programs cost less, no matter your location.
ACE vs. Online Colleges in Michigan
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.6
When exploring degree options, many students begin by researching colleges within their home state. Michigan residents have several respected public universities to consider, but choosing a local institution does not always guarantee flexibility, affordability or long-term value.
American College of Education (ACE) is a fully online college built to help students maximize the return on their educational investment. Through career-relevant coursework, practical learning experiences and transparent pricing, ACE supports students who want to advance without taking on unnecessary financial burden.
Our strong student satisfaction¹ reflects an academic experience designed around working adults and real-world outcomes. That is the ACE difference, and it is why students across Michigan continue to choose ACE for affordable online degrees.
Why Choose ACE?
From the moment you apply through graduation and beyond, ACE is structured to support your success. You can earn a respected degree while maintaining control of your schedule and your budget, making it easier to balance education with work and personal responsibilities.
How ACE Compares
Michigan is home to well-known public universities such as the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Spring Arbor University and Eastern Michigan University. These institutions offer a variety of graduate programs, including pathways in education.
ACE offers a different experience. As an institution founded specifically for online learning, ACE focuses on flexible, career-centered programs designed for working adults, without the overhead costs commonly associated with traditional universities.
Even schools that now provide online options were not originally built with online-first students in mind. Compare your options below to see why ACE continues to stand out.
| ACE | University of Michigan | Michigan State University | Spring Arbor University | Eastern Michigan University | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Fully online courses2 | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 9 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-4 starts |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0003 (total program cost) | $28,8864 (average annual in-state cost) | $21,7724 (average annual in-state cost) | $8,3644 (average annual in-state cost) | $30,9784 (average annual in-state cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Published tuition and fee figures for comparison institutions reflect annual costs rather than total program cost. As master’s programs commonly span multiple academic years, total costs at comparison institutions may exceed the annual amounts shown.
Our Unmatched Affordability
Students looking for affordable online education in Michigan often find that ACE offers a more manageable tuition structure. Our programs are priced with working adults in mind, helping you plan your education without unexpected financial pressure.
This focus on affordability delivers real results. In fact, 87% of ACE students graduate without debt.5 By keeping costs transparent and competitive, ACE helps ensure your degree supports your future goals rather than holding them back.
Our Unique Academic Experience
At ACE, programs are intentionally designed by academic experts and routinely evaluated to reflect current industry expectations. Our coursework emphasizes practical application, research-informed strategies and skills that translate directly to professional environments.
Our faculty bring meaningful field experience into the virtual classroom, giving students perspective grounded in real practice. As workforce needs evolve, ACE continuously reviews and updates programs to keep learning outcomes relevant and career-focused.
Your experience also includes:
- Streamlined course design: Each course follows a consistent layout, helping you spend more time learning and less time figuring out what comes next.
- Asynchronous flexibility: With the exception of certain hands-on components in select programs, you can complete coursework fully online and on the schedule that works for you.
- Dedicated support resources: Take advantage of our digital library, writing center and complimentary monthly tutoring throughout your program.
How ACE Supports Aspiring Michigan Teachers
ACE has supported thousands of educators as they grow from new teachers into experienced instructional and leadership professionals. For many, that journey begins with earning initial teaching credentials.
At ACE, you can complete an initial licensure certificate or a master’s degree and then take steps toward Michigan teaching certification. As with any licensure pathway, it is important to review and plan for any additional state-specific requirements.
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Education
Whether you’re looking to become an educator, grow your expertise or advance into administration, ACE equips you with the research, strategies, pedagogies and skills you need.
Business
Dive into today’s business landscape and discover how to address its challenges with relevant skills, practices and technologies that are designed to make a difference.
Healthcare
Healthcare administrators and public health professionals are a driving force in ensuring quality patient care. ACE prepares you to succeed in non-clinical healthcare roles.
Nursing
Nurses looking to become leaders or educators should look no further than ACE to support their career goals with innovative and applicable practices that lead to positive patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students in Michigan?
Yes! ACE is approved to enroll students in Michigan and other SARA participating states through its home-state authorization in Indiana. Read about this agreement to learn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
What do ACE programs offer that online Michigan colleges might not?
ACE programs are known for their affordability, flexibility and quality. Courses are taught by experienced faculty and designed to build skills that apply immediately in professional settings. For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.6
How can an ACE degree help me get a Michigan teaching certificate?
ACE’s initial licensure programs provide foundational teaching knowledge, instructional strategies, assessment tools and educational technologies that support classroom success.
2Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements.
3This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
4CollegeTuitionCompare: University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Spring Arbor University, Eastern Michigan University. Accessed Feb. 23, 2026.
5Internal research completed in November 2025