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Higher Education

On the Road to a Future-Proof Career

Higher education in Michigan is characterized by a diverse range of institutions with a strong emphasis on research and innovation, particularly in fields like automotive engineering, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology and more. With nearly 100 higher educational options including public universities, private colleges, community colleges, and technical schools, Michigan give rise to hands-on experience and access to in-demand careers. This means no matter who you are or where you are in your higher education journey, Michigan can provide an accessible pathway to help get you where you want to be.

Public-private partnerships and initiatives throughout the state like Sixty by 30 are also pushing to create learning pathways that boost access to jobs in advanced manufacturing, EV & mobility and more. And if you need help paying for tuition, programs like Michigan Reconnect has got you covered.

Higher Education by the Numbers

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Learn More About Higher Education in Michigan

  • Universities & Colleges
  • Continuing Education Programs
  • Initiatives & Advocacy
Universities & Colleges

Transforming Possibilities Through Nationally Recognized Education

With nearly one hundred colleges and universities spread throughout the state, Michiganders have a wide array of learning environments to choose from. U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor in the Top 25 Best National Universities and as a top university for veterans. East Lansing is home to Michigan State University, which offers more than 400 academic programs and over 300 study abroad programs. The University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University make up Michigan’s University Research Corridor, one of the nation’s top academic research clusters. Trade schools and community colleges across Michigan also create a veritable environment for in-demand skills.

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Continuing Education Programs

Releasing the Knowledge Restraints

If you’re looking for career-based training to enhance your skills and stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing job market, look no further than Michigan. The state’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity provides several programs to help you steer your career in the direction you want it to go. Michigan Reconnect offers free tuition to eligible adults who want to earn an associate degree or certificate in high-demand fields. Pure Michigan Talent Connect is an online resource providing information on career paths, job openings and training opportunities. And MEDC’s Talent Action Team is working with the state’s top employers to help fill open job opportunities across a wide variety of high tech careers.

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Initiatives & Advocacy

Keeping Opportunities Fresh

In Michigan, the question of career opportunity moves beyond what you want to do and into how you would like to grow. Sixty by 30 is a state-wide initiative that is focused on closing the skills gap, increasing opportunity and making the state more competitive through workforce development. By 2030, Sixty by 30 seeks to increase the percentage of Michigan’s adult population with post-secondary degrees or certificates from 50.5% to 60%, while focusing on inclusion regardless of race, ethnicity or age.

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Stay up to date with the latest news from Michigan.

Michigan #2 in the Nation for Helping Residents Get Employed Read More
Press Releases

Michigan #2 in the Nation for Helping Residents Get Employed

New report shines a light on the state’s efforts to drive business growth, attract and retain talent, and build vibrant communities   LANSING, Mich. — Michigan provides employment services to more participants than any other state in the Midwest and is #2 in the nation for helping adults get employed. These accomplishments are exemplified through the […]

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MEDC wins 11 Telly Awards for ‘You Can in Michigan’ TV spot Read More
News

MEDC wins 11 Telly Awards for ‘You Can in Michigan’ TV spot

The TV spot from the “You Can in Michigan” national marketing campaign won four Gold Awards and seven Silver Awards, highlighting the innovation and success of the state’s work to attract and retain talent.   A national campaign from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is earning some serious hardware – and generating buzz for […]

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Gov. Whitmer Announces New Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation Read More
News, Press Releases

Gov. Whitmer Announces New Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation

Col. John Gutierrez, USMC (Ret.) announced as executive director with decades of military expertise LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in announcing the new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), which will help grow the state’s defense and aerospace industry.   ODAI will build on the storied legacy […]

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