Best Online Education Programs in Benton Harbor, MI (2026)
Benton Harbor, Michigan has a population of about 9,023. The city’s median household income is $29,652 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 7.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Benton Harbor, with tuition ranging from $15,298 to $28,655 per year. In Michigan, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, Postsecondary at a median $104,920 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Benton Harbor
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Benton Harbor city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI | 44.4 mi | $15,298 - $28,655 | – |
| Loyola University Chicago | Chicago, IL | 62.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| DePaul University | Chicago, IL | 62.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Chicago State University | Chicago, IL | 65.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Grace College and Theological Seminary | Winona Lake, IN | 69.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Michigan schools on the Michigan education page.
Education Wages Near Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor is part of the Niles, MI metro area (BLS area code 35660). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Michigan statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $63,110 | Niles, MI | $68,301 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,170 | Niles, MI | $64,037 |
| Middle School Teacher | $63,550 | Niles, MI | $68,777 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $65,340 | MI statewide | $70,714 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $99,130 | Niles, MI | $107,284 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $104,920 | MI statewide | $113,550 |
| Tutor | $35,870 | MI statewide | $38,820 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $54,670 | Niles, MI | $59,167 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Benton Harbor at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,023 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $29,652 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 7.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 92.4 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Berrien County | 1,259 workers, 42 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Benton Harbor-Area Cities With Education Programs
- South Bend, IN – 31.7 mi away (279,698 pop)
- LaPorte, IN – 37.7 mi away (21,732 pop)
- Elkhart, IN – 38.5 mi away (147,181 pop)
- Portage, MI – 44.3 mi away (48,508 pop)
- Kalamazoo, MI – 45.4 mi away (214,583 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Benton Harbor, MI?
Our directory lists 5 education programs within 100 miles of Benton Harbor. The closest is Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI (44.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Grace College and Theological Seminary (69.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Benton Harbor?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Benton Harbor are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($104,920), Education Administrator, K-12 ($99,130), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($65,340). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Michigan statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in South Bend instead of Benton Harbor?
South Bend, IN is 31.7 miles from Benton Harbor and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Benton Harbor an affordable place to study education?
Benton Harbor’s median household income of $29,652 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Benton Harbor while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Michigan public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.