Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Ann Arbor, MI (2026)
Ann Arbor, Michigan has a population of about 121,179. The city’s median household income is $81,089 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 77.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Ann Arbor, with tuition ranging from $40,556 to $54,950 per year. In the Ann Arbor, MI metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $104,400 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Ann Arbor
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Ann Arbor city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 0.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | 5.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn, MI | 25.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Adrian College | Adrian, MI | 31.1 mi | $40,556 - $54,950 | – |
| Walsh College | Troy, MI | 36.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Michigan schools on the Michigan liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is part of the Ann Arbor, MI metro area (BLS area code 11460). 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $63,610 | Ann Arbor, MI | $63,043 |
| Management Analyst | $104,400 | Ann Arbor, MI | $103,469 |
| Technical Writer | $81,340 | Ann Arbor, MI | $80,614 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $63,780 | Ann Arbor, MI | $63,211 |
| Editor | $61,100 | Ann Arbor, MI | $60,555 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $76,420 | Ann Arbor, MI | $75,738 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $76,050 | Ann Arbor, MI | $75,372 |
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.
Ann Arbor at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $81,089 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 77.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 100.9 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Washtenaw County | 611 workers, 91 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Ann Arbor-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Ypsilanti, MI – 6.1 mi away (21,018 pop)
- South Lyon, MI – 13.4 mi away (123,555 pop)
- Westland, MI – 18.2 mi away (81,545 pop)
- Novi, MI – 18.7 mi away (59,211 pop)
- Romulus, MI – 19.0 mi away (23,281 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Ann Arbor, MI?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Ann Arbor. The closest is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, MI (0.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Walsh College (36.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Ann Arbor?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Ann Arbor are: Management Analyst ($104,400), Technical Writer ($81,340), Training and Development Specialist ($76,420). 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 Ypsilanti instead of Ann Arbor?
Ypsilanti, MI is 6.1 miles from Ann Arbor and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Ann Arbor an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Ann Arbor’s median household income of $81,089 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ann Arbor 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.
Related Resources
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in Michigan
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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