Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Jackson, MI (2026)
Jackson, Michigan has a population of about 31,206. The city’s median household income is $42,848 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 15.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Jackson, with tuition ranging from $40,556 to $54,950 per year. In the Jackson, MI metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $91,510 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Jackson
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Jackson city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian College | Adrian, MI | 29.6 mi | $40,556 - $54,950 | – |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 34.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 34.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | 39.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Toledo | Toledo, OH | 56.9 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 Jackson
Jackson is part of the Jackson, MI metro area (BLS area code 27100). 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 | $72,520 | Jackson, MI | $78,998 |
| Management Analyst | $91,510 | Jackson, MI | $99,684 |
| Technical Writer | $78,750 | MI statewide | $85,784 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $49,690 | MI statewide | $54,129 |
| Editor | $62,140 | MI statewide | $67,691 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $58,590 | Jackson, MI | $63,824 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $63,480 | Jackson, MI | $69,150 |
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.
Jackson at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 31,206 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $42,848 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 15.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Jackson County | 40 workers, 14 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Jackson-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Adrian, MI – 30.0 mi away (43,850 pop)
- Lansing, MI – 33.5 mi away (318,278 pop)
- Ann Arbor, MI – 34.5 mi away (324,421 pop)
- East Lansing, MI – 35.1 mi away (48,870 pop)
- Ypsilanti, MI – 40.1 mi away (21,018 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Jackson, MI?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Jackson. The closest is Adrian College in Adrian, MI (29.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Toledo (56.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Jackson?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Jackson are: Management Analyst ($91,510), Technical Writer ($78,750), Public Relations Specialist ($72,520). 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 Adrian instead of Jackson?
Adrian, MI is 30.0 miles from Jackson 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 Jackson an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Jackson’s median household income of $42,848 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Jackson 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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