Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Midland, MI (2026)
Midland, Michigan has a population of about 42,461. The city’s median household income is $74,906 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 45.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Midland. In the Midland, MI metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $97,020 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Midland
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Midland city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI | 27.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Mott Community College | Flint, MI | 50.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | 62.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 62.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Aquinas College | Grand Rapids, MI | 83.9 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 Midland
Midland is part of the Midland, MI metro area (BLS area code 33220). 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 | $62,050 | Midland, MI | $67,519 |
| Management Analyst | $97,020 | Midland, MI | $105,571 |
| Technical Writer | $78,750 | MI statewide | $85,691 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $49,690 | MI statewide | $54,070 |
| Editor | $62,140 | MI statewide | $67,617 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $70,840 | Midland, MI | $77,084 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $76,450 | Midland, MI | $83,188 |
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.
Midland at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 42,461 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $74,906 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 45.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.9 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Midland-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Bay City, MI – 17.3 mi away (67,712 pop)
- Saginaw, MI – 19.9 mi away (120,088 pop)
- Mount Pleasant, MI – 27.3 mi away (37,877 pop)
- Owosso, MI – 43.5 mi away (21,653 pop)
- Flint, MI – 49.6 mi away (338,616 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Midland, MI?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Midland. The closest is Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI (27.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Aquinas College (83.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Midland?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Midland are: Management Analyst ($97,020), Technical Writer ($78,750), Human Resources Specialist ($76,450). 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 Bay City instead of Midland?
Bay City, MI is 17.3 miles from Midland 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 Midland an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Midland’s median household income of $74,906 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Midland 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
Back to Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Michigan (2026)
Return to Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Michigan (2026)