Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Muskegon, MI (2026)
Muskegon, Michigan has a population of about 37,203. The city’s median household income is $46,342 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 15.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Muskegon. In Michigan, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Technical Writer at a median $78,750 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Muskegon
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Muskegon city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Valley State University | Allendale, MI | 26.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Aquinas College | Grand Rapids, MI | 36.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | 49.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI | 78.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | 82.6 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 Muskegon
Muskegon is part of the Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI metro area (BLS area code 34740). 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 | $56,810 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $61,416 |
| Management Analyst | $76,650 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $82,865 |
| Technical Writer | $78,750 | MI statewide | $85,135 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $49,690 | MI statewide | $53,719 |
| Editor | $62,140 | MI statewide | $67,178 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $51,130 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $55,276 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $62,250 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $67,297 |
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.
Muskegon at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 37,203 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $46,342 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 15.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 92.5 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Muskegon County | 119 workers, 13 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Muskegon-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Norton Shores, MI – 4.6 mi away (24,340 pop)
- Walker, MI – 30.8 mi away (24,775 pop)
- Holland, MI – 32.8 mi away (101,421 pop)
- Grand Rapids, MI – 35.4 mi away (595,467 pop)
- Wyoming, MI – 36.2 mi away (75,567 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Muskegon, MI?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Muskegon. The closest is Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI (26.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (82.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Muskegon?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Muskegon are: Technical Writer ($78,750), Management Analyst ($76,650), Human Resources Specialist ($62,250). 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 Norton Shores instead of Muskegon?
Norton Shores, MI is 4.6 miles from Muskegon 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 Muskegon an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Muskegon’s median household income of $46,342 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Muskegon 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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