Rankings and Recognition
Academic excellence
One of 4 in the US and 14 institutions globally certified as a 2021-2022 Celonis Academic Center of Excellence.
18th in the nation for the number of Gilman Scholars produced in 2021-2022.
Recognized as one of Abound’s 2022 Top Adult Degree Programs, for our flexible classes and services, affordable courses, and range of quality programs and degrees.
One of only two Adobe Creative Campus institutions in Michigan.
2020 Institute of International Education's Seal of Excellence for our commitment to increasing and diversifying the number of students in Study Abroad programs.
Online accolades
Ranked 4th in Michigan and in the top 104 in the nation for Best Online Bachelor's Programs by US News and World Report Online Rankings in 2024.
Outcomes-focused
Highest ranked school in Michigan, and 6th in the Midwest for highest earning females under 40 by Steppingblocks.
Committed to service
Ranked first in the nation for participation in Alternative Breaks in 2022.
Gold Level ranking from Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency in 2021.
Designated as one of the first Michigan Veteran Connectors by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
Ranked 3rd in Michigan and in the top 58 in the nation for Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans by US News and World Report Online Rankings in 2024.
Environmentally-minded
Gold STARS rated by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) through 2024.
2020 US EPA WasteWise College/Partner of the Year.
2021 US EPA WasteWise national narrative Sustainability Public Education Award winners.
Top-ranked colleges and programs
College of the Arts and Media
Best Public Relations School in Michigan by PLEXUSS in 2021.
2nd in Michigan, 19th nationally for best bachelor’s degree in Public Relations by Study.com in 2021.
College of Business Administration
1st in Michigan, 59th nationally for Best Online Bachelor's in Business Programs (2024).
2nd in Michigan, 120th nationally for Best Online MBA programs (2024).
4th in Michigan, 66th nationally for Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs (2024).
Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency through 2026.
Recognized as a Top University for Professional Sales Education by the Sales Education Foundation (2022).
Ranked 39th nationally for Best Affordable Legal Studies degree by University HQ (2022).
1st in Michigan and nationally for online Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship by Study.com (2021).
2nd in Michigan, 12th nationally for our Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship by Study.com (2021).
1st in Michigan, 16th nationally for Online MBA in Human Resources by Intelligent.com (2021).
1st in Michigan, 23rd nationally for Online MBA in Project Management degree by Intelligent.com (2021).
College of Education and Human Services
2rd in Michigan, 73 nationally for Best Online Master's in Education Programs by US News and World Report (2024).
Gold Pinnacle Award for Best Event Management Bachelor's Degree from the International Festival & Events Association - 5 years consecutively (2023).
2nd in Michigan, 19th nationally for MA in Education: Training and Development by Great Business Schools (2021).
Top 10% of education programs for Best Early Childhood Education degrees and recognized as Best for Working Outside Schools by intelligent.com (2021).
1st in Michigan, 35th nationally for Interior Design School by PLEXUSS (2021).
1st in Michigan, 9th nationally for online Child Development Degree programs by Intelligent.com (2021).
1st in Michigan, 25th nationally for Online Doctorate in Education degree and recognized as “best for K-12 emphasis” by Intelligent.com (2021).
6th nationally for Best Masters in Project Management for the MSA with a Project Management specialization by Best Value Schools (2021).
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions
44th nationally for Bachelor degree in Public Health Education by Study.com in 2021.
2nd in Michigan, 26th nationally for the Sports Management degree by Intelligent.com in 2021.
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
1st in Michigan, 27th nationally for Best Online Bachelor's Psychology Program by US News and World Report (2024).
2nd in Michigan, 98th nationally for Anthropology by PLEXUSS in (2021).
1st in Michigan, 8th nationally for Best Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management by Study.com in (2021).
College of Science and Engineering
75th nationally for Best Undergraduate Engineering Degrees by U.S. News and World Report (2022).