Michigan: Great Lakes State for Great Education

Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes. Its three largest industry sectors are manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. With Michigan's all-important automotive industry facing many challenges, increasing tourism has become a top state priority. Tourism is responsible for more than 200,000 jobs in the state and brings more than $18 billion to the state treasury each year, according to Travel Michigan.

In an effort to turn Michigan's economy around, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is actively targeting the following high-growth industries:

• Advanced manufacturing & automotive engineering
• Homeland security & defense
• Life sciences
• Alternative energy (wind, solar, bioenergy)
• Film

Michigan residents earned mean annual wages in 2009 of $42,930 for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Selected medical and legal practitioners earned top dollar in Michigan at $113,930 and $224,610, respectively. The Department of Labor & Economic Growth reports that management, engineering, financial, and computer-related occupations are in high demand, with salaries generally higher than average for Michigan residents.

Reasons to Study at Campus and Online Schools in Michigan

There are excellent reasons to study at colleges in Michigan:

• Michigan has implemented the King-Chavez-Parks Initiative to provide increased higher education opportunities for educationally disadvantaged residents.
• Some of the top Fortune 500 companies in the country are headquartered in Michigan, including Ford Motors, General Motors, and GMAC.
• Michigan has year-round natural beauty; the state is 41.5 percent water so every imaginable water sport is available.

If you're thinking about studying at one of the campus or online colleges in Michigan and need information on available financial aid and how to apply, go to the Michigan government website.