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Our analysis found Michigan Technological University to be the best college for Student Athletes (Division II) in Michigan. This public school is set in Houghton, MI.
by our College Data Analytics TeamPicking a college for your sport means looking beyond the field or court. We have ranked 8 colleges for Student Athletes (Division II) by academic-athletic quality, using our 2026 methodology.
So you can compare your options, College Factual weighs a blend of academic-athletic outcomes (NCAA Academic Progress Rate and Graduation Success Rate), athletic financial resources (team revenue, expenses, and aid per athlete from the EADA survey), and overall school quality, drawing on NCAA, U.S. Department of Education EADA, and IPEDS data. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
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Our analysis found Michigan Technological University to be the best college for Student Athletes (Division II) in Michigan. This public school is set in Houghton, MI.
Grand Valley State University ranked #2 among the best colleges for Student Athletes (Division II). Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution.
Lake Superior State University landed the #3 spot for Student Athletes (Division II). Lake Superior State University is a public school based in Sault Ste Marie, MI.
Northwood University earned the #4 place for student athletes. Based in Midland, MI, Northwood University is a private not-for-profit institution.
Northern Michigan University ranked #5 among the best colleges for Student Athletes (Division II). Based in Marquette, MI, Northern Michigan University is a public institution.
Saginaw Valley State University did well this year, earning the #6 position. Based in University Center, MI, Saginaw Valley State University is a public institution.
Ferris State University did well this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI.
Davenport University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Davenport University is a private not-for-profit institution.
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked colleges only.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. Programs are scored on a blend of academic-athletic outcomes (NCAA Academic Progress Rate and Graduation Success Rate), athletic financial resources (team revenue, expenses, and athletic aid from the federal EADA survey), and overall school quality. The current methodology measures academic-athletic quality and does not include team win/loss performance.
References
See our data sources and methodologies.