Michigan Has 2 of the Top 100 Best Colleges in the U.S.

In Michigan, we should pride ourselves on having some great colleges and universities. I went to Michigan State University, so I'm always happy to root for the Spartans and sport my green and white. Well, a new study is out, and it says that Michigan has two of the top 100 best colleges in the U.S.

The list comes from U.S. News and World Report. They've released their annual rankings of the best national universities. These numbers are new for 2024, so hot off the press. According to U.S. News and World Report, the methodology for the national university ranking is based on a selection of criteria, such as graduation rates, peer assessment and graduate performance. "Expert advice, rankings and data to help you navigate your education journey and find the best college for you," they explain in the study.

No. 1 in the national universities category is Princeton University in Princeton, N.J. That school is followed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at No. 2. Then, it's Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Stanford University
Stanford, California, tied at No. 3. Finally, we have Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, at No. 5. Those are all very high-profile schools, so it's not surprising to see them in the top five on this list.

So, what about our state? Well, if you went to the University of Michigan, you have bragging rights, as they're No. 21 on this list. Ttat's the highest Michigan school on the list. But, you also have bragging rights if you went to Michigan State University, as it's No. 60 on the list, tied with North Carolina State University. What's cool is that M.S.U. actually went up 17 places from the previous rankings. Other Michigan schools that made the top 200 on the list include Michigan Technological University at No. 151 and the University of Detroit Mercy at No. 185.

For those currently in the process of job hunting, the market is working in your favor right now. There are plenty of job opportunities available. Representatives from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget came together for a conference in Lansing on Tuesday. The event aimed to chart the course of the state's employment landscape for the next seven years. Additionally, they’re working to ensure people know about the jobs currently in high demand.

Yesterday, the DTMB and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity released two publications: Michigan’s Hot 50 and Michigan’s Career Outlook. Michigan’s Hot 50 brochure provides a comprehensive list of careers projected to have high demand and offer competitive wages, with the projections extending until 2030. This informative resource includes key details such as job titles, projected annual job openings, hourly wage ranges, insights into job growth, and the necessary education or training levels.

For people with a high school diploma and short-term training, several careers are expected to experience heightened demand over the next eight years. These careers include amusement and recreation attendants, animal caretakers, exercise trainers, group fitness instructors, bartenders, hosts, and hostesses.

On the other hand, for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, the demand is projected to be strong for professions including general and operations managers, accountants, auditors, medical and health services managers, physician assistants, and industrial engineers.

The information gathered in these lists is valuable for students and job seekers. It assists them in making informed decisions about their future paths.

"It is our goal to provide our education and workforce partners with the information they need to help Michiganders find their path to high-demand, high-wage jobs," Scott Powell, director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget's Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, said in a news release.

Check out these five most in-demand jobs in Michigan, as highlighted by Michigan's Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. See the complete list here.

The projected annual job openings amount to 6,545, offering an hourly wage spanning from $29 to $72. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 11.9%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree alongside relevant work experience.

The projected annual job openings amount to 7,635, offering an hourly wage spanning from $19 to $29. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 12.7%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a postsecondary nondegree award, short-term on-the-job training, or a license.

The projected annual job openings amount to 8,240, offering an hourly wage spanning from $21 to $40. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 9.6%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include moderate on-the-job training.

The projected annual job openings amount to 6,345, offering an hourly wage spanning from $30 to $38. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 7.9%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree or s license.

The projected annual job openings amount to 1,420, offering an hourly wage spanning from $19 to $30. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 12%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree or s license.