As anyone who has ever attended college in Michigan will tell you, the state has some of the best schools in the country, from large research universities to smaller liberal arts colleges.
But the options don’t stop there—there are plenty of NAIA schools in Michigan, too!
This article will help you understand the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and we shall also list the school, their contact details, and other key information to help make a more educated decision about your career.
And since you are interested in NAIA schools, this comprehensive list of over 260 NAIA schools in different states will help give you more options.
Why attend an athletic school?
Attending an athletic school can offer you opportunities to excel in your sport that you might not find at a bigger school.
The smaller class sizes can also give you more one-on-one attention from your professors, and since the schools are located all across the state, you’re sure to find one that’s the perfect fit for you.
Another reason why students choose to attend athletic schools is that they can grow to represent their school, community, or even nation.
Lastly, being a student is very important because the student can develop a sense of preparedness for the future, and they can develop the self-discipline, motivation, and leadership skills that they will need to succeed in building a purposeful life.
Here is another article compiled according to student reviews about the best reasons to study in the USA, you can check it out too.
What are the best NAIA Schools in Michigan?
Arizona is home to eleven NAIA schools competing in Wolverine-Hoosier and Crossroads conferences, they include Madonna University, Cornerstone University, Spring Arbor University, Siena Heights University, Aquinas College, The University of Michigan – Dearborn, Cleary University, Rochester University, Marygrove College, and Lawrence Technological University.
Related rankings:
- 9 Best NAIA Schools in Tennessee For Athletes
- 21 Best NAIA Schools in Georgia for Student Athletes
- The Best NAIA Schools in North Carolina For Student-Athletes
| Best NAIA Universities in Michigan | Teams | City |
| Madonna University | Madonna Crusaders | Livonia |
| Cornerstone University | Cornerstone Golden Eagles | Grand Rapids |
| Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor |
| Siena Heights University | Siena Heights Saints | Adrian |
| Aquinas College | Aquinas Saints Grand | Rapids |
| The University of Michigan – Dearborn | UM-Dearborn Wolverines | Dearborn |
| Cleary University | Clearly Cougars | Howell |
| Concordia University | Concordia Cardinals | Ann Arbor |
| Rochester University | Rochester Warriors | Rochester Hills |
| Lawrence Technological University | Lawrence Tech Blue Devils | Southfield |
1. Madonna University
Madonna University is the first on our list of the best NAIA schools in Michigan, it is a top private university that is religiously affiliated with the Catholic church in Livonia, Michigan.
The Madonna University athletic team called the Crusaders competes predominantly in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) for most of its sports since the 1997–98 academic year.
The football team competes in the Mideast League of the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA).
Madonna University is also home to a successful athletics program, with teams competing in a variety of sports.
The Crusaders are a very notable side competing in twenty-one NAIA intervarsity sports for both men and women.
Madonna University Men and Women NAIA Sports
Here is a list of the sports the Crusaders compete in for both men and women at the NAIA level;
- Baseball, basketball, and volleyball
- Bowling and cheerleading
- Cross country and football
- Golf and lacrosse
- Soccer and Track & Field
The women are also involved in cheerleading and competitive dance, and students with exceptional talents are given athletic grants and scholarships to have demonstrated academic success.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded university experience, Madonna University is definitely worth considering.
Contact details:
Address: 36600 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI 48150, United States.
Phone: +1 734-432-5300.
Also Read on the 5 Best NAIA Schools in Arizona for Student Athletes
2. Cornerstone University
As one of the best NAIA schools in Michigan, Cornerstone University is a Christ-centered institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
The school has a range of athletics programs including basketball, cross country, golf, and more, plus, with a beautiful campus located in Grand Rapids, students have access to all the city has to offer.
The athletic team at Cornerstone University is called the Golden Eagles, and they compete predominantly in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) since the 1992–93 academic year.
As one of their notable achievements, the Golden Eagles of Cornerstone Univesity won the NAIA Men’s Basketball Championships (Division II) in 1999, 2011, and 2015.
Cornerstone University Men and Women NAIA Sports
The Golden Eagles compete in 20 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women, they include;
- Baseball and basketball
- Bowling and cross country
- Golf and soccer
- Tennis, Track & field
- Volleyball and wrestling
Here are some of the school’s notable alumni;
- Chad Curtis, a former professional baseball player
- Stephen Herdsman, soccer player
- Lisa Kelly, trucker
- Reid Ribble, a politician who was a U.S. Representative
- Derek Scott, distance runner, and coach
Contact details:
Address: 1001 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, United States.
Phone: +1 616-949-5300.
3. Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University is also on our list, it is a private free university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in Spring Arbor, Michigan.
This institution is religiously affiliated with the Methodist university in Spring Arbor and is the second largest evangelical Christian university in Michigan according to Wikipedia.
Spring Arbor University is also one of the NAIA member schools in Michigan competing predominantly in the Crossroads League (formerly known as the Mid-Central College Conference (MCCC).
Spring Arbor University Men and Women NAIA Sports
The school’s athletic team is called the Cougars and competes in 18 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women, they include;
- Baseball and basketball
- Bowling and cross country
- Golf and soccer
- Tennis and track & field
Here are some of the school’s notable alumni;
- Michael Ashford
- Bethany Balcer
- Rick Baxter
- Heidi Campbell
- Sam Costentino
Contact details:
Address: 106 E Main St, Spring Arbor, MI 49283, United States.
Phone: +1 800-968-9103.
4. Siena Heights University
Founded in 1919 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Siena Heights University (SHU) is one of the private universities located in Adrian, Michigan, it is religiously affiliated with the Roman Catholic university.
As one of the best NAIA schools in Michigan, Sienna Heights University has a lot to offer its students, it is known for its excellent athletics program, and it also has a strong academic reputation.
The Siena Heights University’s athletic team called the Saints competes predominantly in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) for most of its sports since the 1992–93 academic year.
Only its football team competes in the Mideast League of the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA).
Siena Heights University Men and Women NAIA Sports
Siena Heights competes in 24 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men’s and women’s sports, they include:
- Baseball and basketball
- Bowling and cross country
- Football and golf
- Lacrosse and soccer
- Track & field
- Volleyball and wrestling
Contact details:
Address: 1247 E Siena Heights Dr, Adrian, MI 49221, United States.
Phone: +1 800-521-0009.
5. Aquinas College
Aquinas College is a private Catholic liberal arts college in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it is also one of the athletic schools in the city.
As a member of the NAIA, this college competes mainly in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) since the 1992–93 academic year.
Aquinas College Men and Women NAIA Sports
Aquinas College’s athletic team is called the Saints and they compete in 30 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women:
- Baseball and basketball
- Bowling and cross country
- Golf and ice hockey
- Lacrosse, rugby, soccer
- Swimming & diving
- Tennis, track & field, and volleyball
Contact details:
Address: 1700 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, United States.
Phone: +1 616-632-8900.
For your interest: 5 Best NAIA Schools in Alabama for Athletics
6. The University of Michigan – Dearborn
The University of Michigan – Dearborn is a public university located in Dearborn, Michigan operating under the policies of the University of Michigan Board of Regents.
The University of Michigan – Dearborn is also a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), competing predominantly in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) since the 2004–05 academic year.
The athletic team is called the Wolverines known for their maize and blue colors, and they offer 16 varsity sports for both men and women.
The University of Michigan – Dearborn Men and Women NAIA Sports
- Baseball and basketball
- Bowling and cross country
- Golf and ice hockey
- Lacrosse, volleyball, and soccer
Contact details:
Address: 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI 48128, United States.
Phone: +1 313-593-5000.
7. Cleary University
The Clearly University is one of the private universities in Michigan focused on business education, offering certificates, ABA, BBA, MS, and MBA programs.
Cleary University is one of the NAIA universities in Michigan and its athletic team called the Cougars competes predominantly in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) for most of its sports since the 2018–19 academic year.
The Clearly University Men and Women NAIA Sports
The Cougars offer 15 NAIA intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women and they include;
- Baseball and bowling
- Cross country and golf
- Hockey and soccer
- Track & field and wrestling
Here are some of the school’s notable alumni;
- Vern Buchanan, U.S. Congressman
- Winsor McCay, cartoonist
- Daniel Milstein, entrepreneur, and writer
- Scott Sigler, author
- Ernie Zeigler, college basketball coach
- Linda Puchala, member of the National Mediation Board
Contact detail:
Address: 3750 Cleary Dr, Howell, MI 48843, United States.
Phone: +1 800-686-1883.
Also Check out: 20 Best NAIA Schools in California To Get Into
8. Concordia University
If you’re looking for a top-notch NAIA school in Michigan, Concordia University is a great choice, located in Ann Arbor.
Concordia University is a private, non-profit university affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online degree options.
In addition to academic excellence, Concordia University is also home to outstanding athletics programs, its athletic team called the Cardinals competes predominantly in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) for most of its sports.
Concordia University Men and Women NAIA Sports
The Cardinals of Concordia University offers 28 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women which include;
- Baseball and basketball
- Bowling and cross country
- Football and golf
- Ice hockey and lacrosse
- Soccer, tennis, and track & field (indoor and outdoor).
Contact details:
Address: 4090 Geddes Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States.
Phone: +1 734-995-7300.
9. Rochester University
Founded in 1959, Rochester University is one of the private universities offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, this institution is religiously affiliated with the Christian college in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Rochester University is also one of the best NAIA schools in Michigan and has won many national champions, they compete predominantly in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC).
Rochester University Men and Women NAIA Sports
Rochester University’s athletic team is called the Warriors and competes in 23 intercollegiate varsity sports programs for both men and women:
- Baseball and basketball
- Bowling and cross country
- Golf and ice hockey
- Soccer, track & field (indoor and outdoor), and wrestling
Contact details:
Address: 800 W Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, United States.
Phone: +1 248-218-2000
Read more: 14 Best NAIA Schools In Texas That You Can Get Into
10. Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University was founded in 1932 and is one of the private universities in Southfield, Michigan.
It is also one of the best NAIA schools in Michigan and its athletic team is called the Blue Devils.
The Blue Devils compete in 26 NAIA intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women and predominantly in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) for most of its sports.
Lawrence Technological University Men and Women NAIA Sports
Here is a list of some of the sports programs the Blue Devils compete in;
- Baseball and basketball
- Bowling and cross country
- Football, golf and ice hockey,
- Lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor), and
- Volleyball
Contact details:
Address: 21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48075, United States.
Phone: +1 248-204-4000.
11. Marygrove College
Founded in 1905, Marygrove College is known as a religiously affiliated tertiary institution in Detroit, sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
It was also a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), competing predominantly in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) from 2012–13 to the fall of the 2017–18 academic year.
The school’s athletic team is called the Mustang and they competed in 15 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women;
Marygrove College Men and Women NAIA Sports
- Basketball and cross country
- Golf, volleyball, and lacrosse
- Soccer and baseball, and
- Track & field (indoor and outdoor)
Contact details:
Address: 8425 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221, United States.
Phone: +1 313-927-1200.
Conclusion
There are a number of great NAIA athletic schools and universities in Michigan, but these ten are the best of the best.
If you’re looking for a school that can offer you a great education and athletics program, you can’t go wrong with any of these schools.
FAQs on NAIA schools in Michigan
Who is the greatest Michigan player of all time?
Charles Woodson is the best player in Wolverine's history despite only playing three seasons at Michigan.
Is Michigan a good state for athletes?
Yes! Michigan is home to some of the best NAIA schools in the country, these schools offer top-notch athletics programs and facilities, plus they're located in one of the most beautiful states in the country. If you're an athlete looking for a great school, consider one of these Michigan NAIA schools.
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Final Note
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