Colleges and Universities in Farmington Hills, Michigan

Farmington Hills is a suburb of Detroit located in Oakland County, Michigan. Though a residential community, Farmington Hills boasts several higher education institutions within its borders. This guide will provide an overview of the colleges and universities located in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Major Colleges and Universities

Oakland Community College – Orchard Ridge Campus

Oakland Community College (OCC) is a two-year community college with five campuses located throughout southeast Michigan. OCC’s Orchard Ridge campus opened in 1982 and sits on 327 acres in the heart of Farmington Hills.

OCC Orchard Ridge offers associate degrees and certificate programs in over 100 fields of study. Popular programs include business, computers, health sciences, advanced manufacturing, and more. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including a nursing simulation lab, automotive lab, science labs, library, and learning resource center.

In Fall 2021, 9,109 students were enrolled at the Orchard Ridge campus. OCC has transfer agreements with several four-year schools to allow students to smoothly transition after completing their associate degree. The campus also offers non-credit personal enrichment and professional development courses.

Michigan Career and Technical Institute

The Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) is a state-operated career and technical school administered by Michigan Rehabilitation Services. MCTI’s campus is located on more than 400 wooded acres in Farmington Hills and offers career training programs for students with disabilities or health impairments.

MCTI provides training in over 20 career fields such as business administration, construction, hospitality, and more. Programs range from 32 to 74 weeks in length and include instruction, work-based learning, and job placement assistance. MCTI aims to give students the skills to live and work independently in their chosen career field.

The school served over 600 students in 2021. Students must qualify for MCTI’s tuition-free training through their local Michigan Rehabilitation Services office. In addition to technical skills, MCTI focuses on developing students’ workplace skills to help them achieve career success.

Smaller & Specialized Colleges and Universities

Though OCC and MCTI are the two main institutes of higher learning in Farmington Hills, the city also hosts a few smaller and more specialized colleges and universities.

Michigan College of Beauty-Troy

Michigan College of Beauty-Troy is a small career college located on Grand River Avenue that specializes in cosmetology arts and sciences. The college offers diploma and associate degree programs in fields like cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, massage therapy, and barbering.

The Troy campus has modern salon facilities, classrooms, and a student lounge. Students gain hands-on training and experience through the college’s public salon. Michigan College of Beauty-Troy had an enrollment of about 100 students as of 2021.

Dorsey School of Business-Farmington Hills

The Dorsey School of Business operates a campus in Farmington Hills focused on training students for careers in the healthcare, culinary, and skilled trades fields. The Farmington Hills campus offers diploma and associate degree programs in areas like medical assisting, electrical technology, massage therapy, and gourmet cooking.

Dorsey School utilizes hands-on teaching methods to prepare students for professional certification exams and employment after graduation. In 2021, around 250 students were enrolled at the Farmington Hills campus. Dorsey School is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

International Cosmetology Academy

The International Cosmetology Academy is a small cosmetology school located in Farmington Hills. It offers an 11-month diploma program in cosmetology that prepares students to take their state board exams and launch careers as licensed cosmetologists.

Students get experience on clinic floor clients in the academy’s student salon. The program includes both theory and hands-on practice in hair, nails, makeup, waxing, skin care, and other areas. The International Cosmetology Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.

Higher Education Support Organizations

In addition to colleges and universities themselves, Farmington Hills is also home to organizations that support higher education and workforce development in the region.

Michigan College Access Network (MCAN)

The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) is headquartered in Farmington Hills. This nonprofit organization partners with Michigan schools, colleges, businesses, and communities to increase college readiness, participation, and completion – particularly among low-income students, first-generation college students, and students of color.

MCAN operates statewide initiatives focused on college advising, financial aid, FAFSA completion, educator training, college application week, and more. Their goal is to increase the percentage of Michigan residents with degrees and postsecondary certificates to 60% by the year 2025.

Farmington Hills/Farmington Education Foundation

The Farmington Hills/Farmington Education Foundation is a nonprofit that supports schools in Farmington Hills and Farmington. The foundation awards grants and scholarships aimed at enhancing education and promoting innovation in the school district. This includes funding teacher mini-grants, supporting STEM programs, providing scholarships for graduating seniors, and more.

Since 1991, the foundation has provided over $1.5 million to promote quality education. The organization partners with individuals, corporations, and foundations in the community to fund its education and scholarship programs.

Higher Education Events and Resources

Farmington Hills provides many events and resources related to higher education each year. Here are some key examples:

• College Nights: Farmington Public Schools hosts an annual College Night where over 100 college representatives visit to share information with students about their programs. Breakout sessions cover topics like admissions, financial aid, NCAA eligibility, and choosing a college.
• FAFSA Completion Nights: The high schools host events to assist families with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Volunteers are available to answer questions and help students submit their applications.
• Scholarships: Numerous scholarships are available each year specifically for Farmington Hills residents and Farmington Public Schools students. The school district, community organizations, education foundation, and colleges provide scholarships to graduating seniors.
• Early College Program: Farmington Public Schools partners with OCC to allow eligible students to take college courses and potentially earn an associate degree while still in high school. This helps students get a head start on their postsecondary education.

For those interested in pursuing higher education, Farmington Hills provides quality colleges and ample support right within the community. The town’s institutions offer diverse academic programs geared toward both young students charting their future and adults looking to enhance their careers and skills.