University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
The Vibe Check
Attending the University of Michigan feels like being part of a massive, spirited ecosystem where academic rigor meets Big Ten passion. The campus buzzes with an intellectual energy that's balanced by an intense loyalty to maize and blue, creating a community that feels both globally ambitious and deeply Midwestern friendly.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Michigan is an academic powerhouse, particularly renowned for its top-ranked Ross School of Business and College of Engineering, alongside strengths in social sciences and psychology. The university's scale provides endless research opportunities through institutes like the Michigan Institute for Data Science, with teaching that challenges students to think critically across a vast array of over 275 degree programs.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is a quintessential college town that offers a vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities, from the famous Ann Arbor Farmers Market to numerous local breweries and coffee shops. Students enjoy exploring Main Street for unique shopping and dining, cheering at the Big House for football games, and participating in year-round festivals that define the city's character.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($83,648):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The Ann Arbor campus and surrounding city are generally considered safe with a robust campus police presence and well-lit pathways. While precautions are always necessary in an urban setting, the area has a low violent crime rate compared to similar-sized cities.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Elite academic reputation with top-ranked programs, especially in engineering, business, and CS
- ✓ Massive and powerful alumni network providing exceptional career opportunities
- ✓ Vibrant college town of Ann Arbor with endless cultural and social activities
- ✓ Strong Big Ten sports culture and school spirit
Cons
- ✗ Highly competitive admissions with a low acceptance rate, especially for out-of-state applicants
- ✗ Significant cost disparity between in-state and out-of-state tuition
- ✗ Large class sizes in introductory courses can feel impersonal
- ✗ Winters in Ann Arbor can be long and harsh
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Michigan is known for its world-class engineering and business programs, its massive research output, and its passionate sports culture centered around Michigan Football. It is also recognized as a top public university with a global reputation for academic excellence across a wide range of disciplines.
Yes, it is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of just 17.94%. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is typically between 1350-1530, and successful applicants usually have strong GPAs and rigorous high school coursework. Out-of-state applicants face even greater competition due to the university's focus on serving Michigan residents.
Campus life is dynamic and diverse, with over 1,600 student organizations and a strong Greek life presence. The experience is heavily influenced by school spirit, especially on football game days when the campus transforms into a sea of maize and blue, and by the vibrant cultural scene of the surrounding Ann Arbor city.
For in-state students, the value is exceptional, with a relatively low net price and high median earnings post-graduation. For out-of-state students, the higher cost is a significant investment, but it pays off through access to a top-tier education, a powerful alumni network, and strong starting salaries, particularly in STEM and business fields.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1817
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 33,921
- In-State Tuition $17,228
- Out-of-State $58,072
- Zip Code 48109
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $14,832 for in-state students and a 10-year median earnings of $83,648, the ROI for Michigan residents is exceptionally strong. For out-of-state students paying $58,072, the investment is significant but can be justified by the university's elite reputation, vast alumni network, and strong career outcomes, especially in high-paying fields like engineering and business.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.