University of Michigan-Dearborn logo

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Accept Rate
58.63%
Grad Rate
56.3%
Enrollment
5,882
Avg SAT
1127
Tuition
$14,944
Median Salary
$59,649
Overall Grade
B-
C+
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
B
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Michigan-Dearborn feels like a dynamic commuter campus where practical, career-focused learning is paramount. There's a collaborative atmosphere, especially among engineering and business students, with a diverse, often non-traditional student body balancing studies with work and family.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

58.63%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 112775th Pctl
9901260
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2575th Pctl
2330
1122436

Admissions Tips

1. Highlight any experience or projects related to engineering, business, or technology in your application, as these are the university's flagship areas. 2. Since the school has a moderate acceptance rate, ensure your GPA and test scores (if submitted) meet or exceed the averages to strengthen your application. 3. If you're a Michigan resident with a solid academic record, you are a strong candidate, as the university serves as a key pathway for in-state students.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1127
40080012001600
School range: 990โ€“1260

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UM-Dearborn is renowned for its strong ties to the automotive and manufacturing industries, particularly in its College of Engineering and Computer Science. The College of Business is AACSB-accredited and emphasizes experiential learning, while small class sizes foster direct interaction with faculty who are often industry professionals.

Popular Majors

Engineering
25.9%
Business & Marketing
18.8%
Computer Science
9.9%
Psychology
7.2%
Health Professions
6.8%
Social Sciences
6.3%
Biology & Biomedical
6%
Education
4.7%
Communications
2.8%
Multidisciplinary Studies
1.7%
English & Literature
1.6%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

56.3%
Graduation Rate
81.2%
Retention Rate
5,882
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$14,944
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$10,904
After financial aid
Total Cost
$22,435
Cost of attendance/year
43.9%
Receive Pell Grants
38.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Dearborn

Dearborn is home to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, offering rich cultural and historical experiences. Students often explore Detroit's vibrant music and sports scene, which is a short drive away, and enjoy the diverse local dining options, particularly Middle Eastern cuisine.

Local Rent Check

$1,029 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Dearborn
Explore Dearborn

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$59,776
$0Est. 4 Years: $59,776

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,649):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a suburban area of Dearborn, which is generally considered safe with campus security services active. The surrounding area is a mix of residential and commercial zones, typical of a Metro Detroit suburb.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong industry connections, especially in the automotive and tech sectors, providing excellent internship opportunities.
  • โœ“ Affordable tuition for in-state students with a good return on investment.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes and accessible faculty offer a more personalized educational experience.
  • โœ“ Location in Metro Detroit provides access to a major job market and urban amenities.

Cons

  • โœ— Primarily a commuter campus, which can lead to a less traditional 'college town' social atmosphere.
  • โœ— The 56.3% graduation rate is below the national average, which may reflect the challenges faced by a diverse, often working student body.
  • โœ— Limited on-campus housing options compared to larger residential universities.

Notable Alumni

Chris Illitch
CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., overseeing a portfolio that includes the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers.
Hussein A. M. El-Kheir
Former President and CEO of the Arab American and Chaldean Council, a significant leader in community health and social services in Michigan.
Daniel J. Loepp
Former President and CEO of the Detroit Lions, bringing extensive experience in sports management and operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

UM-Dearborn is particularly known for its strong engineering and business programs, with deep-rooted connections to the automotive industry and Metro Detroit's corporate landscape. It is also recognized for its accessible, affordable education and its diverse, non-traditional student body.

The university has a moderate acceptance rate of 58.63%, making it accessible but still selective. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1127, so applicants with grades and scores at or above this level are strong candidates.

As a commuter campus, life at UM-Dearborn is focused on academics, with many students balancing school with work and family. While there are over 150 student organizations and NCAA Division II athletics, the social scene is more centered on campus activities and clubs rather than a traditional residential college experience.

For in-state students, yes, it offers a high-value education at a relatively low cost, with a strong 10-year median earnings figure of $59,649. The ROI is particularly compelling for graduates in high-demand fields like engineering, business, and computer science, who benefit from the university's industry ties.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Ford Motor Company General Motors Stellantis University of Michigan Health Beaumont Health
Smart Start Score
62

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 6,862
  • In-State Tuition $14,944
  • Out-of-State $31,360
  • Zip Code 48128

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 52.7% โ™€ 47.3%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $10,904, the university offers a strong value proposition, especially for in-state students paying under $15,000 in tuition. The 10-year median earnings of $59,649 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates in high-demand fields like engineering and computer science.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $14,944
Housing (12 mo) $12,348
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $34,492
With avg financial aid:
$10,904/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.