Michigan Technological University: 93.7% Acceptance Rate

93.7%Acceptance

$18,392Tuition

5,829Students

69%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$78,198Earnings

#3 in MichiganPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Michigan Technological University

Michigan Tech carved its reputation in the copper mines of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and now leads the nation in engineering education. The university enrolls 5,829 students in a remote town setting where hands-on learning meets modern research. Engineering programs dominate here, especially mining and materials engineering that attract students worldwide. Nobel Prize winner Glenn Seaborg discovered plutonium as an alumnus, while comedian Tim Allen proves the school's reach extends beyond labs and mines. The 93.68% acceptance rate welcomes qualified students into rigorous technical programs.

Students pay an average net price of $15,729 after aid, making this expensive education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $78,198 ten years out, easily justifying the typical debt load of $24,990. The return on investment shines brightest for low-income families who pay just $5,021 net price. With a 97.3% employment rate, students rarely struggle to find work after graduation.

The student body skews heavily male at 70.51%, reflecting the engineering focus that defines campus culture. Most students come from Michigan at 77.10%, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows the struggle of surviving brutal winters together. The 87.69% retention rate shows students stick around despite the challenging academics and isolation.

Academics & Faculty

Michigan Tech built its reputation as a powerhouse for engineering and technology programs since its founding in 1885. The university specializes in mining engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering, offering students access to modern research facilities and extensive industry connections. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention from professors who often work closely with major corporations. The school's 68.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of its technical curriculum. Co-op programs connect students directly with employers, contributing to an impressive 97.3% employment rate after graduation. Notable alumni include Nobel laureate Glenn Seaborg, who co-discovered plutonium, demonstrating the caliber of scientific education students receive in Michigan's remote Upper Peninsula setting.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 87.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 68.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 68.7%
Retention Rate: 87.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $78,198
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Mechanical Engineering.	Master	$86,550
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$78,172
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$75,989
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$75,047
Materials Engineering	Bachelor	$73,635
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$71,637
Chemical Engineering.	Bachelor	$70,536
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$68,499
Biomedical/Medical Engineering.	Bachelor	$66,461
Civil Engineering.	Master	$66,244

View all 181 programs →

Campus Life

Michigan Tech sits in Michigan's snowy Upper Peninsula, where winter temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow can pile up to 200 inches annually. The campus houses 55% of its 5,829 students, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other by name. With 70.5% male enrollment reflecting the engineering focus, the gender imbalance shapes social actives across campus.

Students embrace the harsh winters through traditions like Broomball on the ice rink and the annual Winter Carnival featuring massive snow sculptures. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors often join students for outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking in the surrounding Keweenaw Peninsula wilderness. Weekends revolve around hockey games, outdoor adventures, and campus parties in residence halls. The nearest major city is Minneapolis, about 300 miles away, so students create their own entertainment. Greek life and club sports fill social calendars, while the town's few restaurants and bars become weekend gathering spots for the close-knit student body.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 3,215 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1885

Campus Safety (2023)

22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	8	6
Arson	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	1
Rape	1	1
Aggravated Assault	1	0
Burglary	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 10°–22°F
July Avg: 54°–75°F
Annual Precipitation: 31.6"
Annual Snowfall: 207.8"

Student Demographics

Michigan Tech draws students who want hands-on engineering careers, with 70% male enrollment reflecting its strong STEM focus. The student body comes primarily from Michigan, showing the university's solid regional reputation in technical fields. Most students are white and middle-class, with only 18% receiving Pell Grants. These are typically students who chose Michigan Tech specifically for its engineering programs and co-op opportunities rather than a general college experience. The remote Upper Peninsula location attracts students committed to serious technical study over urban campus life.

Men: 70.5%
Women: 29.5%
White: 83.7%
Black: 0.9%
Hispanic: 3.1%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 77.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.2%

Location

Houghton sits in Michigan's remote Upper Peninsula, roughly 300 miles north of Detroit and 100 miles from Duluth, Minnesota. The town has fewer than 8,000 residents, making Michigan Tech's 5,829 students a major presence in the community. This copper mining region is surrounded by dense forests and sits near Lake Superior's shores. Students experience true wilderness with strong skiing, hiking, and outdoor recreation just minutes from campus. The area receives over 200 inches of snow annually, creating a winter wonderland that lasts nearly half the academic year. The isolation fosters a tight-knit community where engineering students embrace both rigorous academics and outdoor adventures. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Michigan Technological University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Houghton, Michigan 49931-1295

Michigan Mining School 1895 advertisement

Main building, Michigan School of Mines, Houghton, Mich

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $78,198
Median Earnings (5 years): $85,800
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $54,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 80.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,990

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Michigan Technological University?

Michigan Tech accepts 93.68% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1240. The university focuses heavily on engineering and technical fields, attracting students who are already committed to STEM careers rather than competing for spots through selectivity.

How much does Michigan Technological University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $15,729, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,021 after aid. With median debt of $24,990 and monthly loan payments of $265, graduates typically manage their debt load well given the strong earning potential in engineering fields.

What is Michigan Technological University known for academically?

Michigan Tech specializes in engineering programs, particularly mining and materials engineering, with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The university has deep roots in the mining industry and offers extensive co-op opportunities that lead to high job placement rates in technical fields.

What are the job outcomes like for Michigan Technological University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $78,198 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.3% employment rate. The university's strong connections to engineering industries and co-op programs help explain why 80.30% of graduates successfully repay their loans.

Where is Michigan Technological University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Houghton, Michigan, a remote town setting with 5,829 students and housing for 3,215. The student body is 70.51% male, reflecting the engineering focus, and 87.69% of students return for their sophomore year despite the isolated location.

Does Michigan Technological University have notable alumni?

The university counts Nobel Prize winner Glenn Seaborg among its graduates, who co-discovered plutonium, along with comedian Tim Allen and NASA engineer John Chisholm. Founded in 1885, Michigan Tech has a long history of producing graduates who make significant contributions to science and engineering.