University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: 17.7% Acceptance Rate

17.7%Acceptance

$17,228Tuition

33,488Students

93%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$83,648Earnings

#1 in MichiganPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

The Wolverines dominate both research labs and football stadiums at one of America's most strong public universities. With 33,488 students spread across Ann Arbor's college town atmosphere, Michigan consistently ranks among the top public research institutions nationwide. The university has produced presidents like Gerald Ford and tech titans like Google co-founder Larry Page. Its engineering, business, and medical programs attract some of the nation's brightest students, with incoming freshmen averaging 1440 on the SAT.

Despite the $58,072 sticker price for out-of-state students, most families pay far less than advertised. The average net price sits at just $14,832 after aid, with low-income families paying under $5,000. Graduates earn a median of $83,648 within ten years, making the typical debt load of $19,500 manageable with monthly payments around $207. The 93% graduation rate suggests students find value worth finishing.

Ann Arbor pulses with Big Ten energy during football season, when 100,000 fans pack "The Big House." The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means undergraduates get surprising access to strong professors despite the university's massive scale. With 97% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, most students quickly discover why Michigan calls itself "Leaders and Best."

Academics & Faculty

Michigan is one of the nation's top public research universities, meaning students access modern facilities and work alongside faculty conducting groundbreaking research. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention despite the large enrollment of 33,488 students. With a 93.2% six-year graduation rate, students clearly receive strong academic support. The university excels across multiple disciplines, with particularly well-known programs in engineering, business (Ross School), medicine, and computer science. Its research powerhouse status attracts top faculty and creates opportunities for undergraduates to participate in meaningful projects. The breadth of academic offerings means students can explore diverse interests while benefiting from Michigan's strong reputation across fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 82.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 93.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 93.2%
Retention Rate: 97.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $83,648
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences.	Master	$178,741
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.	Master	$168,125
Computer Engineering.	Master	$157,288
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$140,166
Law.	Doctoral	$139,927
Systems Engineering.	Master	$116,354
Dentistry.	Doctoral	$112,215
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$101,964
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Master	$99,772
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$97,071

View all 360 programs →

Campus Life

Ann Arbor combines the energy of a college town with Big Ten football culture that dominates fall weekends. The campus houses 11,631 students in residence halls, though with 33,488 total enrollment, many upperclassmen live in nearby apartments or Greek houses. Michigan winters require serious gear - expect snow from November through March and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing.

The 97.64% retention rate reflects students who genuinely love the Michigan experience. Football Saturdays transform the entire city when 100,000+ fans flood the Big House, making it temporarily one of Michigan's largest populations. Students embrace traditions like touching the banner before games and singing "The Victors" fight song. Ann Arbor sits about 45 minutes from Detroit, offering internship opportunities while maintaining its distinct college atmosphere. The trimester calendar system keeps academics intense, but students balance rigorous coursework with an active social scene built around everything from research opportunities to intramural sports. Winter study abroad programs help some escape the harsh Michigan cold.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 11,631 beds
Calendar System: Trimester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	33	16	0	1
Stalking	39	8	3	0
Aggravated Assault	28	10	0	6
Fondling	32	6	0	4
Motor Vehicle Theft	27	0	0	2
Domestic Violence	17	7	1	1
Burglary	14	8	2	0
Dating Violence	9	2	0	1
Robbery	1	0	0	2
Arson	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–31°F
July Avg: 62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.6"
Annual Snowfall: -720.4"

Student Demographics

The student body draws equally from Michigan and beyond, reflecting the university's reputation as both a state flagship and national powerhouse. Just over half the students are women, typical for a full research university with strong liberal arts alongside STEM programs. The campus attracts high achievers who can handle rigorous academics across diverse fields. Asian students make up nearly 19% of enrollment, reflecting the university's strength in engineering and business. With relatively few Pell Grant recipients at 18%, the student body skews middle to upper-middle class despite the school's public mission.

Men: 46.9%
Women: 53.1%
White: 48.8%
Black: 4.5%
Hispanic: 10.0%
Asian: 18.6%
In-State Students: 51.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.6%

Location

Ann Arbor sits about 45 miles west of Detroit, putting students within reach of Michigan's largest city while maintaining its own distinct college town identity. The university's 33,488 students make up a significant portion of Ann Arbor's population, creating a active campus atmosphere that extends throughout the city. Downtown Ann Arbor buzzes with bookstores, cafes, and music venues that cater to the academic community. The area experiences true Midwest seasons, with beautiful fall colors complementing football season and snowy winters perfect for studying. The city balances small-town charm with urban amenities, supported by the university's massive research presence. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with similar schools in the region.

Address: Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109

Martha Cook Building, University of Michigan, University Avenue and Tappan Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI

University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Law Quadrangle, University of Michigan, University Avenue and State Street, Ann Arbor, MI

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $83,648
Median Earnings (5 years): $84,656
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $55,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 79.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $207/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor accepts 17.69% of applicants, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. The admitted students typically score between 1350-1530 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation as a top-tier research institution that attracts high-achieving students nationwide.

How much does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $14,832 across all income levels, though costs vary dramatically by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $4,926 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full out-of-state tuition of $58,072.

What is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor known for academically?

Michigan excels across multiple disciplines as a top public research university, with particularly strong programs in engineering, business, medicine, and liberal arts. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention despite the large enrollment of 33,488 students.

How much do University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median salary of $83,648 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong career outcomes from this strong institution. The 94.4% employment rate and relatively low median debt of $19,500 demonstrate the strong return on investment for a Michigan education.

Where do University of Michigan-Ann Arbor students live on campus?

The university houses 11,631 students in on-campus facilities, serving about one-third of the total enrollment. Ann Arbor's active college town atmosphere complements campus life, with the city offering numerous cultural attractions and the energy of a major research university.

Does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor have strong athletic programs?

Michigan fields 25 varsity sports in the Big Ten Conference with 908 total athletes competing at the NCAA Division I level. The Wolverines are known for their fierce rivalries with Ohio State and Michigan State, and the athletic program invests over $33 million annually in scholarships.