University of Michigan-Dearborn: 54.1% Acceptance Rate

54.1%Acceptance

$14,944Tuition

5,882Students

57%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,649Earnings

#4 in MichiganPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Michigan-Dearborn

The University of Michigan-Dearborn draws nearly 6,000 students who want University of Michigan credentials without leaving metro Detroit. This regional campus has built a strong reputation for engineering programs that connect directly to the automotive industry's heart. With a 54% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1150, it attracts solid students who often stay close to home, 95% come from Michigan. The campus serves a midsize city setting where students can access both university resources and real-world internship opportunities.

Students pay an average net price of $10,904 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to a Michigan degree. Nearly 44% receive Pell Grants, and typical graduates carry $22,500 in debt. Those numbers look reasonable when matched against median earnings of $59,649 ten years after graduation. The monthly loan payment averages $239, which most graduates can handle given the strong employment outcomes in engineering and business fields.

The student body leans slightly male at 53%, reflecting the engineering focus that drives much of the campus culture. With 14 varsity sports competing in NAIA and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention while maintaining competitive athletics. The 81% retention rate shows most students stick around once they arrive.

Academics & Faculty

This regional public university built its reputation on engineering programs that connect directly to Detroit's automotive and manufacturing industries. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community focused on local career opportunities. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, though the 56% graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees. Engineering and business programs dominate the academic landscape, with faculty who often have industry experience from nearby Ford headquarters and other major employers. The semester system allows students to balance coursework with internships at local companies. Strong industry partnerships mean students graduate with practical skills employers want.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 68.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 56.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 56.6%
Retention Rate: 81.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,649
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Master	$105,083
Mechanical Engineering.	Master	$92,277
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$90,856
Systems Engineering.	Master	$83,177
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$80,486
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$77,464
Biomedical/Medical Engineering.	Bachelor	$77,401
Computer Programming.	Bachelor	$76,460
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Master	$76,460
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$73,949

View all 149 programs →

Campus Life

Just 10 miles west of downtown Detroit, this campus sits in the heart of Ford Motor Company's hometown. Michigan winters mean heavy snow boots and thick coats from November through March, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking between classes. The student body of 5,882 creates a tight-knit community where nearly 95% of students come from in-state.

Most students commute from nearby suburbs, giving the campus a practical, no-nonsense vibe focused on academics and career preparation. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students by name. Weekends often involve students heading home or exploring Detroit's revitalized downtown scene, from Tigers games at Comerica Park to the bustling Eastern Market. The engineering programs draw heavily from Detroit's automotive industry connections, and many students juggle part-time jobs or internships with local manufacturers. The 81% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the school's direct path to employment in Michigan's industrial corridor.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	3	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–33°F
July Avg: 62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 33.9"
Annual Snowfall: 31.4"

Student Demographics

Nearly 95% of students come from Michigan, reflecting the university's role as a regional gateway to higher education in the Detroit metro area. The student body is predominantly white but includes meaningful representation from Asian, Black, and Hispanic communities that mirror Dearborn's diverse population. With 44% receiving Pell Grants, the school serves many first-generation and working-class families seeking affordable pathways to careers in engineering and business. The slight male majority aligns with the university's strong engineering programs, though the gender split remains relatively balanced across all academic offerings.

Men: 52.7%
Women: 47.3%
White: 64.6%
Black: 8.5%
Hispanic: 6.5%
Asian: 9.8%
In-State Students: 94.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.9%

Location

The University of Michigan-Dearborn sits in Dearborn, Michigan, just 10 miles west of downtown Detroit. This location puts students at the heart of America's automotive capital, where Ford Motor Company was founded and still maintains its global headquarters. The campus serves a heavily local population, with 94.82% of students coming from Michigan. Dearborn offers an urban environment with strong Middle Eastern cultural influences, home to one of the largest Arab American communities in the United States. The proximity to Detroit provides internship and job opportunities in engineering and business, which aligns with the university's reputation for strong industry connections. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare University of Michigan-Dearborn with similar schools in the region.

Address: Dearborn, Michigan 48128-1491

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,649
Median Earnings (5 years): $68,752
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $239/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Michigan-Dearborn?

University of Michigan-Dearborn admits 54.10% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1010-1290 on the SAT. This regional campus focuses on serving local Detroit metro students with strong ties to area industries.

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

Students pay an average net price of $10,904 annually at University of Michigan-Dearborn. Nearly 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,160 net price, making this campus particularly accessible.

What academic programs is University of Michigan-Dearborn known for?

The university maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, with engineering being the standout discipline. Students benefit from strong industry connections throughout the Detroit metro area. The campus serves 5,882 students with a focus on practical, career-oriented education.

What are employment outcomes like for University of Michigan-Dearborn graduates?

Graduates achieve a 93.4% employment rate with median earnings of $59,649 ten years after graduation. The strong job placement reflects the campus's deep ties to Detroit's automotive and manufacturing sectors. However, only 56.6% of students graduate within six years, indicating challenges with completion.

Where do University of Michigan-Dearborn students come from?

Nearly 95% of students are Michigan residents, making this a truly local campus serving the Detroit metro area. The student body of 5,882 is 64.6% white with notable diversity including 9.78% Asian and 8.5% Black students. This reflects the demographic makeup of southeastern Michigan's communities.

Does University of Michigan-Dearborn offer athletic scholarships?

The university competes in NAIA athletics with 14 varsity sports and 244 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total $128,700 across all sports programs. While athletics exist, the campus is primarily focused on academics and serving commuter students rather than traditional college sports culture.