University of Michigan Ford School
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Graduate students at the Ford School benefit from strong community bonds fostered by the school's modest size and collaborative culture. The Graduate Policy Students organization coordinates social events, professional development programming, and advocacy for student interests within the school administration. Annual traditions include orientation camping trips, policy trivia competitions, and a formal ball celebrating the school's namesake. Housing options abound in Ann Arbor, with most graduate students living in apartments or houses near campus or in adjacent neighborhoods. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment typically runs $1,200 to $1,600 monthly, with shared housing reducing costs substantially. The school's location on central campus places students within walking distance of libraries, recreational facilities, and the vibrant downtown area. Student diversity has increased through intentional recruitment and scholarship programs. International students comprise approximately 20 percent of master's cohorts, representing 25 or more countries. The school actively recruits military veterans, students from underrepresented backgrounds, and mid-career professionals, creating diverse perspectives in classroom discussions. Affinity groups including Women in Public Policy, the Black Policy Union, and the LGBTQ+ Policy Forum provide community and programming. The broader University of Michigan campus offers Division I athletics, hundreds of student organizations, and cultural venues including museums and performing arts spaces. Football Saturdays transform the campus and city, though graduate students vary in their enthusiasm for athletics. The Michigan Union and various cafes serve as study spaces and informal gathering spots. Students consistently praise the collaborative atmosphere, noting that competition for grades takes a back seat to mutual support and learning. However, the demanding course load, particularly the quantitative methods sequence, creates stress for students without strong mathematics backgrounds. The school provides tutoring and study groups to address these challenges.
Location & Surroundings
Ann Arbor consistently ranks among America's most livable small cities, offering a unique combination of intellectual vitality, cultural amenities, and natural beauty. The population of approximately 125,000 roughly doubles during the academic year as university students arrive, creating a distinctly college-town atmosphere where the university dominates economic and cultural life. The climate features four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters requiring warm clothing and some adaptation for those from warmer regions. Average January temperatures hover around 25 degrees Fahrenheit, with substantial snowfall common. Summers bring warm, occasionally humid weather ideal for enjoying the area's parks and lakes. The seasonal changes provide variety, though winter darkness and cold can affect some students' moods. Public transportation through the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority serves the city adequately, with free bus service for university affiliates. Many students bike during warmer months, utilizing the city's developing network of bike lanes. Car ownership helps for exploring the region but proves unnecessary for daily campus life. Detroit Metropolitan Airport, located about 25 miles east, provides connections to major hubs worldwide. Downtown Ann Arbor, adjacent to campus, offers eclectic shopping, diverse restaurants, and active nightlife. Main Street and State Street provide walkable entertainment districts, while the Kerrytown Market district features local food vendors and artisan shops. Cultural offerings include the Michigan Theater, the Ann Arbor Art Fair attracting hundreds of thousands annually, and numerous live music venues. Detroit, thirty minutes east, provides major city amenities including professional sports, world-class museums, and diverse dining scenes. The surrounding region offers outdoor recreation including hiking, kayaking on the Huron River, and skiing at nearby resorts. The Great Lakes remain accessible for summer weekend trips.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Pursuing a master's degree at the Ford School requires substantial financial investment, with estimated total costs for the two-year program approaching $130,000 for out-of-state residents and $100,000 for Michigan residents. Annual tuition runs approximately $55,000 for non-residents and $40,000 for residents, with additional costs for housing, books, and living expenses in Ann Arbor. Financial aid packages significantly reduce costs for most students. The school awards substantial merit scholarships, with approximately 90 percent of students receiving some form of institutional aid. Named fellowships including the Weill Fellowships and Ford Public Policy Fellowships provide full or partial tuition support. Graduate student instructor positions and research assistantships offer additional funding while providing professional experience. Average debt at graduation varies widely based on aid packages and family support. Career outcomes for Ford School graduates demonstrate strong return on investment. Employment rates within six months of graduation consistently exceed 90 percent, with median starting salaries around $70,000 in recent years. Salaries vary substantially by sector, with federal government positions typically offering $75,000-$90,000 while nonprofit positions may start lower but offer other benefits. Major employers include federal agencies such as the Government Accountability Office, the Office of Management and Budget, and various cabinet departments. International organizations including the World Bank, IMF, and United Nations agencies recruit actively on campus. Consulting firms including McKinsey, BCG, and boutique policy shops hire graduates for policy analysis roles. State and local governments, particularly in Michigan, employ significant numbers. Approximately 15-20 percent of graduates pursue doctoral studies or other advanced degrees following the MPP. The school's alumni network spans global policy institutions, with active regional chapters facilitating networking and mentorship. Career services offerings include individualized advising, workshops on government applications, and two major career fairs annually bringing dozens of employers to campus.
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