University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

65.0%

Acceptance Rate

1150

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

3.25

Avg GPA

The University of Michigan stands as America's preeminent public research university, consistently ranking among the top 25 universities globally and top 3 public institutions. Founded in 1817—before Michigan achieved statehood—the university has produced an extraordinary roster of achievements: the first successful open-heart surgery, the polio vaccine trials, Google co-founder Larry Page, and astronauts walking on the moon. With approximately 48,000 students (32,000 undergraduates) across multiple campuses, Michigan operates at massive scale while maintaining academic excellence. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio reflects this size, though Honors programs and upper-level courses provide smaller settings. The university has produced 26 Nobel laureates, 1 President (Gerald Ford), and countless business and cultural leaders. The Ross School of Business, Law School, Medical School, and engineering programs all rank among the nation's best. Michigan football and basketball create school spirit matching any university nationally—"The Big House" holds 107,000 spectators. The culture blends academic ambition with state school accessibility. "Leaders and Best" isn't just a fight song—Michigan produces leaders across every field. The diversity of student backgrounds and interests creates a "everyone finds their place" atmosphere within the vast institution.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 65.0%
SAT Range: 1050–1250
ACT Range: N/A
Avg GPA: 3.25

Campus & Students

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Outcomes & Cost

Graduation Rate: N/A
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Student Life & Environment

Campus life revolves around an unusual combination of intense academics, major athletics, and over 1,600 student organizations. Greek life maintains significant presence with about 20 percent of undergraduates joining fraternities or sororities, but it hardly dominates the social scene. Independent students find countless communities based on academic interests, cultural backgrounds, political causes, artistic pursuits, and recreational activities. Housing options include residence halls for first-year students, with most upperclassmen moving to apartments or houses in Ann Arbor. The university guarantees housing for freshmen, and the residential experience varies considerably by hall. Some buildings emphasize quiet study environments while others develop more social cultures. Off-campus housing in Ann Arbor runs expensive compared to surrounding Michigan cities, with one-bedroom apartments typically starting around 1,200 dollars monthly. The Diag serves as the central gathering space, a large open area where students walk between classes, protest causes, promote events, and experience whatever weather Michigan decides to deliver. State Street and South University provide dining, shopping, and nightlife within walking distance of central campus. Football weekends transform the city, but basketball, hockey, and other sports maintain devoted followings throughout the year.

Location & Surroundings

Ann Arbor functions as a classic college town that would not exist in its current form without the university. About 120,000 people live here permanently, with 47,000 students added during the academic year. The result is a walkable, progressive city with excellent restaurants, independent bookstores, and cultural offerings that would seem remarkable for a town this size anywhere else. Main Street and Kerrytown provide local shopping and dining alternatives to the chain stores that cluster near campus. The Michigan Theater shows independent and classic films in a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace. Restaurants range from late-night pizza to upscale farm-to-table spots, with particularly strong Korean, Japanese, and Middle Eastern options. Detroit sits 45 minutes east, offering professional sports, major concerts, and city amenities when Ann Arbor feels too small. The Detroit airport provides the closest major flight hub. Weather follows genuine four-season patterns, though winter tends to dominate conversations. November through March brings gray skies, significant snow, and temperatures frequently below freezing. Students learn to layer clothing and appreciate the dramatic spring thaw. Fall football season coincides with beautiful autumn colors that make the campus genuinely stunning for a few weeks each October.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Costs at Michigan divide sharply between in-state and out-of-state students. Michigan residents pay roughly 17,000 dollars in tuition and fees annually, while out-of-state students face approximately 57,000 dollars. Room and board adds another 13,000 to 15,000 dollars depending on housing and meal plan choices. Total out-of-state cost of attendance approaches 75,000 dollars yearly. Financial aid packages for in-state students with demonstrated need often make Michigan affordable, with the Go Blue Guarantee covering tuition and fees for Michigan families earning under 75,000 dollars. Out-of-state financial aid proves more limited, though substantial merit scholarships exist for top applicants. Career outcomes reflect the strength of Michigan degrees in the job market. Engineering, business, and computer science graduates command starting salaries well above national averages, often exceeding 80,000 dollars. Campus recruiting brings representatives from every major consulting firm, investment bank, tech company, and Fortune 500 corporation. The alumni network includes over 600,000 living graduates scattered across every industry and geographic location. Michigan alumni maintain strong identification with the university, creating genuine networking advantages in fields where Michigan degrees are particularly valued. Graduate school placement rates rival elite private universities, with Michigan sending students to top law, medical, and doctoral programs annually.