Head-to-head comparison
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor vs. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Michigan or Michigan harder to get into?
Both schools have similar acceptance rates.
Which is cheaper, Michigan or Michigan?
Average net prices are similar.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Michigan graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $83,648 at Michigan and $83,648 at Michigan.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Michigan | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 15.6% | 15.6% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1360–1530 | 1360–1530 |
| ACT mid-50% | 31–34 | 31–34 |
| Cost of attendance | $34,654 | $34,654 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $13,138 | $13,138 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 34,177 | 34,177 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 93.2% | 93.2% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $83,648 | $83,648 |
| Setting | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Selectivity is essentially the same. Michigan's 15.6% acceptance rate and Michigan's 15.6% are within a percentage point of each other. For an unhooked applicant, the difference is statistical noise. Apply to whichever you genuinely prefer.
Net cost is essentially the same at both schools after grants and scholarships, despite different sticker prices. Both schools meet most demonstrated need for in-range income brackets.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Michigan is in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Michigan is in Ann Arbor, MI. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Michigan is 53.9% women, 7.6% international, and 18.4% Asian-American. Michigan is 53.9% women, 7.6% international, and 18.4% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Michigan | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 53.9% | 53.9% |
| International | 7.6% | 7.6% |
| White | 46.7% | 46.7% |
| Asian | 18.4% | 18.4% |
| Hispanic | 11.7% | 11.7% |
| Black | 5.2% | 5.2% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Michigan vs. Michigan?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Michigan if
- the Ross
Pick Michigan if
- Big Ten flagship in Ann Arbor
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
15.6% accept · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Full profile
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
15.6% accept · Ann Arbor, MI
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.