UChicago vs. Michigan

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with University of Michigan Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Michigan Ann Arbor is larger than UChicago based on total student enrollment (52,855 students vs. 18,566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of Michigan Ann Arbor is in Ann Arbor, MI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; University of Michigan Ann Arbor 11:1.

UChicago vs. Michigan Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Michigan? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Michigan Ann Arbor than UChicago ($17,574 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Michigan Ann Arbor are 23.8% lower than at University of Chicago ($15,328 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 298.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan (about $52,926 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.9% higher at UChicago than at University of Michigan Ann Arbor (about $9,716 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $60,946.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Michigan Ann Arbor than at University of Chicago (59% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 148.2% larger than aid received by University of Michigan Ann Arbor students ($62,300 vs. $25,099).

UChicago vs. Michigan Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or Michigan? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Michigan and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 100 points higher than at Michigan (1450).
• Incoming UChicago students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Michigan).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; University of Michigan Ann Arbor 1360/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; University of Michigan Ann Arbor 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Michigan - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Michigan Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Michigan (3.88).
• Michigan has a higher acceptance rate (15.6%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 47.3% at Michigan.

UChicago vs. Michigan Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Michigan? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than University of Michigan Ann Arbor's (90%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $24,100 more per year than Michigan graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $74,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $5,603 lower median loan debt than Michigan graduates ($14,500 vs. $20,103).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan graduates ($149 vs. $207).
• More UChicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 78%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.