Michigan vs. UM-Dearborn

Comparable Facts

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

University of Michigan Ann Arbor is larger than UM-Dearborn based on total student enrollment (52,855 students vs. 8,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor is located in Ann Arbor, MI (Midsize City setting); University of Michigan Dearborn is in Dearborn, MI (Small City setting).
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Michigan Dearborn is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 11:1; University of Michigan Dearborn 16:1.

Michigan vs. UM-Dearborn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan or UM-Dearborn? 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 Dearborn than Michigan ($11,521 vs. $17,574).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Michigan Dearborn are 26.7% lower than at University of Michigan Ann Arbor ($11,241 vs. $15,328).
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor is 13.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UM-Dearborn (about $2,096 more per year; $17,736.00 vs. $15,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.3% higher at Michigan than at University of Michigan Dearborn (about $28,050 more per year; $60,946.00 vs. $32,896.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Michigan Dearborn than at University of Michigan Ann Arbor (99% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Michigan Ann Arbor students is 107% larger than aid received by University of Michigan Dearborn students ($25,099 vs. $12,124).

Michigan vs. UM-Dearborn Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan or UM-Dearborn? 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 UM-Dearborn and Michigan.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Michigan Ann Arbor (1450) is 330 points higher than at UM-Dearborn (1120).
• Incoming Michigan students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 26 at UM-Dearborn).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 1360/1530; University of Michigan Dearborn 990/1255.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 31/34; University of Michigan Dearborn 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan - Test optional; UM-Dearborn - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Michigan Feb 1, 2027; UM-Dearborn Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at UM-Dearborn (3.66).
• UM-Dearborn has a higher acceptance rate (55.6%) than Michigan (15.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 47.3% at Michigan vs. 14.2% at UM-Dearborn.

Michigan vs. UM-Dearborn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan and UM-Dearborn? 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 Michigan Ann Arbor's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than University of Michigan Dearborn's (49%).
• Graduates from University of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of about $21,600 more per year than UM-Dearborn graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,400 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates have a $5,647 lower median loan debt than UM-Dearborn graduates ($20,103 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Michigan graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UM-Dearborn graduates ($207 vs. $266).
• More Michigan graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UM-Dearborn students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 46%)

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.