University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan · Public · 15.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 95/100 · Exceptional Value
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Exceptional ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $17,736/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $60,946/yr |
| Average net price | $13,138/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $52,552 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $83,648 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $55,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $207 |
| Estimated payback period | 4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 93.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 34,177 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,043 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,878 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,895 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,869 |
| $110,001+ | $26,517 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $172,904 | A |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $67,537 | C |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $144,654 | A |
| Economics | $110,552 | B+ |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $67,925 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $79,411 | B |
| Biology | $61,127 | D |
| International Relations | $77,480 | C+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $105,888 | B+ |
| Mathematics | $109,146 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is $17,736/year ($60,946/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,138/year, or roughly $52,552 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $1,043/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $26,517/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $19,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $207 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $83,648 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.35 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 79.9% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 82.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 80.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 83.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 15.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 680-780 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 680-750 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 31-34 |
| Enrollment | 34,177 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 18.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $13,384 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (this school) | 95 | $13,138 | $83,648 |
| University of California-Berkeley | 97 | $13,481 | $92,446 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | 96 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 94 | $11,655 | $72,200 |
| Central Michigan University | 51 | $17,597 | $55,874 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 42 | $15,407 | $51,793 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is one of the strongest financial investments in higher education. With a total 4-year net cost of $52,552 and median graduate earnings of $83,648 ten years out, the math works decisively in graduates' favor. The estimated payback period of 4 years is well below average.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 93.2% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $19,500 is very manageable against $83,648 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.