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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · 34.2k students

Highly SelectivePublicCityGraduateCampus-basedumich.edu
79.7/100

Trajecta score

+4.1 since '20

Ranked #36 of 2,375

5-year trend

'20'24

77.2 · #36

2020

77.9 · #40

2021

79.6 · #31

2022

80.7 · #24

2023

81.3 · #24

2024

AcademicCareersSuccessAfford.Invest.Access

Academic Profile

86/ 100

Career Outcomes

83/ 100

Student Success

93/ 100

Affordability

75/ 100

Academic Investment

93/ 100

Access & Equity

38/ 100

Academic Profile

86

Career Outcomes

83

Student Success

93

Affordability

75

Academic Investment

93

Access & Equity

38

AI Fit Analysis

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Cost / Net Price

$35k / $13k

SAT Avg

1,465

Retention

97%

Grad Rate

93%

Admissions

16%admission rate
EliteH.SelSelectiveModerateOpen

Test Scores

SAT Range1,465
4001000120014001600
25th: 1,360Average: 1,46575th: 1,530

Scores represent the midpoint of enrolled students, not a cutoff.

Finances

Tuition

In-State Tuition

$17,736

per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$60,946

per year

Out-of-state premium: +$43,210/yr

Aid & Debt

Pell Grant Share

18%

undergraduates receiving Pell

Federal Loan Share

24%

students borrowing

Median Debt

among completers

$19,500

Admissions Factors

What University of Michigan-Ann Arbor says it weighs

Self-reported by the school in its Common Data Set (section C7) — the school's own statement of which application factors matter in its admissions decisions.

3.90

average high school GPA of enrolled freshmen · 92% reporting

Source: Common Data Set 2024-2025, what University of Michigan-Ann Arbor reports weighing in admissions.

FactorVery ImportantImportantConsideredNot Considered
Rigor of secondary school recordRigor of secondary school record: Very Important
Class rankClass rank: Not Considered
Academic GPAAcademic GPA: Very Important
Standardized test scoresStandardized test scores: Important
Application essayApplication essay: Important
Recommendation(s)Recommendation(s): Important
InterviewInterview: Not Considered
Extracurricular activitiesExtracurricular activities: Considered
Talent/abilityTalent/ability: Considered
Character/personal qualitiesCharacter/personal qualities: Important
First generationFirst generation: Important
Alumni/ae relationAlumni/ae relation: Not Considered
Geographical residenceGeographical residence: Considered
State residencyState residency: Considered
Religious affiliation/commitmentReligious affiliation/commitment: Not Considered
Volunteer workVolunteer work: Considered
Work experienceWork experience: Considered
Level of applicant's interestLevel of applicant's interest: Considered

Supplemental Essays · 2026-27

school's admissions site ↗

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor essay prompts

U-M Question 1

Required300 words

At the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences, or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans.

U-M Question 2 (Why this school/program)

Required550 words

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate college or school (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?

Drafting these? Write them with AI feedback in Trajecta →

Methodology

How these rankings work

The Trajecta Score (0–100) blends six dimensions of public college data into one comparable number, then nudges it by how much data each school reports. Selectivity tiers are separate — they’re based purely on a school’s admission rate.

Read the full methodology

Selectivity tiers

EliteUnder 10% admit rate
Highly Selective10–20% admit rate
Selective20–40% admit rate
Moderate40–65% admit rate
Open65%+ admit rate

Score dimensions & weights

Career Outcomes25%

Median earnings 10 years out, earnings vs. a high-school grad, and loan repayment.

Academic Profile22%

Admission selectivity and the incoming class’s SAT / ACT scores.

Affordability15%

Average net price after aid and the typical debt of graduates.

Student Success13%

Graduation rate and first-year retention.

Academic Investment12%

Instructional spending and faculty salaries per student.

Access10%

Share of Pell-grant students and reliance on federal loans.

Data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS. Figures are the most recent reported and may lag a year or two. This tool is read-only and not personalized — inside the Trajecta app, scores are tailored to your profile as a fit score.

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