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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Wayne State University

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a public university in Ann Arbor, MI, and Wayne State University is a public university in Detroit, MI. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the more selective of the two, admitting about 16% of applicants against 81% at Wayne State University. Wayne State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,766 a year against $13,138 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. About 93% of students graduate at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, compared with 58% at Wayne State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor alumni earn a median of about $83,648, against $53,493 for Wayne State University.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Ann Arbor, MI
Detroit, MI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
34,177
15,587
Acceptance rate
16%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1360–1530
1060–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
23–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,138
$12,766
Full cost / yr
$34,654
$27,350
In-state tuition
$17,736
$15,190
Out-of-state tuition
$60,946
$32,037
Application fee
$75
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,043
$11,090
$30k - $48k
$1,878
$10,721
$48k - $75k
$4,895
$12,068
$75k - $110k
$10,869
$14,828
Over $110k
$26,517
$19,862
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
58%
Freshman retention
97%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$73,762
$45,207
Median earnings (10 yr)
$83,648
$53,493
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$21,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
46%
First-generation students
21%
38%
International students
8%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Dec 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Wayne State University harder to get into?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is harder to get into. It admits about 16% of applicants, compared with 81% at Wayne State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Wayne State University?
Wayne State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,766 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,138 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Wayne State University?
Before aid, Wayne State University costs about $27,350 a year and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor about $34,654. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Wayne State University?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,043 there, against about $11,090 at Wayne State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Wayne State University?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the larger of the two, with about 34,177 undergraduates against 15,587 at Wayne State University.
Does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Wayne State University have a better graduation rate?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 58% at Wayne State University.
Do graduates of University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Wayne State University earn more?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor alumni earn more on average: a median of about $83,648 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,493 for Wayne State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Wayne State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wayne State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Wayne State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1360–1530 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and 1060–1270 at Wayne State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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