UT Austin vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich)

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two prestigious universities: The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Both institutions boast a rich history, academic excellence, and vibrant student life, yet they offer distinct experiences. UT Austin, known for its strong engineering and business programs, welcomes a diverse student body to its sprawling campus in the heart of Texas. On the other hand, U-M Ann Arbor, nestled in the vibrant city of Ann Arbor, Michigan, excels in fields like engineering, medicine, and social sciences, attracting a large and diverse student population. As you embark on your higher education journey, explore the detailed comparison table below to uncover the nuances that set these two universities apart, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
The University of Texas at Austin logo

The University of Texas at Austin

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor logo

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Overview

Location Austin, Texas Ann Arbor, Michigan
Campus setting City: Large City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Trimester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 96.0% 97.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 28.7% 20.2%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $75
SAT range 1230 - 1500 N/A
ACT range 27 - 33 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 56.0%
Students submitting ACT score 26.0%
Total number of applicants 66,077 79,743
Total number of admissions given out 18,994 16,071
Admitted students who chose to enroll 9,060 7,290
Yield rate 47.7% 45.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $29,788

Out of state: $59,032
In state: $32,272

Out of state: $69,326
Average net price $16,589 $19,205
Tuition
In state: $11,752

Out of state: $40,996
In state: $15,850

Out of state: $52,904
Room & board $12,768 $12,592
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

51.0%
Average amount $12,725
59.0%
Average amount $16,326
Students receiving federal student loan 28.0%
Average amount $4,961
24.0%
Average amount $5,311
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $16,366
3.0%
Average amount $21,796

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 40,916
Men 43.4% Women 56.6%
32,282
Men 48.8% Women 51.2%
Graduate students 11,075
Men 49.5% Women 50.5%
17,996
Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 9.2% N/A
International students 9.1% 15.7%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 7,809 11,629
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 12:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 87.8% 93.7%
Dropout rate 11.7% 5.7%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $130,952
  • Year 2: $131,707
  • Year 3: $149,763
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,716
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $131,523
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $115,909
  • Year 2: $120,124
  • Year 3: $127,068
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,526
  • Year 2: $100,607
  • Year 3: $120,559
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,082
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $119,993
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,247
  • Year 2: $102,706
  • Year 3: $108,654
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,293
  • Year 2: $88,723
  • Year 3: $99,721
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,133
  • Year 2: $79,558
  • Year 3: $97,550
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,714
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $93,999
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,984
  • Year 2: $80,550
  • Year 3: $92,064
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $185,139
  • Year 2: $178,741
  • Year 3: $197,723
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $209,842
  • Year 2: $168,125
  • Year 3: $177,935
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $146,285
  • Year 2: $139,927
  • Year 3: $151,208
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $139,794
  • Year 2: $140,166
  • Year 3: $148,785
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $118,208
  • Year 2: $112,215
  • Year 3: $137,273
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,398
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $123,926
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,643
  • Year 2: $94,281
  • Year 3: $117,745
Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $102,847
  • Year 2: $116,354
  • Year 3: $116,465
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $96,171
  • Year 2: $99,772
  • Year 3: $107,831
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,194
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $101,999

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between UT Austin and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?

    UT Austin is a large public university located in the heart of Austin, Texas, known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and natural sciences. It boasts a vibrant campus culture and a strong connection to the Texas economy. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, also a large public university, is situated in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is renowned for its comprehensive academic offerings, particularly in law, medicine, and social sciences. It has a more traditional college town feel and a strong national and international reputation.

  • How do the academic reputations of UT Austin and University of Michigan compare?

    Both UT Austin and University of Michigan are highly regarded universities with strong academic reputations. University of Michigan generally ranks slightly higher overall in national rankings, particularly in graduate programs. However, UT Austin is exceptionally strong in specific fields like engineering (especially petroleum engineering), accounting, and marketing, often rivaling or surpassing Michigan in these areas. The 'best' reputation depends on your specific field of study.

  • What is the cost of attendance at UT Austin versus University of Michigan?

    UT Austin generally has a lower cost of attendance, especially for Texas residents, due to lower tuition rates. University of Michigan's tuition is higher, particularly for out-of-state students. However, both universities offer financial aid and scholarships, so the net cost can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances. Be sure to check each university's financial aid website for the most up-to-date information and to use their net price calculators.

  • What is campus life like at UT Austin and University of Michigan?

    UT Austin offers a vibrant and energetic campus life, fueled by its location in a thriving city. There's a strong emphasis on school spirit, particularly surrounding Longhorn athletics. University of Michigan has a more traditional college town atmosphere, with a focus on academics and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Both universities have numerous student organizations, but the overall feel differs due to their respective locations and campus cultures.

  • How do the locations of UT Austin and University of Michigan impact the student experience?

    Austin, Texas, is a rapidly growing city known for its music scene, technology industry, and outdoor activities. UT Austin students benefit from access to internships, job opportunities, and a vibrant social scene. Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a classic college town with a strong sense of community. University of Michigan students enjoy a more focused campus environment, with easy access to cultural events and outdoor recreation in the surrounding area. Austin offers a warmer climate and a more urban experience, while Ann Arbor provides a more traditional college town setting with distinct seasons.

  • What are the strengths of UT Austin's and University of Michigan's engineering programs?

    UT Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering is particularly strong in petroleum engineering, electrical engineering, and computer engineering. It has close ties to the Texas energy industry and a strong focus on practical application. University of Michigan's College of Engineering is highly regarded across a broad range of disciplines, including aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering. It emphasizes research and innovation, with numerous opportunities for students to participate in cutting-edge projects.

  • How do the business schools at UT Austin and University of Michigan compare?

    UT Austin's McCombs School of Business is highly ranked and known for its strong programs in accounting, finance, and marketing. It has close ties to the Texas business community and a focus on entrepreneurship. University of Michigan's Ross School of Business is also highly regarded, with a strong emphasis on leadership development and experiential learning. It offers a broader range of specialized programs and a more global perspective. Both schools are excellent, but McCombs has a stronger regional focus, while Ross has a more national and international reach.

  • What kind of student is likely to thrive at UT Austin versus University of Michigan?

    A student who thrives at UT Austin is typically outgoing, enjoys a vibrant social scene, and is drawn to a large, diverse university in a dynamic city. They are often interested in fields related to the Texas economy, such as engineering, business, or natural sciences. A student who thrives at University of Michigan is often academically focused, enjoys a traditional college town environment, and is drawn to a comprehensive university with a strong national reputation. They may be interested in a wider range of academic disciplines, including law, medicine, and social sciences.

  • What are the graduation rates and career outcomes for graduates of UT Austin and University of Michigan?

    Both UT Austin and University of Michigan have high graduation rates and excellent career outcomes for their graduates. Graduates from both universities are highly sought after by employers in a variety of industries. Specific career outcomes may vary depending on the student's major and career goals, but both universities provide strong career services and networking opportunities to help students succeed after graduation. You can find detailed employment reports on each university's career services website.

  • How do the admissions processes differ between UT Austin and University of Michigan?

    Both UT Austin and University of Michigan have highly selective admissions processes. UT Austin places a strong emphasis on academic performance, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), and essays. Texas residents receive priority consideration. University of Michigan also considers academic performance, test scores (again, check for test-optional policies), essays, and extracurricular activities. They place a greater emphasis on demonstrated leadership and a commitment to community involvement. Both universities use a holistic review process, but Michigan may place slightly more weight on factors beyond academics.

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