What the University of Michigan is and who runs it

The University of Michigan is a public research university run by the state of Michigan, with its main campus in Ann Arbor and branch campuses in Dearborn and Flint. It is not a private school — the state legislature funds part of its operating budget, though tuition and fees now cover a larger share than state money does. The university is governed by a Board of Regents elected by Michigan voters, and it awards degrees in hundreds of programs from engineering and medicine to business and the arts.

The university enrolls roughly 47,000 students across all three campuses, with the Ann Arbor campus holding about 32,000. It is one of the largest public universities in the United States and one of the most selective — admission rates vary by program and campus, but the Ann Arbor campus admits roughly 20 to 25 percent of applicants. The university operates its own hospital system, runs research centers, and manages a large endowment separate from state funding.

Key Takeaways

  • The University of Michigan has three campuses — Ann Arbor (the largest and most selective), Dearborn, and Flint — each with different admission rates and program offerings.
  • Tuition and fees vary by residency status and program; Michigan residents pay less than out-of-state students, and engineering or business programs often cost more than liberal arts.
  • Admission to the Ann Arbor campus is competitive and based on test scores, GPA, essays, and extracurricular activities; Dearborn and Flint have higher acceptance rates.
  • The university offers federal student loans, institutional scholarships, and work-study jobs, but does not meet the full demonstrated financial need of every student.
  • The process important date for fall admission is typically in early January, with decisions released in March or April.

How much tuition and fees cost

Tuition and fees at the University of Michigan depend on whether you are a Michigan resident, an out-of-state student, or an international student. For the 2024–2025 academic year, Michigan residents pay roughly $16,000 to $17,000 per year in tuition and mandatory fees at the Ann Arbor campus, while out-of-state students pay approximately $60,000 to $62,000 per year. These figures vary by school within the university — engineering and business programs charge higher tuition than the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

Room and board (housing and meal plans) add another $12,000 to $15,000 per year, depending on where you live. Books, supplies, and personal expenses typically run $2,000 to $3,000 annually. The total cost of attendance for a Michigan resident at Ann Arbor is roughly $30,000 to $35,000 per year; for an out-of-state student, it approaches $75,000 to $80,000 per year. The Dearborn and Flint campuses charge lower tuition than Ann Arbor, particularly for out-of-state students.

These costs change each year. The university publishes its current cost of attendance on its financial aid website, broken down by campus and residency status. Costs do not include health insurance, transportation, or loan fees.

Admission requirements and the process process

Admission to the University of Michigan begins with the Common process or the Coalition process, both of which are submitted online. The process important date for fall admission is typically January 2 or 3, with decisions released in late March or early April. You must submit your high school transcript, standardized test scores (the SAT or ACT — the university does not require them but considers them), and two or three essays. Some programs, such as music or nursing, require additional materials like auditions or portfolios.

The Ann Arbor campus is highly selective. The middle 50 percent of admitted students typically have SAT scores between 1380 and 1550, or ACT scores between 33 and 35. High school GPA for admitted students usually falls between 3.8 and 4.0 unweighted. However, the university considers your entire process — test scores and grades are not the only factors. Extracurricular activities, leadership, work experience, essays, and demographic background all play a role in the decision.

The Dearborn and Flint campuses have higher acceptance rates than Ann Arbor. Dearborn typically admits around 70 to 75 percent of applicants, and Flint around 75 to 80 percent. The process process is the same, but the academic profile of admitted students is lower. Both campuses offer the same process important date as Ann Arbor.

Financial aid, loans, and scholarships

The University of Michigan offers federal student loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized), federal work-study jobs on campus, and institutional scholarships funded by the university's endowment and operating budget. To be considered for any aid, you must complete the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the university's priority important date, typically in February. The university also uses the CSS Profile for some institutional aid decisions.

The university does not meet the full demonstrated financial need of every student — this means that even after grants and loans, some students will have an unmet gap between the cost of attendance and the aid offered. Merit scholarships (based on academic achievement rather than financial need) are available but are not may provide and do not cover full tuition. The university publishes its net price calculator on its website, which estimates what your family might pay based on income and assets.

Michigan residents and low-income students may be may be able to access for state grants through the Michigan Student Financial Aid Authority (MSFAA), separate from university aid. International students are not may be able to access for federal loans or most state aid, though the university offers a limited number of scholarships to international students.

What happens after you are admitted

If you are admitted, you will receive a financial aid package in the mail or through the university's online portal. This package shows the total cost of attendance, the aid the university is offering (grants, loans, and work-study), and the amount you or your family is expected to contribute. You have until May 1 to decide whether to enroll and to submit your deposit, which is typically $400 to $500 and is credited toward your first semester's bill.

After you submit your deposit, you will register for classes, arrange housing, and complete orientation. The university holds summer orientation sessions for new students, where you meet with an academic advisor, register for fall courses, and learn about campus resources. Housing is may provide for first-year students but not for upperclassmen; many students move off-campus after their first or second year.

If you are waitlisted, you may be offered a spot later in the spring or summer if other admitted students decide not to enroll. Waitlist decisions are made on a rolling basis, and the university will tell you the timeline when you receive your waitlist letter.

Academic programs and degree requirements

The University of Michigan is organized into schools and colleges, each with its own admission standards and degree requirements. The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) is the largest and most general; it offers majors in sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering. The College of Engineering is separate and more selective. The Ross School of Business, the School of Nursing, the School of Kinesiology, and the School of Music are also distinct units with their own admissions processes.

Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credit hours and take four years to complete. General education requirements vary by school but typically include writing, quantitative reasoning, and courses outside your major. You declare a major at the end of your first year or beginning of your second year, though some programs require earlier declaration. The university operates on a semester system (fall and winter), with optional summer sessions.

Campus life and student services

The University of Michigan provides housing, dining, health services, counseling, career services, and academic support to students. First-year students live in residence halls on or near campus; housing is may provide but not always in your first choice. The university operates multiple dining halls and allows students to purchase meal plans or eat at individual restaurants on campus.

The university has a large student health center that provides primary care, mental health counseling, and preventive services. Health insurance is required; most students are covered under their parents' plans or purchase the university's student health plan. The university also operates a writing center, tutoring services, and disability services for students who need academic accommodations.

Student life includes hundreds of clubs and organizations, intramural sports, club sports, and varsity athletics. The university competes in the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I level. Many students also work part-time jobs on or off campus, either through work-study or independent employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses?

Ann Arbor is the flagship campus, the largest, and the most selective. It offers the widest range of programs and has the most research activity. Dearborn and Flint are smaller, less selective branch campuses that focus more on undergraduate education and serve more commuter students. Degrees from all three campuses carry the University of Michigan name, but Ann Arbor is the most well-known.

Can I transfer from Dearborn or Flint to Ann Arbor?

Yes, many students start at Dearborn or Flint and transfer to Ann Arbor after completing general education requirements. The transfer process is competitive but more straightforward than freshman admission. You must maintain a strong GPA and meet any prerequisite courses for your intended major at Ann Arbor.

Does the University of Michigan offer in-state tuition to students from other states?

No. In-state tuition is available only to Michigan residents, defined by the state as students who have lived in Michigan for at least 12 months before enrollment and meet other residency requirements. Out-of-state students pay the full out-of-state rate regardless of how long they have lived in Michigan.

What if I do not have SAT or ACT scores?

The University of Michigan does not require standardized test scores, but submitting them may strengthen your process. If you choose not to submit scores, your process will be reviewed without them, though your GPA and other factors become more important.

How much student debt do graduates typically have?

This varies widely depending on how much aid you receive and how much you borrow. The university does not publish average debt figures, but federal data shows that public university graduates typically leave with $25,000 to $35,000 in federal student loan debt. Students who borrow more or attend for longer may have higher debt; students whose families pay out of pocket or who receive large scholarships may have none.