University of Michigan - Ann Arbor vs University of Michigan - Dearborn

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor vs University of Michigan - Dearborn

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (UMich Ann Arbor) is a public research university situated in Ann Arbor, Michigan, within a midsize city environment. It is a large school that has around 34,454 undergraduates (Fall 2024). Admissions are competitive with an acceptance rate of about 17.9%. Popular majors are Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Psychology, and Economics. The six-year graduation rate is around 93%, and median earnings for UMich Ann Arbor graduates are around US$73,200 ten years after enrollment.

University of Michigan – Dearborn (UMich Dearborn) is a public research university located in Dearborn, Michigan, in a large suburb about eight miles from Detroit. It is a medium-sized university with roughly 6,187 undergraduate students (Fall 2024), and total enrollment of roughly 8,035 students. Admissions is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 58.6%. Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Psychology, and Biology are most popular majors. The six-year graduation rate is around 56%, and UMich Dearborn alumni (federal-aid cohort) earn a median annual salary of around US$59,649 ten years after matriculation.

Overview Comparison
University of MichiganUniversity of Michigan
Subject Strength# 11 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 32 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025
# 19 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 166 for Engineering by US News 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -37
PG Programs -87
Doctorate Programs -31
UG Programs -67
PG Programs -44
Acceptance Rate16.0 %58.6 %
Exam ScoreGMAT-731
IELTS-6.5
PTE-68
TOEFL-88
IELTS-6.5
SAT-1060
TOEFL-84
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   49350
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  21389
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 21016 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   27233
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  36690
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 9048 Per Year
placement (average package)

Average salary is 79,000 USD per annum. Annual ROI is 9.5%. Popular employers are Ford Motor, General Motors, Quicken Loans, Amazon, etc. 


The graduates of the University of Michigan, Dearborn are one of the most in-demand graduates. The collaboration of the University with various organizations, enterprises and companies helps students to find their dream jobs.  The average salaries are given as below:

  • MBA  :  $144,000 
  • BBA  : $130,000 
  • Other Degree :  $114,000 
  • Bachelor of Arts : $109,000 
  • Masters of Arts : $104,000 
  • Masters in Science : $96,000 

application requirements

High School score/grade should be equivalent to 2.7 GPA. Indian student's transcripts must be sent by the Controller of the examinations. Fulfill other country-specific requirements.

Submit official transcripts

Fulfill the minimum required GPA

Submit English language proficiency scores

Check program specific requirements

Campuses and B-SchoolsRoss School of Business
College of Business, University of Michigan-Dearborn
CollegeDunia Reviews8.5/10 Read 17 reviews7.8/10 Read 9 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

exam scoresGMAT - 731/800GRE - 323/340IELTS - 7/9PTE - 70/90TOEFL - 100/120Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 79/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -111484Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesJan 5, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake)
Mar 13, 2026 (Round 2 Application Decision Date For 2026 Intake)
Mar 23, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake)
May 1, 2026 (Round 3 Application Decision Date For 2026 Intake)
Sep 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake)
May 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of MichiganUniversity of Michigan
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1817
1959
Student:Faculty Ratio15:1:1
17:1
Male:Female46% Male, 0% Female54% Male, 46% Female
Location Facts

Michigan is considered one of the top 10 best craft beer states of the USA. It has the fourth highest per capita GDP growth rate of 2.5%. Manufactiring sector is the highest contributor. 


The UM–Dearborn campus is located on the former estate of automotive pioneer Henry Ford. It is divided into several sections: The Henry Ford Estate, known as Fair Lane, The Fairlane Center, Main Campus, and the Early Childhood Education Center just south of campus. 


Library

Considered as one of the top 10 academic research libraries in North America; Over 14,283,067 volumes and 291,791 serials


Mardigian Library is “an essential part of the University of Michigan-Dearborn experience — a campus hub for academic success, creativity, knowledge creation, and interdisciplinary collaboration; a gathering place for learners; and a catalyst for integrated learning and community engagement. The library has a vast collection of 705,000 e-books, 116,547 e-journals, 1,231 databases, 100 print journals, 70 streaming videos
200,000 print books. 


Campus Life

Counselling & Psychological Services; International Centre; Office of Student Conflict Resolution; Office of Student Conflict Resolution; Services for Students with Disabilities; Student Legal Services; Campus Infoormation Centers


  • At University of Michigan-Dearborn, you’ll get more than a great education. You’ll join a multicultural community, discover your own strengths and forge lifelong friendships.
  • There are over 125 recognized student organizations (RSOs) and 9 university sponsored organizations (USOs).
  • Both the RSO and USO communities comprise extraordinary interests, from Greek Life, Academic/Professional Organizations, Cultural and Ethnic Organizations, Honor Societies, Political and Social Activist Organizations, Recreational Organizations, and Religious and Spiritual Organizations. Sports played at the university include golf, baseball, athletics, swimming etc. 
  • One of the main highlights of the campus is that it is located in the former estate of Henry Ford.
  • The university campus has almost 70 acres of area in which there is a bird observatory and nature preserve. The campus provides students with a multicultural community.
  • There are gym facilities and Pilates classes available at the wellness center. The campus also offers a very opportunistic environment for the students.

Hostel#Room and Board - $21016
#Room and board - $9048
Famous Alumni

Over 36 Pulitzer Prize winners and 8 Nobel laureates; Larry Page (Google Co-founder), Gerald Ford (late US President), Arther Miller (playwright), Theodore Roethke (poet), Martha Minow (former Dean of Harvard Law School)


  • Saul Anuzis – chairman of the Michigan Republican Party
  • Mark Atkinson – one of the world's top diabetes researchers
  • Susy Avery – former chair of the Michigan Republican Party
  • Ted Casteel – owner of Bethel Heights Vineyard in the Willamette Valley of Oregon
  • George Darany – former member of the Michigan House of Representatives
  • Rima Fakih – model, actress, and Miss USA 2010 winner
  • Kimberly Frost – novelist

City Life

The Great Lakes State is one of the top cities to live in. It shares its border with Canada and has four out five Great Lakes. The high student population offers high cultural diversity. It is one of the cheapest midwestern states to live in. It has a food dominated nightlife with few night clubs and music locations. It has a growing tech startup community. The unemployment rate is 4.6 (2020).


  • Designated as a “Cool City” by the State of Michigan in 2006, Dearborn gives the feeling of a small town with all of the amenities of “big city” living within its 24.5 square miles.
  • Dearborn has been named a “Tree City USA” for 19 consecutive years. 
  • Dearborn is ideally located within metropolitan Detroit with easy access to major freeways (I-94, I-96, I-75, US-12, US-24, M-39, M-153), AMTRAK passenger rail, SMART bus routes, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Willow Run Airport and Detroit City Airport. 
  • The major employers in the region include Ford Motor Company, Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center, Dearborn Public Schools, Severstal Steel, AAA Michigan and Carhartt.

Weather
Comparison Notes

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor vs University of Michigan – Dearborn

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both institutions belong to the University of Michigan system, but Ann Arbor leads in national and international rankings because of its size, research activity, scope of programs, and standing. Ann Arbor remains in the top 25 in the United States and top 100 in the world, being particularly strong in Engineering, Business, Medicine, and Social Sciences. Dearborn, though well regarded in its own area and strong in applied engineering, computer science, and local industry collaborations, lacks such global ranking visibility and depth of doctoral and research programs.

General Information

Ann Arbor, established in 1817, is significantly larger, with approximately 34,454 undergraduates and over 52,000 overall students, with more than 275 degree programs across numerous colleges, and with extremely large scale in faculty, facilities, and research infrastructure. Dearborn, established subsequently, comprises approximately 6,187 undergraduates, about 8,000 overall students, with a more personal setting, fewer graduate programs, and with strong regional connections, specifically with Detroit's industries. 

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions at Ann Arbor are extremely selective, with acceptance rate of roughly 17.9%, as opposed to Dearborn's ~ 58.6%. Ann Arbor admitted students usually have extremely strong academic records (high GPAs, challenging coursework, high standardized test scores where submitted), whereas Dearborn admits more varied groups, including numerous students aimed towards accessibility and regional/local needs. Both campuses weigh similar criteria (GPA, course difficulty, extracurricular activities), but Ann Arbor is more competitive for entering first years and transfer students.

Research Impact & Facilities

Ann Arbor is a top research powerhouse (R1 level) with extremely high research spending, numerous doctoral programs, large labs, large medical centers, and high international citation and collaboration reach. Dearborn is research-active, particularly in applied disciplines, with engineering, environmental science, and some industry partnerships as strengths, but its research funding and international reach are far lower compared to Ann Arbor.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition and fees for Ann Arbor for in-state and out-of-state are quite different; the in-state is significantly lower for Michigan residents, but out-of-state is expensive. Dearborn tends to have lower out-of-state and in-state tuition than Ann Arbor for non-residents, and grants/aid are received by many students. The net cost for students (after scholarships, grants) is more competitive at Dearborn in most instances, particularly for residents, making it a better value, especially for those commuting or residing locally.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Achievement

Ann Arbor graduates have impressive results: high graduation rate (~ 93%), solid median earnings over the long term, expansive and powerful alumni network, and numerous graduates pursuing high-level positions nationally and globally. Dearborn alumni have more modest but still respectable results: six-year grad rate ~ 56%, median income approximately US$59,649 for the cohort 10 years past entrance, excellent employment in engineering/business/tech in the locale, and strong support for students with practical skills. Ann Arbor is still the more highly regarded option with greater reach; Dearborn has good value and excellent regional opportunity.