
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Acceptance rate
15.6%
SAT (mid 50%)
1360–1530
Avg net price
$13,138
after aid
Testing
optional
2027 cycle
Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor’s admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
Getting in is the hard part. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor admitted 15.6% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.
Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1360–1530 on the SAT and 31–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.
The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what University of Michigan-Ann Arbor actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.
The essays
Supplemental essay prompts
The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.
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.
Up to 300 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?
Up to 550 words
Every prompt, with how to approach each →
Verified from https://umich.edu.
Cost and aid
What you will actually pay
The sticker price is about $34,654, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $13,138.
Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $83,648.
Verified from https://umich.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.
Quick answers
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor FAQ
- Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor test-optional?
- For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is optional.
- How hard is it to get into University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
- Very hard. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor admits 15.6% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1360 to 1530 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
- How much does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor cost?
- The list price is about $34,654, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $13,138.
- Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $83,648 ten years after enrolling, and 93% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Spike answers from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.
One email when Spike opens. No card, no account. About the waitlist.