University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a large public research university in Ann Arbor with top-ranked programs across computer science, engineering, and business. It is highly selective, admitting roughly 16% of more than 126,000 applicants, with enrolled first-years averaging about a 3.90 GPA and middle-50% SAT scores of 1360–1530. Unlike many peers, Michigan requires standardized test scores. In-state students pay a fraction of the out-of-state cost, and the university meets a high share of demonstrated financial need. The figures below come directly from Michigan's official Common Data Set.
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UMich admissions statistics
Acceptance rate
Total applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students for the most recent admission cycle.
Early action
UMich offers non-binding Early Action — an earlier decision with no commitment to enroll.
Standardized tests
UMich requires standardized test scores for all applicants.
SAT Accepted?
ACT Accepted?
Test Optional?
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
UMich supplemental essays — 2026-2027 cycle
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.
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?
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Admissions factors
How UMich weighs each part of your application.
Rigor of High School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular Activities
Character / Personal Qualities
Talent / Ability
First Generation
Level of Applicant's Interest
Class Rank
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Geographical Residence
State Residency
Alumni Relation
Racial / Ethnic Status
Religious Affiliation
Cost of attendance
Estimated full-time annual cost from UMich's Common Data Set. Only tuition changes with residency.
Financial aid
Need-based aid statistics for full-time first-year students.
Frequently asked questions about UMich admissions
Enrolled first-year students at Michigan average about a 3.90 high school GPA. There is no hard cutoff, but the rigor of your high school record and your GPA are both rated very important factors, evaluated in the context of the courses your school offers.
Michigan admitted about 15.6% of applicants in the most recent cycle, drawing more than 126,000 applications and enrolling roughly 7,500 first-year students.
Michigan keeps a large share of its class for Michigan residents — about 45% of enrolled first-years come from out of state, so the majority are in-state. The university publishes a single overall admit rate of roughly 15.6% rather than separate resident and non-resident figures, but with non-residents making up most applications and a minority of the enrolled class, out-of-state admission is more competitive. Geographic and state residency are listed as considered factors in Michigan's holistic review.
Yes. Michigan requires standardized test scores from applicants — it is not test-optional. The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1360–1530 on the SAT and 31–34 on the ACT, with median scores around 1450 and 33.
A 1500 is competitive. It lands in the upper half of enrolled students, just below the 75th-percentile mark of 1530, and above the median of 1450. The middle 50% scored 1360–1530 on the SAT (31–34 ACT). Test scores themselves are only a considered factor, while GPA, course rigor, essays, and activities carry more weight.
Annual tuition and required fees run about $18,346 for Michigan residents and $63,962 for out-of-state students. On-campus food and housing add roughly $16,246. About 39% of first-years receive financial aid, the average aid package is about $35,086, and the university meets an average of 91% of demonstrated need.
Computer science is the single most popular major at about 25% of students, followed closely by engineering at 23% and business at 20%. The sciences and liberal arts each account for around 10%, with the remainder spread across other programs.
Yes. Michigan rates the application essay as a very important factor in its holistic review — on the same tier as GPA, course rigor, and extracurricular activities, and weighted more heavily than standardized test scores, which are only considered. With an admit rate near 15.6%, a specific, well-revised essay is one of the clearest ways a strong applicant stands out.
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Popular majors
Bachelor's degrees awarded in the past year by academic major.
Student-faculty ratio
The number of students for every one faculty member, indicating the average level of access students have to instructional staff.
Campus life
On-campus housing and Greek life participation rates.
Enrollment by gender
Student diversity
Racial and ethnic breakdown of enrolled undergraduate students.
Source: University of Michigan Common Data Set 2025-2026. Figures transcribed 2026-06-05. Esslo aggregates publicly reported data and is not affiliated with UMich. Banner photo by Chris Rycroft, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0). Cite this page as: Esslo College Explorer, “University of Michigan admissions statistics, transcribed from the 2025-2026 Common Data Set,” https://www.esslo.org/colleges/umich (retrieved 2026-06-05).