Northwestern University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Northwestern University and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Northwestern University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor at a glance
Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 15.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $34,420 at Northwestern University and $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Six-year graduation rates are 96.1% and 93.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 15.6%, so Northwestern University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $34,420 a year at Northwestern University and $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; University of Michigan-Ann Arbor costs $20,058 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $1,427 at Northwestern University and $3,155 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- 96.1% of students graduate within six years at Northwestern University, against 93.2% at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $104,255 for Northwestern University and $92,832 for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; Northwestern University is $11,423 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,017 at Northwestern University and $18,515 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- Northwestern University enrolls 9,201 students (small city) and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 34,177 (midsize city).
- Northwestern University is a private nonprofit college and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a public college.
Side by side
Northwestern University and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Northwestern University | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 15.6% |
| Applicants | 47,636 | 79,743 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1570 | 1360–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 31–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $34,420 | $14,362 |
| Tuition, in state | $70,589 | $18,346 |
| Tuition, out of state | $70,589 | $63,962 |
| Cost of attendance | $94,854 | $36,613 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $1,427 | $3,155 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $7,536 | $3,372 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $8,811 | $5,768 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $18,954 | $13,888 |
| Over $110,000 | $56,074 | $28,625 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.1% | 93.2% |
| First-year retention | 98.1% | 97.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $104,255 | $92,832 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,017 | $18,515 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $193 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 9,201 | 34,177 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
| Location | Evanston, IL | Ann Arbor, MI |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Northwestern University reports 85 bachelor's programs and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 89; 54 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Northwestern University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Northwestern University or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
Northwestern University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor admits 15.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Northwestern University 1510–1570; University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 1360–1530.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern University or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the lower average net price after grants: $34,420 a year at Northwestern University against $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $1,427 and $3,155. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Northwestern University or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn more?
Northwestern University graduates earn more at the median: $104,255 ten years after entry for Northwestern University and $92,832 for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,017 and $18,515.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Northwestern University or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
Northwestern University does: 96.1% of Northwestern University students graduate within six years, against 93.2% at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
How big are Northwestern University and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
Northwestern University has 9,201 students in Evanston, IL and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has 34,177 students in Ann Arbor, MI.