UPenn vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Pennsylvania and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UPenn vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor at a glance
UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 15.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $29,577 at UPenn and $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Six-year graduation rates are 96.9% and 93.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 15.6%, so UPenn is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $29,577 a year at UPenn and $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; University of Michigan-Ann Arbor costs $15,215 less a year.
- 96.9% of students graduate within six years at UPenn, against 93.2% at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $121,687 for UPenn and $92,832 for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; UPenn is $28,855 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $15,000 at UPenn and $18,515 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- UPenn enrolls 10,650 students (large city) and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 34,177 (midsize city).
- UPenn is a private nonprofit college and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a public college.
Side by side
UPenn 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 | UPenn | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 15.6% |
| Applicants | 56,332 | 79,743 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1570 | 1360–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–36 | 31–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $29,577 | $14,362 |
| Tuition, in state | $71,236 | $18,346 |
| Tuition, out of state | $71,236 | $63,962 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,288 | $36,613 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | Not reported | $3,155 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $234 | $3,372 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,421 | $5,768 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $25,263 | $13,888 |
| Over $110,000 | $61,455 | $28,625 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.9% | 93.2% |
| First-year retention | 98.9% | 97.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $121,687 | $92,832 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,000 | $18,515 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $170 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 10,650 | 34,177 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA | 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
UPenn reports 77 bachelor's programs and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 89; 50 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Economics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Questions about UPenn vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UPenn or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
UPenn is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor admits 15.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UPenn 1510–1570; University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 1360–1530.
Which is cheaper, UPenn or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the lower average net price after grants: $29,577 a year at UPenn against $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UPenn or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn more?
UPenn graduates earn more at the median: $121,687 ten years after entry for UPenn and $92,832 for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Median federal debt at graduation is $15,000 and $18,515.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UPenn or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
UPenn does: 96.9% of UPenn students graduate within six years, against 93.2% at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
How big are UPenn and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
UPenn has 10,650 students in Philadelphia, PA and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has 34,177 students in Ann Arbor, MI.