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University of Michigan vs University of Virginia

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PUBLIC

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PUBLIC

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	University of Michigan	University of Virginia	Edge
Acceptance Rate	17.9%	16.9%	University of Michigan (easier)
Average SAT	1440	1470	University of Virginia
Enrollment	53,422	30,044	University of Michigan larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$83,648	$86,863	University of Virginia
Median Debt	$19,500	$17,500	University of Virginia lower
Pell Grant Rate	18.0%	14.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

University of Michigan

University of Virginia

Top majors

University of Michigan

Computer Science 15.3%

Engineering 12.2%

Social Sciences 11.6%

Biological Sciences 8.9%

Psychology 8.4%

University of Virginia

Liberal Arts 20.1%

Social Sciences 16.8%

Engineering 8.7%

Business/Marketing 7.4%

Biological Sciences 5.5%

Which Should You Choose?

Both University of Michigan and University of Virginia are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: University of Michigan is in Ann Arbor, MI while University of Virginia is in Charlottesville, VA
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

University of Michigan vs University of Virginia FAQs

Which is harder to get into, University of Michigan or University of Virginia?

University of Virginia is harder to get into, with a 16.9% acceptance rate vs University of Michigan's 17.9%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, University of Michigan or University of Virginia?

University of Virginia has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($39,926/yr) vs University of Michigan ($34,654/yr) — a difference of $5,272/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $9,040/yr at University of Michigan vs $17,475/yr at University of Virginia.

Which has higher graduate earnings, University of Michigan or University of Virginia?

University of Virginia graduates earn more — a median of $86,863 10 years post-grad, vs $83,648 at University of Michigan. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, University of Michigan or University of Virginia?

It depends on your priorities. University of Michigan is in Ann Arbor, MI; University of Virginia is in Charlottesville, VA. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, University of Michigan or University of Virginia?

Both University of Michigan and University of Virginia have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — University of Michigan's salary page and University of Virginia's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.