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Head to head · Michigan

Michigan State University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor costs less than Michigan State University at every income band federal data covers — between $2,029 and $11,834 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeMichigan State UniversityUniversity of MichiganDifference
Under $30k$7,068$1,043$6,025 · University of Michigan
$30–48k$10,830$1,878$8,952 · University of Michigan
$48–75k$16,521$4,895$11,626 · University of Michigan
$75–110k$22,703$10,869$11,834 · University of Michigan
Over $110k$28,546$26,517$2,029 · University of Michigan

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Michigan State University$95,693
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$45,813
Difference over four years$49,880

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate85% · 16%
Average SAT1269 · 1465

Listed Michigan State University first, then University of Michigan. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$67,253 · $83,648
Graduate in four years63% · 82%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$23,250 · $19,500

Again Michigan State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Michigan State University — every income band · University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — every income band · All Michigan public colleges