Head to head · Michigan
Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, Wayne State University is. Sticker price shows none of this.
| Household income | University of Michigan | Wayne State University | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $30k | $1,043 | $11,090 | $10,047 |
| $30–48k | $1,878 | $10,721 | $8,843 |
| $48–75k | $4,895 | $12,068 | $7,173 |
| $75–110k | $10,869 | $14,828 | $3,959 |
| Over $110k | $26,517 | $19,862 | $6,655 |
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.
Early Decision: when the binding bet is worth it →
Why three likely admits is the floor for a safe season →
Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.
Listed University of Michigan first, then Wayne State University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.
Again University of Michigan 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.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — every income band · Wayne State University — every income band · All Michigan public colleges