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Arizona State University vs University of Michigan

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
17.7% Michigan acceptance
$100,848 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
Founded
1817
Enrollment
48,090
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $26,046
ASU
$31,200
Michigan
$57,246
Acceptance Rate Michigan more selective
ASU
88.0%
Michigan
17.7%
Graduation Rate Michigan higher
ASU
69%
Michigan
93%
Avg SAT Score Michigan higher
ASU
1230
Michigan
1470
Starting Salary Michigan higher
ASU
$60,100
Michigan
$73,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Michigan Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$57,246ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$17,786ASU
Room & Board$14,000$13,166Michigan
Acceptance Rate88.0%17.7%Michigan
Graduation Rate69%93%Michigan
Average SAT12301470Michigan
Student-Faculty Ratio18:112:1Michigan
Enrollment83,44648,090-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$22,680Michigan
Starting Salary$60,100$73,400Michigan
Endowment$1.5B$17.9BMichigan
Campus Size1,695 acres3,207 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Michigan
$281,648
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Michigan = $190,928. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Michigan Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
MichiganUrban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Michigan3,207 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
MichiganNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
MichiganMidwest
Founded
ASU1885
Michigan1817
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Michigan48,090

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Michigan harder to get into?+
Michigan is more selective with an acceptance rate of 17.7% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Michigan?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $281,648). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Michigan offers $22,680/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Michigan?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Michigan it is 1470. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Michigan graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Michigan have a higher average starting salary ($73,400 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Michigan has 12:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Michigan compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Michigan is in Ann Arbor, Michigan (urban setting) with 3,207 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Michigan in NCAA D1.