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NYU vs University of Michigan

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

12.2% NYU acceptance
17.7% Michigan acceptance
$46,416 Michigan cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban
Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
Founded
1817
Enrollment
48,090
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Michigan saves $3,192
NYU
$60,438
Michigan
$57,246
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
NYU
12.2%
Michigan
17.7%
Graduation Rate Michigan higher
NYU
87%
Michigan
93%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
NYU
1480
Michigan
1470
Starting Salary NYU higher
NYU
$74,100
Michigan
$73,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric NYU Michigan Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,438$57,246Michigan
Tuition (In-State)$60,438$17,786Michigan
Room & Board$21,578$13,166Michigan
Acceptance Rate12.2%17.7%NYU
Graduation Rate87%93%Michigan
Average SAT14801470NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio8:112:1NYU
Enrollment59,14448,090-
Avg Financial Aid$38,960$22,680NYU
Starting Salary$74,100$73,400NYU
Endowment$6.2B$17.9BMichigan
Campus Size230 acres3,207 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
VS
Michigan
$281,648
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NYU = $172,224 | Michigan = $190,928. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Michigan Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NYUUrban
MichiganUrban
Campus Size
NYU230 ac
Michigan3,207 ac
Athletics
NYUNCAA D3
MichiganNCAA D1
Region
NYUNortheast
MichiganMidwest
Founded
NYU1831
Michigan1817
Enrollment
NYU59,144
Michigan48,090

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYU or Michigan harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 17.7%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NYU or Michigan?+
At sticker price, Michigan costs less over 4 years ($281,648 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NYU offers an average of $38,960/year in aid while Michigan offers $22,680/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NYU and Michigan?+
The average SAT score at NYU is 1480 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 NYU or Michigan graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 vs $73,400). 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?+
NYU has a 8:1 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 NYU and Michigan compare for campus life?+
NYU is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 230-acre campus. Michigan is in Ann Arbor, Michigan (urban setting) with 3,207 acres. NYU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Michigan in NCAA D1.