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University of Maryland vs University of Michigan

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

44.0% Maryland acceptance
17.7% Michigan acceptance
$63,088 Maryland cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban
Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
Founded
1817
Enrollment
48,090
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Maryland saves $16,940
Maryland
$40,306
Michigan
$57,246
Acceptance Rate Michigan more selective
Maryland
44.0%
Michigan
17.7%
Graduation Rate Michigan higher
Maryland
88%
Michigan
93%
Avg SAT Score Michigan higher
Maryland
1410
Michigan
1470
Starting Salary Michigan higher
Maryland
$70,900
Michigan
$73,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Maryland Michigan Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,306$57,246Maryland
Tuition (In-State)$11,505$17,786Maryland
Room & Board$14,334$13,166Michigan
Acceptance Rate44.0%17.7%Michigan
Graduation Rate88%93%Michigan
Average SAT14101470Michigan
Student-Faculty Ratio18:112:1Michigan
Enrollment41,20048,090-
Avg Financial Aid$14,200$22,680Michigan
Starting Salary$70,900$73,400Michigan
Endowment$2.3B$17.9BMichigan
Campus Size1,335 acres3,207 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Michigan
$281,648
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Maryland = $161,760 | Michigan = $190,928. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Michigan Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MarylandSuburban
MichiganUrban
Campus Size
Maryland1,335 ac
Michigan3,207 ac
Athletics
MarylandNCAA D1
MichiganNCAA D1
Region
MarylandNortheast
MichiganMidwest
Founded
Maryland1856
Michigan1817
Enrollment
Maryland41,200
Michigan48,090

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maryland or Michigan harder to get into?+
Michigan is more selective with an acceptance rate of 17.7% compared to 44.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Maryland or Michigan?+
At sticker price, Maryland costs less over 4 years ($218,560 vs $281,648). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Maryland offers an average of $14,200/year in aid while Michigan offers $22,680/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Maryland and Michigan?+
The average SAT score at Maryland is 1410 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 Maryland or Michigan graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Michigan have a higher average starting salary ($73,400 vs $70,900). 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?+
Maryland 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 Maryland and Michigan compare for campus life?+
Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with a 1,335-acre campus. Michigan is in Ann Arbor, Michigan (urban setting) with 3,207 acres. Maryland competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Michigan in NCAA D1.