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University of Michigan vs University of Texas at Austin

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

17.7% Michigan acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$68,248 UT Austin cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
Founded
1817
Enrollment
48,090
Setting
Urban
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UT Austin saves $16,176
Michigan
$57,246
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate Michigan more selective
Michigan
17.7%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate Michigan higher
Michigan
93%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score Michigan higher
Michigan
1470
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary Michigan higher
Michigan
$73,400
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Michigan UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$57,246$41,070UT Austin
Tuition (In-State)$17,786$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$13,166$12,280UT Austin
Acceptance Rate17.7%29.0%Michigan
Graduation Rate93%87%Michigan
Average SAT14701370Michigan
Student-Faculty Ratio12:117:1Michigan
Enrollment48,09052,384-
Avg Financial Aid$22,680$14,990Michigan
Starting Salary$73,400$68,500Michigan
Endowment$17.9B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size3,207 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Michigan
$281,648
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Michigan = $190,928 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Michigan Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MichiganUrban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
Michigan3,207 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
MichiganNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
MichiganMidwest
UT AustinSouth
Founded
Michigan1817
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
Michigan48,090
UT Austin52,384

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Michigan or UT Austin harder to get into?+
Michigan is more selective with an acceptance rate of 17.7% compared to 29.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Michigan or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, UT Austin costs less over 4 years ($213,400 vs $281,648). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Michigan offers an average of $22,680/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Michigan and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at Michigan is 1470 and at UT Austin it is 1370. 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 Michigan or UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Michigan have a higher average starting salary ($73,400 vs $68,500). 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?+
Michigan has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Michigan and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan (urban setting) with a 3,207-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. Michigan competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.