University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich) vs IU-Bloomington

When it comes to choosing a college, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Indiana University-Bloomington stand out as two of the most sought-after public universities in the Midwest. Both offer a wide range of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and strong athletic traditions. However, there are some key differences between the two institutions that prospective students should consider. For instance, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has a lower acceptance rate and higher graduation rate, while Indiana University-Bloomington has a larger student body and a more diverse range of popular majors. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences in greater detail. Explore the table to discover which university better aligns with your academic goals, personal preferences, and financial situation.

	Indiana University-Bloomington	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Overview
Location	Bloomington, Indiana	Ann Arbor, Michigan
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Trimester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	90.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.0%	20.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1160 - 1380	N/A
ACT range	26 - 32	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%
Students submitting ACT score	23.0%
Total number of applicants	46,498	79,743
Total number of admissions given out	39,543	16,071
Admitted students who chose to enroll	9,482	7,290
Yield rate	24.0%	45.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,299 Out of state: $54,318	In state: $32,272 Out of state: $69,326
Average net price	$13,386	$19,205
Tuition	In state: $9,913 Out of state: $36,932	In state: $15,850 Out of state: $52,904
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,798 Meal plan: $4,300	$12,592
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	67.0% Average amount $11,608	59.0% Average amount $16,326
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $5,040	24.0% Average amount $5,311
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $19,336	3.0% Average amount $21,796

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,253 Men 50.1% Women 49.9%	32,282 Men 48.8% Women 51.2%
Graduate students	11,075 Men 53.1% Women 46.9%	17,996 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	43.6%	N/A
International students	10.4%	15.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	13,484	11,629
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Indiana Illinois New Jersey California New York	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Engineering Health Professions Business Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	80.8%	93.7%
Dropout rate	7.9%	5.7%
Transferred out	10.2%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $111,595 Year 2: $114,366 Year 3: $123,644 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,538 Year 2: $108,370 Year 3: $115,751 Human Computer Interaction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,640 Year 2: $80,355 Year 3: $97,668 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $101,331 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $88,260 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,263 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $82,012 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,288 Year 2: $67,869 Year 3: $81,338 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $79,011 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $79,545 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,371 Year 2: $65,832 Year 3: $78,226 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $66,745 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,109 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $74,650	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $185,139 Year 2: $178,741 Year 3: $197,723 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $209,842 Year 2: $168,125 Year 3: $177,935 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $146,285 Year 2: $139,927 Year 3: $151,208 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $139,794 Year 2: $140,166 Year 3: $148,785 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $118,208 Year 2: $112,215 Year 3: $137,273 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $78,398 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $123,926 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $100,643 Year 2: $94,281 Year 3: $117,745 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,847 Year 2: $116,354 Year 3: $116,465 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,171 Year 2: $99,772 Year 3: $107,831 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,194 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,999

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in academic focus between the University of Michigan and Indiana University?

The University of Michigan (UMich) is generally recognized for its strength across a broader range of disciplines, particularly in engineering, medicine, law, and business. Indiana University (IU) is highly regarded for its programs in music (Jacobs School of Music), public affairs, and certain humanities fields. While both offer strong liberal arts programs, UMich has a stronger emphasis on research and graduate studies across many fields.
How do the campus environments compare?

UMich's campus in Ann Arbor is a vibrant, bustling college town with a more urban feel. It's integrated into the city, offering a wide array of cultural and entertainment options. IU's campus in Bloomington is more self-contained and has a classic, traditional college atmosphere. It's known for its beautiful architecture and green spaces, providing a more relaxed environment.
What are the differences in cost of attendance?

Generally, the University of Michigan has a higher cost of attendance, especially for out-of-state students. Indiana University is typically more affordable, particularly for Indiana residents. However, both universities offer financial aid and scholarships, so the net cost can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances. It's best to check the official websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
How do the student bodies differ in terms of size and diversity?

The University of Michigan has a larger student body than Indiana University. Both universities attract students from across the United States and around the world, contributing to diverse student populations. However, UMich, due to its larger size and broader range of programs, may have a slightly more diverse student body overall.
What are the strengths of each university's athletic programs?

Both UMich and IU are members of the Big Ten Conference and have strong athletic programs. UMich is particularly known for its football, basketball, and hockey programs. IU is renowned for its basketball and swimming programs. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity and intramural sports.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare?

Both universities have robust career services departments that offer resources such as career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. UMich's alumni network is extensive and influential, particularly in the Midwest and on the coasts. IU also has a strong and active alumni network, especially within Indiana and the surrounding region. Both networks can provide valuable connections for graduates.
What are the surrounding cities like, and what do they offer students?

Ann Arbor, home to UMich, is a vibrant and progressive city with a thriving arts and culture scene, diverse restaurants, and numerous shops and entertainment venues. Bloomington, where IU is located, is a classic college town with a more laid-back atmosphere. It offers a variety of restaurants, live music venues, and outdoor recreational opportunities, particularly around Lake Monroe.
Which university is better for specific majors like Computer Science or Business?

UMich is generally considered to have a stronger and more highly ranked Computer Science program than IU. Both universities have reputable business schools, but UMich's Ross School of Business is often ranked higher nationally than IU's Kelley School of Business. However, the best choice depends on your specific interests and career goals within those fields.
What are the research opportunities like at each university?

Both UMich and IU are major research universities with ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. UMich, with its larger research budget and broader range of research programs, may offer a slightly wider array of research opportunities. However, IU also has significant research strengths, particularly in areas like music, environmental science, and public health.
How do the universities compare in terms of campus safety?

Both UMich and IU prioritize campus safety and have their own police departments and safety programs. Both universities offer resources such as emergency alert systems, safety escorts, and educational programs on crime prevention. Campus safety statistics are generally comparable between the two institutions, but it's always a good idea to review the latest crime reports and safety resources on each university's website.

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