University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich) vs University of Connecticut (UConn)

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed institutions: the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and the University of Connecticut. Both universities offer a world-class education, but they also possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. This side-by-side comparison delves into the intricacies of each university, highlighting key differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the nuances of these two institutions to make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations and goals. Dive into the comparison table to uncover the details that will shape your future as a scholar and global citizen.

	University of Connecticut	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Overview
Location	Storrs, Connecticut	Ann Arbor, Michigan
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	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	92.0%	97.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	55.6%	20.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1230 - 1430	N/A
ACT range	27 - 33	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	7.0%
Total number of applicants	36,753	79,743
Total number of admissions given out	20,433	16,071
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,663	7,290
Yield rate	17.9%	45.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	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: $37,266 Out of state: $59,934	In state: $32,272 Out of state: $69,326
Average net price	$22,168	$19,205
Tuition	In state: $15,030 Out of state: $37,698	In state: $15,850 Out of state: $52,904
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,238 Meal plan: $6,020	$12,592
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	76.0% Average amount $15,801	59.0% Average amount $16,326
Students receiving federal student loan	35.0% Average amount $5,247	24.0% Average amount $5,311
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $21,780	3.0% Average amount $21,796

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,567 Men 47.6% Women 52.4%	32,282 Men 48.8% Women 51.2%
Graduate students	8,309 Men 45.1% Women 54.9%	17,996 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	35.3%	N/A
International students	12.3%	15.7%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	10,792	11,629
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Connecticut Mississippi New York New Jersey New Hampshire	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Engineering Education Mathematics and Statistics	Engineering Health Professions Business Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.1%	93.7%
Dropout rate	6.7%	5.7%
Transferred out	9.5%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $80,915 Year 2: $95,473 Year 3: $146,595 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,306 Year 2: $106,249 Year 3: $123,588 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $85,391 Year 2: $115,339 Year 3: $122,969 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,347 Year 2: $105,392 Year 3: $111,865 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,087 Year 2: $89,859 Year 3: $106,919 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,556 Year 2: $89,144 Year 3: $95,923 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,033 Year 2: $79,473 Year 3: $92,299 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,037 Year 2: $77,715 Year 3: $89,989 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $78,073 Year 2: $86,621 Year 3: $88,550 Psychology, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $87,936	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 location and campus environment between the University of Michigan and the University of Connecticut?

The University of Michigan (UMich) is located in Ann Arbor, a vibrant college town in southeastern Michigan, offering a classic 'Big Ten' university experience. Ann Arbor provides a mix of urban amenities and a strong sense of community. The University of Connecticut (UConn) is situated in Storrs, a more rural setting in northeastern Connecticut. While Storrs is a smaller town, UConn offers a close-knit campus environment with a focus on campus life and outdoor activities. Consider whether you prefer a bustling college town or a more secluded campus experience.
How do the academic reputations of UMich and UConn compare?

The University of Michigan is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States, boasting highly regarded programs across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in engineering, business, law, and medicine. UConn is also a strong public university, especially known for its programs in business, pharmacy, and agriculture. While UMich generally holds a higher overall ranking, UConn offers excellent value and strong programs in specific areas. Your choice should depend on your intended major and the specific program rankings within that field.
What is the difference in cost of attendance between UMich and UConn?

Generally, the University of Michigan has a higher cost of attendance, especially for out-of-state students, compared to the University of Connecticut. Tuition, fees, and living expenses at UMich are typically more expensive. UConn offers more affordable tuition rates, particularly for in-state residents. Be sure to carefully review the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information on each university's website to determine the actual cost for your specific circumstances.
How do the student bodies at UMich and UConn differ?

The University of Michigan has a larger and more diverse student body, drawing students from across the United States and around the world. This creates a more cosmopolitan and globally-oriented campus environment. UConn also has a diverse student body, but it is generally more regionally focused, with a larger proportion of students from Connecticut and the surrounding northeastern states. Consider whether you prefer a larger, more diverse student population or a smaller, more regionally-focused community.
What are the athletic cultures like at UMich and UConn?

Both universities have strong athletic programs, but they compete in different conferences. The University of Michigan is a member of the Big Ten Conference, known for its highly competitive football and basketball programs. UConn is a member of the Big East Conference, renowned for its dominant basketball programs, particularly men's and women's basketball. If you are passionate about college sports, consider which conference and sports programs appeal to you more.
What types of extracurricular activities and student organizations are available at each university?

Both UMich and UConn offer a wide array of extracurricular activities and student organizations, catering to diverse interests. The University of Michigan, due to its larger size, generally has a greater number and variety of clubs and organizations. UConn also offers a robust selection of activities, including clubs, intramural sports, and performing arts groups. Explore the student organization directories on each university's website to see which activities align with your interests.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between UMich and UConn?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services to assist students with internships and job placement. The University of Michigan's strong alumni network and reputation often provide access to a wider range of internship and job opportunities, particularly in competitive fields. UConn also has a strong career services department and benefits from its location in the northeastern United States, offering opportunities in various industries. Research the specific career resources and employer connections available in your intended field of study at each university.
What are the typical class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios at UMich and UConn?

Due to its larger size, the University of Michigan may have larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses. However, UMich also offers smaller, more specialized courses as students progress in their studies. UConn generally has smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio compared to UMich, which can provide more personalized attention from professors. Consider whether you prefer a larger university environment with potentially larger classes or a smaller university with more individualized instruction.
How do the research opportunities compare at UMich and UConn?

The University of Michigan is a major research university with extensive research facilities and funding across various disciplines. UMich offers numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research projects. UConn is also a research university, with strong research programs in specific areas such as engineering, agriculture, and health sciences. If research is a priority, explore the research opportunities available in your field of interest at each university.
What are the strengths of each university in terms of specific academic programs?

The University of Michigan is highly regarded for its programs in engineering, business, law, medicine, and social sciences. UConn is particularly strong in business, pharmacy, agriculture, and certain engineering disciplines. When choosing between the two, consider which university has a stronger reputation and better resources in your specific area of study. Look at program-specific rankings and faculty expertise to make an informed decision.

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