UM-Dearborn vs Eastern Michigan University

When it comes to higher education in Michigan, University of Michigan-Dearborn and Eastern Michigan University stand out as two prominent choices. Both offer a diverse range of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, there are some key differences between the two institutions that prospective students should consider. This side-by-side comparison delves into the acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates of both universities, providing valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey. Explore the table below to discover which institution aligns best with your aspirations and goals.

	Eastern Michigan University	University of Michigan-Dearborn
Overview
Location	Ypsilanti, Michigan	Dearborn, Michigan
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	69.0%	84.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	84.6%	68.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $35 Graduate: $45	$60
SAT range	930 - 1180	1050 - 1300
ACT range	18 - 25	22 - 28
Students submitting SAT score	55.0%	58.0%
Students submitting ACT score	8.0%	7.0%
Total number of applicants	17,506	8,065
Total number of admissions given out	14,811	5,546
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,312	1,084
Yield rate	15.6%	19.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$31,022	In state: $27,552 Out of state: $41,784
Average net price	$16,311	$11,818
Tuition	$13,950	In state: $13,416 Out of state: $27,648
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,450 Meal plan: $5,724
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	95.0% Average amount $9,182	87.0% Average amount $10,899
Students receiving federal student loan	48.0% Average amount $5,579	31.0% Average amount $4,861
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $12,079	3.0% Average amount $12,857

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	12,730 Men 38.9% Women 61.1%	6,355 Men 53.6% Women 46.4%
Graduate students	2,610 Men 31.9% Women 68.1%	1,976 Men 61.2% Women 38.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	14.2%	1.6%
International students	2.7%	8.9%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	3,290	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Michigan Ohio Illinois Indiana Florida	Michigan Florida California Indiana Minnesota

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Business Public Administration and Social Service Social Sciences	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Education Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	48.2%	56.3%
Dropout rate	48.4%	11.5%
Transferred out	N/A	27.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,034 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $78,068 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,313 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $74,479 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,154 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $70,947 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,705 Year 2: $59,425 Year 3: $68,573 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,218 Year 3: $67,436 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,660 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $65,596 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,000 Year 2: $62,409 Year 3: $64,700 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,397 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $63,891 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,555 Year 2: $54,192 Year 3: $63,676 Science, Technology and Society (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,309 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $62,126	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,849 Year 2: $105,083 Year 3: $121,452 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,476 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $94,412 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,680 Year 2: $77,464 Year 3: $88,869 Computer Programming (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,925 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $88,448 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,006 Year 2: $80,486 Year 3: $85,289 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,051 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $81,239 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,541 Year 2: $77,401 Year 3: $77,316 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,918 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $74,693 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $62,260 Year 3: $74,483 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,109 Year 2: $62,508 Year 3: $66,466

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between University of Michigan-Dearborn and Eastern Michigan University?

University of Michigan-Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) is located in a suburban setting in Dearborn, Michigan, offering a blend of a traditional campus feel with proximity to the city of Detroit. Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is situated in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which has a more urban environment. EMU's campus is integrated into the city, providing a more immersive urban experience.
How do the tuition and fees compare at UM-Dearborn and EMU?

Tuition and fees can vary, so it's best to check the most current information on each university's official website. Generally, both universities are considered affordable options. However, factors like residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and specific program costs will influence the total expenses. It's recommended to compare the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses, for an accurate comparison.
What are the strengths of the academic programs at UM-Dearborn?

UM-Dearborn is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and computer science, often leveraging its connections to the automotive industry and the broader Detroit metropolitan area. It also offers a range of programs in the liberal arts and sciences. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and research opportunities.
What are the strengths of the academic programs at EMU?

Eastern Michigan University is recognized for its strong programs in education, aviation, and health sciences. EMU also has a well-regarded College of Business and offers a variety of programs in the arts and sciences. The university emphasizes practical experience and career preparation.
How do the student populations and campus cultures differ?

UM-Dearborn has a slightly smaller student body than EMU, which can contribute to a more intimate campus environment. Both universities have diverse student populations. EMU has a more traditional college town atmosphere, while UM-Dearborn offers a blend of a traditional campus with easy access to a major city. Both universities have active student organizations and a variety of extracurricular activities.
What are the opportunities for research and internships at UM-Dearborn?

UM-Dearborn provides numerous research opportunities for undergraduate students, particularly in STEM fields. Its location in the Detroit area offers excellent internship prospects with major corporations, especially in the automotive and technology sectors. The university actively encourages students to participate in research projects and internships to gain practical experience.
What are the opportunities for research and internships at EMU?

EMU offers research opportunities, particularly in fields like education, health sciences, and aviation. The university's location provides access to internship opportunities in various industries. EMU emphasizes experiential learning and encourages students to participate in internships and research to enhance their career prospects.
How does the availability of on-campus housing compare?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options. EMU generally has a larger on-campus housing capacity. Availability can vary, so it's advisable to check the specific housing requirements and application deadlines on each university's website. Both universities offer a range of housing styles, from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living.
What are the athletic programs like at UM-Dearborn and EMU?

UM-Dearborn's athletic programs are primarily at the NAIA level, offering a range of sports. EMU is an NCAA Division I school, with a more extensive athletic program, including football, basketball, and other sports, competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). EMU's athletic events are a significant part of the campus culture.
Which university is better for someone seeking a strong connection to the automotive industry?

UM-Dearborn is particularly well-suited for students interested in the automotive industry due to its location in the heart of the industry and its strong engineering and business programs. The university has close ties with major automotive companies, providing excellent internship and career opportunities.
Which university is better for someone seeking a strong education program?

Eastern Michigan University is known for its strong education program, making it a great choice for students interested in pursuing a career in education. EMU has a long-standing reputation for preparing future educators.
How do the career services departments compare?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. It's recommended to explore the specific services offered by each university's career services department to determine which best aligns with your needs and career goals. Both universities host career fairs and provide resources for students and alumni.

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