Students at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes in public higher education, earning far more than similar students at other institutions nationwide.
The university consistently delivers top-tier earnings performance across all student populations, making it one of the most valuable investments in public education.
Azimuth ranks the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 1st out of all public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 0.1% for overall value. This flagship research university combines academic excellence with exceptional financial outcomes, delivering some of the strongest earnings performance in public higher education. With graduates earning a median of $83,648 ten years after enrollment and achieving earnings beyond expectations that rank in the top 5% nationally, Michigan demonstrates how selective public universities can deliver both prestige and practical value.
The university's strength lies in its ability to consistently produce graduates who outperform earnings expectations across a wide range of fields. From artificial intelligence and engineering to business and the liberal arts, Michigan students benefit from rigorous academics, extensive research opportunities, and one of the most powerful alumni networks in public education. While access is more limited than at typical public universities, with only 18% of students receiving Pell Grants, those who do gain admission see remarkable outcomes regardless of their background.
As Michigan's flagship institution, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor represents the gold standard for public research universities. It offers the academic breadth and research intensity of elite private institutions while maintaining the mission and relative affordability of public higher education, making it an exceptional choice for students who can gain admission.
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's program portfolio reflects both academic breadth and market-focused excellence, with standout performance in high-demand technical and professional fields. Artificial Intelligence emerges as the highest aggregate return program, combining substantial enrollment of 930 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $94,281. This reflects Michigan's leadership in emerging technology fields and strong connections to major tech employers who recruit heavily from the program.
Business Administration demonstrates the university's strength in professional preparation, with 596 graduates earning around $83,177 in early career roles. The program benefits from Michigan's Ross School of Business reputation and extensive corporate partnerships that provide direct pathways into consulting, finance, and management roles. Engineering programs across multiple disciplines consistently deliver strong outcomes, leveraging Michigan's research reputation and industry connections.
Interestingly, the university also graduates significant numbers in fields like Behavioral Neuroscience, with 727 graduates representing one of the largest programs by enrollment. While early earnings in this field average $30,035, these students often pursue graduate education or research careers where Michigan's academic reputation provides substantial advantages. The university's comprehensive program mix allows students to pursue both high-earning professional tracks and academic preparation for advanced study, all while benefiting from Michigan's exceptional alumni network and employer recognition.
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes that rank among the best in public higher education. Graduates earn a median of $83,648 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the top 5% nationally for earnings performance. Even more impressive is Michigan's ability to help students earn far more than similar students at other institutions, with earnings beyond expectations that consistently exceed national benchmarks by substantial margins.
Michigan's program portfolio drives these outstanding results through a combination of high-demand fields and academic excellence. Artificial Intelligence leads the way as the highest aggregate return program, graduating 930 students annually with median earnings of $94,281. Business Administration produces strong outcomes with 596 graduates earning around $83,177, while the university's engineering, computer science, and quantitative programs consistently place graduates into high-paying careers in technology, finance, and consulting. Even students in traditionally lower-earning fields benefit from Michigan's reputation and network effects, though outcomes vary significantly by major choice.
The university's location in Ann Arbor, where cost of living aligns roughly with national averages, means graduates' strong earnings translate directly into purchasing power. Michigan's combination of academic rigor, research opportunities, and employer recognition creates a powerful platform for long-term career success that extends well beyond the initial job placement.
Affordability at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor varies significantly by family income, with the university providing strong support for low-income students while requiring substantial contributions from middle- and upper-income families. Low-income students pay approximately $4,926 annually after aid, placing Michigan among the most affordable options nationally for Pell-eligible families. Middle-income families face higher costs at around $8,756 per year, while high-income households pay about $26,787 annually, reflecting the university's high sticker price but also its commitment to need-based aid.
The university's aid strategy focuses resources on students with the greatest financial need, creating a clear affordability advantage for low-income families while expecting higher contributions from those with greater ability to pay. This approach makes Michigan accessible to talented students regardless of background, though middle-income families often find themselves in a challenging position where they don't qualify for substantial aid but still face significant costs. The investment typically proves worthwhile given Michigan's exceptional earnings outcomes, but families should plan carefully for the full cost of attendance over four years.
University Of Michigan-Ann Arbor Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
