University of Michigan-Dearborn admits approximately 58.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the institution in the moderately selective category, making admission achievable for well-prepared students while maintaining academic standards. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% demonstrates that University of Michigan-Dearborn is more selective than typical four-year institutions. This level of selectivity means that students with solid academic credentials—including above-average test scores and strong high school performance—have reasonable admission prospects. However, applicants should still demonstrate genuine interest and academic preparation in their applications. The university's selectivity reflects its position within the University of Michigan system, offering a pathway to quality education with more accessible admission than the flagship campus. For students building college lists, University of Michigan-Dearborn represents a solid match school for academically prepared applicants seeking strong outcomes at a public institution. The combination of moderate selectivity and strong post-graduation results makes this an attractive option for students prioritizing both accessibility and career outcomes.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
University of Michigan-Dearborn enrolled students typically score between 990 and 1260 on the SAT, with a median of 1,127. The middle 50% range breaks down as 490-630 for Math and 500-630 for Verbal, indicating balanced expectations across both sections. ACT scores range from 23 to 30, with a median of 25. These test score ranges place University of Michigan-Dearborn well above typical four-year institutions, with SAT scores 37 points higher than the peer median of 1,090. Students scoring within the 990-1260 SAT range or 23-30 ACT range are academically competitive for admission. Those scoring below the 25th percentile (990 SAT, 23 ACT) should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded, especially with strong high school performance in other areas. Conversely, students scoring above the 75th percentile (1260 SAT, 30 ACT) can consider University of Michigan-Dearborn a likely admission outcome, assuming other application components align. The test score profile reflects the institution's ability to attract academically prepared students while maintaining more accessible standards than highly selective universities. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college list, keeping in mind that University of Michigan-Dearborn evaluates applications holistically beyond test scores alone.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Michigan-Dearborn enrolls a diverse student body that reflects both academic preparation and economic diversity. The institution serves 43.9% Pell-eligible students and 38.2% first-generation college students, indicating significant enrollment of students from lower-income and non-college backgrounds. Additionally, 33.6% of enrolled students are transfers, suggesting the university provides pathways for students beginning their higher education journey elsewhere. This composition demonstrates the institution's commitment to access while maintaining selective admission standards. The relatively high shares of Pell-eligible and first-generation students distinguish University of Michigan-Dearborn from many selective institutions, which often enroll smaller proportions of these populations. The substantial transfer population indicates robust articulation agreements with community colleges and support for students seeking to complete their bachelor's degrees. For prospective students, these demographics suggest an inclusive campus environment where students from diverse backgrounds can find community. First-generation students should know that 38.2% of enrolled students share their background, while lower-income families should note the substantial 43.9% Pell share when assessing institutional fit and support systems.
With a 58.6% acceptance rate, University of Michigan-Dearborn is moderately selective, making it achievable for well-prepared students while still requiring solid academic credentials.
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University of Michigan-Dearborn demonstrates solid student support with 81.2% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 73.2%. The university graduates 56.5% of students within six years, compared to the peer median of 49.3%, indicating above-average degree completion relative to similar institutions. Pell-eligible students graduate at 50.5%, representing a 6.0 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap indicates some additional challenges for lower-income students but remains within the typical range for public institutions serving diverse populations. The retention and completion rates suggest that students who gain admission generally find the academic environment manageable and supportive. The relatively small Pell completion gap demonstrates institutional effectiveness in supporting lower-income students through degree completion, though some disparity persists. Students who gain admission can expect reasonable support for degree completion, with retention and graduation rates above peer institution averages. Lower-income students should consider the 6.0 point Pell gap when evaluating this institution, recognizing that while some additional challenges exist, the majority of Pell students do successfully complete their degrees at University of Michigan-Dearborn.
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