University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs University of California-San Diego

Ann Arbor, MI — La Jolla, CA

Metric
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Location Ann Arbor, MI La Jolla, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 34,177 34,948
Acceptance Rate 15.6% 26.7%
SAT Average 1,465
In-State Tuition $17,736 $16,758
Out-of-State Tuition $60,946 $50,958
Avg Net Price $13,138 $12,470
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $15,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 93.2% 86.8%
Retention Rate 97.5% 94.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $73,762 $65,669
Median Earnings (10 yr) $83,648 $84,943
Loan Repayment Rate 627800.0% 802100.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
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University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and University of California-San Diego compare?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) has an acceptance rate of 15.6%, in-state tuition of $17,736, and median 10-year earnings of $83,648. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) has an acceptance rate of 26.7%, in-state tuition of $16,758, and median 10-year earnings of $84,943.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $84,943 vs $83,648. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or University of California-San Diego?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-San Diego is the more affordable option at $12,470 per year versus $13,138.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 93.2% vs 86.8%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025