Head-to-Head Comparison
Bowdoin College vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Bowdoin Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 18
- Michigan-Ann Arbor Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bowdoin College achieves a higher graduation rate (95% vs 93%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $14,398 compared to University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's $13,138 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Michigan-Ann Arbor benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $83,648 at ten years.
49 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bowdoin
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 7% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than Bowdoin College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,138, roughly $1,260 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bowdoin graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (34% of degrees); Michigan-Ann Arbor in Computer Science & IT (16%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick University of Michigan over Bowdoin College. Median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment vs $82,735.
Pick University of Michigan over Bowdoin College. Net price $13,138 vs $14,398.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bowdoin College and University of Michigan are close on paper, but Bowdoin College wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Bowdoin College is the harder admit. It takes 7% of applicants, while University of Michigan takes 16%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,465.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Bowdoin College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Michigan comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,138, about $1,260 a year below Bowdoin College's $14,398. Graduates of Bowdoin College also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $5,040 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Michigan leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Michigan graduates report median earnings of $83,648, compared with $82,735 at Bowdoin College. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bowdoin College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.22x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Michigan to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Bowdoin College concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Physical Sciences, while University of Michigan leans toward Computer Science & IT, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Bowdoin College's enrollment, and University of Michigan is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Michigan's enrollment of 34,177 far exceeds Bowdoin College's 1,873.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bowdoin holds onto its admits more tightly: 54% of admitted students enroll, versus 46% at Michigan-Ann Arbor — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Bowdoin offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Michigan-Ann Arbor does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Bowdoin, where only about 52% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 3 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Bowdoin College is an excellent fit for students who are academically driven and ready to engage in a tight-knit community. With a total enrollment of 1,873, this private nonprofit institution in Brunswick, Maine, stands out for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts. Students here often delve into social sciences, biology, physical sciences, computer science, and mathematics, allowing them to develop a well-rounded education that prepares them for various career paths.
When it comes to life after graduation, Bowdoin graduates see solid earnings, with a 10-year median income of $82,735. This financial stability highlights the value of a Bowdoin degree in the job market. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting those with financial need, the college’s overall affordability makes it a viable option for many families looking for a meaningful investment in education.
Looking at the numbers, the net price after aid is $14,398, and the median debt for graduates is $18,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook. Bowdoin tends to attract students who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment and are eager to contribute to their communities, both on campus and beyond.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 34,200 students, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a vibrant and competitive environment suited for those who thrive in large, diverse settings. The acceptance rate of just 16% means that the university attracts a motivated student body. Here, students dive into popular programs like Computer Science & IT, Engineering, and Business & Marketing, allowing them to engage deeply with their fields while also enjoying the resources of a large public university.
Looking at life after graduation, graduates from Michigan can expect to earn about $83,648 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earnings reflects the strong career support and alumni network that helps many students advance in their careers. The university’s high graduation rate of 93% speaks to the commitment of faculty and students alike, ensuring that most make it through to graduation, which is a key factor in securing better job opportunities.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price for students after financial aid is around $13,138, making it a reasonably affordable choice given the quality of education received. With a median debt of $19,500, most graduates leave with manageable loans, especially in light of their earning potential. Students who excel here often share a drive to succeed and a passion for their chosen fields, making Michigan a great fit for those eager to make an impact in their careers.
Rankings They Appear On
Bowdoin College is featured on the Best Colleges in Maine ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bowdoin's top program is Sociology (34% of enrollment), while Michigan-Ann Arbor leads with Computer Science (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Bowdoin) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Michigan-Ann Arbor).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bowdoin College is strongest in Physical Sciences, while University of Michigan concentrates in Engineering. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bowdoin College or University of Michigan?
Bowdoin College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 16% at University of Michigan.
Which is more affordable, Bowdoin College or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,138 after aid versus $14,398 at Bowdoin College.
Do Bowdoin College or University of Michigan graduates earn more?
University of Michigan graduates earn more: median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,735 at Bowdoin College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bowdoin College or University of Michigan?
Bowdoin College has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 93%.
Should you choose Bowdoin College or University of Michigan?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Michigan if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Bowdoin College if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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