Head-to-Head Comparison
George Washington University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- George Washington Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 17
- Michigan-Ann Arbor Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,138 vs George Washington University's $36,586, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Washington
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than University of Michigan
Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,138, roughly $23,448 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 16% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Washington graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% 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 George Washington University over University of Michigan. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $83,648.
Pick University of Michigan over George Washington University. Net price $13,138 vs $36,586.
Pick University of Michigan over George Washington University. 93% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Washington University and University of Michigan are close on paper, but University of Michigan wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Michigan is the harder admit. It takes 16% of applicants, while George Washington University takes 47%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,433 to 1,465.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Michigan 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 $23,448 a year below George Washington University's $36,586. Graduates of University of Michigan also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $20,449.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $93,792 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, George Washington University graduates report median earnings of $90,873, compared with $83,648 at University of Michigan. That is a 9% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% 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.
Finishing the degree
University of Michigan graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Michigan to keep costs and debt down; pick George Washington University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Michigan saves about $23,448 a year, yet George Washington University graduates earn $7,225 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. George Washington University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, 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
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,586 runs well above University of Michigan's $13,138.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of George Washington University's enrollment, and University of Michigan is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Michigan has less business program depth, and George Washington University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Michigan's enrollment of 34,177 far exceeds George Washington University's 11,182.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Michigan-Ann Arbor holds onto its admits more tightly: 46% of admitted students enroll, versus 19% at George Washington — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. George Washington 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 George Washington, where only about 50% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
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
George Washington University and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor appear together in 4 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs, George Washington University ranks #4 — George Washington University outranks University of Michigan-Ann Arbor by 3 positions.
Top Degree Programs
George Washington's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while Michigan-Ann Arbor leads with Computer Science (16%).
George Washington
Michigan-Ann Arbor
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Michigan-Ann Arbor).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Washington University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology, while University of Michigan concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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.
George Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into George Washington University or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is harder to get into, admitting 16% of applicants compared with 47% at George Washington University.
Which is more affordable, George Washington University or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,138 after aid versus $36,586 at George Washington University.
Do George Washington University or University of Michigan graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $83,648 at University of Michigan.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Washington University or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 85%.
Should you choose George Washington University or University of Michigan?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Michigan if affordability and lower debt come first; choose George Washington University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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