Head-to-Head Comparison
New Jersey Institute of Technology vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- New Jersey 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504, 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
New Jersey
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than University of Michigan
Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,138, roughly $3,366 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?
New Jersey graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (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 New Jersey Institute of Technology over University of Michigan. Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment vs $83,648.
Pick University of Michigan over New Jersey Institute of Technology. Net price $13,138 vs $16,504.
Pick University of Michigan over New Jersey Institute of Technology. 93% completion rate vs 73%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New Jersey Institute of Technology 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,337 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 $3,366 a year below New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504. Graduates of University of Michigan also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $13,464 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, New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $84,276, compared with $83,648 at University of Michigan. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Michigan has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.25x.
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.
Finishing the degree
University of Michigan graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 73%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 20% 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology 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 $3,366 a year, yet New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn $628 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. New Jersey Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while University of Michigan leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $16,504 runs well above University of Michigan's $13,138.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Michigan's enrollment of 34,177 far exceeds New Jersey Institute of Technology's 9,019.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Michigan-Ann Arbor holds onto its admits more tightly: 46% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at New Jersey — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at New Jersey, where only about 43% 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
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
With nearly 9,020 students, New Jersey Institute of Technology is a great fit for those pursuing careers in fields like engineering, computer science, business, and the arts. The 65% acceptance rate means there's a decent chance of getting in, especially for students who are dedicated to their studies and have a solid application. What stands out here is the strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, making it a solid option for anyone looking to dive straight into a career after graduation.
When it comes to life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn around $84,276 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of earning potential is significant, especially when you consider how affordable this school is compared to others. With a median debt of $21,000, students graduate with a manageable financial load, allowing many to move up in their careers without being bogged down by excessive loans.
In terms of the practical bottom line, the net price after aid is about $16,504, which is reasonable for a public institution. This affordability, combined with the strong earning potential, means that students who tend to thrive here are typically those committed to their fields and eager to apply their learning in practical settings. With a diverse range of programs and a supportive environment, NJIT is well-suited for students ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
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
New Jersey Institute of Technology is featured on the Best Online Colleges in New Jersey ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Computer Science as their top enrolled program field, comprising 33% of New Jersey's student body and 16% of Michigan-Ann Arbor's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New Jersey) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Michigan-Ann Arbor).
The two schools feed different job markets. New Jersey Institute of Technology is strongest in Business & Marketing, while University of Michigan concentrates in Social Sciences. 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is harder to get into, admitting 16% of applicants compared with 65% at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,138 after aid versus $16,504 at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Do New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of Michigan graduates earn more?
New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, versus $83,648 at University of Michigan.
Which has a better graduation rate, New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 73%.
Should you choose New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of Michigan?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Michigan if affordability and lower debt come first; choose New Jersey Institute of Technology 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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