Head-to-Head Comparison
Syracuse University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Syracuse Wins
- 5
- Tied
- 18
- Michigan-Ann Arbor Wins
- 29
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 Syracuse University's $38,793, 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
Syracuse
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment, 6% more than Syracuse University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,138, roughly $25,655 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?
Syracuse graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (13% 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 Syracuse University. Median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment vs $79,164.
Pick University of Michigan over Syracuse University. Net price $13,138 vs $38,793.
Pick University of Michigan over Syracuse University. 93% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Syracuse University and University of Michigan are close on paper, but University of Michigan wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 Syracuse University takes 46%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,375 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 $25,655 a year below Syracuse University's $38,793. Graduates of University of Michigan also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $102,620 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 $79,164 at Syracuse University. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Michigan has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% 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.
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. Syracuse University concentrates enrollment in Communications, Business & Marketing, 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 $38,793 runs well above University of Michigan's $13,138.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $19,500 at University of Michigan.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Syracuse University'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 Syracuse University's 15,477.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Michigan-Ann Arbor offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Syracuse does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
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
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is featured on the Best Computer Science Colleges in Michigan ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Syracuse's top program is Sociology (13% of enrollment), while Michigan-Ann Arbor leads with Computer Science (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Michigan-Ann Arbor).
The two schools feed different job markets. Syracuse University is strongest in Communications, Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Syracuse University or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is harder to get into, admitting 16% of applicants compared with 46% at Syracuse University.
Which is more affordable, Syracuse University or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,138 after aid versus $38,793 at Syracuse University.
Do Syracuse University or University of Michigan graduates earn more?
University of Michigan graduates earn more: median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment, versus $79,164 at Syracuse University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Syracuse University or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 82%.
Should you choose Syracuse University or University of Michigan?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Michigan if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Syracuse and Michigan-Ann Arbor stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
