Head-to-Head Comparison
The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Texas Austin Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 18
- Michigan-Ann Arbor Wins
- 18
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 The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857, 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
Texas Austin
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment, 11% more than The University of Texas at Austin
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,138, roughly $6,719 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?
Texas Austin graduates concentrate in Engineering (10% 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 The University of Texas at Austin. Median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment vs $75,121.
Pick University of Michigan over The University of Texas at Austin. Net price $13,138 vs $19,857.
Pick University of Michigan over The University of Texas at Austin. 93% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
The University of Texas at Austin 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 The University of Texas at Austin takes 27%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,395 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 $6,719 a year below The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857. Graduates of University of Michigan also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $26,876 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 $75,121 at The University of Texas at Austin. That is a 11% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Michigan has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 11% 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 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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. The University of Texas at Austin concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Business & Marketing, while University of Michigan leans toward Computer Science & IT, 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 $19,857 runs well above University of Michigan's $13,138.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of The University of Texas at Austin's enrollment, and University of Michigan is stronger here.
No strong negative signals — Michigan-Ann Arbor competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas Austin holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 46% at Michigan-Ann Arbor — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
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
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
The University of Texas at Austin is home to over 42,000 students who are drawn to its strong programs in fields like Biology, Engineering, Business, Communications, and Computer Science. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it’s a competitive environment that suits those ready to engage deeply in their studies and campus life. The vibrant city of Austin enhances this experience, offering a unique blend of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities that appeal to students looking for both academic and personal growth.
After graduation, students can expect solid earning potential, with a median salary of around $75,121 ten years post-degree. This financial outcome reflects the value of the education received here and the demand for graduates in the job market. The affordability factor is significant as well; even with a net price of $19,857, many students find support through financial aid, helping to ease the transition into the workforce.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending UT Austin, students typically graduate with a median debt of $20,500. This manageable debt level, combined with the strong earning potential, makes the financial landscape here more accessible. Students who tend to thrive at UT Austin are those who embrace the challenges and opportunities of a large public university, taking advantage of the resources available while actively participating in the diverse and dynamic community.
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
The University of Texas at Austin is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Texas Austin's top program is Mechanical Engineering (10% 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 Texas Austin) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Michigan-Ann Arbor).
The two schools feed different job markets. The University of Texas at Austin is strongest in Business & Marketing, Communications, while University of Michigan concentrates in Computer Science & IT, 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 The University of Texas at Austin or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is harder to get into, admitting 16% of applicants compared with 27% at The University of Texas at Austin.
Which is more affordable, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,138 after aid versus $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Do The University of Texas at Austin or University of Michigan graduates earn more?
University of Michigan graduates earn more: median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment, versus $75,121 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Which has a better graduation rate, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 88%.
Should you choose The University of Texas at Austin 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.
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