Michigan vs. OWU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Michigan Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, MI with Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Michigan Ann Arbor is larger than OWU based on total student enrollment (52,855 students vs. 1,525 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor is located in Ann Arbor, MI (Midsize City setting); Ohio Wesleyan University is in Delaware, OH (Distant Town setting).
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 11:1; Ohio Wesleyan University 12:1.

Michigan vs. OWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan or OWU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Michigan Ann Arbor than OWU ($17,574 vs. $23,006).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio Wesleyan University are 4.2% lower than at University of Michigan Ann Arbor ($14,684 vs. $15,328).
• Ohio Wesleyan University is 203.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan (about $36,152 more per year; $53,888.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.1% higher at Michigan than at Ohio Wesleyan University (about $7,058 more per year; $60,946.00 vs. $53,888.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio Wesleyan University than at University of Michigan Ann Arbor (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio Wesleyan University students is 81.2% larger than aid received by University of Michigan Ann Arbor students ($45,481 vs. $25,099).

Michigan vs. OWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan or OWU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between OWU and Michigan.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Michigan Ann Arbor (1450) is 220 points higher than at OWU (1230).
• Incoming Michigan students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at OWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 1360/1530; Ohio Wesleyan University 1105/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 31/34; Ohio Wesleyan University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan - Test optional; OWU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Michigan Feb 1, 2027; OWU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at OWU (3.54).
• OWU has a higher acceptance rate (55.6%) than Michigan (15.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 47.3% at Michigan vs. 12.6% at OWU.

Michigan vs. OWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan and OWU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Ohio Wesleyan University's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of about $24,800 more per year than OWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,400 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates have a $6,897 lower median loan debt than OWU graduates ($20,103 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Michigan graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OWU graduates ($207 vs. $279).
• More OWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 78%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.