UM-Dearborn vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Michigan Dearborn in Dearborn, MI with Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Michigan Dearborn is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (8,104 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Michigan Dearborn is located in Dearborn, MI (Small City setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• University of Michigan Dearborn is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Michigan Dearborn 16:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

UM-Dearborn vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UM-Dearborn or SU? 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 Dearborn than SU ($11,521 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Michigan Dearborn are 10% lower than at Shenandoah University ($11,241 vs. $12,490).
• Shenandoah University is 136.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UM-Dearborn (about $21,310 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $15,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.3% higher at SU than at University of Michigan Dearborn (about $4,054 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $32,896.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at University of Michigan Dearborn (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shenandoah University students is 104.1% larger than aid received by University of Michigan Dearborn students ($24,747 vs. $12,124).

UM-Dearborn vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UM-Dearborn or SU? 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 SU and UM-Dearborn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Michigan Dearborn (1120) is the same as at SU (1120).
• Incoming UM-Dearborn students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at SU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Dearborn 990/1255; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Dearborn 24/28; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UM-Dearborn - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UM-Dearborn Apr 1, 2027; SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at UM-Dearborn (3.66).
• SU has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than UM-Dearborn (55.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at UM-Dearborn vs. 16.7% at SU.

UM-Dearborn vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UM-Dearborn and SU? 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 Dearborn's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from University of Michigan Dearborn earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than SU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shenandoah University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than UM-Dearborn graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, SU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UM-Dearborn graduates ($258 vs. $266).
• More SU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UM-Dearborn students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 46%)

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.