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College Comparison

University of Michigan vs UC Davis: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

School

UC Davis

Davis, CA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUniversity of MichiganUC Davis
Acceptance Rate17.9%wins41.6%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1350–1530winsN/A
ACT Range (25th–75th)31–34N/A
Tuition (Out-of-State)$58,072$46,024wins
Avg Net Price$14,832wins$15,288
Median Earnings (10 yr)$83,648wins$80,838
Graduation Rate93.2%wins85.1%
Retention Rate97.6%wins93.4%
Student–Faculty Ratio11:1wins21:1
Total Enrollment33,488wins31,777

Verdict

Based on the data above, University of Michigan edges out UC Davis on 8 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.

University of Michigan Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 17.9%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1350–1530
  • Avg Net Price: $14,832
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $83,648

UC Davis Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $46,024

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