A public institution that was founded in 1817 by Gabriel Richard as a research institution, the University of Michigan has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 30,000. The university is known for its prestigious alumni network that includes Nobel Prize winners, Turing Award winners, and eight world leaders including former President Gerald Ford. 

The University of Michigan is known for its sprawling campus that spans central, north, and south campuses which are connected by a dependable bus system. Michigan residents should note that in-state students pay about one-third of what out-of-state students pay for tuition and fees. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, The University of Michigan has an endowment that exceeds $10 billion, one of the largest endowments of any university. The school is known for its competitive STEM programs which include prestigious architecture, medicine, and pharmaceutical schools. The university is located in a suburban setting with a campus that covers just over 3,000 acres and operates on a trimester system. The University of Michigan has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 which translates to smaller-format classes than many other Division 1 universities.

Beyond academics, The University of Michigan’s Trojan athletic teams competes in the Big10, with an annual football rivalry with the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. University students enjoy a picturesque campus situated just west of downtown Detroit, and within driving distance to Chicago, Cleveland, and Columbus. Notable alumni include the legendary voice of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones, quarterback Tom Brady, and Olympian Michael Phelps.