College Costs in Ann Arbor, MI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 14 colleges in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,736
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$33,100
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,014
per month
Colleges & Universities
14
institutions
Ann Arbor Overview
Population
123,851
Student Population
30,915 (25.0%)
Cost of Living Index
85 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
83/100
Transit Score
42/100
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
College Cost Calculator for Ann Arbor
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,212
Total After Financial Aid
$103,212
Annual Cost
$25,803
Annual After Aid
$25,803
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,212 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,172 |
| Total Interest | $37,422 |
| Total Loan Cost | $140,634 |
Universities in Ann Arbor
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan | Public | $16,736 |
| Concordia University Ann Arbor | Private | $33,100 |
| Washtenaw Community College | Community | $3,600 |
Ann Arbor has 14 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ann Arbor vs. National Average
| Category | Ann Arbor | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,736 | $10,940 | +$5,796 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,014 | $1,050 | -$36 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 100 | -15 |
Ann Arbor's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Ann Arbor
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
30,915 students
Ann Arbor has a total population of 123,851, with approximately 30,915 college students (25.0% of the population). As a major college town, Ann Arbor offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ann Arbor
$52,565
Starting Salary
5.3%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ann Arbor earn a median starting salary of $52,565, which is $17,565 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,212 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $16,913 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Michigan
Detroit
43 colleges · Avg tuition $14,568
Grand Rapids
10 colleges · Avg tuition $13,394
Lansing
6 colleges · Avg tuition $14,460
Flint
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,426
Kalamazoo
4 colleges · Avg tuition $13,413
Saginaw
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,840
Warren
6 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Sterling Heights
5 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Dearborn
5 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Clinton Township
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Canton Township
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Livonia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Ann Arbor
How we compile Ann Arbor college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Ann Arbor institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Ann Arbor's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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