University of Michigan Ranking

Michigan, USA

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225

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#25

Rank(QS Top Universities)

Public

University Type

Did You Know?

At the University of Michigan, two out of three first-year students receive financial aid, making education more accessible from the start. The university awarded over $754.6 million in scholarships and fellowships.

Ranked #44 globally by QS, #22 by Times Higher Education (THE), and #21 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Michigan continues to reinforce its status as one of the top academic institutions. These rankings reflect Michigan's academic excellence, global reputation, and research output across disciplines to help you make the right decision about studying the US.

Let's take a closer look at the University of Michigan ranking in this blog.

University of Michigan Rankings 2025-26

The University of Michigan reaffirmed its global excellence in the 2024–25 rankings, rising to #22 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings and maintaining a strong #21 national rank in U.S. News & World Report. These top-tier positions highlight U-M’s continued leadership in academics, research, and impact. These results highlight the university's consistent academic excellence and global impact.

Take a look at the University of Michigan rankings:

Ranking Body	2024	2025	2026
QS World University Rankings	33	44	45
U.S. News & World Report	21	21	N/A
Times Higher Education Rankings	23	22	N/A

Here's a graphical representation of all the University of Michigan rankings:

Here's a more concise version of the paragraph-style analysis:

The QS World University Rankings show a gradual decline for the University of Michigan, moving from #33 in 2024 to #44 in 2025, and #45 in 2026. Despite this, it remains in the global top 50, reflecting continued strength in academic reputation and global presence.

In the U.S. News & World Report, Michigan held a consistent national rank of #21 in 2024 and 2025, highlighting stability in graduation rates, faculty resources, and academic outcomes. Data for 2026 is not yet available.

The Times Higher Education (THE) rankings show a slight rise from #23 in 2024 to #22 in 2025, indicating improved performance in research, teaching, and international engagement. 2026 data is pending.

Overall, the University of Michigan maintains strong, consistent rankings across major platforms, reinforcing its status as a top-tier global institution.

Let's explore the details to see how your field of study ranks to help you decide which study area to choose for admission to the University of Michigan.

Subject-wise Rankings of the University of Michigan

The University of Michigan continues to earn high subject-wise rankings across global and national platforms in 2025. It is ranked #22 globally in Economics & Econometrics by QS and holds 22nd in THE's World University Rankings for overall academic excellence.

Domestically, it is ranked #7 (tie) in Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering by U.S. News, highlighting its strong reputation in both social sciences and engineering disciplines.

Let's discuss the University of Michigan ranking in detail:

QS Rankings

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the University of Michigan earned high placements in several technical and scientific fields. It was ranked #14 globally in Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering and #26 in Mathematics, demonstrating its strength in innovation, research, and academic excellence in STEM disciplines.

Here's the ranking of various University of Michigan courses based on the QS ranking:

Program Name	Ranking (2025)
Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering	#14
Mathematics	#26
Economics & Econometrics	#22
Social Sciences & Management	#25
Arts and Humanities	#19

Now, let's look at the University of Michigan's Times Higher Education Rankings

THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings

In the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject, the University of Michigan achieved top-tier positions in key academic areas. It was ranked 20th globally in Arts & Humanities and 21st in Business & Economics, reflecting its strong interdisciplinary focus, academic reputation, and research impact in both creative and professional fields.

Here's how different study areas at the University of Michigan rank based on THE rankings:

Program	Ranking 2025
World University Rankings	22nd
Arts & Humanities	20th
Business & Economics	21st
Medical & Health	18th
Computer Science	41st
Education Studies	12th
Engineering	19th
Law	18th
Life Sciences	27th
Physical Sciences	24th
Psychology	10th
Social Sciences	8th

Next, let's discuss the US news rankings for the University of Michigan

U.S. News Rankings

In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the University of Michigan secured top positions in engineering specialties. It was ranked #7 in Biomedical Engineering and tied for #8 in Chemical Engineering, demonstrating its leadership in innovation, research, and academic excellence within the engineering domain.

Here's a look at the ranking for this popular program at the University of Michigan:

Field	Ranking
Aerospace / Aeronautical / Astronautical Engineers	#7 (tie)
Biomedical Engineering	#7
Chemical Engineering	#8 (tie)
Civil Engineering	#6 (tie)
Computer Engineering	#7
Electrical/Electronic/Communications Engineering	#7
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering	#4
Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering	#3
Materials Engineering	#4 (tie)
Mechanical Engineering	#5 (tie)
Undergraduate Business Programs	#4
Accounting	#6
Entrepreneurship	#2 (tie)
Finance	#4
International Business	#7
Management (BBA)	#1
Management Information Systems	#2
Marketing	#1
Production / Operations Management	#2
Quantitative Analysis	#5 (tie)
Real Estate	#11
Supply Chain Management / Logistics	#6
Computer Science	#10 (tie)
Artificial Intelligence	#12 (tie)
Computer Systems	#9
Cybersecurity	#8 (tie)
Data Analytics / Science	#7
Mobile/Web Apps, Programming Languages, SE, Theory	#6 (tie)
Nursing	#9 (tie)
Psychology	#5 (tie)
Economics	#15 (tie)

Now, let's take a look at how University of Michigan performs in other diversified rankings.

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

In the 2025 Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), the University of Michigan achieved outstanding results, reflecting its all-around institutional strength and contributions to the education system in the US.

It was ranked 16th globally out of 21,462 universities, placing it in the top 0.1% worldwide and 13th nationally in the U.S. These rankings highlight Michigan's excellence in education, employability, faculty quality, and research output.

Here are some of the University of Michigan rankings in miscellaneous areas:

Ranking Organization	Ranking Details	University of Michigan Rank
Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)	World Rank (2025) – Global evaluation of education, employability, faculty, and research	16th out of 21,462 (Top 0.1%)
CWUR	National Rank (USA)	13th
CWUR	Research Rank	9th globally
CWUR	Employability Rank	40th globally
CWUR	Faculty Rank	57th globally
QS Sustainability Rankings	Evaluates universities on environmental impact, social equity, and governance.	211 globally
THE World Reputation Rankings	Measures global academic prestige based on scholar surveys.	18th globally (2025)
U.S. News Best Value Schools	Assesses affordability and academic quality for in-state students.	59th nationally (2025)
U.S. News Top Public Schools	Ranks public universities based on outcomes, resources, and reputation.	3rd nationally (2025)
THE Most International Universities	Evaluates the diversity of faculty/students and global collaborations.	Top 100 globally (2025)

Let's explore the academic and extracurricular achievements that demonstrate the academic standing of the University of Michigan.

University of Michigan: Excellence and Achievements

The University of Michigan honors excellence at every level, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni, through prestigious awards such as the President's Medal of Excellence, Distinguished Academic Achievement, and Distinguished Faculty Achievement Awards.

It celebrates leadership in teaching, research, service, and public engagement. Michigan's legacy is rooted in transformative contributions such as groundbreaking nuclear science via the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project and Ford Nuclear Reactor, to sustained innovation in sustainable and advanced energy systems.

Below is an overview of the University of Michigan ranking and recognitions across key areas:

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

The University of Michigan continues to be recognized nationally for its academic excellence and well-rounded student success. In 2025, 12 students received ACS Chemistry Awards for outstanding STEM research.

The university earned the NCAA Public Recognition Award, with the women's water polo team achieving a perfect 1000 APR score, showing the institution's commitment to balancing academics and athletics.

Here are the significant recognitions:

Category	Recognition
STEM Excellence	ACS Chemistry Awards (2025): 12 students were honored for organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry research.
Athletic-Academic Balance	NCAA Public Recognition Award (2025): Women's water polo team achieved a perfect 1000 APR score for academic retention/graduation.
Civic Engagement	Year of Democracy Initiative (2025): Launched the Institute for Civil Discourse to foster inclusive dialogue on critical societal issues.
Innovation & Infrastructure	$2.5B campus investment (2025): Includes AI research facilities, expanded student housing, and the Leinweber Computer Science Building.

Next, let's see how the University of Michigan has been developing its student community as an inclusive one.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

In 2025, the University of Michigan strengthened its focus on wellbeing and community through key initiatives. The rebranded "Michigan Recreation" promotes inclusivity with diverse fitness and wellness programs, while the Values in Action Awards recognize Student Life staff who exemplify values like compassion, innovation, and DEI.

Here are some of the University of Michigan's community development initiatives:

Category	Recognition
Michigan Recreation	Rebranded to "Michigan Recreation" in Fall 2025 to better reflect its inclusive focus on wellbeing, offering diverse fitness, adventure, and community programs.
Values in Action Awards (Student Life staff)	Recognizes staff excellence across core values like adaptability, compassion, DEI, partnership, innovation, stewardship, and accountability; nominations open Jan–Mar 2025.
CSE Recognition Reception	Computer Science & Engineering hosting annual reception to honor graduate student contributions throughout the year.
Stamps School Commencement Awards	Celebrated academic and creative achievements—MFA Thesis, Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, and more—for the 2025 graduating class.
James B. Angell Scholars/Honors Convocation	Honors undergraduates achieving all As in two consecutive terms; scholars invited annually in 2025.
Wallenberg Medal	Distinguished humanitarian award presented to outstanding figures in 2025 (e.g., Vladimir Kara‑Murza).
Hopwood Writing Awards	Prestigious prizes totaling $120K (INR 1 Cr) annually to support creative writers at UM in 2025.

Now, let's explore how the University of Michigan promotes creative and cultural initiatives for international students.

Cultural and Creative Excellence

In 2025, the University of Michigan advanced its commitment to cultural and creative excellence through major artist-focused initiatives and the University of Michigan Scholarships.

The Creative Careers Residency awarded $40K stipends to emerging talents like Willie Cornish and Abigail Lowe for community-engaged projects. The Michigan Artist Initiative: Envision 2025 showcased innovative contemporary works by artists such as Conor Fagan and Katie Mongoven.

Some notable creative initiatives of the University of Michigan include:

Category	Recognition
Creative Careers	2025 Creative Careers Residency: Supported emerging artists (e.g., Willie Cornish, Abigail Lowe) with $40K (INR 34.3L) stipends for community-engaged projects.
Michigan Artist Initiative	Envision 2025 showcased artists like Conor Fagan and Katie Mongoven for innovative contemporary art practices.
Arts Integration	Arts Initiative 2025: Launched Creativity Lab and Arts & Creativity Honors Cord to celebrate student participation in the arts.
Student Fellowships	Arts Initiative Creative Fellows 2025: Funded student projects under "Art Is for All" with John Cameron Mitchell.
Theatre & Performance	RC Senior Awards 2025: Honored Madeline Nolen (Kate Mendeloff Award) for excellence in drama.
Interdisciplinary Arts	Year of Democracy Initiative: Integrated arts with civic discourse through the Institute for Civil Discourse.

Now that you've explored the University of Michigan's ranking and achievements in academics, culture, and community development, let's understand the relationship between ranking and acceptance rates.

University of Michigan: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

The University of Michigan combines strong global rankings with competitive acceptance rates across top academic programs. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, it ranks #14 in Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering, #22 in Economics & Econometrics, and #26 in Mathematics. With an 18% acceptance rate for engineering, Michigan offers both academic excellence and selective admissions in high-demand fields.

Below is a table showcasing the overall University of Michigan acceptance rate for the top programs:

Course	QS Rankings 2025	Acceptance Rate
Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering	#14	18%
Mathematics	#26
Economics & Econometrics	#22
Social Sciences & Management	#25

Students should evaluate the University of Michigan based on its accessibility and the strength of its academic programs.

Now, let's discuss the methodologies used to evaluate universities for rankings.

Ranking Methodologies

Global university rankings use standardized criteria to assess top universities globally, combining quantitative and qualitative measures. Prominent ranking bodies such as QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and U.S. News & World Report each apply their methodologies to evaluate universities across key areas of academic performance.

Let's explore ranking methodologies for ranking agencies such as QS, THE, and US News:

QS World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings is a leading global university evaluation system that assesses over 1,500 institutions each year. Its methodology blends academic and employer reputation surveys with objective data points such as faculty-to-student ratios and research impact.

Here are the indicators used in QS World University rankings.

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Research and Discovery	Academic Reputation	30%
Research and Discovery	Citations per Faculty	20%
Employability and Outcomes	Employer Reputation	15%
Employability and Outcomes	Employment Outcomes	5%
Global Engagement	International Faculty Ratio	5%
	International Research Network	5%
	International Student Ratio	5%
	International Student Diversity	0%
Learning Experience	Faculty Student Ratio	10%
Sustainability	Sustainability	5%

Now, let's take a look at the ranking methodology for THE

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings is a widely respected global evaluation system focused on research-intensive universities. It assesses institutions across five core pillars: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook, and Industry Engagement to deliver a well-rounded view of academic and institutional performance.

Here is the criteria used by THE rankings:

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Teaching	Teaching Reputation	15%
	Staff-to-student ratio	4.5%
	Doctorate-to-bachelor's ratio	2%
	Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio	5.5%
	Institutional income	2.5%
Research Environment	Research reputation	18%
	Research income	5.5%
	Research productivity	5.5%
Research Quality	Citation impact	15%
	Research strength	5%
	Research excellence	5%
	Research influence	5%
International Outlook	Proportion of international students	2.5%
	Proportion of international staff	2.5%
	International collaboration	2.5%
Industry	Industry income	2%
Industry	Patents	2%

Now, let's explore the ranking methodology for THE

U.S. News and World Report Rankings

U.S. News & World Report is a prominent source for evaluating higher education, applying a detailed methodology focusing on student success, social mobility, and academic quality. The 2025 rankings highlight key performance indicators such as graduation rates and career options after graduation, offering a more comprehensive view of university effectiveness.

Here are the criteria used in U.S. News and World Report rankings:

Focus Indicators	Weightage
Graduation Rates	16%
First-year retention rates	5%
Graduation rate performance	10%
Pell graduation rates	5.5%
Pell graduation performance	5.5%
College grads earn more than a high school grads	5%
Borrower debt	5%
Peer assessment	20%
Financial resources	8%
Faculty salaries	8%
Full-time faculty	3%
Student-faculty ratio	4%
Standardized tests	5%

These rankings reflect the University of Michigan's strength in delivering quality education and real-world outcomes like employability. University of Michigan's 2025 performance highlights its academic and research excellence.

Next, let's explore its position within the global higher education field.

Conclusion

The University of Michigan holds a strong global reputation, ranking #22 in THE and #21 nationally by U.S. News, with a slight dip in QS to #45. It remains highly regarded for consistent academic excellence and national impact. Michigan stands out in STEM, business, and social sciences, with QS placing many programs in the global top 30 and THE ranking psychology, law, and social sciences in the top 10–20. U.S. News ranks its BBA Management #1 and several engineering fields in the top 10.

Backed by a $2.5B campus expansion, Michigan boosts AI, engineering, and housing. It celebrates student success with top awards and nurtures creativity through programs like Hopwood and Values in Action. With an 18% engineering acceptance rate, it balances prestige and accessibility..

FAQs

How does the University of Michigan's top-21 national standing translate to better student career opportunities?

University of Michigan ranks #21 nationally in U.S. News Best Colleges 2025, attracting top-tier employer recruitment. The prestigious reputation provides strong employer recognition and access to major corporations nationwide. Graduates from top-25 universities typically receive 15-20% higher starting salaries than those from lower-ranked institutions.

What specific advantages do students get from attending a university positioned globally in the QS World Rankings?

The University of Michigan ranks in the top 15 U.S. public universities globally, enhancing international recognition and study abroad opportunities. Global positioning provides access to international research collaborations and multinational employer recruitment. Students benefit from a diverse international student body representing over 130 countries.

How does the University of Michigan's placement in specialized programs like nursing and mechanical engineering benefit students in those fields?

Michigan's nursing and mechanical engineering programs consistently rank in the top 10 nationally, with mechanical engineering ranked #5 globally. These highly ranked programs provide access to cutting-edge research facilities and industry partnerships. Graduates from top-ranked programs typically have 90 %+ job placement rates and command premium salaries.

What research opportunities are available to undergraduates at a top-rated public research university like the University of Michigan?

The University of Michigan offers over 19,000 courses across 19 schools and colleges with extensive research facilities. The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) provides direct faculty mentorship and research participation. Michigan invests over $1.6 billion annually in research, creating abundant undergraduate opportunities.

How does the University of Michigan's position compare to other Big Ten universities, and what does this mean for student experience?

The University of Michigan consistently ranks as the #1 public university in the Big Ten and among its top 3 overall institutions. This leadership offers students stronger academics, faculty, and alumni networks. The competitive advantage translates to better research opportunities, career services, and post-graduation outcomes.

Does the University of Michigan's consistent top-25 status provide better networking opportunities for current students?

Michigan's top-25 national status attracts high-achieving students and maintains an extensive alumni network of over 630,000 graduates worldwide. The university's prestigious reputation facilitates stronger industry connections and corporate partnerships. Students benefit from mentorship programs and career fairs that attract Fortune 500 companies and leading organizations.

How do the University of Michigan's 101 graduate programs, rated in the top 10 nationally, benefit undergraduate students considering graduate school?

With 101 graduate programs ranked in the top 10 nationally, Michigan undergraduates have exceptional opportunities for seamless transition to graduate studies. Strong graduate programs provide undergraduates with research opportunities and advanced coursework. The university's comprehensive graduate offerings allow students to pursue advanced degrees without compromising academic quality.

What financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to help students afford tuition at this highly-rated institution?

The University of Michigan offers $200 million in need-based financial aid annually, with in-state tuition at $18,848 and out-of-state at $63,081. The Go Blue Guarantee provides free tuition for Michigan families earning under $65,000 annually. Merit-based scholarships and work-study programs help offset costs for qualified students at this prestigious institution.

How does the University of Michigan's reputation impact the value and recognition of degrees in the job market?

Michigan's #21 national ranking significantly enhances degree value, with graduates reporting 98% employment rates in programs like Information Science with average starting salaries of $90,000. The university's strong reputation provides graduates with competitive advantages in job markets. Employers consistently rank Michigan among the top universities for recruiting, leading to premium job opportunities.

What support services does the University of Michigan offer to help students succeed academically and maintain the university's high standards?

The University of Michigan provides comprehensive academic support through tutoring and writing centers, and peer mentoring programs across all colleges. The university maintains a student-to-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention. Specialized support services include career counseling, mental health resources, and educational coaching to help students meet the institution's standards.

How does the University of Michigan's standing in specific subject areas like physics and sociology influence program quality and student outcomes?

Michigan ranks #5 globally for physics research and maintains top-10 positions in sociology and other specialized fields like Supply Chain Management and Nursing. These high subject-area standings attract leading faculty, research funding, and industry partnerships that directly benefit students. Students in highly-ranked programs can access cutting-edge research and enhanced career prospects in their chosen fields.

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