University of Michigan

The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, was established in 1817 — making it the state’s oldest university. The campus is set in an urban area, on about 3,000 acres. The university conducts a large amount of research activity, and it was a founding member of the Association of American Universities. Its graduate programs provide doctoral degrees in humanities, social sciences, and STEM (or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Its well-known programs include ones from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, the University of Michigan Law School, the School of Education, the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and the College of Engineering. The University of Michigan caters to over 31,000 undergraduate and 16,000 graduate students.

There are 19 schools on campus. The most popular majors are economics; experimental psychology; political science and government; business administration and management; and English language and literature. The student to faculty ratio is around 15 to 1, and about 56% of classes have less than 20 students. Because the engineering programs are so strong, there are several projects occurring on campus, including the University of Michigan Solar Car Team, the Michigan Interactive Investments, the TAMID Israel Investment Group, and the Michigan Economics Society.

Outside of the classroom, there are over 1,600 student organizations. About 9% of men are associated with a fraternity and about 19% of women with a sorority. Around 31% of students live on campus, resulting in an active social scene. The student organizations are run by the Central Student Government (CSG). Many students get involved in political or civil rights groups, like Students for a Democratic Society, Young Americans for Freedom, or the Roosevelt Institution.

There are also many opportunities for volunteerism with organizations like the Foundation for International Medical Relief for Children, Relay for Life, U-M Stars for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, SERVE, and Habitat for Humanity. Some students get involved with the student newspaper, The Michigan Daily, which was established in 1890. Other publications include The Michigan Review, Michigan Independent, Gargoyle, and The Michigan Every Three Weekly.

University of Michigan teams compete as the Wolverines in Division I of the NCAA and are members of the B1G. For hockey, they play in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association; men’s lacrosse competes in the Eastern College Athletic Conference; and women’s water polo plays in the Collegiate Water Polo Association. There are 29 varsity sports for men and women. Individuals who enjoy an active social scene, combined with rigorous academics, will gain a lot from their time at the University of Michigan.