University of Michigan Transfer Acceptance Rate
University of Michigan’s transfer admit rate: 42% for Fall 2022 — far higher than its first-year admit rate. Michigan admits transfers to LSA, Engineering, Ross Business, and 8+ other undergraduate colleges.
University of Michigan transfer admissions, at a glance
University of Michigan transfer figures
University of Michigan publishes admissions data in its annual fact book. As one of the strongest public universities, Michigan runs a substantial transfer pathway from in-state community colleges and out-of-state four-year colleges.
| Cycle | Applicants | Admits | Acceptance Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | 4,000 | 1,680 | 42.0% | Michigan CDS |
What GPA do you need for University of Michigan?
Michigan publishes a 3.0 minimum for transfer applicants but admitted transfers typically present higher. Competitive applicants have 3.5+ college GPAs with substantial completed coursework in their intended major.
Ross School of Business (limited transfer admission) and the College of Engineering run the highest competitive bars. Show calculus, calculus-based physics (CoE), or accounting/economics coursework (Ross) for those tracks.
What competitive University of Michigan transfer applicants look like
Competitive University of Michigan transfer admits combine strong GPA with clear major-fit. In-state applicants clear a lower bar than OOS.
What University of Michigan actually requires
Six non-negotiable pieces. Michigan admits to LSA, Engineering (CoE), Ross Business, Music, Nursing, and several smaller schools.
Coursework Requirements
Ross: economics + calculus + statistics + accounting. CoE: calculus + calculus-based physics + chemistry.
Application Essays
Common App transfer essay + Michigan-specific supplements per school.
Letters of Recommendation
Two academic recommendations from college instructors.
Application Deadlines
February 1 for Fall entry — one of the earlier deadlines.
Standing & Credits
Minimum one year of college coursework. Michigan enters most transfers as sophomores or juniors.
Test Scores
Test-optional policy varies year to year. Many elite privates reinstated SAT/ACT requirements post-2024 — verify Michigan’s current policy. If submitting, top-quartile scores strengthen a competitive application.
Not sure if you can transfer to University of Michigan?
Book a free 60-minute consultation. We’ll look at your transcript, your prereqs, and your target majors — and give you a straight read on your chances.
Common transfer mistakes that kill University of Michigan applications
We’ve reviewed thousands of transfer files. These five failures show up more than any other — and each one is fixable if caught early.
- Waiting until senior year to think about transfer.By the time you’re serious about University of Michigan, your junior GPA is already locked in. Winners start planning transfer their first semester of freshman year.
- Assuming your current college’s grade is ‘good enough.’A 3.5 that got you honors at your current college won’t clear University of Michigan. Benchmark against admit medians, not your peers.
- Writing the same personal essay for every school.University of Michigan’s essays reward specific, researched fit. Generic ‘why transfer’ language is the #1 kill signal readers flag.
- Missing a prereq — or completing it at the wrong level.Community-college calc that transfers as elective (not prereq) doesn’t count. Check equivalency BEFORE you register — not after.
- Applying without a strategy for financial aid.Transfer aid pools shrink every year. Some elites cap need-based aid for transfers. Model this before you apply, not after.
Want us to spot these in your file before you submit? Book a 60-minute review →
Popular University of Michigan majors for transfers
University of Michigan’s most popular transfer destinations. LSA is by far the largest transfer entry point; Ross Business and CoE Engineering run tighter tracks.
How University of Michigan compares to peers
If Michigan is your target, apply to these publics in parallel. UVA, UNC, and Georgia Tech are peer flagship publics.
Frequently asked questions
What is University of Michigan’s transfer acceptance rate?
Approximately 42% for Fall 2022 per Michigan’s most recently published admissions data.
Which Michigan schools are hardest to transfer into?
Ross School of Business has very limited transfer admission. The College of Engineering also runs a competitive bar.
Is Ross Business transfer-friendly?
Ross is a 2-year junior-entry program. You apply after your first two years of college. Ross has very limited transfer slots — competitive admits present 3.85+ GPAs.
Does Michigan accept the Common App?
Yes — Common App with Michigan-specific supplements.
When is Michigan’s transfer application deadline?
February 1 for Fall entry.
Where this data comes from
- U-Michigan OBP — Common Data Set — D2 transfer admit data
- U-Michigan Admissions — Transfer — deadlines, requirements
Want a real shot at University of Michigan?
Michigan’s 42% transfer rate is inviting — but Ross Business and CoE Engineering are separate competitive tracks. We’ll help you identify the right undergraduate school.