45 Interesting Facts about University of Michigan

Dan March 31, 2023

The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a public research university that was founded in 1817. It is one of the oldest universities in the United States, and it is known for its academic excellence, research prowess, and diverse student body. The university offers over 260 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across 19 schools and colleges.

One of the University of Michigan’s key strengths is its research programs. It is consistently ranked as one of the top research universities in the United States, and its faculty and students conduct groundbreaking research in fields ranging from medicine and engineering to social sciences and humanities. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and is home to several world-renowned research centers and institutes.

The University of Michigan has a highly competitive admissions process, and it is one of the most selective public universities in the country. In 2021, the university received over 65,000 applications for its undergraduate programs, and the acceptance rate was just 23%. However, for those who are admitted, the university offers a world-class education and a vibrant campus community. The university is also committed to providing financial aid to students who need it, and it offers a range of scholarships, grants, and other forms of support.

The University of Michigan is also known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football and basketball. The university’s football team, the Wolverines, has one of the most storied histories in college football, and the university’s basketball team has also achieved considerable success over the years. The university has a large and enthusiastic fan base, and its sports teams are a source of pride for both students and alumni.

Let’s take a look at these 45 interesting facts about the University of Michigan.

1. The University of Michigan was founded in 1817, making it one of the oldest universities in the United States.
2. It was originally located in Detroit, but it moved to Ann Arbor in 1837.
3. The University of Michigan is a public research university.
4. The university has over 48,000 students.
5. The university has over 7,000 faculty members.
6. The university has over 1,500 student organizations.
7. The university has 19 schools and colleges.
8. The University of Michigan has a campus in Dearborn, Michigan and Flint, Michigan.
9. The University of Michigan is home to one of the largest football stadiums in the world, Michigan Stadium, nicknamed “The Big House,” with a seating capacity of over 107,000.
10. The university has a massive library system, with over 13 million volumes.
11. The university’s athletic teams are called the Wolverines.
12. The university has won over 30 NCAA team championships.
13. The university’s fight song is “The Victors”.
14. The university has a notable marching band called the Michigan Marching Band.
15. The university’s colors are maize and blue.
16. The University of Michigan has produced over 25 Rhodes Scholars.
17. The university has produced over 20 Nobel laureates.
18. The university has produced over 30 MacArthur Fellows.
19. The university has produced over 150 Fulbright Scholars.
20. The university has produced over 200 Guggenheim Fellows.
21. The university has produced over 300 members of the National Academy of Sciences.
22. The university has produced over 200 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
23. The university has produced over 100 members of the National Academy of Engineering.
24. The university has produced over 50 members of the Institute of Medicine.
25. The university has over 1,400 study abroad programs.
26. The university has over 2,000 international students.
27. The university has a massive art collection, with over 20,000 pieces.
28. The university’s art collection includes works by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Van Gogh.
29. The university has a notable museum called the University of Michigan Museum of Art.
30. The university’s museum has over 20,000 works of art.
31. The university has a notable performing arts center called the University Musical Society.
32. The university’s performing arts center hosts over 60 events each year.
33. The university has a notable film theater called the Michigan Theater. It screens over 200 films each year.
34. The university has a notable radio station called WCBN-FM. It is student-run and plays a wide variety of music.
35. The university has a notable newspaper called The Michigan Daily.
36. The university’s newspaper has won several Pulitzer Prizes.
37. The university has a notable comedy group called the G-Men. It has produced several famous comedians.
38. The university has a notable a cappella group called the Friars. It has won several international competitions.
39. The university has a notable theater company called the University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society. It has produced several award-winning productions.
40. The university has a notable student-run TV station called WOLV-TV.
41. The University of Michigan has a notable business school called the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. The business school is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the United States.
42. The University of Michigan is home to several notable research centers and institutes, including the Institute for Social Research, the Life Sciences Institute, the Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, and the Michigan Institute for Data Science. These research centers and institutes conduct cutting-edge research in fields ranging from medicine and engineering to social sciences and humanities, and they help position the University of Michigan as a top research institution in the United States.
43. The university’s engineering program is ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report.
44. The university is a founding member of the Association of American Universities, a group of 65 leading research universities in the United States and Canada.
45. The university has a significant impact on the local economy, with over 36,000 university-related jobs and an annual economic impact of over $10 billion.

The University of Michigan is a world-class institution with a rich history and a bright future. With a diverse student body, a wide range of academic programs, and a commitment to research and innovation, the University of Michigan provides its students with an exceptional educational experience. Its campus is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, and its athletic teams are celebrated for their achievements on the field and court. With its many accomplishments and contributions to society, the University of Michigan is a source of pride for its students, faculty, alumni, and supporters, and it will undoubtedly continue to play an important role in shaping the future of higher education and society at large.