university of michigan computer science phd acceptance rate

University Of Michigan Computer Science Acceptance Rates And Admissions

Getting accepted into the University of Michigan’s top-ranked computer science program is highly competitive. If you’re looking for a quick answer, the overall acceptance rate for undergraduates is 23%, while the graduate program acceptance rate is 22% .

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide detailed information on acceptance rates, admissions requirements, and tips for getting into UMich’s prestigious computer science program.

Undergraduate Acceptance Rates and Admissions

When it comes to pursuing higher education, the University of Michigan is renowned for its exceptional academic programs. One of the most sought-after fields of study at the university is computer science.

Prospective students often wonder about the acceptance rates and admissions requirements for the computer science program. This article aims to provide valuable insights into the undergraduate acceptance rates and admissions process for the University of Michigan’s computer science program.

Overall Acceptance Rate

The University of Michigan is a highly competitive institution, and its overall acceptance rate reflects that. According to recent data, the university’s overall acceptance rate hovers around 23%. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only 23 are admitted.

It is important to note that this acceptance rate includes all undergraduate programs at the university, not just computer science. As a result, the acceptance rate for computer science may be slightly different.

Computer Science Acceptance Rate

The computer science program at the University of Michigan is highly regarded and attracts a large number of applicants each year. While the exact computer science acceptance rate is not publicly available, it is generally believed to be more competitive than the university’s overall acceptance rate.

Computer science is a popular major among students, and the limited number of spots available in the program makes the selection process highly competitive. Prospective students are encouraged to showcase their passion, skills, and dedication to computer science in their application materials to increase their chances of admission.

Admissions Requirements

The admissions requirements for the computer science program at the University of Michigan are rigorous. In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to the university, applicants to the computer science program are expected to demonstrate a strong aptitude for mathematics, problem-solving skills, and a passion for technology.

The university looks for well-rounded students who have excelled in their high school curriculum, particularly in math and science courses. Additionally, strong letters of recommendation and a compelling personal statement can greatly enhance an applicant’s chances of being accepted into the program.

For more detailed information about the admissions process, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official University of Michigan website https://www.umich.edu . The website provides comprehensive information about the application process, deadlines, and any additional requirements for the computer science program.

Graduate Acceptance Rates and Admissions

The University of Michigan is known for its highly competitive admissions process. With a large number of applicants each year, the overall acceptance rate for graduate programs is quite low. As of the most recent data available, the overall acceptance rate for graduate programs at the University of Michigan is around 25%.

This means that out of every 100 applications, only 25 are accepted.

It is important to note that the acceptance rate can vary between different departments and programs within the university. Some programs may have higher acceptance rates, while others may be more selective.

The Computer Science program at the University of Michigan is highly sought after by aspiring students in the field. The acceptance rate for the Computer Science graduate program is typically lower than the overall acceptance rate for the university.

While the exact acceptance rate for the Computer Science program may vary from year to year, it is generally considered to be highly competitive. As of the most recent data available, the acceptance rate for the Computer Science graduate program at the University of Michigan is around 15%.

This means that out of every 100 applications, only 15 are accepted.

The low acceptance rate highlights the rigorous nature of the program and the high standards set by the university for admission into the Computer Science graduate program.

In order to be considered for admission into the Computer Science graduate program at the University of Michigan, applicants must meet certain requirements.

• A completed online application, including personal information, academic history, and statement of purpose
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
• Letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can speak to the applicant’s abilities and potential for success in the program
• A competitive GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score
• A strong academic background in computer science or a related field
• For international students, proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores

Meeting these requirements is just the first step in the admissions process. The university also considers factors such as research experience, publications, and relevant work experience when evaluating applicants.

It is important for prospective students to thoroughly review the admissions requirements and ensure that they meet the criteria before applying to the Computer Science graduate program at the University of Michigan.

Application Tips to Get Accepted

Getting accepted into the University of Michigan’s Computer Science program can be a competitive process. To increase your chances of acceptance, it’s important to pay attention to several key factors during the application process.

GPA and Test Scores

Your GPA and test scores are crucial components of your application. The University of Michigan’s Computer Science program has high standards for academic achievement. Aim to maintain a strong GPA throughout your high school career and perform well on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.

While there is no specific GPA or test score requirement, it’s important to strive for excellence in these areas.

The essay portion of your application is an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and highlight your passion for computer science. Take the time to craft a well-written and compelling essay that showcases your personality and demonstrates your understanding of the field.

Be sure to proofread your essay carefully and consider seeking feedback from teachers or mentors.

Recommendations

Strong letters of recommendation can greatly enhance your application. Choose individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and potential for success in the field of computer science.

Consider asking teachers, mentors, or employers who have firsthand knowledge of your skills and accomplishments. Provide them with any necessary information or materials to help them write a detailed and positive recommendation letter.

Some applicants to the University of Michigan’s Computer Science program may be invited to participate in an interview. If you are offered an interview, make sure to prepare in advance. Research common interview questions and practice your responses. Dress professionally and arrive on time.

During the interview, be confident, articulate, and enthusiastic about your interest in computer science. Use this opportunity to showcase your knowledge and passion for the field.

Remember, the application process for the University of Michigan’s Computer Science program is competitive, but with careful preparation and attention to these key factors, you can increase your chances of acceptance. Good luck with your application!

The University of Michigan boasts one of the top computer science programs in the country, but gaining admission is highly selective. Understanding acceptance rates and admissions criteria is key. With outstanding academics, test scores, essays, and recommendations, prospective students can maximize their chances of getting accepted into UMich’s prestigious program.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, graduate school acceptance rates: can you get in.

Even the most qualified and confident applicants worry about getting into grad school. But don’t panic! Graduate school acceptance rates, which give the percentage of applicants that were admitted to a particular school or program in an academic year, can help you determine how likely you are to get into a given program.  But where can you find grad school admissions statistics?

In this article, we’ll first investigate the trends and factors associated with graduate school acceptance rates. Then, we’ll take a look at some of the current acceptance rates and give you expert tips on how to find acceptance rates for your programs. Finally, we’ll show you how to determine your odds of getting into grad school.

Graduate School Acceptance Rates: Factors and Trends

Grad school acceptance rates are the same as any other acceptance rate: the lower the acceptance rate, the more selective the school or program is. Similarly, the higher the acceptance rate, the less selective the school or program is. As with undergrad acceptance rates, grad school acceptance rates vary widely, from extraordinarily selective (less than 5 percent) to incredibly lenient (nearly 100 percent).

Unlike undergrad rates, though, grad school acceptance rates are usually calculated for specific programs or departments and  not for entire universities. This is because with grad school, you are essentially applying to an individual program rather than an overall institution (as you did for undergrad).

Now that we’ve covered all of the basics, let’s look at a few key trends. Our research indicates there are three major factors that help determine grad school acceptance rates:

• School or program prestige
• Degree type
• Amount of funding

Let’s look at how each of these factors influences grad school acceptance rates.

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#1: School or Program Prestige

How prestigious a particular grad school or program is can affect its overall competitiveness and selectivity. In general, the more prestigious a program is, the more competitive it’ll be and thus the lower acceptance rate it’ll have.

An easy way to determine school or program prestige is to consult official rankings, such as those listed on  U.S. News . (Grad schools are typically ranked by field or program and   not by overall institution.)

For example, a 2017  U.S. News  list of the best political science grad programs  ranked Duke’s political science program at #7 and Northwestern’s at #23. Because both of the programs have fairly high rankings, it’s safe to assume they’re probably quite selective.

And this is true: in 2016,  Duke  reported a mere 10 percent acceptance rate to its political science doctoral program, while  Northwestern  reported a 12 percent acceptance rate.

#2: Degree Type

Another major factor is degree type. Generally,  doctoral programs tend to be more selective than master’s programs (though this isn’t always the case as I’ll explain in a moment). This trend is likely due to the fact that doctoral programs often look for higher-quality applicants with proven academic track records and more relevant experience in their fields.

For example, in 2016  University of Michigan’s math doctoral program  had a 17.2 percent acceptance rate, whereas its master’s program  had a much higher 31.8 percent rate. In this case, the doctoral program is clearly tougher to get into than the master’s program.

Still,   master’s programs can have lower acceptance rates than doctoral programs. If we were to take the University of Michigan’s grad programs in computer science and engineering, we’d find that the doctoral program has  a 15 percent acceptance rate  and the master’s  an even lower 8 percent acceptance rate .

Additionally, M.F.A. programs are particularly cutthroat. In 2015, the creative writing M.F.A. program at UT Austin’s James A. Michener Center for Writers only admitted 12 out of 678 applicants — that’s a mere 1.8 percent acceptance rate !

#3: Amount of Funding

Funding, too, plays a big role in how selective a grad program is.

Well-funded  programs typically receive more applications than those offering little to no aid, thereby raising their selectivity. Competition is especially fierce for fully funded programs — possibly because fewer people are willing to go into debt for grad school.

Compared to fully funded doctoral programs, fully funded master’s programs are somewhat rare and thus pretty competitive. UT Austin’s Creative Writing M.F.A. program, for instance, is not only a prestigious program but also one of the most well-funded Creative Writing M.F.A. programs in the country: it  offers full tuition remission and a $27,500 stipend per academic year . It’s no wonder, then, that its acceptance rate is below 2 percent!

What Are the Current Graduate School Acceptance Rates?

For this section, we’ve scoured the internet to bring you a robust assortment of acceptance rates for popular U.S. grad schools.

Before we dive in, note that not all institutions calculate grad school acceptance rates using the same methodologies. Some offer only a single acceptance rate for all of their grad schools put together, while others offer individual rates by school, field, or program.

Now, let’s see how selective these schools really are!

*Statistics for NYU are based on the number of enrolled students and not the number of admitted students. Therefore, expect actual acceptance rates to be slightly higher.

How to Find Graduate School Acceptance Rates: 4 Methods

Unfortunately, grad school admissions statistics tend to be more difficult to find than undergrad acceptance rates.  But there are ways to search for them — you just have to do a lot of digging and possibly a little reaching out.

Below are our top four methods for finding grad school acceptance rates for the programs you’re applying to.

#1: Consult School Websites

By far the most reliable resources for grad school admissions statistics are  school websites.

Start your search by consulting program and departmental pages, particularly admissions and FAQ pages. Look out for any statistics-related keywords or phrases, such as “admission(s) rates,” “acceptance rates,” “enrollment,” “facts and figures,” etc. Use ctrl+F to move swiftly through large chunks of text.

Not all schools publish grad admissions information online, and those that do don’t always report it in the same way as others. For example, Princeton offers a handy PDF  containing acceptance rates for all academic fields of study. On the other hand,  Notre Dame  gives separate admissions charts for each of its grad programs (which you can access by selecting a program and then clicking “Admissions Statistics”).

Additionally, many schools release admissions statistics without explicitly publishing acceptance rates.  In this case, it’s your job to take the statistics provided and use them to calculate an acceptance rate. To find the acceptance rate of a school or program, you’ll need the following information:

• The total number of applicants in a year
• The total number of applicants granted admission  that year

The acceptance rate equals the total number of applicants offered admission divided by the total number of applicants and then multiplied by 100, or:

$$\acceptance \rate = {\number \of \applicants \offered \admission}/{\total \number \of \applicants}100$$

Be sure to  avoid conflating the number of students who were  offered admission   with the number of students who accepted their offers of admission. These two concepts sound alike but are actually different. What you’re looking for is the first statistic — that is, the number of admitted students (regardless of whether they decided to enroll).

If you’re having trouble finding admissions statistics by browsing school websites, search on Google for “[Your School] graduate acceptance rate” and see if any relevant school pages appear. While searching for acceptance rates to use in the table above, I consistently swapped “acceptance rate” with similar phrases, such as “admission(s) rate,” “facts and figures,” “student statistics,” “admittance rates,” and “admission(s) statistics.”

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Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can also use phrases like “Ph.D. admissions statistics” or “master’s admissions statistics” to narrow your search even further. Try to think outside the box as you do your research. What are other ways people talk about acceptance rates?

#2: Check  U.S. News

If your school or program doesn’t offer any admissions statistics on its website, go to  U.S. News . This website offers official rankings of grad programs as well as lists of the most (and least) selective programs in various fields.

For example, I found a 2016 list of the most competitive online M.B.A. programs  and a 2015 list of the most competitive online graduate engineering programs .

If U.S. News doesn’t offer any relevant lists for you to use, try skimming the current grad school rankings to gauge how competitive your program is compared with others in the same field.

#3: Search Other Websites

One less reliable method for looking up grad school admissions statistics is to  look for (unofficial) websites discussing acceptance rates for your school or program.

The Grad Cafe’s  admissions results  section is a solid place to start. Here, applicants post whether they’ve been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted for grad programs.

Search for your program to get a rough feel for how many acceptances and rejections go out each year. You might notice that certain types of applicants are more active than others. Creative Writing M.F.A. applicants, for example, are prolific posters in winter and spring (during admissions season).

Occasionally, Google itself will provide you with grad school acceptance rates, but this only appears to work consistently for well-known law schools, medical schools, and business schools.

Additionally, while using Google, don’t assume that any acceptance rates that pop up are directly connected to your search terms. For example, when I searched “stanford graduate acceptance rate,” Google gave me this result:

This 4.8 percent acceptance rate is  not  the acceptance rate for Stanford’s grad programs (what I searched for) but rather the acceptance rate for undergrads. So always cross-check any statistics Google gives you.

You can also consult grad school data websites such as  Peterson’s and StartClass . Take their grad school acceptance rates with a grain of salt, though — their data isn’t always verifiable online. If possible, try to compare any data you find on these types of websites with the school websites themselves or U.S. News .

#4: Contact Schools

If the internet isn’t giving you the help you need, call or email your schools. Be polite but upfront: ask whether the school calculates acceptance rates for grad programs and where you can find this information online (if available).

If a school refuses to divulge admissions statistics or simply doesn’t report acceptance rates, see if they can give you estimates for how many applications they receive each year, or for how many acceptances they usually extend to applicants in your program.

Graduate School Acceptance: What Are Your Odds?

By this point, you might be wondering how likely it is you’ll actually get into the grad program you wish to attend. After all, acceptance rates are pretty broad — they tell you what everyone’s odds are but not your odds specifically.

Below are three easy steps for determining your odds of getting into grad school, including advice on when it’s better to go for it or choose another program.

Step 1: Check Program Requirements

First, go to your program’s website and pinpoint the admissions requirements page. Now, ask yourself:  do you meet all of the program’s basic requirements? If not, you’ll likely wind up with a rejection (and might not even be able to apply).

However, if you’re still interested in applying, contact the program and ask if they’ll make an exception for you. Your chance of getting accepted is still low, but you’ll at least have your application considered.

If your program strongly recommends qualities you lack, don’t interpret this as an automatic rejection. Sometimes, applicants can make up for deficiencies in other ways. For example, if your undergrad GPA is 3.1 and your program recommends applicants have a minimum 3.2, don’t write off the program — you might still have a shot at getting in as long as the rest of your application is solid.

On the other hand, even if you meet all of a program’s requirements, you’re not necessarily a shoo-in. Remember, all other applicants have met these requirements, too, so you’ll need to find a unique way to make your application stand out.

Step 2: Find Average GRE Scores and GPAs

Your next step is to look up your program’s average GRE scores and GPA  to see how your own scores and GPA compare with those of previously admitted applicants.

You can usually find GRE score information on admissions requirements or FAQ pages. You can also search on Google for “[Your School] [Your Program] average GRE scores.” For step-by-step instructions on how to find average GRE scores, check out  my article on average GRE scores by school .

For GPAs, you can use the same basic methodology. Check admissions requirements and FAQ pages and use ctrl+F to search for “GPA.” If GPA information is available, you’ll most likely come across minimum GPAs or average GPAs (or both). For more tips on how to find GPA information for your grad schools, read our guide .

Now, compare your own GRE scores and GPA with the averages you’ve found. Below are all possible scenarios and what they mean for you and your odds of getting into the program:

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• Your GRE scores and GPA are both  higher than your program’s averages:  Congratulations! You have an excellent chance of getting accepted, especially if the rest of your application is equally impressive. Keep up the great work!
• Your GRE scores and GPA are both  about the same as your program’s averages:  You’re doing pretty well! You are just the type of applicant your program is looking for. The only drawback is that you probably won’t stand out as much from other applicants who have similar GRE scores and GPAs. So take time to make your application sparkle (I’m looking at you, statement of purpose).
• Your GRE scores and GPA are both lower than your program’s averages (or just one of the two is lower):  It ain’t over ’til it’s over! You can still make up for your deficiencies in other ways. While you can’t change your GPA, you can retake the GRE . If your GPA is low, a great strategy for combating this is to discuss it in your statement of purpose, taking care to highlight any external factors that contributed to the low GPA as well as any attributes of yours that prove you’re indeed ready for grad school.

Step 3: Decide Whether to Apply

Now, we get to the final question: do you apply to the program or not?  This is a vague question that’s difficult to answer as is. The real questions you should be asking yourself are as follows:

• Do I meet all of the program’s basic requirements?
• Do I meet most or all of the program’s expectations of applicants (in terms of GRE scores, GPA, etc.)?
• Is the program’s acceptance rate extremely low?
• Do I really like this program?

Although acceptance rates and GRE/GPA comparisons are helpful, don’t base your decision to apply solely on how difficult the program is to get into. We can’t know for sure what kind of applicant a grad program is looking for or who they’re willing to make an exception for.

Take a moment to think deeply about how interested you are in this particular program. Be realistic about your chances of getting in — but don’t cross the line into pessimism. If you don’t meet most or all of a program’s expectations and you’re not super invested in it, consider applying elsewhere.

But if you meet some, most, or all of a program’s expectations and you’re extremely interested in enrolling, give the application a go. Remember, it’s totally normal (and even encouraged) to have a few reach schools. Plus, you’ll never get in if you don’t apply!

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Acceptance Rates

Grad school acceptance rates quantify for us the selectivity of grad schools and programs. More specifically, acceptance rates tell us  what percentage of applicants were offered admission to a particular grad school or program. 

With grad school, acceptance rates are often reported for individual schools or programs,  not  entire universities. Acceptance rates can vary widely depending on program prestige, the type of degree you’re seeking, and how much (or how little) funding a program offers.

Unlike undergrad acceptance rates, grad school acceptance rates are somewhat difficult to locate online. You can look for them using any of the following four methods:

• Peruse school websites
• Check grad school facts and lists on  U.S. News
• Browse other websites and forums such as The Grad Cafe
• Call or email your schools

When trying to determine your  odds of getting into a program, look at your program’s requirements as well as the average GPA and GRE scores of previously admitted applicants to your program. If your GRE scores and GPA are comparable to those of your program, you have a decent shot at getting accepted. If one or both are lower than your program’s averages, however, you can always try to  raise your GRE score  with a retake or address your GPA in your statement of purpose.

At the end of the day, what ultimately matters isn’t that you get accepted to a highly competitive grad program but that you make the right decision for you and you alone!

What’s Next?

Need help with your grad school application?  Learn about the most common grad school requirements  and get tips on how to write a grad school CV or resume !

Is your GPA good enough for grad school ?  Read our in-depth guide to learn how you can make up for a less-than-stellar GPA and ultimately raise your chances of getting into the school of your dreams.

Do you have to take the GRE for grad school ? When are grad school deadlines ?  Check out our guides for answers to these questions and more.

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, umich acceptance rate by major: do some majors have higher acceptance rates.

Hi everyone! I'm applying to the University of Michigan (UMich) soon and was curious if the acceptance rate varies significantly by major. Does anyone know if certain majors may have a higher or lower acceptance rate? Should I keep this in mind while selecting a major for my application?

Hello! Yes, acceptance rates can vary depending on the major you choose at the University of Michigan. Some programs are more competitive than others, which means certain majors can have a higher or lower acceptance rate compared to the overall university acceptance rate.

For example, UMich's College of Engineering is highly competitive, and the acceptance rates for programs such as Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering may be lower than other majors within the university. Similarly, the Ross School of Business, specifically the BBA program, is another competitive program with its acceptance rate lower than some other majors.

On the other hand, majors in less competitive fields, such as humanities or social sciences, might have slightly higher acceptance rates. Keep in mind, though, that a less competitive major doesn't necessarily mean it will be easier to get in, as colleges also consider your passion for the field and how your experiences align with that major.

When selecting a major for your application, it's important to choose one that genuinely interests you and aligns with your strengths, achievements, and future goals. If you can demonstrate a strong commitment and passion for your chosen major through your extracurricular activities, essays, and coursework, this will likely have a more positive impact on your chances than simply applying to a major you believe has a higher acceptance rate. Remember, you can always apply as "undeclared" or specify a primary and an alternative major if you're open to pursuing different fields of study.

In summary, while acceptance rates may vary by major at UMich, it's essential to prioritize your strengths, interests, and goals when selecting a major on your application. Admission officers are looking for students who are genuinely passionate about their chosen field and are likely to contribute meaningfully to the university community. Good luck with your application!

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PhD Acceptance Rates 2023: from Statistics at Top U.S. Universities

• October 14, 2024 October 14, 2024

If you’re considering or preparing to apply to graduate schools in the U.S., you’re probably curious about the PhD acceptance rates for top PhD programs at leading universities. While PhD acceptance rates don’t tell the whole story, they can provide valuable insight into how competitive certain programs are. In this post, I’ll share statistics on the number of applicants and final admissions for PhD programs at four top U.S. universities, giving you a clearer picture of what you might be up against and how PhD acceptance rates and admission trends are evolving at each school.

Although I’ll provide some statistics on PhD acceptance rates, it’s important to remember that low PhD acceptance rates don’t necessarily indicate a “better” school, and higher rates don’t make a program easier to get into. Each PhD program in the U.S. has its own criteria for selection. Admission outcomes can also depend on the department, the availability of professors and research labs in your field, and the program size. So, rather than viewing PhD acceptance rates as a definitive measure, it’s better to see them as a general guideline to gauge the competitiveness of U.S. universities.

I’ll begin by sharing key statistics on PhD acceptance rates and will continue to update this post with more data on additional schools and programs as I gather further information.

For further reference, I’ve written a detailed post about applying to U.S. graduate schools. If you’re preparing for graduate school in the U.S., I hope you find it helpful as you work on your application.

Table of Contents

U.S. Graduate School Statistics Terminology

Before we dive into the statistics shared below, I’d like to briefly introduce some of the key terms used in these statistics that are necessary in understanding statistics on PhD acceptance rates.

• Application / Applied: This refers to the total number of people who applied to the PhD program in a particular department. It represents the total number of applicants.
• Accepted / Admitted: This indicates the number of applicants who were selected and offered admission to the PhD program.
• Enrolled / Matriculated: This represents the number of students who, after receiving an admission offer, chose to enroll at the university and officially began their studies.
• Selectivity / Acceptance Rate / Admission: This is the percentage of applicants who were admitted out of the total number of applicants, also known as the acceptance rate.
• Yield: Yield refers to the percentage of admitted students who ultimately decided to enroll at the school.

Selectivity (Acceptance Rate) vs Yield

For those encountering college admission statistics for the first time, the difference between selectivity (acceptance rate) and yield can be confusing. Since almost every applicant applies to more than one school, and many receive multiple admission offers, these two metrics serve different purposes. These are the most related terms to PhD acceptance rates.

Acceptance rate (selectivity) is the proportion of applicants who were admitted out of the total number of applicants. However, not all admitted students enroll at the school that accepts them. Many may receive admission offers from more than one university and choose to attend a different school. This is often the case for students who receive offers from top-tier schools like Stanford or MIT, or from a school renowned in their specific field of study.

This is where yield comes into play. Yield reflects the percentage of admitted students who actually decide to enroll at the university. It offers a glimpse into how many students prefer that program over others. A high yield indicates that a school is more likely to be a top choice, while a lower yield may suggest that it is used as a “backup” or “safety” option. Both PhD acceptance rates and yield provide valuable insights into the competitiveness and desirability of a program.

Schools and Programs

Universities.

I’ll be using statistics from four top universities, including my own, the University of Michigan, to explain the admissions process for PhD programs. These statistics on PhD acceptance rates are available for the following institutions:

• Stanford University
• University of Michigan
• University of Texas at Austin
• Cornell University

Graduate Programs

For each of these universities, I’ll be focusing on two departments within the field of engineering that are closely related to my own experience. These are:

Computer Science

Electrical engineering, statistics on phd acceptance rates.

You can directly verify the statistics I used from the official websites linked below. If the data changes over time or if you’d like to explore statistics for departments I haven’t covered, you can find those details here as well.

PhD Acceptance Rates in the U.S.

Let’s now take a look at the PhD acceptance rates statistics for each department at the selected universities. The statistics provided below are for 2023 or the most recent available data.

• Total Applicants: 1,919
• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 6.3%
• Yield: Around 57%
• Final Enrollment: 68 students

The number of applicants aligns with the school’s strong reputation, especially compared to other top-tier institutions. However, it’s interesting to note that the yield is relatively low. One possible explanation is that many admitted students also received offers from similarly prestigious schools like MIT or Caltech, and ultimately chose those options.

Based on the data, it doesn’t appear that the school is increasing its student intake.

• Total Applicants: 1,302
• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10%
• Yield: Around 40%
• Final Enrollment: 51 students

Given the overall size of the school, the final number of admitted students seems relatively small. However, considering that the University of Michigan has a strong reputation in Computer Science, the yield rate is still reasonably solid, indicating that many admitted students chose to enroll despite other competitive options.

In the case of UT Austin, it’s unclear whether the statistics for Computer Science represent only the PhD program or include the entire graduate program, as this detail wasn’t explicitly mentioned. Therefore, it’s best to treat this data as a general reference rather than directly comparing it to the other schools.

• Total Applicants: 3,843
• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 5.83%
• Yield: Around 25.45%
• Final Enrollment: 57 students

While the number of applicants is quite large, the relatively low yield suggests that many admitted students may have opted for other schools. Keep in mind that these numbers may reflect the overall graduate program, not just the PhD track.

• Total Applicants: 1,262
• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 13%
• Yield: Around 32%
• Final Enrollment: 54 students

It’s clear that Cornell is gradually increasing its student intake. Despite the common perception that Ivy League schools may not be as strong in engineering, Cornell has a well-established reputation in Computer Science, which makes it higher than I initially expected. While the final enrollment numbers are still in the 50s, similar to other top-tier schools, the trend suggests there may be room for further growth in the coming years.

• Total Applicants: 779
• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 9.2%
• Yield: Around 76%
• Final Enrollment: 55 students

One noticeable point is the lower number of applicants compared to Computer Science, which is a bit surprising given the school’s overall reputation. However, the high yield suggests that once students are admitted, many of them choose to attend, indicating that it’s likely difficult to receive additional offers from other schools. The total enrollment seems to be holding steady, without significant changes in recent trends.

• Total Applicants: 770
• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 14%
• Yield: Around 56%
• Final Enrollment: 60 students

Similar to Stanford, the lower number of applicants compared to the Computer Science program stands out. However, it’s clear that the student intake has increased this year, marking a notable change from previous trends where enrollment numbers remained steady. This suggests a shift in the program’s approach to accepting more students.

In the case of UT Austin, the statistics provided for Electrical and Computer Engineering combine both master’s and PhD programs. Therefore, it’s challenging to make direct comparisons with the PhD-specific statistics from other schools.

• Total Applicants: 2,401
• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 11.58%
• Yield: Around 42.45%
• Final Enrollment: 118 students

With over 2,400 applicants, the PhD acceptance rate is moderate, but the yield rate suggests that many admitted students may choose other options. The final enrollment of 118 students is notably higher than the other programs discussed, reflecting the combined nature of the statistics.

• Total Applicants: 555
• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 16%
• Yield: Around 54%
• Final Enrollment: 49 students

Compared to the other schools mentioned, and even to their Computer Science programs, the significantly smaller number of applicants is quite noticeable. However, there seems to be a slight upward trend in the number of enrolled students over the past 2–3 years, indicating a gradual increase in student intake. The relatively high acceptance and yield rates suggest that the program is quite selective, but also appealing to those who are admitted.

Conclusion on PhD Acceptance Rates

In this post, we explored the PhD acceptance rates at some of the top universities in the U.S., providing a data-driven look at how competitive these programs are. By analyzing the PhD acceptance rates, yield rates, and the number of applicants, we gained valuable insights into the selection process and the level of competition at each school. While these statistics are useful for understanding the competitiveness of a program, it’s important to remember that PhD acceptance rates alone don’t fully capture the quality or suitability of a program for your personal academic and career goals.

When choosing a graduate program, it’s crucial to go beyond just the PhD acceptance rates. Consider other factors like the faculty’s expertise, research opportunities, and career support after graduation. Finding a program that aligns with your goals requires thorough research and careful evaluation.

Graduate school is an important step in your academic and professional journey. Choosing a program with favorable PhD acceptance rates that also matches your personal ambitions will set you on the path to success. I hope this post has helped clarify the importance of these statistics and guides you toward selecting the best program for your future.