Acceptance Rate
92%
Avg. SAT
1350
75th percentile
“Remote Upper Peninsula powerhouse training hands-on engineers amid epic snowfalls and Lake Superior waves.”
Houghton, MI
Location
Town
Campus Setting
Michigan Technological University traces its roots to 1885, when it opened as the Michigan Mining School to fuel the Keweenaw Peninsula's copper rush. Over time, it expanded into a full-fledged polytechnic focused on engineering and technology, reflecting the rugged resource heritage of its surroundings. Houghton, a tiny town of about 8,000 clinging to Lake Superior's shores, offers stunning natural beauty but demands resilience from isolation—nine hours from the nearest major airport and blanketed by over 200 inches of snow each winter.
Students who dive into labs, trails, and problem-solving thrive here, especially those drawn to practical STEM work and outdoor pursuits like skiing or kayaking. The university fosters a no-nonsense, collaborative vibe where Huskies tackle real-world challenges together. Those seeking bustling city energy or mild weather might find the remoteness and long winters a tough adjustment, with limited off-campus entertainment and higher travel costs home.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Michigan Tech excels in engineering disciplines like mechanical, materials science, and electrical, alongside strong computing, forestry, and environmental sciences programs. Classrooms buzz with hands-on projects; you'll spend more time in labs fabricating prototypes than listening to lectures, supported by undergrad research starting freshman year. The signature Enterprise system stands out—students join one of over 50 teams running actual businesses, from robotics ventures to sustainable energy startups, blending coursework with revenue-generating experience.
Professors prioritize applied learning over theory, often drawing from their industry ties, though introductory classes can pack hundreds into auditoriums before majors narrow. Research thrives in niche areas like composites and cold-climate tech, but popular engineering tracks fill quickly, requiring solid grades to switch in. Smaller upper-level seminars let you build close mentor relationships amid the university's research-intensive push.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
6,013 undergrad • 1,390 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
75%
Black / African American
1%
Hispanic / Latino
3%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
19%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Houghton, MI
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life revolves around the outdoors and Huskies pride, with a typical week mixing early-morning labs, club hikes on Tech Trails, and evening study sessions in residence halls. Winter Carnival dominates spirits each February—students carve massive snow sculptures, some towering 100 feet, during a week of skating, bonfires, and parades. Hockey games at the arena pack the house, fueling school spirit in this compact community where everyone knows each other.
All freshmen land spots in one of 13 residence halls, many overlooking Portage Lake, easing the transition in a place where bonds form fast over shared blizzards. Social scenes stay low-key, with bonfire parties and bar hops in Houghton rather than massive ragers, though the small dating pool and nine-month snow season test patience. Summers bring biking and boating bliss, but high living costs for basics like heating offset the affordable tuition.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
89%
4 Years Graduation Rate
39%
6 Years Graduation Rate
72%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$78,198
89% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Michigan Technological University and return in the fall. 39% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 72% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
39%
4-5 years
33%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
26%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$18,592
Acceptance
92%
Undergrads
6,013
4-Year Grad Rate
39%
Endowment
$156M
Houghton, MI 49931-1295
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