University of Michigan-Dearborn — ROI, Cost & Payback
University of Michigan-Dearborn charges a net price of $9,492/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $37,968. Graduates earn a median $59,649 ten years after entry, $11,289/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 3.4 years — a 20-year net return of $187,812, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
University of Michigan-Dearborn's 3.4-year payback ranks #223 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 83% of them, and #6 of 85 in Michigan.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $9,492/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $37,968 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $59,649 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $11,289/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $22,500 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | $187,812 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on University of Michigan-Dearborn's own numbers. Net price $9,492 × 4 years = $37,968 total. Median earnings $59,649 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $11,289 a year of premium. $37,968 ÷ $11,289 = 3.4 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $187,812. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do University of Michigan-Dearborn students graduate with?
A median $22,500 in federal loans among completers, or 38% of the $59,649 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of University of Michigan-Dearborn students graduate?
58% finish their degree — 42% leave carrying the cost without the credential. Spread the $37,968 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $65,462 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is University of Michigan-Dearborn expensive compared with other Michigan colleges?
Its $9,492 net price runs $4,809 below the $14,301 median across the 85 Michigan colleges we profile, and $19,236 less across the full degree.