Central Michigan University vs Siena Heights University: which has better ROI?
Siena Heights University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $68,496 in 7.5 years versus 9.4 years at Central Michigan University, on median earnings of $57,529 vs $55,874 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Central Michigan University | Siena Heights University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,597 | $17,124 |
| Total net cost | $70,388 | $68,496 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,874 | $57,529 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $18,750 |
| Payback | 9.4 yrs | 7.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $79,892 | $114,884 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Central Michigan University or Siena Heights University?
Siena Heights University, at $17,124 a year after aid versus $17,597 — a gap of $473 a year, or $1,892 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Central Michigan University or Siena Heights University graduates earn more?
Siena Heights University graduates report a median $57,529 ten years after entry, $1,655 more than the $55,874 at Central Michigan University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Central Michigan University or Siena Heights University?
Siena Heights University: its completers carry a median $18,750 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Central Michigan University, a difference of $8,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
59% of students finish at Central Michigan University, against 39% at Siena Heights University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.