Eastern Michigan University vs Lake Superior State University: which has better ROI?
Eastern Michigan University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,628 in 18 years versus 74.9 years at Lake Superior State University, on median earnings of $51,793 vs $49,045 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Eastern Michigan University | Lake Superior State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,407 | $12,822 |
| Total net cost | $61,628 | $51,288 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,793 | $49,045 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 18 yrs | 74.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $7,032 | -$37,588 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Michigan University or Lake Superior State University?
Lake Superior State University, at $12,822 a year after aid versus $15,407 — a gap of $2,585 a year, or $10,340 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Eastern Michigan University or Lake Superior State University graduates earn more?
Eastern Michigan University graduates report a median $51,793 ten years after entry, $2,748 more than the $49,045 at Lake Superior State 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, Eastern Michigan University or Lake Superior State University?
Lake Superior State University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Eastern Michigan University, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
51% of students finish at Lake Superior State University, against 46% at Eastern Michigan 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.