Eastern Michigan University vs Saginaw Valley State University: which has better ROI?
Saginaw Valley State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $43,100 in 12 years versus 18 years at Eastern Michigan University, on median earnings of $51,955 vs $51,793 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Eastern Michigan University | Saginaw Valley State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,407 | $10,775 |
| Total net cost | $61,628 | $43,100 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,793 | $51,955 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 18 yrs | 12 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $7,032 | $28,800 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Michigan University or Saginaw Valley State University?
Saginaw Valley State University, at $10,775 a year after aid versus $15,407 — a gap of $4,632 a year, or $18,528 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 Saginaw Valley State University graduates earn more?
Saginaw Valley State University graduates report a median $51,955 ten years after entry, $162 more than the $51,793 at Eastern 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, Eastern Michigan University or Saginaw Valley State University?
Completers at both borrow a median $25,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
48% of students finish at Saginaw Valley 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.