Michigan State University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: which has better ROI?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $52,552 in 1.5 years versus 4.2 years at Michigan State University, on median earnings of $83,648 vs $67,253 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Michigan State University | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,680 | $13,138 |
| Total net cost | $78,720 | $52,552 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $67,253 | $83,648 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 4.2 yrs | 1.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $299,140 | $653,208 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Michigan State University or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, at $13,138 a year after aid versus $19,680 — a gap of $6,542 a year, or $26,168 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Michigan State University or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn more?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates report a median $83,648 ten years after entry, $16,395 more than the $67,253 at Michigan 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, Michigan State University or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Michigan State University, a difference of $3,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
93% of students finish at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, against 81% at Michigan State 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.