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Michigan Technological University vs Kettering University: which has better ROI?

Public, Houghton MI · vs · Private nonprofit, Flint MI

The verdict

Michigan Technological University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $56,728 in 1.9 years versus 3 years at Kettering University, on median earnings of $78,198 vs $94,823 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMichigan Technological UniversityKettering University
Net price / yr$14,182$34,660
Total net cost$56,728$138,640
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,198$94,823
Median debt$24,990$27,000
Payback1.9 yrs3 yrs
20-year net return$540,032$790,620

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Michigan Technological University or Kettering University?

Michigan Technological University, at $14,182 a year after aid versus $34,660 — a gap of $20,478 a year, or $81,912 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 Technological University or Kettering University graduates earn more?

Kettering University graduates report a median $94,823 ten years after entry, $16,625 more than the $78,198 at Michigan Technological 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 Technological University or Kettering University?

Michigan Technological University: its completers carry a median $24,990 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Kettering University, a difference of $2,010. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Kettering University, against 68% at Michigan Technological 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.

Michigan Technological University vs Kettering University: frequently asked questions

Is Michigan Technological University or Kettering University a better value?
Michigan Technological University. It clears its $56,728 net cost in about 1.9 years versus 3 years at Kettering University, on median earnings of $78,198 vs $94,823 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Michigan Technological University or Kettering University?
Michigan Technological University: $14,182/yr net price after aid versus $34,660/yr at Kettering University — a difference of $20,478 a year, or about $81,912 over four years.
Do Michigan Technological University or Kettering University graduates earn more?
Kettering University graduates earn a median $94,823 ten years after entry, versus $78,198 at Michigan Technological University — a $16,625 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.