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Michigan Technological University vs University of Detroit Mercy: which has better ROI?

Public, Houghton MI · vs · Private nonprofit, Detroit 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 2.7 years at University of Detroit Mercy, on median earnings of $78,198 vs $71,030 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMichigan Technological UniversityUniversity of Detroit Mercy
Net price / yr$14,182$15,232
Total net cost$56,728$60,928
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,198$71,030
Median debt$24,990$23,250
Payback1.9 yrs2.7 yrs
20-year net return$540,032$392,472

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

Which is cheaper, Michigan Technological University or University of Detroit Mercy?

Michigan Technological University, at $14,182 a year after aid versus $15,232 — a gap of $1,050 a year, or $4,200 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 University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn more?

Michigan Technological University graduates report a median $78,198 ten years after entry, $7,168 more than the $71,030 at University of Detroit Mercy. 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 University of Detroit Mercy?

University of Detroit Mercy: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $24,990 at Michigan Technological University, a difference of $1,740. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at Michigan Technological University, against 67% at University of Detroit Mercy. 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 University of Detroit Mercy: frequently asked questions

Is Michigan Technological University or University of Detroit Mercy a better value?
Michigan Technological University. It clears its $56,728 net cost in about 1.9 years versus 2.7 years at University of Detroit Mercy, on median earnings of $78,198 vs $71,030 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Michigan Technological University or University of Detroit Mercy?
Michigan Technological University: $14,182/yr net price after aid versus $15,232/yr at University of Detroit Mercy — a difference of $1,050 a year, or about $4,200 over four years.
Do Michigan Technological University or University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn more?
Michigan Technological University graduates earn a median $78,198 ten years after entry, versus $71,030 at University of Detroit Mercy — a $7,168 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.