Michigan Technological University vs University of Michigan-Dearborn: which has better ROI?
Michigan Technological University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $56,728 in 1.9 years versus 3.4 years at University of Michigan-Dearborn, on median earnings of $78,198 vs $59,649 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Michigan Technological University | University of Michigan-Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,182 | $9,492 |
| Total net cost | $56,728 | $37,968 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $78,198 | $59,649 |
| Median debt | $24,990 | $22,500 |
| Payback | 1.9 yrs | 3.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $540,032 | $187,812 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Michigan Technological University or University of Michigan-Dearborn?
University of Michigan-Dearborn, at $9,492 a year after aid versus $14,182 — a gap of $4,690 a year, or $18,760 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 Michigan-Dearborn graduates earn more?
Michigan Technological University graduates report a median $78,198 ten years after entry, $18,549 more than the $59,649 at University of Michigan-Dearborn. 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 Michigan-Dearborn?
University of Michigan-Dearborn: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $24,990 at Michigan Technological University, a difference of $2,490. 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 58% at University of Michigan-Dearborn. 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.