Oakland University vs Kettering University: which has better ROI?
Kettering University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $138,640 in 3 years versus 3.6 years at Oakland University, on median earnings of $94,823 vs $58,612 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Oakland University | Kettering University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,120 | $34,660 |
| Total net cost | $36,480 | $138,640 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,612 | $94,823 |
| Median debt | $22,750 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 3.6 yrs | 3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $168,560 | $790,620 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Oakland University or Kettering University?
Oakland University, at $9,120 a year after aid versus $34,660 — a gap of $25,540 a year, or $102,160 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Oakland University or Kettering University graduates earn more?
Kettering University graduates report a median $94,823 ten years after entry, $36,211 more than the $58,612 at Oakland 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, Oakland University or Kettering University?
Oakland University: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Kettering University, a difference of $4,250. 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 58% at Oakland 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.