Oakland University vs University of Detroit Mercy: which has better ROI?
University of Detroit Mercy has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $60,928 in 2.7 years versus 3.6 years at Oakland University, on median earnings of $71,030 vs $58,612 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Oakland University | University of Detroit Mercy |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,120 | $15,232 |
| Total net cost | $36,480 | $60,928 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,612 | $71,030 |
| Median debt | $22,750 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 3.6 yrs | 2.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $168,560 | $392,472 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Oakland University or University of Detroit Mercy?
Oakland University, at $9,120 a year after aid versus $15,232 — a gap of $6,112 a year, or $24,448 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 University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn more?
University of Detroit Mercy graduates report a median $71,030 ten years after entry, $12,418 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 University of Detroit Mercy?
Oakland University: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $23,250 at University of Detroit Mercy, a difference of $500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at University of Detroit Mercy, 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.