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Saginaw Valley State University vs Concordia University Ann Arbor: which has better ROI?

Public, University Center MI · vs · Private nonprofit, Ann Arbor MI

The verdict

Saginaw Valley State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $43,100 in 12 years versus 17 years at Concordia University Ann Arbor, on median earnings of $51,955 vs $56,075 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSaginaw Valley State UniversityConcordia University Ann Arbor
Net price / yr$10,775$32,811
Total net cost$43,100$131,244
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,955$56,075
Median debt$25,000$25,750
Payback12 yrs17 yrs
20-year net return$28,800$23,056

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

Which is cheaper, Saginaw Valley State University or Concordia University Ann Arbor?

Saginaw Valley State University, at $10,775 a year after aid versus $32,811 — a gap of $22,036 a year, or $88,144 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Saginaw Valley State University or Concordia University Ann Arbor graduates earn more?

Concordia University Ann Arbor graduates report a median $56,075 ten years after entry, $4,120 more than the $51,955 at Saginaw Valley State 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, Saginaw Valley State University or Concordia University Ann Arbor?

Saginaw Valley State University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $25,750 at Concordia University Ann Arbor, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

48% of students finish at Saginaw Valley State University, against 48% at Concordia University Ann Arbor. 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.

Saginaw Valley State University vs Concordia University Ann Arbor: frequently asked questions

Is Saginaw Valley State University or Concordia University Ann Arbor a better value?
Saginaw Valley State University. It clears its $43,100 net cost in about 12 years versus 17 years at Concordia University Ann Arbor, on median earnings of $51,955 vs $56,075 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Saginaw Valley State University or Concordia University Ann Arbor?
Saginaw Valley State University: $10,775/yr net price after aid versus $32,811/yr at Concordia University Ann Arbor — a difference of $22,036 a year, or about $88,144 over four years.
Do Saginaw Valley State University or Concordia University Ann Arbor graduates earn more?
Concordia University Ann Arbor graduates earn a median $56,075 ten years after entry, versus $51,955 at Saginaw Valley State University — a $4,120 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.