Degree Dividend
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The University of Olivet vs Bay Mills Community College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Olivet MI · vs · Public, Brimley MI

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but The University of Olivet comes closer — median earnings $47,907 against a $85,572 total, vs $30,048 at Bay Mills Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of OlivetBay Mills Community College
Net price / yr$21,393$3,073
Total net cost$85,572$12,292
Median earnings, 10 yrs$47,907$30,048
Median debt$27,000
Payback
20-year net return-$94,632-$378,532

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

Which is cheaper, The University of Olivet or Bay Mills Community College?

Bay Mills Community College, at $3,073 a year after aid versus $21,393 — a gap of $18,320 a year, or $73,280 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do The University of Olivet or Bay Mills Community College graduates earn more?

The University of Olivet graduates report a median $47,907 ten years after entry, $17,859 more than the $30,048 at Bay Mills Community College. 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 graduates more of its students?

35% of students finish at The University of Olivet, against 30% at Bay Mills Community College. 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.

The University of Olivet vs Bay Mills Community College: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Olivet or Bay Mills Community College a better value?
The University of Olivet comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, The University of Olivet or Bay Mills Community College?
Bay Mills Community College: $3,073/yr net price after aid versus $21,393/yr at The University of Olivet — a difference of $18,320 a year, or about $73,280 over four years.
Do The University of Olivet or Bay Mills Community College graduates earn more?
The University of Olivet graduates earn a median $47,907 ten years after entry, versus $30,048 at Bay Mills Community College — a $17,859 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.