University of Detroit Mercy vs Chamberlain University-Michigan: which has better ROI?
Chamberlain University-Michigan has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $112,180 in 2.5 years versus 2.7 years at University of Detroit Mercy, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $71,030 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Detroit Mercy | Chamberlain University-Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,232 | $28,045 |
| Total net cost | $60,928 | $112,180 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $71,030 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 2.7 yrs | 2.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $392,472 | $768,720 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Detroit Mercy or Chamberlain University-Michigan?
University of Detroit Mercy, at $15,232 a year after aid versus $28,045 — a gap of $12,813 a year, or $51,252 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Detroit Mercy or Chamberlain University-Michigan graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-Michigan graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $21,375 more than the $71,030 at University of Detroit Mercy. 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, University of Detroit Mercy or Chamberlain University-Michigan?
Chamberlain University-Michigan: its completers carry a median $20,919 in federal loans versus $23,250 at University of Detroit Mercy, a difference of $2,331. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
100% of students finish at Chamberlain University-Michigan, against 67% at University of Detroit Mercy. 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.