University of Detroit Mercy vs Kettering University: 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 years at Kettering University, on median earnings of $71,030 vs $94,823 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Detroit Mercy | Kettering University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,232 | $34,660 |
| Total net cost | $60,928 | $138,640 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $71,030 | $94,823 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 2.7 yrs | 3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $392,472 | $790,620 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Detroit Mercy or Kettering University?
University of Detroit Mercy, at $15,232 a year after aid versus $34,660 — a gap of $19,428 a year, or $77,712 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 Kettering University graduates earn more?
Kettering University graduates report a median $94,823 ten years after entry, $23,793 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 Kettering University?
University of Detroit Mercy: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Kettering University, a difference of $3,750. 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 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.