University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Grand Valley State University: which has better ROI?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $52,552 in 1.5 years versus 8.4 years at Grand Valley State University, on median earnings of $83,648 vs $56,118 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Grand Valley State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,138 | $16,317 |
| Total net cost | $52,552 | $65,268 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $83,648 | $56,118 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $24,500 |
| Payback | 1.5 yrs | 8.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $653,208 | $89,892 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Grand Valley State University?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, at $13,138 a year after aid versus $16,317 — a gap of $3,179 a year, or $12,716 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor or Grand Valley State University graduates earn more?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates report a median $83,648 ten years after entry, $27,530 more than the $56,118 at Grand 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, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Grand Valley State University?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $24,500 at Grand Valley State University, a difference of $5,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
93% of students finish at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, against 67% at Grand Valley State 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.