University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Kettering 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 3 years at Kettering University, on median earnings of $83,648 vs $94,823 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Kettering University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,138 | $34,660 |
| Total net cost | $52,552 | $138,640 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $83,648 | $94,823 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 1.5 yrs | 3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $653,208 | $790,620 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Kettering University?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, at $13,138 a year after aid versus $34,660 — a gap of $21,522 a year, or $86,088 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 Kettering University graduates earn more?
Kettering University graduates report a median $94,823 ten years after entry, $11,175 more than the $83,648 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. 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 Kettering University?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Kettering University, a difference of $7,500. 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 71% at Kettering 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.