University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Oakland 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 3.6 years at Oakland University, on median earnings of $83,648 vs $58,612 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Oakland University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,138 | $9,120 |
| Total net cost | $52,552 | $36,480 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $83,648 | $58,612 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $22,750 |
| Payback | 1.5 yrs | 3.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $653,208 | $168,560 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Oakland University?
Oakland University, at $9,120 a year after aid versus $13,138 — a gap of $4,018 a year, or $16,072 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 Oakland University graduates earn more?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates report a median $83,648 ten years after entry, $25,036 more than the $58,612 at Oakland 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 Oakland University?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $22,750 at Oakland University, a difference of $3,250. 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 58% at Oakland 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.