University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs University of Detroit Mercy: 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 2.7 years at University of Detroit Mercy, on median earnings of $83,648 vs $71,030 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | University of Detroit Mercy |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,138 | $15,232 |
| Total net cost | $52,552 | $60,928 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $83,648 | $71,030 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 1.5 yrs | 2.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $653,208 | $392,472 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or University of Detroit Mercy?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, at $13,138 a year after aid versus $15,232 — a gap of $2,094 a year, or $8,376 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 University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn more?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates report a median $83,648 ten years after entry, $12,618 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor or University of Detroit Mercy?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at University of Detroit Mercy, 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?
93% of students finish at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, 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.