University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Washtenaw Community College: 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 not at all at Washtenaw Community College, on median earnings of $83,648 vs $39,449 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Washtenaw Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,138 | $3,249 |
| Total net cost | $52,552 | $12,996 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $83,648 | $39,449 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $13,310 |
| Payback | 1.5 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $653,208 | -$191,216 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Washtenaw Community College?
Washtenaw Community College, at $3,249 a year after aid versus $13,138 — a gap of $9,889 a year, or $39,556 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 Washtenaw Community College graduates earn more?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates report a median $83,648 ten years after entry, $44,199 more than the $39,449 at Washtenaw Community College. 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 Washtenaw Community College?
Washtenaw Community College: its completers carry a median $13,310 in federal loans versus $19,500 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, a difference of $6,190. 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 33% at Washtenaw Community College. 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.