University of Michigan-Dearborn vs Chamberlain University-Michigan: which has better ROI?
Chamberlain University-Michigan has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $112,180 in 2.5 years versus 3.4 years at University of Michigan-Dearborn, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $59,649 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Michigan-Dearborn | Chamberlain University-Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,492 | $28,045 |
| Total net cost | $37,968 | $112,180 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $59,649 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | 2.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $187,812 | $768,720 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Dearborn or Chamberlain University-Michigan?
University of Michigan-Dearborn, at $9,492 a year after aid versus $28,045 — a gap of $18,553 a year, or $74,212 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-Dearborn or Chamberlain University-Michigan graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-Michigan graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $32,756 more than the $59,649 at University of Michigan-Dearborn. 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-Dearborn or Chamberlain University-Michigan?
Chamberlain University-Michigan: its completers carry a median $20,919 in federal loans versus $22,500 at University of Michigan-Dearborn, a difference of $1,581. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
100% of students finish at Chamberlain University-Michigan, against 58% at University of Michigan-Dearborn. 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.