University of Michigan-Dearborn vs Kettering University: which has better ROI?
Kettering University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $138,640 in 3 years versus 3.4 years at University of Michigan-Dearborn, on median earnings of $94,823 vs $59,649 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Michigan-Dearborn | Kettering University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,492 | $34,660 |
| Total net cost | $37,968 | $138,640 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $59,649 | $94,823 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | 3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $187,812 | $790,620 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Dearborn or Kettering University?
University of Michigan-Dearborn, at $9,492 a year after aid versus $34,660 — a gap of $25,168 a year, or $100,672 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 Kettering University graduates earn more?
Kettering University graduates report a median $94,823 ten years after entry, $35,174 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 Kettering University?
University of Michigan-Dearborn: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Kettering University, a difference of $4,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
71% of students finish at Kettering University, 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.