University of Michigan-Dearborn vs University of Detroit Mercy: which has better ROI?
University of Detroit Mercy has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $60,928 in 2.7 years versus 3.4 years at University of Michigan-Dearborn, on median earnings of $71,030 vs $59,649 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Michigan-Dearborn | University of Detroit Mercy |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,492 | $15,232 |
| Total net cost | $37,968 | $60,928 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $59,649 | $71,030 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | 2.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $187,812 | $392,472 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Dearborn or University of Detroit Mercy?
University of Michigan-Dearborn, at $9,492 a year after aid versus $15,232 — a gap of $5,740 a year, or $22,960 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 University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn more?
University of Detroit Mercy graduates report a median $71,030 ten years after entry, $11,381 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 University of Detroit Mercy?
University of Michigan-Dearborn: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at University of Detroit Mercy, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at University of Detroit Mercy, 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.