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University of Michigan-Flint vs Northwood University: which has better ROI?

Public, Flint MI · vs · Private nonprofit, Midland MI

The verdict

University of Michigan-Flint has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $28,028 in 5.8 years versus 7.4 years at Northwood University, on median earnings of $53,230 vs $63,075 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Michigan-FlintNorthwood University
Net price / yr$7,007$27,232
Total net cost$28,028$108,928
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,230$63,075
Median debt$25,000$20,842
Payback5.8 yrs7.4 yrs
20-year net return$69,372$185,372

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Flint or Northwood University?

University of Michigan-Flint, at $7,007 a year after aid versus $27,232 — a gap of $20,225 a year, or $80,900 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-Flint or Northwood University graduates earn more?

Northwood University graduates report a median $63,075 ten years after entry, $9,845 more than the $53,230 at University of Michigan-Flint. 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-Flint or Northwood University?

Northwood University: its completers carry a median $20,842 in federal loans versus $25,000 at University of Michigan-Flint, a difference of $4,158. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

63% of students finish at Northwood University, against 40% at University of Michigan-Flint. 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.

University of Michigan-Flint vs Northwood University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Michigan-Flint or Northwood University a better value?
University of Michigan-Flint. It clears its $28,028 net cost in about 5.8 years versus 7.4 years at Northwood University, on median earnings of $53,230 vs $63,075 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Flint or Northwood University?
University of Michigan-Flint: $7,007/yr net price after aid versus $27,232/yr at Northwood University — a difference of $20,225 a year, or about $80,900 over four years.
Do University of Michigan-Flint or Northwood University graduates earn more?
Northwood University graduates earn a median $63,075 ten years after entry, versus $53,230 at University of Michigan-Flint — a $9,845 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.