Western Michigan University vs Concordia University Ann Arbor: which has better ROI?
Western Michigan University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,092 in 11.7 years versus 17 years at Concordia University Ann Arbor, on median earnings of $53,562 vs $56,075 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Michigan University | Concordia University Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,273 | $32,811 |
| Total net cost | $61,092 | $131,244 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,562 | $56,075 |
| Median debt | $26,188 | $25,750 |
| Payback | 11.7 yrs | 17 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $42,948 | $23,056 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Michigan University or Concordia University Ann Arbor?
Western Michigan University, at $15,273 a year after aid versus $32,811 — a gap of $17,538 a year, or $70,152 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Western Michigan University or Concordia University Ann Arbor graduates earn more?
Concordia University Ann Arbor graduates report a median $56,075 ten years after entry, $2,513 more than the $53,562 at Western Michigan University. 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, Western Michigan University or Concordia University Ann Arbor?
Concordia University Ann Arbor: its completers carry a median $25,750 in federal loans versus $26,188 at Western Michigan University, a difference of $438. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
58% of students finish at Western Michigan University, against 48% at Concordia University Ann Arbor. 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.