Western Michigan University vs Saginaw Valley State University: 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 12 years at Saginaw Valley State University, on median earnings of $53,562 vs $51,955 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Michigan University | Saginaw Valley State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,273 | $10,775 |
| Total net cost | $61,092 | $43,100 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,562 | $51,955 |
| Median debt | $26,188 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 11.7 yrs | 12 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $42,948 | $28,800 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Michigan University or Saginaw Valley State University?
Saginaw Valley State University, at $10,775 a year after aid versus $15,273 — a gap of $4,498 a year, or $17,992 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 Saginaw Valley State University graduates earn more?
Western Michigan University graduates report a median $53,562 ten years after entry, $1,607 more than the $51,955 at Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University?
Saginaw Valley State University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,188 at Western Michigan University, a difference of $1,188. 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 Saginaw Valley State University. 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.