University of California-San Diego vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
University of California-San Diego and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor are closely matched on financial return. University of California-San Diego scores 96/100 while University of Michigan-Ann Arbor scores 95/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.
On cost, University of California-San Diego comes in at $12,470 per year (net price after aid) versus $13,138 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - a difference of $668 annually, or roughly $2,672 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of California-San Diego graduates earn a median of $84,943 compared to $83,648 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. The payback period is 3.8 years at University of California-San Diego versus 4 years at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Graduates leave University of California-San Diego with a median $15,500 in debt versus $19,500 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.32 and 0.35 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of California-... | University of Michigan-An... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,758 | $17,736 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $50,958 | $60,946 |
| Net Price (avg) | $12,470 | $13,138 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $49,880 | $52,552 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,200 | $55,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $84,943 | $83,648 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.1% | 93.2% |
| Payback Period | 3.8 yr | 4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $15,500 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $164 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.32 | 0.35 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 86.4% | 82.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 84.8% | 80.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 26.7% | 15.6% |
| Enrollment | 34,948 | 34,177 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Califo... | University of Michig... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,525 | $1,043 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,155 | $1,878 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,942 | $4,895 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,199 | $10,869 |
| $110,001+ | $28,785 | $26,517 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Califo... | University of Michig... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $149,139 | $142,071 |
| Electrical Engineering | $118,150 | $117,610 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $100,173 | $115,075 |
| Economics | $87,307 | $110,552 |
| Statistics | $96,746 | $109,466 |
| Chemical Engineering | $96,798 | $109,405 |
| Mathematics | $79,015 | $109,146 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $104,229 | $105,888 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $98,687 | $102,342 |
| Physics | $95,018 | $92,293 |
| Civil Engineering | $91,745 | $89,165 |
| International/Globalization Studies | $81,174 | $72,545 |
| Cognitive Science | $81,160 | $79,016 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $67,302 | $79,648 |
| Public Health | $66,110 | $78,928 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Califo... | University of Michig... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 98 | 98 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 98 | 98 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 93 | 91 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 98 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 89 | 78 |
| Overall ROI Score | 96 | 95 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of California-San Diego edges out University of Michigan-Ann Arbor by 1 points (96 vs 95), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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University of California-San Diego
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.