University of California-San Diego vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of California-San Diego and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor come out about even on financial return. University of California-San Diego scores 96/100 and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor scores 95/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of California-San Diego runs $12,470 a year against $13,138 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - $668 more a year, or about $2,672 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of California-San Diego graduates earn a median $84,943 against $83,648 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. The cost earns itself back in 3.8 years at University of California-San Diego and 4 years at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of California-San Diego owing a median $15,500 versus $19,500 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.32 and 0.35 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.