University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Central Michigan University
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 Michigan-Ann Arbor holds a 44-point ROI advantage over Central Michigan University, scoring 95/100 versus 51/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor comes in at $13,138 per year (net price after aid) versus $17,597 at Central Michigan University - a difference of $4,459 annually, or roughly $17,836 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn a median of $83,648 compared to $55,874 at Central Michigan University. The payback period is 4 years at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor versus 10.1 years at Central Michigan University.
Graduates leave University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with a median $19,500 in debt versus $27,000 at Central Michigan University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.35 and 0.72 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Michigan-An... | Central Michigan Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,736 | $14,760 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $60,946 | $14,760 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,138 | $17,597 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $52,552 | $70,388 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $55,900 | $37,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $83,648 | $55,874 |
| Graduation Rate | 93.2% | 58.7% |
| Payback Period | 4 yr | 10.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $27,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $286 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.35 | 0.72 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.7% | 65.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 80.3% | 60.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 15.6% | 89.8% |
| Enrollment | 34,177 | 10,035 |
| SAT Range | 1360-1530 | 960-1200 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Michig... | Central Michigan Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $1,043 | $12,185 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $1,878 | $12,139 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $4,895 | $13,601 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $10,869 | $16,269 |
| $110,001+ | $26,517 | $21,403 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Michig... | Central Michigan Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $172,904 | $73,112 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $144,654 | $74,113 |
| Electrical Engineering | $117,610 | $91,542 |
| Economics | $110,552 | $65,174 |
| Statistics | $109,466 | $81,853 |
| Mathematics | $109,146 | $54,265 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $105,888 | $85,196 |
| Human Resources Management | $99,594 | $73,340 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $79,648 | $55,353 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $79,411 | $57,771 |
| International Relations | $77,480 | $50,462 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $55,436 | $73,316 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $66,846 | $40,181 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $65,714 | $48,290 |
| Romance Languages | $64,426 | $48,409 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Michig... | Central Michigan Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 98 | 66 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 98 | 61 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 91 | 25 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 98 | 58 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 78 | 26 |
| Overall ROI Score | 95 | 51 |
The Verdict
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor significantly outperforms Central Michigan University on financial ROI (95 vs 51). The 44-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Central Michigan University offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Central Michigan University
Below Average 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.