University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Central Michigan University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor comes out ahead: 95/100 to 51/100, a 44-point edge over Central Michigan University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor runs $13,138 a year against $17,597 at Central Michigan University - $4,459 more a year, or about $17,836 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn a median $83,648 against $55,874 at Central Michigan University. The cost earns itself back in 4 years at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and 10.1 years at Central Michigan University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Michigan-Ann Arbor owing a median $19,500 versus $27,000 at Central Michigan University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.35 and 0.72 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor clearly outperforms Central Michigan University (95 vs 51), a 44-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Central Michigan University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Want to personalize these numbers?
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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.