University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Eastern 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 53-point ROI advantage over Eastern Michigan University, scoring 95/100 versus 42/100. 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 $15,407 at Eastern Michigan University - a difference of $2,269 annually, or roughly $9,076 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn a median of $83,648 compared to $51,793 at Eastern Michigan University. The payback period is 4 years at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor versus 12 years at Eastern Michigan University.
Graduates leave University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with a median $19,500 in debt versus $25,000 at Eastern Michigan University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.35 and 0.71 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Michigan-An... | Eastern Michigan Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,736 | $16,240 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $60,946 | $16,240 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,138 | $15,407 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $52,552 | $61,628 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $55,900 | $35,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $83,648 | $51,793 |
| Graduation Rate | 93.2% | 46.4% |
| Payback Period | 4 yr | 12 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $25,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $265 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.35 | 0.71 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.7% | 59.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 80.3% | 53.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 15.6% | 79.6% |
| Enrollment | 34,177 | 10,055 |
| SAT Range | 1360-1530 | 920-1170 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Michig... | Eastern Michigan Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $1,043 | $13,250 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $1,878 | $12,863 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $4,895 | $13,748 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $10,869 | $18,243 |
| $110,001+ | $26,517 | $21,036 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Michig... | Eastern Michigan Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $172,904 | $90,620 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $144,654 | $66,233 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $128,291 | $56,207 |
| Economics | $110,552 | $86,909 |
| Registered Nursing | $82,265 | $85,611 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $79,648 | $52,805 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $79,411 | $52,624 |
| Public Health | $78,928 | $58,252 |
| International Relations | $77,480 | $51,261 |
| Chemistry | $65,591 | $67,767 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $66,846 | $41,225 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $65,714 | $54,315 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $63,426 | $42,073 |
| Sociology | $63,419 | $41,831 |
| History | $62,077 | $39,709 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Michig... | Eastern Michigan Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 98 | 60 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 98 | 49 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 91 | 27 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 98 | 31 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 78 | 17 |
| Overall ROI Score | 95 | 42 |
The Verdict
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor significantly outperforms Eastern Michigan University on financial ROI (95 vs 42). The 53-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Eastern 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.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Eastern Michigan University
Poor 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.