University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Eastern 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 42/100, a 53-point edge over Eastern 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 $15,407 at Eastern Michigan University - $2,269 more a year, or about $9,076 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 $51,793 at Eastern Michigan University. The cost earns itself back in 4 years at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and 12 years at Eastern Michigan University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Michigan-Ann Arbor owing a median $19,500 versus $25,000 at Eastern Michigan University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.35 and 0.71 - 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... | 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
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor clearly outperforms Eastern Michigan University (95 vs 42), a 53-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Eastern 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
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.