University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs University of California-Los Angeles

Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?

Too close to call - both schools are within 3 points

ROI Score Comparison

University of Michigan-Ann ArborPublic - Ann Arbor, MI
95
Exceptional Value
Earnings
98(0.93x)
Payback
98(4 yr)
Debt/Earn
91(0.35)
Completion
98(93%)
Repayment
78(83%)
University of California-Los AngelesPublic - Los Angeles, CA
96
Exceptional Value
Earnings
98(0.95x)
Payback
98(4 yr)
Debt/Earn
96(0.27)
Completion
97(93%)
Repayment
80(83%)

The Financial Comparison

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and University of California-Los Angeles are closely matched on financial return. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor scores 95/100 while University of California-Los Angeles scores 96/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.

On cost, University of California-Los Angeles comes in at $12,548 per year (net price after aid) versus $13,138 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - a difference of $590 annually, or roughly $2,360 over four years.

Ten years after enrollment, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn a median of $83,648 compared to $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles. The payback period is 4 years at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor versus 4 years at University of California-Los Angeles.

Graduates leave University of California-Los Angeles with a median $14,000 in debt versus $19,500 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.35 and 0.27 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.

Head-to-Head Numbers

MetricUniversity of Michigan-An...University of California-...
Cost
In-State Tuition$17,736$15,203
Out-of-State Tuition$60,946$49,403
Net Price (avg)$13,138$12,548
Total 4-Year Cost$52,552$50,192
Outcomes
Median Earnings (6yr)$55,900$52,000
Median Earnings (10yr)$83,648$82,511
Graduation Rate93.2%92.6%
Payback Period4 yr4 yr
Debt
Median Debt$19,500$14,000
Monthly Payment$207$148
Debt-to-Earnings0.350.27
3yr Repayment Rate82.7%83.2%
5yr Repayment Rate80.3%80.9%
Admissions
Acceptance Rate15.6%9.0%
Enrollment34,17733,475

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.

Family IncomeUniversity of Michig...University of Califo...
$0-$30,000$1,043$5,579
$30,001-$48,000$1,878$6,682
$48,001-$75,000$4,895$9,811
$75,001-$110,000$10,869$14,142
$110,001+$26,517$29,682

Earnings by Major - Head to Head

Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.

MajorUniversity of Michig...University of Califo...
Computer Engineering$142,071$228,705
Computer and Information Sciences$172,904$216,722
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other$128,291$75,504
Electrical Engineering$117,610$126,209
Registered Nursing$82,265$118,566
Biomedical Engineering$102,342$116,525
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering$115,075$115,706
Economics$110,552$95,440
Statistics$109,466$109,017
Chemical Engineering$109,405$108,066
Mathematics$109,146$99,269
Mechanical Engineering$105,888$108,875
Cognitive Science$79,016$102,066
Civil Engineering$89,165$97,092
Physics$92,293$85,708

ROI Sub-Score Breakdown

ComponentUniversity of Michig...University of Califo...
Earnings Premium (30%)9898
Payback Period (25%)9898
Debt / Earnings (20%)9196
Completion Rate (15%)9897
Repayment Rate (10%)7880
Overall ROI Score9596
Exceptional Value

The Verdict

These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of California-Los Angeles edges out University of Michigan-Ann Arbor by 1 points (96 vs 95), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.

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95

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown

96

University of California-Los Angeles

Exceptional 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.