University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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%)
94
Exceptional Value
Earnings
96(0.80x)
Payback
93(5 yr)
Debt/Earn
95(0.28)
Completion
97(91%)
Repayment
87(85%)

The Financial Comparison

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are closely matched on financial return. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor scores 95/100 while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill scores 94/100 - 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill comes in at $11,655 per year (net price after aid) versus $13,138 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - a difference of $1,483 annually, or roughly $5,932 over four years.

Ten years after enrollment, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn a median of $83,648 compared to $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The payback period is 4 years at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor versus 5 years at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Graduates leave University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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 0.28 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.

Head-to-Head Numbers

MetricUniversity of Michigan-An...University of North Carol...
Cost
In-State Tuition$17,736$8,994
Out-of-State Tuition$60,946$41,203
Net Price (avg)$13,138$11,655
Total 4-Year Cost$52,552$46,620
Outcomes
Median Earnings (6yr)$55,900$49,900
Median Earnings (10yr)$83,648$72,200
Graduation Rate93.2%91.2%
Payback Period4 yr5 yr
Debt
Median Debt$19,500$14,000
Monthly Payment$207$148
Debt-to-Earnings0.350.28
3yr Repayment Rate82.7%85.4%
5yr Repayment Rate80.3%85.3%
Admissions
Acceptance Rate15.6%15.3%
Enrollment34,17720,752
SAT Range1360-15301390-1530

Net Price by Family Income

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

Family IncomeUniversity of Michig...University of North ...
$0-$30,000$1,043$2,004
$30,001-$48,000$1,878$3,918
$48,001-$75,000$4,895$8,538
$75,001-$110,000$10,869$16,415
$110,001+$26,517$24,396

Earnings by Major - Head to Head

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

MajorUniversity of Michig...University of North ...
Business Administration, Management, and Operations$144,654$135,874
Information Science$130,798$100,940
Economics$110,552$103,846
Mathematics$109,146$101,599
Physics$92,293$103,477
Biomedical Engineering$102,342$97,992
Human Resources Management$99,594$76,811
Registered Nursing$82,265$78,585
Communication and Media Studies$79,648$70,240
Kinesiology and Exercise Science$79,411$63,286
International Relations$77,480$72,001
Public Policy Analysis$73,749$74,403
Dental Support Services$59,402$72,567
Liberal Arts and Sciences$67,859$72,422
Philosophy$67,293$70,709

ROI Sub-Score Breakdown

ComponentUniversity of Michig...University of North ...
Earnings Premium (30%)9896
Payback Period (25%)9893
Debt / Earnings (20%)9195
Completion Rate (15%)9897
Repayment Rate (10%)7887
Overall ROI Score9594
Exceptional Value

The Verdict

These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor edges out University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by 1 points (95 vs 94), 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

94

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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.