About University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy builds on a 146-year tradition rooted in Catholic Jesuit and Sisters of Mercy values. The university serves 2,289 students in the heart of Detroit with particularly strong programs in dentistry, engineering, and health sciences. Notable graduates include NBA Hall of Famers Dave Bing and Spencer Haywood, plus ESPN's Dick Vitale. With a 90.53% acceptance rate, the school welcomes most applicants who can handle the academic workload.
Students pay an average net price of $16,179 after financial aid, well below the $32,300 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $71,030 ten years after leaving school. That creates a manageable debt scenario with typical monthly loan payments of $246 and median debt of $23,250. The math works for most students, especially considering the 95.6% employment rate after graduation.
The student body tilts heavily female at 63.7% women, and 84.49% come from Michigan. With only 965 housing spots for over 2,000 students, many live off-campus in Detroit. The Titans compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 13 sports. A 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally, fitting the school's close-knit community feel.
Students pay an average net price of $16,179 after financial aid, well below the $32,300 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $71,030 ten years after leaving school. That creates a manageable debt scenario with typical monthly loan payments of $246 and median debt of $23,250. The math works for most students, especially considering the 95.6% employment rate after graduation.
The student body tilts heavily female at 63.7% women, and 84.49% come from Michigan. With only 965 housing spots for over 2,000 students, many live off-campus in Detroit. The Titans compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 13 sports. A 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally, fitting the school's close-knit community feel.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Detroit Mercy operates as a Catholic research university rooted in Jesuit and Sisters of Mercy traditions. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship and personalized attention. The university has built its reputation on strongly strong professional programs, particularly in dentistry, engineering, and health sciences. These career-focused tracks prepare students for immediate entry into competitive fields. The school's 70.48% four-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support systems. Detroit Mercy's Catholic mission emphasizes service learning and ethical leadership development across all disciplines. The combination of small class sizes and research opportunities gives undergraduates access typically reserved for graduate students at larger institutions.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.1%
- Retention Rate
- 82.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,030
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Master | $190,536 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $121,681 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $104,033 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $97,737 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $81,111 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,897 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,124 |
| Public Health. | Master | $54,644 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $53,202 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
Campus Life
Detroit Mercy sits in the heart of Michigan's largest city, where students bundle up for harsh winters that regularly drop below freezing from December through February. The campus houses 965 students in residence halls, though with total enrollment at 2,289, most students commute from the metro area. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know their students personally.
Campus life revolves around the McNichols Campus, where red-brick buildings blend Catholic architectural tradition with modern facilities. With 63.7% women, the student body skews female, particularly in the university's well-known health science programs. Students often venture into downtown Detroit for internships, Tigers games, or the thriving music scene that reflects the city's Motown heritage. The Titans compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 292 athletes across 13 sports, drawing school spirit to basketball and soccer games. Weekend activities range from service projects reflecting the Jesuit and Sisters of Mercy mission to exploring Detroit's revitalized riverfront and Eastern Market.
Campus life revolves around the McNichols Campus, where red-brick buildings blend Catholic architectural tradition with modern facilities. With 63.7% women, the student body skews female, particularly in the university's well-known health science programs. Students often venture into downtown Detroit for internships, Tigers games, or the thriving music scene that reflects the city's Motown heritage. The Titans compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 292 athletes across 13 sports, drawing school spirit to basketball and soccer games. Weekend activities range from service projects reflecting the Jesuit and Sisters of Mercy mission to exploring Detroit's revitalized riverfront and Eastern Market.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 965 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1878
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–33°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 30.8"
Student Demographics
The University of Detroit Mercy draws heavily from Michigan, with 84% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the school's deep roots in the Motor City and strong local reputation for health sciences and engineering programs. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, a ratio that aligns with the school's emphasis on nursing, dental hygiene, and other health professions. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the Catholic institution's commitment to serving working-class Detroit families. The diverse student body includes significant representation from Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities.
- Men
- 36.3%
- Women
- 63.7%
- White
- 53.5%
- Black
- 10.9%
- Hispanic
- 9.3%
- Asian
- 7.2%
- In-State Students
- 84.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.1%
Location
University of Detroit Mercy sits in Detroit, Michigan, the state's largest city with 670,000 residents. The campus occupies 70 acres on Detroit's northwest side, about eight miles from downtown's renaissance district. Detroit's automotive heritage shapes the surrounding neighborhoods, where students find internship opportunities at Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler headquarters within 30 minutes of campus. The university draws 84.49% of its students from Michigan, many attracted to studying in a major metropolitan area undergoing revitalization. Campus housing accommodates 965 students who want the urban experience without sacrificing the close-knit feel of a 2,289-student body. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare University of Detroit Mercy with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Detroit, Michigan 48221-3038
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,030
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $74,074
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Detroit Mercy?
University of Detroit Mercy accepts 90.53% of applicants, making it highly accessible for students seeking quality Catholic education. The average SAT score of 1084 reflects the school's commitment to welcoming diverse learners while maintaining academic standards.
How much does University of Detroit Mercy cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $16,179, lower than the sticker price of $32,300 for tuition. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,616 on average, reflecting the university's Jesuit commitment to accessibility.
What academic programs is University of Detroit Mercy known for?
The university excels in dentistry, engineering, and health sciences with strong Catholic traditions. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in programs that combine rigorous academics with service-oriented values.
What are the career outcomes for University of Detroit Mercy graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $71,030 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 95.6% employment rate. The typical monthly loan payment of $246 is manageable given the strong earning potential in their career-focused programs.
Where is University of Detroit Mercy located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Detroit with housing for 965 students, serving a total enrollment of 2,289. Women make up 63.70% of students, and 84.49% come from Michigan, creating a close-knit community with strong local ties.
Does University of Detroit Mercy compete in Division I athletics?
The Titans compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Horizon League with 13 varsity sports. With 292 total athletes receiving $5.17 million in athletic scholarships, the program balances competitive sports with the university's academic mission.
