At $10,904/yr net price, University of Michigan-Dearborn graduates earn $59,649/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,649/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,904 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,616 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,649/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,649/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,160/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,157/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,589/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,656/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,586/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $105,083 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $92,277 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $90,856 | $42,330 |
| Systems Engineering. | Master | $83,177 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $80,486 | $22,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $77,464 | $20,833 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $77,401 | $26,750 |
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $18,502 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,949 | $21,064 |
The Risk Factor
56.6% of students at University of Michigan-Dearborn graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
The financial return at University of Michigan-Dearborn is strong, and the reason is engineering. A net price near $11,000 a year sitting against a $22,500 median debt load puts this school in low-risk territory before you even look at what specific majors pay. You are borrowing less than one year of the median graduate's earnings.
Engineering is where the money is. Mechanical engineering graduates clear $80,000, and electrical, biomedical, computer engineering, and computer programming all land in the mid-to-high $70,000s. That fits the region: Dearborn sits inside the Detroit auto and manufacturing corridor, so mechanical and electrical degrees feed directly into local employers. Computer programming stands out because it pays $76,000 on the lowest debt of the top five, around $18,500. If you go into one of these fields, the math works cleanly.
The caution is that the school-wide median earnings of roughly $60,000 sit far below those engineering numbers. That gap tells you the payoff is concentrated. If you enroll planning to major in something outside engineering or computing, you should not assume the $70,000-plus outcomes apply to you, because no non-engineering program appears among the top earners here.
The other risk is finishing. A 57% graduation rate means a real share of enrolled students leave without a degree, and debt without a credential is the worst outcome. An 81% retention rate is the more encouraging first-year signal.
On price by income: if your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $8,150 a year, which is genuinely affordable. Above $75,000, net price jumps to about $15,700, and over $110,000 you pay near $19,600. This school is a strong fit if you are aiming at engineering or from a lower-income household. Higher earners chasing a non-technical major should compare other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Michigan-Dearborn worth the cost?
With a net price of $10,904 per year and median debt of $22,500, UMich-Dearborn offers reasonable value for Michigan residents. Engineering graduates earn $80,000-$105,000 annually, making the debt manageable, but the 57% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What programs at University of Michigan-Dearborn have the best ROI?
Engineering programs deliver the strongest returns, with electrical engineering graduates earning $105,083 and mechanical engineering graduates earning $80,000-$92,000 annually. Business graduates earn around $90,856, also providing solid value given the school's low cost.
How much debt do University of Michigan-Dearborn graduates have?
The median debt is $22,500, which is manageable compared to the $59,649 average salary 10 years after graduation. Engineering majors face even better debt-to-income ratios with their higher starting salaries.
Does University of Michigan-Dearborn have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes vary significantly by major. Engineering and business graduates do well with salaries above $80,000, but the overall 57% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees and see returns on their investment.