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
University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers solid financial returns through its engineering programs, with electrical engineering graduates earning over $105,000 annually. The $10,904 net price makes this one of the more affordable options in Michigan's public university system.
Engineering majors at UM-Dearborn consistently outperform the national average, with mechanical engineering graduates earning $92,277 and systems engineering at $83,177. Business administration also performs well at $90,856, though graduates carry significantly higher debt loads at $42,330 compared to the school median of $22,500.
The 56.6% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk here. You face real odds of leaving without a degree while still carrying debt. The 81% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so after their first year, often due to the demanding engineering curriculum.
UM-Dearborn works best for Michigan residents pursuing engineering or business who want University of Michigan credentials without Ann Arbor prices. The school's location in metro Detroit provides strong internship and job placement opportunities in automotive and manufacturing sectors.
Skip UM-Dearborn if you're considering liberal arts majors, as the school's strength lies heavily in technical fields. Out-of-state students should compare costs carefully, as you'll lose much of the value proposition that makes this school attractive to Michigan residents.
Financial aid reaches fewer than half of students, so merit scholarship opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing the program quickly in engineering or business, where job prospects justify the investment.
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.