Search Colleges


  1. Sponsored Schools
College Factual Homepage
  • Colleges
  • Majors
  • Rankings
  • Colleges
  • Majors
  • Rankings
  • University of Michigan - Ann Arbor/
  • Outcomes/
  • Return On Investment
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
credit
  • Overview
  • Rankings
  • Applying
  • Academics
  • Student Life
  • Paying
  • Outcomes
  • Graduation & Retention
  • Loan Debt
  • Return On Investment
  • Return On Investment
  • Graduation & Retention
  • Loan Debt
  • Overview
  • Rankings
  • Applying
  • Academics
  • Student Life
  • Paying
  • Outcomes

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Return on Investment for a Degree

When Will You See a Return on Your Investment at U-M ?

Review and compare your expected return on investment on your degree from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor , below.

On This Page You'll Find:

  • Importance of Your ROI
  • When You'll Break Even
  • Major Specific ROI Info
  • High School Grad Comparison
  • Long Term Value of Your Degree
  • Additional Resources

Why is a Return on Investment Important?

Understanding your expected return on investment on your degree from U-M can help you decide if attending University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a smart financial decision.

Break Even In 3.9 Years at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

College is expensive and every year spent getting your degree is a year of lost wages and additional expenses. To determine when you will make up for the costs of college (your Return on Investment), we will look at the estimated cost of a degree and the average starting salary of graduates from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor .

Average yearly cost$52,000
Average years to graduate4.2
Average starting salary$56,000
The average cost for a degree at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor comes out to about $216,000 . If you make about $56,000 a year, it will take you 3.9 years following graduation to break even.

Additional Considerations

  • Be Wary of Excess Debt: According to the U.S. Department of Education. In 2012, the nationwide average salary for young adults with a bachelor's degree was about $47,000, while only $30,000 for those with a high school diploma.
  • The "break even" calculation above does not include interest on student loans. How will your debt level affect your ROI?

Major Specific Salary Information

Do you know what major you want to pursue at U-M ? Calculate a major specific return on investment estimate here.

Catch a High School Graduate Within 16 Years of Graduating

To determine the year when you catch up, we need to factor in the average earnings of a high school graduate. To simplify things, we will assume that the high school graduate starts out earning their full average salary of $30,000 and lives at home for free, while you must pay for your living expenses during college. After college, we will assume that you both have the same expenses.

The earnings from an average graduate at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor will surpass those of a high school graduate in 16 years.

For a more detailed and accurate look at early/mid-career earnings see the chart below.

This chart includes both starting and mid-career salaries for graduates from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor . Data for high school earnings comes from the 2012 U.S. Census

Additional Considerations:

  • Want an extra $17,000 a year? According to the U.S. Department of Education. In 2012, the nationwide average salary for young adults with a bachelor's degree was about $47,000, while only $30,000 for those with a high school diploma.
  • Over 30 Years, a Degree at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is Worth $1,515,000

    Setting aside the time value of money, after 30 years, an undergraduate degree from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is worth about $1,515,000 more than what it would cost you.

    Your total earnings of $1,731,000 from your initial investment in tuition, fees and other expenses of about $216,000 gives you an annualized return of

    If instead of going to college, you put that initial investment into Treasury Bills for 30 years at 5% you would have about $933,552

    Request Info

    Continue Your Research on U-M

    ‹ Back to Loan Debt
    Continue to Rankings ›

    Search Colleges


    1. Sponsored Schools
    Salary data is estimated by College Factual using data provided by the College Scorecard.
    College Factual logo

    College Factual provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.

    © 2022College Factual – All Rights Reserved.

    • About Us
    • Data
    • Privacy Policy
    • California Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Info
    • Terms of Use