Eastern Michigan University's published cost of attendance is $28,168 per year, consisting of $15,510 in tuition, $12,440 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $17,084 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,084 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,168 |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,510 |
| Room and Board | $12,440 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,084 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,084 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $14,925 |
| $30–48k | $14,959 |
| $48–75k | $16,268 |
| $75–110k | $20,089 |
| $110k+ | $22,274 |
Eastern Michigan University's published cost of attendance is $28,168 per year, consisting of $15,510 in tuition, $12,440 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $17,084 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,084 from the sticker price. The average net price sits $1,494 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating costs that are moderately higher than similar institutions.
This positions Eastern Michigan in the middle range for public university pricing, with meaningful financial aid that reduces the published price for most students. The university's cost structure reflects its commitment to accessibility while maintaining operations as a comprehensive public institution. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $14,925 for the lowest-income families to $22,274 for the highest earners.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Eastern Michigan University maintains controlled debt levels that support post-graduation financial stability. Median student debt reaches $25,000, which compares favorably to the peer median of $20,000 but remains at manageable levels for most graduates.
Debt ranges from $8,002 at the 25th percentile to $31,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation in borrowing patterns among students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 indicates that median debt represents roughly 48% of first-year earnings, falling within reasonable bounds for loan repayment.
This ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their debt obligations without excessive financial strain, particularly as earnings grow over time. Parent PLUS loans average $14,413 with monthly payments of $190, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Eastern Michigan University represents a reasonable educational investment for students seeking accessible higher education with managed financial risk. Graduates earn $3,538 beyond expectations relative to their demographic profile, ranking in the 69.4th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
This positive value-added performance indicates that the educational experience contributes meaningfully to long-term earning potential beyond what student characteristics alone would predict. Median debt of $25,000 paired with median earnings of $51,793 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, supporting manageable loan repayment for most graduates.
The university's net price of $17,084 compares to median earnings that justify the educational investment over time. With peer institutions charging similar amounts but producing $8,750 less in median earnings, Eastern Michigan offers competitive value within its institutional category.
Eastern Michigan University's financial aid profile reflects its mission to serve students from diverse economic backgrounds. With 36.6% of students receiving Pell grants, more than one-third of the student body comes from families earning less than $50,000 annually.
This Pell share exceeds many institutions, demonstrating the university's commitment to enrolling lower-income students. The substantial financial aid savings of $11,084 indicates that most students receive meaningful assistance that significantly reduces their cost burden compared to the published price.
Net prices decline sharply for lower-income students, with families earning under $30,000 paying $14,925 compared to $22,274 for the highest-income families. This progressive aid structure ensures that financial constraints do not prevent access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
