University of Michigan-Dearborn combines accessible admission with strong economic mobility outcomes. As a Mobility Engine institution, the university produces $11,553 in earnings beyond expectations while serving 43.9% Pell-eligible students, demonstrating effective pathways from diverse backgrounds to middle-class careers.
Solid long-term earnings relative to educational investment
Controlled costs and moderate debt levels
Well above average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students for a selective institution
Strong effectiveness in converting educational access into earnings growth
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisMobility Engine with strong engineering outcomes
University of Michigan-Dearborn ranks #128 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with performance at the 92.2nd percentile. Located in Dearborn, Michigan, this medium-sized public university maintains a 58.6% acceptance rate within the moderately selective tier while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
The institution enrolls 43.9% Pell-eligible students and 38.2% first-generation students, demonstrating above-average access for a selective public institution. Graduates earn $11,553 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 87.4th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
Median earnings reach $59,649 ten years after enrollment, placing University of Michigan-Dearborn in the 71st percentile for long-term earnings. This combination of selective admissions, high access, and strong economic outcomes places the university firmly within the Mobility Engine quadrant, where institutions serve diverse student populations while delivering outcomes that support sustained economic advancement.
University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers strong earnings outcomes while maintaining manageable debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $59,649 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 71st percentile nationally.
Earnings range from $37,993 at the 25th percentile to $91,490 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines. The institution generates $11,553 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 87.4th percentile nationally on this measure.
Students seeking strong engineering and technology programs with excellent economic mobility outcomes, particularly first-generation students (38.2%) and Pell-eligible students (43.9%) looking for a mid-sized public university that combines selective admissions with demonstrated pathways to middle-class earnings.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the University Of Michigan-Dearborn hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-michigan-dearborn/analysis.
University of Michigan-Dearborn admits approximately 58.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the institution in the moderately selective category, making admission achievable for well-prepared students while maintaining academic standards.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% demonstrates that University of Michigan-Dearborn is more selective than typical four-year institutions. This level of selectivity means that students with solid academic credentials—including above-average test scores and strong high school performance—have reasonable admission prospects.
However, applicants should still demonstrate genuine interest and academic preparation in their applications. The university's selectivity reflects its position within the University of Michigan system, offering a pathway to quality education with more accessible admission than the flagship campus.
For students building college lists, University of Michigan-Dearborn represents a solid match school for academically prepared applicants seeking strong outcomes at a public institution. The combination of moderate selectivity and strong post-graduation results makes this an attractive option for students prioritizing both accessibility and career outcomes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Michigan-Dearborn's published cost of attendance is $22,435 per year, including $14,944 in-state tuition, room and board costs, and $1,300 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $10,904 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,531 through various aid programs.
This net price is $3,189 lower than the peer median of $14,093, making University of Michigan-Dearborn more affordable than typical four-year institutions. The substantial gap between sticker price and average net price reflects the institution's commitment to affordability through need-based and merit aid programs.
For Michigan residents, the in-state tuition advantage creates additional value, while out-of-state students face higher published tuition of $31,360. The financial aid effectiveness demonstrates the university's focus on access, particularly for students from moderate and lower-income families.
Net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $8,160 for the lowest-income students to $19,586 for the highest-income families. This progressive pricing structure ensures that University of Michigan-Dearborn remains accessible across economic backgrounds while providing substantial aid to families with the greatest need.
University of Michigan-Dearborn graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their post-graduation careers. Median earnings rise from $50,389 six years after enrollment to $57,847 at eight years and $59,649 at ten years, representing 18.4% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on robust cohort sizes of 1,799 graduates at six years, 2,172 at eight years, and 2,280 at ten years, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $11,553 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing University of Michigan-Dearborn in the 87.4th percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $54,300, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from diverse backgrounds. Earnings span from $37,993 at the 25th percentile to $91,490 at the 75th percentile, with the variation primarily reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 19.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education paths.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
105 graduates
Computer Game Programming.
48 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
56 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
157 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
33 graduates
University of Michigan-Dearborn offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Electrical and Electronics Engineering ranks #23 nationally and #1 in Michigan, producing 105 graduates with median earnings of $97,518 and a value score of 88.8.
Computer Game Programming ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Michigan, graduating 48 students with median earnings of $94,556 and a value score of 80.0. Mechanical Engineering ranks #37 nationally and #4 in Michigan, with 157 graduates earning $90,069, making it the largest engineering program.
Information Resources Management ranks #19 nationally and #2 in Michigan, graduating 47 students with median earnings of $82,433. Psychology represents the second-largest program by enrollment, graduating 135 students annually with median earnings of $40,707, while ranking #217 nationally and #7 in Michigan.
The institution's program portfolio balances high-earning technical fields with accessible liberal arts options, supporting diverse student career goals.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Madonna University Higher acceptance rate (34.3 percentage points higher) and located 10 miles away; similar graduate earnings | MI | 93% | $59,058 | Compare |
Albion College Higher acceptance rate (24.5 percentage points higher) and located 78 miles away; similar graduate earnings | MI | 83% | $58,799 | Compare |
Oakland University Higher acceptance rate (11.6 percentage points higher) and located 25 miles away; similar graduate earnings | MI | 70% | $58,612 | Compare |
University Of Wisconsin-Platteville Higher acceptance rate (28.6 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | WI | 87% | $61,760 | Compare |
Trine University Higher acceptance rate (26.1 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | IN | 85% | $57,165 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Towson University Similar quality tier (#130 ranked) | MD | 83% | $64,390 | #130 | Compare |
University Of Houston-Clear Lake Similar quality tier (#122 ranked) | TX | 75% | $59,004 | #122 | Compare |
University Of Virginia-Main Campus Similar quality tier (#121 ranked) | VA | 17% | $86,863 | #121 | Compare |
California State University-Channel Islands Similar quality tier (#135 ranked) | CA | 93% | $62,152 | #135 | Compare |
Rutgers University-Camden Similar quality tier (#136 ranked) | NJ | 78% | $74,479 | #136 | Compare |