Students at the University of Michigan-Dearborn achieve meaningful economic advancement, with graduates earning substantially more than similar students at other institutions nationwide.
The university ranks among the top mobility engines in the country, converting broad access into strong long-term financial outcomes for students from all backgrounds.
The University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers exceptional value for students seeking upward mobility through higher education. As a mid-sized public university in Michigan, UM-Dearborn serves a diverse student body where 44% receive Pell Grants and 38% are first-generation college students, yet consistently produces graduates who earn more than expected compared with similar institutions nationwide. The university's earnings beyond expectations advantage of over $11,500 reflects its ability to help students from all backgrounds achieve meaningful financial progress.
UM-Dearborn's strength lies in combining broad accessibility with strong career outcomes. With a 57% six-year graduation rate and median 10-year earnings of $59,649, the university provides a reliable pathway to middle-class stability and beyond. Engineering programs anchor much of this success, with mechanical and electrical engineering graduates earning $80,486 and $77,464 respectively, while the university's comprehensive program mix ensures opportunities across business, psychology, and other professional fields.
What sets UM-Dearborn apart is its designation as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that open doors widely and convert that access into real economic advancement. The university ranks in the top 10% nationally for overall mobility outcomes, demonstrating that students from modest backgrounds can achieve substantial career progress through focused academic programs and strong employer connections in Michigan's diverse economy.
The University of Michigan-Dearborn's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive public university with particular strength in engineering and applied fields. Mechanical Engineering stands out as the highest aggregate-return program, graduating 157 students annually who earn a median of $80,486 ten years after graduation. Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces 105 graduates with similarly strong earnings of $77,464, demonstrating the university's ability to prepare students for Michigan's advanced manufacturing and automotive industries.
Psychology represents the university's largest single program with 135 graduates, though earnings in this field average $29,219, reflecting the diverse career paths and additional education often required in social sciences. This pattern illustrates UM-Dearborn's comprehensive mission — providing both high-earning technical programs and foundational liberal arts education that serves students with varied career goals and interests.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-oriented education that connects directly to regional employment opportunities. Engineering programs benefit from Michigan's automotive heritage and advanced manufacturing base, while business, education, and health-related programs serve the broader Detroit metropolitan economy. This alignment between academic offerings and regional workforce needs helps explain why UM-Dearborn graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed expectations, regardless of their chosen field of study.
Graduates of the University of Michigan-Dearborn achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $59,649, with the university delivering an impressive earnings beyond expectations advantage of over $11,500 compared with similar students at other institutions. This substantial earnings premium places UM-Dearborn among the stronger performers nationally for helping students achieve higher-than-expected financial returns on their educational investment.
Engineering drives much of the university's strong return profile. Mechanical Engineering, the highest aggregate-return program, graduates 157 students annually who earn a median of $80,486 ten years out, while Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces 105 graduates earning $77,464. These technical programs provide the foundation for UM-Dearborn's above-average earnings performance. Psychology remains the largest single major with 135 graduates, though earnings in this field are more modest at $29,219, reflecting the diverse career paths and additional education often required in social sciences.
The university's location in the Detroit metropolitan area provides graduates access to Michigan's automotive industry, advanced manufacturing, healthcare systems, and growing technology sector. This regional economic strength, combined with UM-Dearborn's focus on practical, career-oriented programs, helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations and achieve meaningful financial progress regardless of their family background.
The University of Michigan-Dearborn offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $8,160 annually, well below national averages and among the most affordable options for four-year public universities. Middle-income families see net costs around $9,589 per year, while even higher-income students pay $19,586 annually — reasonable pricing that reflects the university's commitment to broad accessibility without compromising educational quality.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $22,500 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $15,000. These moderate debt loads, combined with the university's strong earnings outcomes, create a sustainable financial equation for most families. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their educational debt obligations. With median earnings approaching $60,000 ten years after enrollment, most borrowers can handle standard repayment terms comfortably while building long-term financial security.
UM-Dearborn's affordability advantage extends beyond just low sticker prices to include strong value retention across all income bands. The combination of reasonable net costs, moderate debt levels, and above-average earnings creates a compelling financial proposition that works for families seeking both immediate affordability and long-term return on investment.
University Of Michigan-Dearborn Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
