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.
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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) | $22,435 |
| Tuition and Fees | $31,360 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,531 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $10,904 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,160 |
| $30–48k | $8,157 |
| $48–75k | $9,589 |
| $75–110k | $15,656 |
| $110k+ | $19,586 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Michigan-Dearborn graduates carry a median debt of $22,500, which falls around the national average and just $1,395 above the peer median of $21,105. Student debt ranges from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $30,287 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 represents manageable borrowing relative to the $59,649 median earnings, falling well below concerning thresholds. Parent PLUS borrowing shows a median of $15,000 with monthly payments around $198, though this represents only families who choose to borrow through this program.
The debt levels reflect the institution's combination of moderate net prices and student borrowing patterns typical for public universities. Debt concentration in the $7,500 to $30,287 range suggests that most students avoid excessive borrowing while using loans to bridge affordability gaps.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and strong earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $11,553 beyond expectations, ranking in the 87.4th percentile nationally for earnings uplift relative to student backgrounds.
Median earnings of $59,649 exceed the peer median by $9,533, while debt remains just $1,395 above peer levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 indicates sustainable borrowing relative to post-graduation income capacity.
The university's affordability index ranks at the 79.9th percentile, reflecting well above average performance on cost-effectiveness measures. Net price of $10,904 compares favorably to the peer median of $14,093, creating additional value through lower educational costs.
University of Michigan-Dearborn's financial aid strategy emphasizes access for diverse economic backgrounds, with 43.9% of students qualifying for federal Pell grants—well above the typical rate for selective public institutions. The $11,531 average savings through financial aid demonstrates substantial institutional commitment to affordability.
Aid concentration toward lower-income students creates the progressive net pricing structure, with families earning under $75,000 paying between $8,157 and $9,589 annually. The combination of need-based federal aid, state grants, and institutional scholarships enables the university to serve a diverse student body while maintaining quality.
The high Pell share indicates successful enrollment of students from lower-income backgrounds, supported by aid packages that make attendance financially feasible. Merit aid likely supplements need-based programs, though need-based aid appears to drive the primary savings for most students.
