Students at the University of Michigan-Flint benefit from exceptional affordability combined with earnings that consistently exceed expectations for similar students nationwide.
The university's "Mobility Engine" designation reflects its success in providing broad access while delivering meaningful economic advancement for graduates from all backgrounds.
Azimuth ranks the University of Michigan-Flint 278th out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 31st percentile nationally. What distinguishes UM-Flint is its role as a "Mobility Engine" — an institution that combines broad access with meaningful upward mobility outcomes for students from all income levels. Nearly 35% of students receive Pell Grants and 37% are first-generation college students, yet the university consistently helps these students achieve solid long-term financial outcomes.
UM-Flint graduates earn a median of $53,230 ten years after enrollment, with the university delivering earnings beyond expectations of nearly $4,000 compared with similar students at other institutions. The university's strength lies particularly in professional programs like nursing, which graduates 262 students annually with median earnings of $65,937, and engineering programs that consistently deliver strong early-career outcomes.
As a mid-sized regional campus of the University of Michigan system, UM-Flint offers the academic credibility and alumni network of a flagship system while maintaining the accessibility and affordability that many families need. For students who want a supportive environment that translates access into real economic progress, UM-Flint represents a compelling value proposition in Michigan's higher education landscape.
The University of Michigan-Flint's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional university focused on practical career preparation. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and economic impact, graduating 262 students annually with strong median earnings of $65,937, making it the university's primary economic engine. This large nursing program serves Michigan's healthcare sector while providing graduates with stable, well-compensated careers that offer both financial security and meaningful work.
Engineering programs, though smaller in scale, deliver exceptional individual outcomes. Mechanical Engineering graduates just 25 students annually but achieves the highest median earnings at $70,776, demonstrating UM-Flint's ability to compete in technical fields despite its regional focus. Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest general program with 78 graduates earning $39,271, providing solid preparation for Michigan's diverse economy.
The program mix reflects UM-Flint's practical approach to higher education, emphasizing fields that lead directly to employment in the regional economy. While Psychology represents a popular major with 76 graduates, its lower earnings of $23,134 highlight the importance of choosing career-focused programs at a regional institution. Overall, UM-Flint's strength lies in professional programs that combine University of Michigan academic standards with direct pathways to stable, middle-class careers.
Graduates of the University of Michigan-Flint achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $53,230 ten years after enrollment. The university delivers earnings beyond expectations of nearly $4,000 compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting its ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes. While overall earnings place UM-Flint in the 36th percentile nationally, the institution's strength lies in helping students exceed what would typically be expected given their backgrounds and the regional context.
The university's return story is anchored by strong professional programs that lead directly into stable, well-paying careers. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program by total economic impact and a consistent earnings leader, graduating 262 students annually with median earnings of $65,937. Mechanical Engineering, though smaller with 25 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $70,776, demonstrating UM-Flint's ability to compete in technical fields. Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest general program with 78 graduates earning a median of $39,271, providing solid middle-class outcomes for students seeking versatile career preparation.
The university's location in Michigan's manufacturing and healthcare corridor helps explain these outcomes, as graduates enter a regional economy where nursing, engineering, and business skills remain in steady demand. UM-Flint's ability to consistently deliver earnings beyond expectations suggests that students benefit from strong faculty mentorship, practical career preparation, and the broader University of Michigan network.
The University of Michigan-Flint delivers strong affordability across all income levels, ranking in the 75th percentile nationally for overall affordability. Low-income students pay just $5,994 annually after aid, well below typical public university costs, while middle-income families see net prices around $11,010 per year. Even higher-income families pay $18,709 annually, a reasonable figure for a University of Michigan campus that maintains strong academic standards and career outcomes.
Debt levels remain manageable for most UM-Flint graduates. Typical students leave with $25,000 in federal loan debt, a moderate level that aligns well with the university's median earnings of $53,230. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,340, reflecting families' measured approach to educational investment. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by steady employment in Michigan's regional economy and the practical career preparation that UM-Flint provides across its professional programs.
University Of Michigan-Flint Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
