Ypsilanti, MI · Private University
Is Eastern Michigan University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$51,793
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$15,510
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$15,510
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$62,040
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.34x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
45.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$17,084
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Eastern Michigan University graduates earn $6,793 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Eastern Michigan University ranked by graduate earnings
65 graduates
35 graduates
26 graduates
20 graduates
43 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Eastern Michigan University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Eastern Michigan University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $85,878) and the lowest (Economics: $30,569) is $55,309/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $85,878 | 5.5x |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $80,179 | 5.2x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $78,767 | 5.1x |
| Science, Technology and Society | $76,793 | 5.0x |
| Construction Management | $73,089 | 4.7x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $72,099 | 4.7x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $70,372 | 4.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $63,586 | 4.1x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $63,406 | 4.1x |
| Chemistry | $60,017 | 3.9x |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(1yr data) | $59,433 | 3.8x |
| Engineering-Related Fields | $56,663 | 3.6x |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $54,944 | 3.5x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $53,872 | 3.5x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $53,615 | 3.5x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $53,379 | 3.4x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $53,372 | 3.4x |
| Criminology | $52,887 | 3.4x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $52,336 | 3.4x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $52,067 | 3.4x |
| Marketing | $50,512 | 3.3x |
| Biology, General | $49,330 | 3.2x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $47,243 | 3.0x |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians(1yr data) | $46,628 | 3.0x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $45,998 | 3.0x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $45,854 | 3.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $45,809 | 3.0x |
| Graphic Communications | $45,559 | 2.9x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $44,496 | 2.9x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $44,389 | 2.9x |
| Social Work | $43,619 | 2.8x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $43,310 | 2.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $41,327 | 2.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,207 | 2.7x |
| Geography and Cartography(1yr data) | $41,103 | 2.6x |
| Air Transportation(1yr data) | $40,846 | 2.6x |
| Psychology, General | $39,152 | 2.5x |
| Public Health(1yr data) | $38,781 | 2.5x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $37,093 | 2.4x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $36,652 | 2.4x |
| Journalism | $36,354 | 2.3x |
| Sociology | $36,028 | 2.3x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research(1yr data) | $35,656 | 2.3x |
| Legal Support Services(1yr data) | $34,010 | 2.2x |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services(1yr data) | $33,911 | 2.2x |
| History | $33,636 | 2.2x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $33,482 | 2.2x |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $32,738 | 2.1x |
| International Business(1yr data) | $31,476 | 2.0x |
| EconomicsLowest(1yr data) | $30,569 | 2.0x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Eastern Michigan University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $51,793 10 years after starting, $6,793 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.7 years, faster than most colleges.
Ready to apply to Eastern Michigan University?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.