Best Economics Degrees in Michigan by ROI
Colleges in Michigan ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in Michigan
9
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$160,143
Across Michigan programs
Average Annual Cost
$34,937
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Wayne State University
Grad rate: 58.3% |
+$496,624 | $73,856 | $26,794 | $24,681 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Grad rate: 93.2% |
+$493,738 | $74,685 | $33,345 | $19,690 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Grad rate: 56.3% |
+$448,785 | $70,842 | $22,435 | $28,381 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Grand Valley State University
Grad rate: 67.4% |
+$194,038 | $58,840 | $26,578 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Michigan State University
Grad rate: 81.9% |
+$167,910 | $58,138 | $30,528 | $24,250 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Central Michigan University
Grad rate: 61.8% |
+$33,690 | $50,801 | $26,470 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Albion College
Grad rate: 58.0% |
-$41,086 | $55,527 | $68,794 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
Northern Michigan University
Grad rate: 51.8% |
-$129,404 | $40,771 | $26,206 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 9 |
Calvin University
Grad rate: 77.2% |
-$223,004 | $42,857 | $53,286 | $20,000 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Economics Degrees by State
Browse Economics programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.