University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Detroit Mercy at a Glance
The University of Detroit Mercy is a private Catholic university in Detroit, Michigan, United States. It is sponsored by both the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the Sisters of Mercy. The university was founded in 1877 and is the largest Catholic university in Michigan. It has four campuses where it offers more than 100 academic degree programs. In athletics, the university sponsors 17 NCAA Division I sports for men and women. It is a member of the Horizon League.
1877
149 years old
$129M
$128.8 million (2025)
5,587
3,422 undergrad · 2,165 grad
212
91 acres
Identity
How to Apply to University of Detroit Mercy
Official admissions pageTesting policy
Is University of Detroit Mercy Worth It?
University of Detroit Mercy delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $15,232/year, it's priced 25% below average, while graduates go on to earn $71,030 — 32% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: University of Detroit Mercy delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How University of Detroit Mercy compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #1 of 96 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #4 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Detroit Mercy's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in MI.
Best Programs at University of Detroit Mercy
The highest-earning program at University of Detroit Mercy is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $60,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $41,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Detroit Mercy earns $60,200, while a Biology, General graduate earns $41,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $21,875 in median debt vs. $19,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,232/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $60,200 | $60,200 | $21,875 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $46,800 | $46,800 | $20,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,000 | $44,000 | $22,025 |
| Biology, General | $41,600 | $41,600 | $19,000 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Detroit, MI
- Student Body
- 2,438 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,232
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $71,030
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250