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Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI·Public·10,751 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state Michigan residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 10,751 students.

81%
Accept
10,751
Students
$17,084
Net Price
45%
Grad Rate
$43,900
Earnings
10 yr
$18,750
Debt

About This School

Eastern Michigan University is a public institution located in Ypsilanti, Michigan with approximately 10,751 undergraduate students enrolled. Eastern Michigan University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 81%. The average net price after financial aid is $17,084 per year. The graduation rate is 45%, and the typical graduate earns $43,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Eastern Michigan University is a public research university in Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1849 as the Michigan State Normal School, it was the fourth normal school established in the United States and the first outside New England. In 1899, the Michigan State Normal School became the first normal school in the nation to offer a four-year curriculum; the college became a university in 1959.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the affordable net price of $17,084/year and an $18,750 median debt load are genuinely reasonable, but a 45% graduation rate and 68% freshman retention rate suggest a significant number of students struggle to finish — worth asking hard questions about academic support before committing. Median earnings of $43,900 a decade out are modest, so this school makes the most sense if you're pursuing a specific, career-focused program (education, health sciences, or business) where EMU has established strength rather than enrolling with an undecided major. If you need a affordable Michigan public option and have a clear plan, it's worth a look — but go in with eyes open about the completion challenges.

Founded
1849
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions19%
Business & Marketing17%
Education9%
Social Sciences6%
Psychology6%
Computer Science6%
Biological Sciences5%
Communications5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jeff DanielsWinsor McCayGeorge GervinEarl BoykinsAkkineni NagarjunaHasely CrawfordS. Epatha MerkersonAlysha NewmanDann FlorekHayes JonesSavatheda FynesKevin Saunderson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1046
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile570

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$15,510
Out-of-State Tuition
$15,510
Avg Net Price
$17,084
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants37%
Median debt at graduation$18,750

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$28,168

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
45%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
68%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$35,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.3x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White55%
Black17%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (10,751 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Eastern Michigan University

900 Oakwood St.

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

View on Google Maps →

Official Links

Other Schools in Michigan

Browse all Michigan schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Official School Resources
Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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