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University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, MI·Private nonprofit·2,438 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

75%
Accept
2,438
Students
$15,232
Net Price
67%
Grad Rate
$53,700
Earnings
10 yr
$23,250
Debt

About This School

University of Detroit Mercy is a private nonprofit institution located in Detroit, Michigan with approximately 2,438 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Detroit Mercy has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 75%. The average net price after financial aid is $15,232 per year. The graduation rate is 67%, and the typical graduate earns $53,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

As the largest Catholic Jesuit university in Michigan with over 100 degree programs and a surprisingly affordable average net price of just $16,179/year, this is a solid option for students drawn to mission-driven education in a real urban environment. The numbers tell a mostly encouraging story — median earnings of $53,700 with only $19,950 in median debt is a reasonable return — though a 68% graduation rate is worth taking seriously, as nearly 1 in 3 students don't finish. Worth considering if you're interested in health professions, law, or engineering and want a smaller Catholic university experience without a massive price tag, but go in with a clear plan to stay on track.

Founded
1878
Setting
Large city
Religious Affiliation
Roman Catholic
Avg Faculty Salary
$10,733

Popular Programs

Engineering32%
Health Professions21%
Biological Sciences17%
Business & Marketing7%
Computer Science2%
Psychology2%
Social Sciences1%
Communications1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Joyce Carol OatesElmore LeonardKeegan-Michael KeyJanet JaganTed RaimiGary PetersDavid Patrick KellyDave DeBusschereJohn GardnerAmy YasbeckAnita BaroneFrank Murphy

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1134
Reading 75th %ile630
Math 75th %ile630

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$32,946
Out-of-State Tuition
$32,946
Avg Net Price
$15,232
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$13,088
$30–48k$11,290
$48–75k$14,173
$75–110k$15,584
$110k+$21,691

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants26%
Median debt at graduation$23,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
67%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
83%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$48,900
Female graduates$46,200

Gap: 6% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$47,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,700
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

White58%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian7%
Two or more races3%
International8%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,438 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Detroit Mercy

4001 W McNichols Rd

Detroit, MI 48221-3038

View on Google Maps →

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.

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.
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