UM-Dearborn is top Midwest public university in annual rankings

September 1, 2016

The value of a University of Michigan-Dearborn degree again has been recognized by a national publication.

A photo of students walking on the walkway behind the University Center. In focus are two students: the first student is a young white man with short black hair. He is holding a basketball. The second student is a young Black man with short black waves. He is holding a backpack and a white sports bottle. Both are wearing dark blue shirts.

UM-Dearborn named Best Bang for the Buck

The university delivers the “Best Bang for the Buck” among public universities in the Midwest, according to Washington Monthly’s annual rankings. The publication ranked the university No. 1 among public universities and No. 2 overall in the region when comparing how universities serve low-income students and families.

“University of Michigan-Dearborn strives to provide an exceptional university experience to all qualified students in southeast Michigan and beyond,” said UM-Dearborn Chancellor Daniel Little. “The most recent rankings from Washington Monthly underscore our commitment to accessibility and affordability as we continue to invest in our students and our region.”

Rankings were based on several factors, including net cost, future earnings, graduation rate, percentage of first generation students and percentage of students receiving Pell grants. Washington Monthly noted that 43 percent of UM-Dearborn students receive Pell grants and 41 percent are first generation students. The net cost of attendance for families who earn less than $75,000 is $8,799—the 14th lowest cost in the region.

The university also fared well in Washington Monthly’s overall rankings, which measure a school’s success in three areas—social mobility (admitting and graduating low-income students), research and community service—ranking No. 30 among master’s-level public universities.